Hajj (the pilgrimage to Mecca (Makkah al-Mukarramah)), in the terminology of the SacredLaw (Sharīʿah), consists of a series of specific rites regarded as one of the foundational pillars of Islam. As narrated from Imam al-Bāqir (peace be upon him):
"Islam is founded on five [pillars]: prayer (daily ṣalāt), zakāt, fasting (sawm), pilgrimage [to Makkah al-Mukarramah] (Hajj), and guardianship (wilāyah)."[1]
Whether obligatory (wājib) or recommended (mustaḥabb), Hajj carries immense merit and abundant reward. Numerous narrations from the Holy Prophet and his purified Household (peace be upon them) emphasize the merits of Hajj. Imam al-Ṣādiq (peace be upon him) states:
"The Hajj and ‘Umrah pilgrims are the guests of Allah. If they ask Him, He grants; if they call upon Him, He responds; if they intercede, He accepts their intercession; and if they remain silent, He bestows upon them Himself. For each dirham they spend [in the path of Hajj], Allah rewards them with one million dirhams."[2]
The Hajj is one of the most important religious obligations and a fundamental pillar of Islamic Shariʿah. It is a unique farīḍah(obligatory act), as if all significant aspects of the individual and social, earthly and heavenly, as well as historical and universal dimensions of the religion are to be reviewed within it. Spirituality is embedded within it, but it is without isolation, seclusion, or solitary retreat. It embodies congregation and unity, yet is free from conflict, slander, or malevolence. On the one hand, it offers the spiritual delight of supplication, invocation, and remembrance of Allah; on the other hand, it fosters human connection, intimacy, and social interaction. With one eye, the Hajj pilgrim witnesses his ancient bond with history—with Abraham, Ishmael, and Hagar, with the Holy Prophet during his triumphant entry into the Sacred Mosque (al-Masjid al-Ḥarām), and with the multitude of believers from the early era of Islam. With the other eye, he beholds the vast assembly of contemporary believers, each potentially extending a hand for collective solidarity and unity, holding fast to Allah’s cord.
Reflecting upon the phenomenon of Hajj leads the Hajj pilgrim to a firm conviction: many of the aspirations and ideals of religion for humanity cannot be realized without the faithful community’s synergy, empathy, and cooperation. Moreover, when such solidarity and collaboration emerge, the schemes and enmity of adversaries pose no significant obstacle along this path.
[2]. Al-Kāfī, Vol. 4, "Bāb Faḍl al-Ḥajj wa al-‘Umrah wa Thawābihimā" (The Chapter on the Merit of Hajj and ‘Umrah and Their Reward), p. 255, Ḥadīth 14.
CHAPTER ONE General Rulings
The Obligation to Perform Hajj and the Ruling on Neglecting It
The Obligation to Perform Hajj and the Ruling on Neglecting It
Ruling 1: Hajj is one of the essential tenets of the religion, and its obligation to perform has been proven through abundant evidence in both the Qur’an and the Sunnah.
Ruling 2: He who, while possessing the necessary conditions and being well aware of the obligation to perform Hajj, deliberately neglects it commits a major sin.
Allah Almighty states in the Holy Qur’an:
"… And it is the duty of mankind toward Allah to make pilgrimage to the House—for those who can afford the journey to it—and should anyone renege [on his obligation], Allah is indeed without need of the creatures."[1]
It is narrated from Imam al-Sadiq (PBUH):
"Whoever dies without having performed the obligatory Hajj, while he had no overwhelming need, no debilitating illness, or no tyrannical ruler preventing him, then let him die as a Jew or a Christian."[2]
Ruling 3: The Hajj and the ‘Umrahare of two types: obligatory (wājib) and recommended (mustaḥabb). Likewise, the Hajj and the ‘Umraha person performs may be done on his own behalf, or on behalf of another person as a substitute or proxy (al‑niyābah)—known as the Hajj al‑niyābah orthe‘Umrah al‑niyābah.
Ruling 4: According to Islamic Law (Sharՙ), every mustaṭī‘[1] is obligated to perform Hajj once in his lifetime, an obligation known as theḤajjat al-Islam (or the Ḥajjat ul-Islām). Furthermore, Hajj may become obligatory due to the invalidation of a previous Hajj, a vow (nadhr), or similar causes.
Ruling 5: Hajj is divided into three types: al-Tamattu‘, al-Ifrād, and al-Qirān.
The Hajj al-Tamattu‘ is obligatory on individuals whose residence is more than 48 legal mile (al-mīl al‑sharʿī) (approximately 82 kilometres) away from Makkah al-Mukarramah.
The Hajj al-Ifrādand the Hajj al-Qirān are obligatory on those who reside within Makkah al-Mukarramah or whose residence is closer than the aforementioned distance.
The Difference between the Hajj al-Tamattu‘, andthe Hajj al-Ifrād and the Hajj al-Qirān
Ruling 6: In certain rites, the Hajj al-Tamattu‘ differs from the other types (i.e., Ifrād and Qirān).
The distinction lies in the fact that the Hajj al-Tamattu‘ consists of two parts: a ‘Umrah followed by a Hajj.
The first part is the‘Umrah al-Tamattu‘, which precedes the Hajj, and there is a temporal gap, if brief, in between, during which the Hajj pilgrim exits the state of iḥrāmand may once again enjoy activities that were previously forbidden due to iḥrām. Hence, this type of Hajj is called the Hajj al-Tamattu‘.
The second part is the Hajj al-Tamattu‘, which is performed after the‘Umrah al-Tamattu‘, with both rituals being completed within the same lunar year. In contrast, in the Hajj al-Ifrād and the Hajj al-Qirān, only the Hajj itself is performed, while the ‘Umrah is an independent act of worship called the ‘Umrah al-Mufradah, and may thus be performed in a different year than the Hajj.
Ruling 7: The‘Umrah al-Tamattu‘ and the‘Umrah al-Mufradah share certain common rulings that will be discussed in Chapter Four, while their differences will be outlined in Chapter Six.
Ruling 8: Like the Hajj, the ‘Umrah can sometimes be obligatory (wājib) and at other times recommended (mustaḥabb).
Ruling 9: For those residing at a distance from Makkah al-Mukarramah—whose religious obligation is ʿUmrat al‑Tamattuʿ and Hajj al‑Tamattuʿ—the obligation is contingent upon being mustaṭī‘ for both. This is because Hajj al‑Tamattuʿ is a composite of two acts that must be performed within the same year; thus, being mustaṭī‘ for ʿUmrat al‑Tamattuʿ and Hajj al‑Tamattuʿ are inseparable. However, for those residing in Makkah al-Mukarramah or within a radius of less than 48 miles from it, ʿUmrat al‑Tamattuʿ becomes obligatory once in a lifetime, provided they meet the conditions of being mustaṭī‘ (which are detailed regarding the Hajj[2]). Similar to the obligation of Hajj al‑Tamattuʿ, its obligation is immediate[3], and being mustaṭī‘ for the Hajj is not a prerequisite for the obligation of ʿUmrat al‑Tamattuʿ; in other words, if a person is mustaṭī‘ forʿUmrat al‑Tamattuʿ but not for Hajj al‑Tamattuʿ, he is obligated to perform ʿUmrat al‑Tamattuʿ; and vice versa, if a person is mustaṭī‘ for Hajj al‑Tamattuʿ but not ʿUmrat al‑Tamattuʿ, then he is obligated to perform Hajj al‑Tamattuʿ.
If one wishes to enter Makkah al-Mukarramah outside of the Hajj season, it is obligatory for him to do so in the state of iḥrām for the‘Umrah al-Mufradah. However, there are two exceptions to this ruling:
(a) Those whose occupation requires frequent travel to and from Makkah al-Mukarramah.
(b) Those who leave Makkah al-Mukarramah after completing the rites of the Hajj or the ‘Umrah and wish to re-enter during the same lunar month.
[1]. Capable; in lexicon, this refers to capability. In jurisprudence, mustaṭī‘refers to a mukallaf with the means and circumstances to perform the Hajj pilgrimage.
[3]. In the first possible year following istitā‘ah (capability of performing Hajj), the mustaṭī‘ must perform Hajj, and delaying it without a valid excuse (‘udhr) is not permissible.
Ruling 17: TheHajj al-Tamattu‘ is composed of two distinct acts: The ‘Umrahal-Tamattu‘, and The Hajjal-Tamattu‘. The ‘Umrahal-Tamattu‘ precedes theHajj al-Tamattu‘, and each consists of its own specific rites, which will be briefly outlined here.
Ruling 18: The rites of the ‘Umrah al-Tamattu‘ are as follows:
Wearing iḥrām (Hajj pilgrim’s garment) [from a mīqāt];
The conditions for the validity of the Hajj al-Tamattu‘— meaning both its ‘Umrah and Hajj — are as follows:
First: Intention (nīyyah). When assuming the state of iḥrām for the ‘Umrah al-Tamattu‘, the mukallaf must intend to perform the Hajjal-Tamattu‘. Without such an intention, the Hajj will not be in order.
Second: Both the ‘Umrah and the Hajj must be performed during the months of Hajj — that is, Shawwāl, Dhul-Qa‘dah, and Dhul-Ḥijjah.
Third: The ‘Umrah and the Hajj must both be performed in the same [lunar] year.
Fourth: In obligatory Hajj, the ‘Umrah and the Hajj must be performed by and for the same individual. [Meaning, a person cannot delegate the ‘Umrah to one agent and the Hajj to another].
Ruling 21: Themukallaf whose duty is to perform the Hajjal-Tamattu‘ is not permitted to deliberately and voluntarily switch to performing the Hajj al-Ifrād or Hajj al-Qirān without a valid excuse (‘udhr).
Ruling 22: If a mukallaf’s initial duty is to perform the Hajj al-Tamattu‘, but he knows before donning iḥrām that due to shortage of time he will be unable to complete the ‘Umrah and proceed to the Hajj, it becomes obligatory for him to assume iḥrām with the intention of the Hajj al-Ifrād instead. After completing the Hajj al-Ifrād, he must perform the ‘Umrah al-Mufradah. If he realizes, after assuming iḥrām for the ‘Umrah, that he cannot complete it and reach the Hajj on time, he must change his intention (nīyyah) from Hajj al-Tamattu‘ to the Hajj al-Ifrād, and again, after finishing the Hajj, perform the ‘Umrah Mufradah.
Ruling 23: If a woman’s duty is to perform the Hajj al-Tamattu‘, there are several possible cases regarding whether or not she must switch to the Hajj al-Ifrād:
(a) If she is not clean from menstruation (ḥayḍ) upon reaching the mīqāt but hopes to become purified before the narrow time frame for entering iḥrām for the Hajj al-Tamattu‘, and if she thinks he may do ghusl (major ritual purity) to perform the ‘Umrah al-Tamattu‘, while she also hopes to, after entering into the state of iḥrām, have sufficient time to reach the staying (wuqūf) at ‘Arafāt from the beginning of the noon on the Day of ‘Arafah, in such cases, she must enter into the state of iḥrām for the ‘Umrah al-Tamattu‘. If she becomes purified and has sufficient time to perform the rites of the ‘Umrah and reach ‘Arafāt from the beginning of the noon on the Day of ‘Arafah, she must complete the ‘Umrah and then enter into the state of iḥrām for the Hajj. However, if she does not achieve purification, or she does but does not have sufficient time to complete the ‘Umrah, she must switch her intention (nīyyah)from the ‘Umrah al-Tamattu‘ to the Hajj al-Ifrād (using the same iḥrām) and subsequently perform the ‘Umrah Mufradah. This will compensate for the Hajj al-Tamattu‘.
(b) If she is menstruating upon reaching the mīqāt and is certain that she will not become pure before the time for entering into the state of iḥrām for the Hajj and reaching the staying (wuqūf) at ‘Arafāt, (or If she becomes purified, she does not have sufficient time to perform the rites of the ‘Umrah and the staying (wuqūf) at ‘Arafāt from the beginning of the noon on the Day of ‘Arafah), then she must enter iḥrām in the mīqāt either intending performing mā fī al-dhimmah "what is necessary for a mukallaf to perform" or performing the Hajj al-Ifrād, and after completing the Hajj, perform the ‘Umrah Mufradah. This will suffice for her obligation to the Hajj al-Tamattu‘.[1]
(c) If she is purified of menses upon reaching the mīqāt and she enters iḥrām for the ‘Umrah al-Tamattu‘, and on the way to Makkah al-Mukarramah or while in Makkah al-Mukarramah, before completing the ṭawāf of the ‘Umrah al-Tamattu‘ and offering ṣalāt al-ṭawāf, or while performing ṭawāf and before completing the fourth round of the ṭawāf, she enters a state of menstruation (ḥayḍ) and does not become purified of menses in time to perform the rites of the ‘Umrah al-Tamattu‘ and reach the staying (wuqūf) at ‘Arafāt from the beginning of the noon on the Day of ‘Arafah), in this case, she has two choices: (a) She may either switch from the ‘Umrah al-Tamattu‘ to the Hajj al-Ifrād while maintaining her current iḥrām, and then she may later perform a the ‘Umrah Mufradah. This suffices for the Hajj al-Tamattu‘, or (b) she can leave the ṭawāf of the ‘Umrah al-Tamattu‘ and ṣalāt al-ṭawāf unfinished, perform sa‘y and taqṣīr, exit iḥrām, enter iḥrām for the Hajj. Then, after performing the rituals of the two wuqūfs at ‘Arafāt, and at al-Mash‘ar al-Ḥarām (Muzdalifah), and the rituals at Minā—whether before or after the ṭawāf of the Hajj and the ṣalāt al-ṭawāf and sa‘y—she must perform the missed ṭawāf and ṣalāt al-ṭawāf of the ‘Umrah al-Tamattu‘ as qaḍā’. This will suffice for her obligation to Hajj al-Tamattu‘, and there is no further obligation upon her.
(d) If she begins menstruating after completing the fourth round of the ṭawāf, she must:
Leave the remainder of the ṭawāf and the ṣalāt al-ṭawāf,
Perform sa‘y and taqṣīr,
Exit the iḥrām of the ‘Umrah, and
Perform the rituals of the two wuqūfs at ‘Arafāt, and at al-Mash‘ar al-Ḥarām (Muzdalifah), and the rites at Minā.
Then, after returning to Makkah al-Mukarramah, or after completing the ṭawāf and the ṣalāt al-ṭawāf and sa‘y, or before performing all these rituals, she must compensate for the ṭawāf of ‘Umrah and theṣalāt al-ṭawāf as outlined in Ruling 351. This compensation will suffice for her obligation to Hajj al-Tamattu‘, and there is no further obligation upon her.
[1].If a discrepancy [in intention or action] is discovered, its ruling will be addressed in the context of istiftā’āt (juristic inquiries) regarding the nīyyah (intention) of iḥrām.
CHAPTER TWO The Obligatory Hajj (the Ḥajjat ul-Islam)
Ruling 602, Question: Recently, under an agreement between the Hajj and Pilgrimage Organization and Bank Melli Iran, applicants for the Hajj al-Tamattu‘ deposit one million tomans into a personal account at the bank under a written muḍārabah contract (a profit-sharing contract whereby one party provides the capital for another to trade with for an agreed share of the profit). The funds remain in the depositor’s account until the time of the pilgrimage, and annual profits are paid to him according to the contract. When the turn for pilgrimage arrives (usually after three years), the depositor withdraws the funds and pays the Hajj fees. Since the contract is written and there is no verbal exchange between the depositor and the bank, what is the ruling on the percentage of profit that the depositor receives from the muḍārabah contract?
Answer: The banking transaction conducted via a written muḍārabah contract in the described manner is valid, and the profit earned is permissible (ḥalāl) for the depositor. The principal amount, if derived from income Khums (one-fifth religious tax) has not been paid, is liable for Khums. The profit, if not accessible before the year of pilgrimage, is considered income for the year in which it is received. If the profit is spent on Hajj expenses within the same year, it is exempt from Khums.
Ruling 603, Question: The stone flooring of al-Masjid al-Ḥarām (the Holy Mosque) is sometimes ritually purified with qalīl (or “little amount of”) water, poured directly onto impure (najis) areas in a way that may not fully remove the impurity (najāsah). Is prostration (sujūd) on such flooring valid?
Answer: Since the impurity (najāsah) of all areas of al-Masjid al-Ḥarām (the Holy Mosque) is not usually established with certainty, and investigation is not obligatory, prostration (sujūd) on its stone flooring is valid.
Ruling 604, Question: When al-Masjid al-Ḥarām (the Holy Mosque) becomes impure (najis) due to blood, urine, or other impurities (najāsat), workers may use a purification method that, in our view, may not affect the purification (taṭhīr). What is the ruling on prayers performed on the ground of al-Masjid al-Ḥarām (the Holy Mosque)—whether moist or dry?
Answer: As long as you do not have certainty (yaqīn) regarding the impurity (najāsah) of the place of prostration (sujūd), the prayer is valid.
Ruling 605, Question: Is it valid and sufficient to perform congregational prayer in a circular formation around the Holy Ka‘bah, assuming all other conditions are met?
Answer: The prayer of those standing behind the imam, or to either side of him, is valid. However, the recommended precaution (al-iḥtīyāṭ al-mustaḥab) is that those standing at the imam’s side should observe the distance between the imam and the Holy Ka‘bah and should not be closer to the Ka‘bah than the imam. As for those standing on the opposite side of the Ka‘bah, facing the imam, their prayer is not valid.
Ruling 606, Question: Is it valid to follow a Sunni imam for a missed prayer (Ṣalāt al-Qaḍā’)?
Answer: It is not valid to follow a Sunni imam for a missed (Ṣalāt al-Qaḍā’) prayer.
Ruling 607, Question: What is the ruling on leaving al-Masjid al-Ḥarām (the Holy Mosque) or Masjid an-Nabawi (the Prophet’s Mosque)during the adhān and iqāmah (two formulas for calling to prayer), especially when Sunnis enter at that time and criticize us for leaving?
Answer: If others regard such an action as belittling the prayer at its earliest time, especially if it results in discrediting Shi‘ism, it is not permissible.
Ruling 608, Question: If a Hajj pilgrim has the intention (nīyyah) of staying in Makkah al-Mukarramah for ten days, what is the ruling on the prayers in ‘Arafāt, Mash‘ar al-Ḥarām, Minā, and the areas in between?
Answer: If the intention (nīyyah) to stay in Makkah al-Mukarramah for ten days is made before traveling to ‘Arafāt, then after completing the ten-day stay, the ruling of residence (staying) remains in effect. The journey to ‘Arafāt, Mash‘ar al-Ḥarām, Minā is not regarded as a new journey, so prayers should be performed in full (tamām).
Ruling 609, Question: Does the ruling of takhyīr (the free choice between full (tamām) and shortened (qaṣr) prayer) apply to the entire cities of Makkah al-Mukarramah and al-Madīnah al-Munawwarah, or is it limited to al-Masjid al-Ḥarām (the Holy Mosque) and Masjid an-Nabawi (the Prophet’s Mosque)? Is there a difference between old and new neighborhoods?
Answer: The ruling of takhyīr applies throughout both Holy cities, and there is no difference between old and new neighborhoods. However, the recommended precaution (al-iḥtīyāṭ al-mustaḥab) is that a Hajj pilgrim should perform shortened (qaṣr) prayers outside the two Holy Mosques unless he makes the intention for a ten-day stay.
Ruling 610, Question: Is it permissible for a traveler to perform the supererogatory prayers (nawāfil) of Ẓuhr and ‘Aṣr prayers in places where takhyīr (the free choice between full (tamām) and shortened (qaṣr) prayer) applies?
Answer: If he chooses to perform full (tamām) prayers in places of takhyīr, it is permissible for him also to perform the daily supererogatory prayers (nawāfil).
Ruling 611, Question: What is the ruling on the Hajj performed by a pilgrim who refrains from participating in the ritual of the “Disavowal of the Polytheists” (Barā’ah min al-Mushrikīn)?
Answer: His Hajj is valid. However, such a pilgrim deprives himself of the merits of participating in the ritual of the declaration of the disavowal of Allah’s enemies.
Ruling 612, Question: Is it permissible for a woman in a state of menstruation (ḥayḍ) or puerperium (nifās) to sit on the wall shared between the portico (or pillared hall) of al-Masjid al-Ḥarām (the Holy Mosque) and the Mas‘ā (the area between Marwah and Ṣafā)?
Answer: There is no objection to sitting there unless it is established that the wall is part of al-Masjid al-Ḥarām (the Holy Mosque).
Ruling 613, Question: What is the defined age of menopause (being yā’isah) for women who are Sayyidah and for those who are not?
Answer: The precise determination of the menopause age is a matter of deliberation and precaution. Women may refer to another fully qualified authority (mujtahid) for a ruling in this matter.
Ruling 614, Question: What is the ruling on a pilgrim’s Hajj if he doubts the timing of the wuqūfs (staying) and the day of ʽĪd al-Aḍḥā due to differing opinions on moon sighting? Is he obligated to perform his Hajj again?
Answer: If the pilgrim acts according to the ruling of a Sunni muftī who confirms the sighting of the crescent of Dhū al-Ḥijjah, that suffices. Thus, if he performs the wuqūfs along with the other pilgrims, his Hajj is valid.
Ruling 615, Question: Is it permissible to recite Qur’an, supplications, or perform recommended (mustaḥabb) prayers behind Maqām Ibrāhīm (Abraham’s Station) in a way that restricts space for those performing the obligatory (wājib) ṭawāf prayer?
Answer: It is preferable—and indeed the recommended precaution (al-iḥtīyāṭ al-mustaḥab)—that he should not perform such acts of worship behind Maqām Ibrāhīm (Abraham’s Station) during busy times when others are performing the obligatory (wājib) ṭawāf prayer.
Ruling 616, Question: Is prostration (sujūd) valid on a carpet in Masjid an-Nabawi (the Prophet’s Mosque), considering that using permissible items for prostration—such as paper or a straw mat—draws attention, subjects the worshipper to hostile looks, and gives opponents an excuse to mock?
Answer: In situations where taqiyyah (precautionary dissimulation) is necessary, prostration (sujūd) on a carpet or similar surface is valid, and it is not obligatory to move elsewhere for prayer. However, if a pilgrim can prostrate on straw mats, stones, or similar valid surfaces without severe difficulty (mashaqqah), the obligatory precaution (al-iḥtiyāṭ al-wājib) is that he should do so.
Ruling 617, Question: Is it permissible to prostrate on the stone flooring of al-Masjid al-Ḥarām (the Holy Mosque) and Masjid an-Nabawi (the Prophet’s Mosque)? In general, on what types of stones is prostration (sujūd) permissible? What is the ruling on prostrating on bricks and pottery?
Answer: It is permissible to prostrate on marble and stones used in construction or decoration, as well as on bricks, pottery, plaster, lime, and cement. Although prostrating on agate (‘aqīq), turquoise (fīrūzah), and pearl (durr), and similar stones, is also valid, the recommended precaution (al-iḥtīyāṭ al-mustaḥab) is that such items should not be used for prostration.
Ruling 618, Question: What is the ruling on performing wuḍū’ (minor ritual ablution) with water that has been allocated only for drinking?
Answer: If the permissibility (ibāḥah) of using the water is doubtful, then wuḍū’ performed with it is invalid.
Ruling 619, Question: If the most knowledgeable marja‘ al-taqlīd (great Muslim religious authority for following) has not issued a ruling but only an obligatory precaution (al-iḥtiyāṭ al-wājib), and a less knowledgeable marja‘ al-taqlīd has issued a clear ruling without an obligatory precaution, is it necessary for the follower of the most knowledgeable marja‘ to be aware of the obligatory precaution and intend to refer to the less knowledgeable marja‘? Or is it sufficient that he, in performing his religious duty, follows the ruling of the latter?
Answer: If, at the time of acting, the action was performed based on the ruling of the marja‘ whom he was religiously permitted to follow, and he intends to follow that marja‘ in that ruling, then his action is valid.
Ruling 620, Question: Hajj pilgrims or other travelers sometimes find the time for prayers while on an airplane. Considering that prayer on an airplane usually does not prevent stability (istiqrār) or composure (ṭuma’nīnah), if the other conditions—such as standing, facing the qiblah, bowing, and prostration—can be observed, is it permissible for them to pray on the plane even if they know or suspect they will arrive before the prayer time ends and they can pray on the ground? If they pray on the plane and arrive before the time ends, are they obligated to repeat the prayer?
Answer: If stability and facing the qiblah are possible, the prayers performed on the airplane are valid and sufficient. In fact, praying at the beginning of its time (awwal al-waqt) is even more preferable to attaining its merit.
Ruling 621, Question: A Hajj pilgrim has completed the recommended ‘Umrah al-Tamattu‘, but he is unable to perform the Hajj al-Tamattuʿ, for example, due to being assigned to serve pilgrims during Ayyām al-Tashrīq (the Days of Tashrīq) in Makkah al-Mukarramah. What is his obligation?
Answer: He may abandon the recommended ‘Umrah al-Tamattu‘. However, the recommended precaution (al-iḥtīyāṭ al-mustaḥab) is that he should perform Ṭawāf al-Nisā’.
Ruling 622, Question: If a person becomes insane after the obligation of Hajj has been established, what is the duty of his guardian with regard to the Hajj?
Answer: The guardian of a person who is insane has no obligation to perform his Hajj. If he later regains sanity, he is obligated to perform the Hajj himself. Otherwise, after his death, a proxy (nā’ib) should be appointed from their estate to perform the Hajj on his behalf.
Ruling 623, Question: In Iran, we have received funds to donate to the Prophet’s Holy Shrine or the graves in Baqī‘. Since fulfilling this request is not possible, may we give it to needy Shi‘a instead?
Answer: If the owners of the funds consent, it is permissible to distribute them to needy Shi‘a.
Ruling 624, Question: Many Hajj pilgrims are eager to perform i‘tikāf (Islamic spiritual retreat) at al-Masjid al-Ḥarām (the Holy Mosque). Since fasting is a condition for i‘tikāf, is it permissible for them to make a vow (nadhr) to fast and perform i‘tikāf while they are in Makkah al-Mukarramah?
Answer: The obligatory precaution (al-iḥtiyāṭ al-wājib) is that the vow should be made in a pilgrim’s homeland or place of residence.
Ruling 625, Question: If a Hajj pilgrim intends to perform i‘tikāf (Islamic spiritual retreat; religious seclusion) in al-Masjid al-Ḥarām (the Holy Mosque)—considering that the area of sa‘y (walking or jogging fast between the hills of Safā and Marwah) is not part of al-Masjid al-Ḥarām—is it permissible for him to enter iḥrām from Masjid al-Tan‘īm before the call to morning prayers and complete the remaining rituals while in i‘tikāf?
Answer: It is permissible for him to enter iḥrām, and there is no objection to leaving al-Masjid al-Ḥarām (the Holy Mosque) to perform sa‘y.
Ruling 626, Question: Is the recommendation (istiḥbāb) to fast three days in al-Madīnah al-Munawwarah for fulfilling one’s needs exclusive to travelers, or does it also apply to residents of al-Madīnah al-Munawwarah and those who have the intention (nīyyah) to stay there for ten days?
Answer: The recommendation (istihbāb) to fast three days in al-Madīnah al-Munawwarah for fulfilling one’s needs is not exclusive to travelers. The mention of the word travelers [in the related ruling] is due to the general exemption from fasting when they are on a journey.
Grand Ayatollah Khamenei’s Selected Messages and Statements on the Ritual of Hajj
Grand Ayatollah Khamenei’s Selected Messages and Statements on the Ritual of Hajj
“Pray as much as you can. Supplicate as much as you can. In Masjid al-Haram and in Medina [Masjid al-Nabawi], repeat and increase those deeds that the Almighty God loves, which are sincere action, sincere view, and beseeching God.… the supplications that have been narrated. Or there are the supplications that are not specific to those places [Masjid al-Haram and Masjid al-Nabawi], such as the Kumayl Supplication. It is very good to read the Kumayl Supplication together in a group.”[1]
“For the individual Muslim, Hajj is an opportunity to enter the vast world of spirituality, to get rid of the imperfections of daily life, and to enter a sincere, spiritual atmosphere. It is an opportunity to get closer to Allah and to practice voluntary asceticism. From the very beginning of the Hajj rituals, pilgrims avoid the ordinary things that are permissible in daily life. Iḥrām is to consider as ḥarām the things that are ordinarily permissible in everyday life. Some of these things that have been declared halal prepare the ground for a lack of vigilance, and some others bring about decadence.
During the Hajj rituals, all the means of material and superficial pride are taken away from us. First, we lose our ordinary clothes. All pilgrims relinquish their ordinary clothes and social status and wear the same uniform. During iḥrām, pilgrims are not allowed to look at themselves in a mirror because this is indicative of a tendency towards narcissism. They are also not allowed to use perfume because it is a means of attracting attention. Pilgrims are not allowed to escape from the sun and rain. Also, they are not allowed to take shelter under a roof because all these acts signify a tendency towards laziness and luxury. Pilgrims are advised against pinching their nostrils when they go through a stinky place. These acts, as well as all the other acts related to iḥrām, strip us of all means of material and superficial pride. Iḥrām is to consider as ḥarām the ordinary things that bring about luxury and sensual desires and give rise to arrogance and discrimination. During iḥrām, all these acts are avoided.
Then pilgrims enter Masjid al-Haram and feel its glory with their hands, eyes, and all their being. The glory of Masjid al-Haram is not because of its material attractions. Its glory cannot even be described by ordinary human beings. Afterwards, pilgrims go around the Ka‘aba along with many other people while they are involved in dhikr and duā. Then the pilgrims go through the other rituals of hajj. The same spiritual intensity permeates the sa‘y between Ṣafā and Marwah, the wuqūf at ‘Arafāt and al-Mash‘ar al-Ḥarām, and the ritual of the days of Minā. This is [an image of] Hajj.”[2]
“Those who travel to Mecca should not sacrifice the sanctity of Mecca for mere shopping or wandering through the markets. Mecca is far above such trivial matters. They can certainly make another trip later for business and visit wherever they wish. However, during Hajj, they should reserve these ‘Appointed Days’ (Ayyam al-Maʽlūmāt) for themselves—for pilgrimage, reflection, and remembrance—and not waste them on worthless activities. Participate in congregational prayers and attend gatherings. Make sure to perform the prayers on time and in congregation, especially within the sacred precincts. Let your presence be one of sincere faith and piety, as is expected from the people of Iran.”[3]
“In Hajj, one of the most important issues is coexistence. People who do not know each other at all – people from different cultures, countries, ethnicities and languages – must live together here.”[4]
“As far as the political aspect of the hajj is concerned, the main objective pursued by this pilgrimage is to display the unified identity of the Islamic Ummah. The separation of Muslim brethren from each other paves the way for those with malevolent intentions and helps the seeds of discord grow among Muslims. The Islamic Ummah comprises various nations and races and followers of different Islamic schools of thought. This diversity, which is accompanied by geographical dispersion in a volatile and important region of the planet Earth, may be regarded as a strong point of this great community which makes its common heritage and culture and history more efficient in a vast expanse of land and puts a multiplicity of human and natural capabilities and potentials at its disposal.”[5]
“Hajj is a manoeuvre to show off one’s power in the face of the arrogant people who are the center of corruption, oppression, the destruction of the weak, and plunder. Today, the body and soul of the Islamic Ummah are covered with blood due to their oppression and their malevolence. Hajj is a manifestation of the hard and soft powers of the Islamic Ummah. This runs in the nature of Hajj. It is the soul of Hajj, and it incorporates some of the most important goals of Hajj. This definition is one that our late Imam – the great Khomeini – described as Ibrāhīmī (Abrahamic) Hajj.”[6]
“Abrahamic Hajj, which Islam has presented to Muslims as a gift, is the manifestation of pride, spirituality, unity and glory. It demonstrates to ill-wishers and enemies the greatness of the Islamic Ummah and its reliance on God’s eternal power. It highlights the distance between Muslims and the cesspool of corruption, humiliation and tyranny that international oppressors and bullies impose on human communities. The Islamic and monotheistic hajj is the manifestation of being “firm against the unbelievers, compassionate among themselves[7]”. It is the stronghold of renouncing unbelievers and promoting friendship and unity among believers.”[8]
[1]. In the meeting with Hajj officials (on May 17, 2023)
[2]. In the Meeting with Hajj administrators and officials (on November 5, 2008(.
[3]. In the meeting with Hajj officials (on April 20, 1994).
[4]. In the meeting with Hajj officials (on June 8, 2022).
[5]. Message to the Great Hajj Congress (on December 29, 2006).
[6]. Message on the Occasion of Time of Hajj (on July 28, 2020).
