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The Rites of Hajj 2026
- INTRODUCTION The Merits and Significance of Hajj
INTRODUCTION
The Merits and Significance of Hajj
Hajj (the pilgrimage to Mecca (Makkah al-Mukarramah)), in the terminology of the Sacred Law (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.
- CHAPTER ONE General Rulings
- CHAPTER TWO The Obligatory Hajj (the Ḥajjat ul-Islam)
- CHAPTER THREE The Proxy (Niyābah) in Hajj
- CHAPTER FOUR The Rites of the ‘Umrah al-Tamattu‘
- First. Iḥrām
- Second: Ṭawāf
- Third: The Prayer of Ṭawāf (Ṣalāt al-Ṭawāf)
- Fourth: Sa‘y
- The Istiftā’āt (Juristic Inquiries) on Sa‘y
The Istiftā’āt (Juristic Inquiries) on Sa‘y
Ruling 448, Question: A guardian takes a discerning (mumayyiz) child for sa‘y while the child is sleeping in a stroller. Is it obligatory to wake the child up at the beginning of the sa‘y to make the intention (nīyyah)? If the child is awake at the start of the sa‘y but falls asleep along the way, what is the ruling?
Answer: The child must be awake from the beginning to the end of sa‘y to make the intention (nīyyah). Moreover, if capable, the child is obligated to perform sa‘y himself; having the child pushed through sa‘y is not valid.
Ruling 449, Question: During the sa‘y between Ṣafā and Marwah, large crowds gather near the two mountains, making movement difficult. Is it obligatory for a Hajj pilgrim to reach the mountain itself in each lap (round), or is it sufficient to reach the beginning of the slope, where those with disabilities start their sa‘y?
Answer: Ascending toward the mountain to the extent that it is customarily considered “reaching the mountain” and “covering the distance between the two mountains” is sufficient.
Ruling 450, Question: With the expansion of the Mas‘ā (the area between Ṣafā and Marwah), the original sa‘y path is now on one side, and sa‘y must be performed on the newly expanded section. If a Hajj pilgrim is unsure whether the expanded area lies between the two mountains or possibly outside of them, what is his obligation?
Answer: The sa‘y performed in the expanded area is valid and sufficient.
Ruling 451, Question: What is the ruling for Hajj pilgrims (with disabilities) who cannot perform sa‘y on the ground level of Ṣafā and Marwah and must use the upper level, which is above the current location of the two mountains?
Answer: It is not permissible for a Hajj pilgrim to perform sa‘y on a path higher than the Ṣafā and Marwah paths. If a Hajj pilgrim cannot perform sa‘y on the basement or ground level—even with a wheelchair or similar aid—he is obligated to appoint a proxy (nāʾib).
Ruling 452, Question: If a Hajj pilgrim realizes after sa‘y that he has not recited a chapter of the Qur’an [after Sūrat al-Ḥamd] correctly during the prayer of ṭawāf, despite initially believing it to be correct, what is the ruling?
Answer: Since the mistake in recitation has not been intentional, the prayer of ṭawāf remains valid, and there is no obligation to repeat it.
Ruling 454, Question: What is the ruling for a Hajj pilgrim who, due to ignorance of the ruling or forgetfulness, performs fourteen laps (rounds) of sa‘y?
Answer: If the Hajj pilgrim initially makes the intention (nīyyah) to perform the seven laps of sa‘y, the sa‘y is valid.
Ruling 455, Question: What is the ruling for a Hajj pilgrim who, due to ignorance of the ruling or forgetfulness, performs fourteen laps (rounds) of sa‘y?
Answer: If the Hajj pilgrim initially makes the intention (nīyyah) to perform the seven laps of sa‘y, the sa‘y is valid.
- The Etiquettes and Recommended Acts (Mustaḥabbāt) upon Sa‘y
The Etiquettes and Recommended Acts (Mustaḥabbāt) upon Sa‘y
Ruling 456: Several things are recommended (mustaḥabb) during the saʿy:
To ascend al-Ṣafā with tranquility and dignity, look toward the Kaʿba, recall the praise and eulogy of Allah, and recite the following remembrances (adhkār):
Seven times: “Allāhu akbar” (Allah is the greatest).
Seven times: “Al-ḥamdu li-llāh” (All praise is due to Allah).
Seven times: “Lā ilāha ill-Allāh” (There is no deity but Allah).
“Lā ilāha ill-Allāhu waḥdahū lā sharīka lah, lahul-mulku wa-lahul-ḥamd, yuḥyī wa-yumītu wa-huwa ḥayyun lā yamūt, bi-yadihil-khayru wa-huwa ʿalā kulli shayʾin qadīr.”
(There is no deity but Allah alone, having no partner. To Him belongs the dominion, and to Him belongs all praise. He gives life and causes death, and He is living and does not die. In His hand is all good, and He is capable over all things.)
Then, one should send blessings (ṣalawāt) upon Muhammad and the progeny of Muhammad and say:
“Allāhu akbaru ʿalā mā hadānā, wal-ḥamdu li-llāhi ʿalā mā ablānā, wal-ḥamdu li-llāhi al-ḥayyi al-qayyūm, wal-ḥamdu li-llāhi al-ḥayyi al-dāʾim.”
(Allah is the greatest for having guided us, and all praise is due to Allah for what He has bestowed upon us, and all praise is due to Allah, the Living, the Sustainer, and all praise is due to Allah, the Living, the Everlasting.)
“Ashhadu an lā ilāha ill-Allāhu wa-ashhadu anna Muḥammadan ʿabduhū wa-rasūluhū, lā naʿbudu illā iyyāhu mukhliṣīna lahu-d-dīna wa-law karihal-mushrikūn.”
(I bear witness that there is no deity but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and His messenger. We worship none but Him, making the religion purely for Him, even if the polytheists detest it.)
Three times: “Allāhumma innī asʾaluka al-ʿafwa wal-ʿāfiyata wal-yaqīna fid-dunyā wal-ākhira.”
(O Allah, indeed I ask You for pardon, well-being, and certainty in this world and the Hereafter.)
Three times: “Allāhumma ātinā fid-dunyā ḥasanatan wa-fil-ākhirati ḥasanatan wa-qinā ʿadhāba an-nār.”
(O Allah, grant us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.)
Then [recite] one hundred times: “Allāhu akbar” (Allah is the greatest).
One hundred times: “Lā ilāha il-Allāh” (There is no deity but Allah).
One hundred times: “Al-ḥamdu li-llāh” (All praise is due to Allah).
One hundred times: “Subḥāna Allāh” (Glory be to Allah).
Then one should say:
“Lā ilāha ill-Allāhu waḥdahū waḥdah, anjaza waʿdahu, wa-naṣara ʿabdahu, wa-ghalaba al-aḥzāba waḥdahu, fa-lahul-mulku wa-lahul-ḥamdu waḥdah. Allāhumma bārik lī fil-mawti wa-fīmā baʿda al-mawt. Allāhumma innī aʿūdhu bika min ẓulmatil-qabri wa-waḥshatih. Allāhumma aẓillanī fī ẓilli ʿarshika yawma lā ẓilla illā ẓilluk.”
(There is no deity but Allah, alone, alone. He fulfilled His promise, aided His servant, and defeated the factions alone. To Him belongs the dominion, and to Him belongs all praise, alone. O Allah, bless me in death and in what is after death. O Allah, indeed I seek refuge in You from the darkness of the grave and its desolation. O Allah, shade me in the shade of Your Throne on the day when there is no shade except Your shade.)
Then one should entrust their religion, themself, their family, and their wealth to the Lord of the worlds and say:
“Astawdiʿu-llāha al-raḥmāna al-raḥīma alladhī lā taḍīʿu wadāʾiʿuhū dīnī wa-nafsī wa-ahlī. Allāhumma istaʿmilnī ʿalā kitābika wa-sunnati nabiyyika wa-tawaffanī ʿalā millatihī wa-aʿidhnī minal-fitna.”
(I entrust to Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful, whose trusts are never lost, my religion, myself, and my family. O Allah, employ me according to Your Book and the Sunna of Your Prophet, cause me to die upon his religion, and protect me from tribulation.)
Then say three times: “Allāhu akbar” (Allah is the greatest).
And recite this supplication:
“Allāhumma ighfir lī kulla dhanbin adhnabtuhū qaṭṭ, fa-in ʿudtu fa-ʿud ʿalayya bil-maghfira, fa-innaka antal-ghafūrur-raḥīm. Allāhumma ifʿal bī mā anta ahluhu, fa-innaka in tafʿal bī mā anta ahluhu tarḥamnī, wa-in tuʿadhdhibnī fa-anta ghaniyyun ʿan ʿadhābī wa-ana muḥtājun ilā raḥmatik. Fa-yā man ana muḥtājun ilā raḥmatihī irḥamnī. Allāhumma lā tafʿal bī mā ana ahluhu, fa-innaka in tafʿal bī mā ana ahluhu tuʿadhdhibnī wa-lam taẓlimnī. Aṣbaḥtu attaqī ʿadlaka wa-lā akhāfu jawraka, fa-yā man huwa ʿadlun lā yajūru irḥamnī.”
(O Allah, forgive me every sin I have ever committed; and if I return [to sinning], then return to me with forgiveness, for indeed, You are the Forgiving, the Merciful. O Allah, do with me what is worthy of You; for indeed, if You do with me what is worthy of You, You will have mercy on me, and if You punish me, You are free of need of punishing me while I am in need of Your mercy. So O He whose mercy I need, have mercy on me. O Allah, do not do with me what I am worthy of; for indeed, if You do with me what I am worthy of, You will punish me without having wronged me. I have come to fear Your justice and do not fear Your oppression; so O He who is just and does not oppress, have mercy on me.)
One should perform the saʿy on foot, walking normally from al-Ṣafā to the section marked with green lights. From the beginning of the green lights’ boundary to the end of this boundary, one should jog/trot (harwala). Upon returning from al-Marwa to al-Ṣafā, one should again return in a state of harwala within the section of the green lights. However, harwala is not prescribed for women.
While performing the saʿy, one should supplicate abundantly and compel oneself to weep.
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- Fifth: Taqṣīr
Fifth: Taqṣīr
Ruling 457: Performing taqṣīr (trimming a small quantity of hair or nail) is the fourth obligatory (wājib) act of the ‘Umrah al-Tamattu‘.
Ruling 458: After completing sa‘y—even if there is a gap afterward—it is obligatory (wājib) for a Hajj pilgrim in the state of iḥrām to perform taqṣīr. That is, he is obligated to cut a small portion of his hair, beard, or mustache, or trim a small part of his fingernails or toenails.
Ruling 459: Like the other acts of the ‘Umrah al-Tamattu‘, taqṣīr is an act of worship (‘ibādah), and it is obligatory for a Hajj pilgrim to make the intention (nīyyah) for taqṣīr, as explained in the rulings on the intention for iḥrām.
Ruling 460: Ḥalq (shaving the head) alone does not suffice to exit iḥrām in the ‘Umrah al-Tamattu‘. It is obligatory for a Hajj pilgrim to perform taqṣīr. If he deliberately shaves his head before taqṣīr, knowing the ruling, the act is sufficient, and he is obligated to offer one sheep as a kaffārah (expiation; atonement). However, in the ‘Umrah al-Mufradah, he may choose between taqṣīr and ḥalq.
Ruling 461: If a Hajj pilgrim intentionally—or due to ignorance—refrains from taqṣīr, or instead performs ḥalq or pulls out hair, and then proceeds to perform Hajj, the ‘Umrah is invalid and the Hajj is considered al-ifrād. In such a case, if the Hajj was obligatory (wājib), the obligatory caution (al-iḥtiyāṭ al-wājib) is that he should perform the ‘Umrah al-Mufradah after the Hajj and repeat both the ‘Umrah al-Tamattu‘ and the Hajj al-Tamattu‘ the following year.
Ruling 462: If a Hajj pilgrim in the state of iḥrām forgets to perform taqṣīr and enters iḥrām for Hajj, his iḥrām,‘Umrah, and Hajj are valid, and there is no kaffārah (expiation; atonement). However, the recommended precaution (al-iḥtiyāṭ al-mustaḥabb) is that he should not refrain from offering one sheep as a kaffārah (expiation; atonement).
Ruling 463: After taqṣīr and the rites of the ‘Umrah al-Tamattu‘, all prohibitions (muḥarramāt) of iḥrām—including marital relations—become permissible.
Ruling 464: In the ‘Umrah al-Tamattu‘, performing the ṭawāf al-nisā’ (the ṭawāf of women) is not obligatory (wājib). However, the recommended precaution (al-iḥtīyāṭ al-mustaḥab) is that ṭawāf al-nisā’ and its prayer should be performed with the hope of reward. In contrast, in the ‘Umrah al-Mufradah, performing the ṭawāf al-nisā’ and its prayer is obligatory (wājib).
- The Rulings on Actions between the ‘Umrah al-Tamattu‘ and the Hajj al-Tamattu‘
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- CHAPTER FIVE The Rituals of the Hajj al-Tamattu‘
- CHAPTER SIX The ‘Umrah al-Mufradah
- Miscellaneous Istiftā’āt (Juristic Inquiries)
Miscellaneous Istiftā’āt (Juristic Inquiries)
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).
[7]. The Holy Qur’an, 48:29.
[8]. Message to Muslims Worldwide on the Occasion of Time of Hajj (on September 5, 2016).