Umrah Guide
Umrah Guide
Umrah Guide
North America
To
By
01. Introduction 03
02. Recommended books 04
03. Hotels 05
04. Embassies 08
05. Flights for Umra & Hajj 09
06. Transportation 11
07. Umra Visa 11
08. Health Guide 12
09. Other useful information 13
10. Map of Meeqat 16
11. List of Items for Umra 17
12. Masjid-e-Nabawee 19
13. Pillars in Masjid-e-Nabawee 20
14. Jannat-ul-Baquee 22
15. Outside Ziyarat in Medina 24
16. Sketch of Masjid-e-Nabawee 27
17. Sketch of Jannat-ul-Baquee 28
18. Umrah-e-Mufradah 30
19. 25 Things become Haraam after Niyyat of Ihram 32
20. Conditions of Tawaaf 38
21. Ritual of Umrah-e-Mufradah 41
22. Ziyarat in Makkah 47
23. Hajje-tul Islam 51
24. Hajj Visa requirements 53
25. List of items for Hajj 54
26. Umrah-e-Tamattu’ 56
27. Check list of items for Arafah & Munna 58
28. Hajj-e-Tamattu’ 59
29. Mustahab acts at Arafah and Muzdhalifah 65
30. Condition of Qurbani at Munna 66
31. Condition of Hitting Shaitaan at Munna 67
32. Sketch map showing round trip Makkah/Arafa 68
33. Ziyarat of Medina in English 69
34. Dua for entering Masjid-Ul-Haraam 80
35. A’amaal-e-Arafah 91
36. Salaat-e-Shab 95
37. Ziyarat in Shaam 98
38. Ziyarat in Iran 107
Page 2
CONTENTS
By the grace of the Almighty Allah (SWT), we indeed have been blessed with the honour of compiling this booklet for the benefit of those going to
Umrah, Hajj and/or Ziyarat of the Fourteen Masoomeen A.S.
Our first calling for Hajj was in 1983 and since then, we have been invited back for Hajj and Hajj Umrah over 17 times over the past sixteen (16)
years. We have also had the pleasure of serving thousands of Momineen and Mominaat, including residents of Canada United States, Jamaica,
Britain, Australia, Sweden and Germany.
This booklet was designed to provide you with some insight and clarification as you embark on your spiritual journey.
We sincerely hope this booklet proves to be useful and we ask that you pass it on to others who, Inshallah, will be fortunate enough to go also.
We are planning, Inshallah, to reproduce the booklet periodically so you are requested to advise us of any errors and omissions.
All rights reserved. This book is free for distribution subject to the condition that no part thereof shall by way of trade or otherwise be
reproduced, resold or otherwise circulated in any form of binding or cover other than what is published in, without the prior written
permission of the HAJJ ASSISTANCE COMMITTEE NORTH AMERICA.
Wa’Salaam
RECOMMENDED BOOKS
• HAJJ
By Dr. Ali Shariati
• HAJJ MANASEK
According to the Fatwa of:
Ayatoullah al-Odhma – Syed Ali Hossaini Seestani
Translated by Hajj Mortaza Lakaha
Reviewed by: Ayatoullah Dr. Seyed Fadhel Milani
• ADABUL HARAMAIN
By Sayyid Jawad Husseiny Shaharudy
• RAHNUMA-E-HUJJAJ
According to the Fatwa of:
Marhoom Ayatoullah Abul Qasim El-Khouei
Compiled by Hujjatul Islam Wal-Moslemeen
Alhaj Seyed Ali Abid Rizvi
• MAFIT-UL-JINAAN
• TOFATUL-ZAIREEN
• ZIYARAT – of the 14 Masoomeen
Compiled and written
By Hadi Husayn Sayyid
Printed by Peermohamed Ibrahim Trust, Karachi.
HOTELS
IN SAUDI ARABIA, JORDAN, SYRIA, IRAN & IRAQ
SAUDI ARABIA – JEDDAH
Albilad Hotel Movenpick, a five Star Hotel on the Cornish Drive, excellent dining room with open buffet Fax # 011-966-2-654-7098.
Sheraton Hotel, a five Star Hotel on the Cornish Drive, excellent dining room with open buffet
Fax # 011-966-2-699-2660
Helnan Red Sea Palace Hotel, a five 5 Star Hotel at the City Centre (Balad), excellent dining room with open buffet Fax # 011-966-2-
642-2395.
MEDINA MUNAWARA
Sheraton Hotel, a five star Hotel - 7 km from the Holy Haram – excellent dinning room with open buffet, shuttle service and a rest
house near available for the use by Hujjaj near the Holy Haram, Fax # 011-966-4-846-0385.
Medina Oberoi, a five star hotel - two minute walk to Masjid-e-Nabawee, Medina - Fax #011-966-4-826-3155.
Green Palace Hotel - a four star hotel - four minute walk to the Holy Haram - Fax # 011-966-4-824-2666
Al Attas Hotel – a three star hotel – a minute walk to the Holy Haram Fax # 011-966-4-8233-0285.
Madinah Reem Hotel - a four star hotel - 3 minute to the Holy Haram - The Masjid-e-Nabi as well as Jannatul-Baquee can easily be
viewed Fax # 011-966-4-825-5725
Page 6
MAKKAH
Hilton Towers - a five star hotel; a minute walk to the Holy Haram, Fax # 011-966-2-537-6500.
Kindah Palace - a five star hotel, two minute walk to the Holy Haram, Fax 011-966-2-574-3535.
Ajyad Makkah Hotel - a five star hotel, six minutes walk to the Holy Haram. Shuttle bus service available – excellent dining room
buffet style. Fax # 011-966-2-574-6061.
SYRIA
DAMASCUS
Ebla Cham Palace - a five star de-luxe hotel with excellent dining room with open buffet. It is about 15 minutes drive to Bibi Zainab
AS’s Rauza.
Fax # 011-963-11-223-4805.
JORDAN
AMMAN
Five star hotels
Intercontinental - Forte Grand - Marriot
Rooms are with attached English Style bathrooms.
AL-QUDS
JERUSALEM – WEST BANK
The Seven Arches – a four star hotel.
Page 7
Homa Hotel - a five star hotel - Rooms with attached English style bathrooms. Excellent dining room with open buffet. Fax # 011-98-
21-8773021.
MASHAD
Laleh Hotel - a five star hotel - acceptable dining room with open buffet. Telephone #011-98-51-894845, 9 lines. Few rooms with
attached English style toilets.
Homa Hotel, a five star hotel - Rooms with attached English Style bathrooms. Excellent dinning room with open buffet.
REPUBLIC OF IRAQ
BAGDAAD
Al-Rashid Hotel - a five star hotel - Rooms with attached English Style bathrooms. Acceptable dining room with limited menu.
Sheraton Hotel - four star hotel - Rooms with attached English Style bathrooms. Acceptable dining room with limited menu.
KERBALA
Makki’s Rest House - to be considered as two Star guesthouse across Hazrat Abbas A.S. Rauza; few rooms with attached English
Style bathrooms.
Page 8
Hotel Zainabiya - a two star hotel few kilometers away from the Holy Haram. You need a bus to visit the Holy Haram.
There are many new hotels in Kerbala but their standards are low and to be standard considered as two star hotel. Most of them do not
have English Style Bathrooms.
NAJAF
The only popular hotel is Zam Zam Hotel, again to be considered as a 2 star hotel. Only a few rooms have attached English Style
bathrooms.
JORDAN
The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
In Canada
100 Bronson Avenue, Suite # 701, Ottawa KAR 6G8
Telephone # (613) 238-8090
SYRIA
The Embassy of The Syrian Arab Republic
In Canada
111 St. Urban, Suite # R06, Montreal, Quebec, H2Z 1Y6
Telephone # (514) 397-1891 – Fax (514) 397-6801
During Umra if you fly into Jeddah by any airline other than Saudi Airlines you will disembark at the International airport. If you are
intending to fly to Medina then you will have to go to another the terminal; you will have to take a taxi to take you to the Saudia terminal
because all domestic flights depart from the Saudi Airlines terminal only.
You will not have to change terminals, however, if you are going straight to Makkah you will take a taxi to Makkah via Masjid-e-Johfa
(our Meeqat) to put on your Ihram or if it is very late then you may spend the night at a hotel in Jeddah.
During Hajj season, it does not matter which airline you fly. All Hujjaj are transferred to Madina-tul-Hujjaj and from there they either fly
to Medina or if they are going to Makkah, then they will enter Makkah via Masjid-e-Johfa.
During Hajj season tickets for Jeddah/Medina purchased outside Madina-tul-hujjaj are not honoured so you will have to buy your ticket
from the Saudi Airlines office at Medina-tul-Hujjaj. Therefore it is highly recommended that you ask your travel agent to book for you
the flight Jeddah/Medina and obtain a print out showing the PNR numbers, without this PNR # you cannot get a seat to Medina.
Normally if you fly by Saudi Airlines from New York, you arrive in Jeddah at about 4:30 PM and it takes anywhere between 6 to 8 hours
to clear Immigration and customs. It is therefore, recommended that you book your flight to Medina early next morning and spend the
night at Madina-tul-hujjaj.
Page 11
If you decide to go to Makkah from Jeddah then you can take a taxi stopping first at Masjid-e-Johfa, our Meeqat, where you can do your
Niyyat of Ihram and then proceed to Makkah. It will cost you about SR300/400 and can accommodate four passengers and your
baggage. It will take between four to five hours to reach Makkah.
PREPARATION FOR UMRA
It is very important that all Hujjaj prepare themselves mentally, physically and spiritually, months before their departure from North
America. They should bear in mind that they are going to visit the Holy Cities and are NOT going for a holiday to visit a tourist
attraction.
When applying for the Umra Visa you will be required to send the Saudi Embassy the following documents:
• Passport valid for a minimum six months
• A duly completed Visa application form
• A vaccination certificate against Meningitis
• A vaccination certificate against Cholera
Page 12
• A copy of your marriage certificate if husband and wife are travelling to-gether
• A Mahrum certificate completed and signed by an Islamic Center
• A confirmed round trip air ticket
PLEASE NOTE: All Hujjaj are advised to carry with them a photocopy of their passport which shows their personal information.
American Hujjaj with green card should make sure carry their to carry their your green cards in their wallet and a copy of this card
should be kept separately in a safe place.
HEALTH GUIDE
• You should get a complete medical and dental check upto two months prior to your departure.
• You must start walking between 3 to 5 miles daily two months before your departure.
• Pre-travel inoculation is an effective way of reducing or eliminating the risk of several serious infections. Our doctors have
recommended that all Hujjaj must take the following vaccination which are available at all TRAVEL CLINICS in North America or see
your family doctor.
VACCINATION
• Maningococcal (Spinal Meningitis) - COMPULSORY
• Cholera - COMPULSORY
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Polio (DTP) - OPTION
• Yellow Fever - OPTION
• Hepatitis A - OPTION
When applying for the Umra Visa you will have to enclose certificate of vaccination against Meningitis and
Cholera with your application form otherwise you will be denied Umra Visa.
Page 13
TRAVELLERS CHEQUES
Hujjaj are advised to carry American Express Traveler cheques in US Dollars; they are accepted in stores in Saudi Arabia.
CURRENCIES
Hujjaj are recommended to carry a minimum of US $500 in large bills (US $100 bill, which will fetch a better, rate than smaller bills and
is easy to cash). The bills should not be dated prior to 1990. Please take more if you intend to do some shopping. Utmost care
should be taken in hotels, whilst travelling and particularly in the Haram.
One person in a family should not keep all the money. It is advisable to make special zipped pockets on the inside of garments for safe
keeping of money and valuables.
All five star hotels in Medina and Makkah offer safe deposit boxes and are available to you at no charge unless you lose your key, then
it will cost you US$1000.
CREDIT CARDS
All major credit cards are accepted in most of the stores.
Page 14
VIDEO FILMING
Video filming and photographing in Saudi Arabia is prohibited, especially near the Holy Harams both in Medina and Makkah. It is better
not to take with you Video or camera equipment with you.
WEATHER
In Saudi Arabia the temperature will vary between 20 to 248 degrees Celsius during December and January. It is particularly hot during Dhohar
time. Nights in Medina are a little cooler.
ELECTRIC CURRENT
The electric current is 220 Volts so please make sure you carry a travel adapter if you are planning to take any electrical equipment
(kettle, iron, electric razor) with you an electric kettle to use on the trip.
BAGGAGE
You must try to travel as light as possible. All baggage must be tagged with your name, full address both inside and outside and should
also be locked for security purposes. The size of the suitcase should be limited to 28 inches maximum.
LAUNDRY FACILITY
All hotels offer laundry facilities, which are reasonably priced. There are also many dry cleaning stores at every corner of the city and
much cheaper than the hotels.
ID CARD
Each person must carry an ID card showing his/her name, photograph, passport number and nationality plus some medical information
and telephone numbers of the hotels they will be staying.
RESPECT OF HOLY PLACES
Respect and dignity of the holy places should be maintained especially while performing various rites of Ziyarat. Care should be taken
to see that other Hujjaj are
Page 15
not inconvenienced. You are also advised not to occupy a certain place for a long time where others would like to pray. Calmness
should be maintained in the HOLY HARAM and worldly talks and arguments should be avoided. While in Haram, Holy Quran, Salawat,
Tasbih,Dhikar, Duas and Istighfar should be recited as much as possible.
RELIGIOUS BOOKS
Hujjaj wishing to carry duas and A’amaal books i.e. Mafatihul-Jinan and Tohfatul Zaireen etc. may do so by making photo copies to
avoid to take the originals. Those who cannot read Arabic, you will find many Ziyarat in English in this booklet, which have been
compiled with the assistance of other compilers.
HIJAB
Women must wear Hijab at all times and avoid make-up during the Umra trip especially in Medina and Makkah.
A’ADAB
It is recommended for one to perform Ghusl (Mustahab) and be in Wudhu all the time when going to the Holy Haram.
MEEQAT
Any person (not present in Makkah) who wishes to come from far to perform Umra, will have to put on the Ihram from any one of the
following Meeqat (places appointed by Sharia) There are about six Meeqat if you are coming from outside of Saudi Arabia, but we will
discuss only two as these are the only two that concern the pilgrims coming from North America.
• MASJID-E-SHAJARA. This is the Meeqat, used by pilgrims who first go to Medina. It is about 7 klm from city of Medina on
the way to Makkah.
• MASJID-E-JOHFA. Pilgrims who are going straight to Makkah from Jeddah use this Meeqat. It is about 115 Km from Jeddah
on the way to Medina.
Page 16
Page 17
NEW YORK/JEDDAH
During Umra season, it is advisable to fly by Saudi Airlines from New York which flies non-stop to Jeddah and arrives at about 4:30 PM.
This will give you enough time to clear immigration and customs and catch your flight to Medina which departs from Jeddah at about 8:30
PM.
Page 18
Once you arrive in Medina and have collected your baggage, you will go outside the terminal and take a taxi to your hotel, which will
cost you approximately SR40.
Medina
If you are staying near the Holy Haram then every morning at about 4:30 AM you should go to the Holy Haram for Salaat-e-Shab also
called Salaat-e-Lail. 2 Adhaan are given in the morning and one Ehkaam for the Fajr Salaat.
If you wish to pray inside the Haram then you should carry (with you) the straw mat because you will be able to do your prostration on
it.
Also there are many small places in the Haram where there are no carpets so you can pray at these places.
After morning Salaat men proceed to Janat-ul-Baquee. The ladies will stay outside Masjid-e-Nabawee waiting for the Masjid to be
opened for them for Ziyarat, which is normally at about 7:00 AM.
You should try and return to your Hotel for breakfast and rest during the day and if you wish to go for Salaat at the Masjid during
Dhohar and Asr, you may do so.
It is highly recommended that when entering any Masjid for the first time then 2 rakaat Salaat be offered with the "Niyyat of Tahiyyat-
e-Masjid"
Page 19
MASJID-E-NABAWEE
Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was born in Makkah on 17th Rabi-ul-Awwal. He was born an orphan and when he was five years old, his
mother Amina Binte Wahab died. His grandfather Abdul-Muttalib who also passed away when the Prophet was only eight years old
and then his uncle Abu Talib, became his guardian then brought him up.
At the age of 25 he married Bibi Khadija who was a widow of forty years of age.
When he was 40 years old, revelation came to him from Allah (SWT) ordering him to ‘read in the name of Allah’ and the first to know
about this was Bibi Khadija and his cousin Imam Ali A.S.
During his last pilgrimage to Makkah, the Holy Prophet of Islam proclaimed at Ghadeer-e-Khum that Imam Ali A.S., would be his
successor, in accordance with the wishes of the Almighty Allah.
The Prophet of Islam passed away on the 28th Safar in 11 AH and is buried in the Masjid-e-Nabawee.
BAB-E-JIBRA’EL
This is the door through which Jibra’el used to come to the chamber of Janabe Fatemah Zehra A.S.
Page 20
MAQAM-E-JIBRA’EL
Whenever Jibra’el came to the Prophet of Islam with a Wahee ‘revelation’, he came through this door.
STAGE OF SUFFA.
The poor new Muslims who use to come to Medina from different parts of the world use to stay at this stage till they found their own
shelter.
RIYADHUL JANNAH
The Prophet of Islam was heard saying that a piece of Jannat is between his mimber and his Zaree. Some historians say that Bibi
Fatema A.S. is also buried here.
It is also said that the Prophet of Islam was heard saying that this piece of land would be raised to meet Jannat on the day of
Quiyamat.
MIMBER-E-RASUL
This is the same mimber that the Holy Prophet (SAW) used to give khutbas from.
MEHRAB-E-NABAWEE
Just before the mimber is the Mehrab-e-Nabawee. It is from this Mehrab that the Prophet of Islam used to conduct Salaat-e-Jamaat.
PILLAR OF HANNAANAA.
Adjoining the Mehrab-e-Nabawee is the pillar of Hannaana. The Prophet of Allah used to lean against a date palm tree and give
Khutba. After the Mimber was built, however, the Prophet (SAW) used the mimber for giving
Page 21
khutba. The date palm tree complained and cried because of loneliness. The Prophet of Islam reassured the date palm tree that it
would accompany the Prophet in Jannat.
PILLAR OF AISHA
It is narrated that the Prophet (SAW) was heard saying that there was one place in this Masjid where to say Salaat was great thawab
but he did not say where the place was. After his death, Aisha pointed out this place where the ‘Pillar of Aisha” now stands.
PILLAR OF TAWBA
The pillar that is right in front of Kabre Mubarak is the Pillar of Tawba. It is narrated that Abu Labbaaba spied on the Prophet of Islam
and went and told the Jews that there was a plan to kill them.
Abu Labbaba then repented for this mistake and he came to Masjid-e-Nabawee and tied himself to a date tree, crying desperately for
forgiveness.
One day when the Prophet of Allah was resting in the hujra of Umme Salma, Jibra’el came with the ayah of Quran which mentions the
forgiveness of Abu Labbaaba. The Prophet untied him and gave him the good news that Allah had forgiven him. Here the Pillar was
erected, it is recommended that one should try to pray two rakaats Salaat and ask for forgiveness at this pillar.
PILLAR OF MAHRAS
This pillar stands where Imam Ali A.S. used to stand guard over the Prophet of Allah when he slept at night.
Page 22
PILLAR OF WUFOOD
Whenever people from outside Medina came to visit the Prophet (SAW), he would receive their delegation here.
The camel stopped in front of the House of Abu Ayyub Ansari. This is the first house in Medina where the Prophet (SAW) stayed. The
house has been demolished and (now stands) in it’s place the ‘Court of Justice’.
JANNATUL BAQUEE
This is the general cemetery in existence since the time of the Prophet of Islam. Here many Ashab, Momineen and Shohada-e-Ohad
have been buried. Also are the graves of the following members of the Ahlul Bayt can be found there.
UMMUL BANEEN
Wife of Imam Ali A.S. and mother of Hazrat Abbas A.S.
JANAB-E-HALIMAH
the wet nurse of the Prophet.
JUWARA, SAUDAH, AYISHAH, HAFSAH, UMME HABIBAH, UMME SALMA, SAFIYYAH & ZAINAB
The wives of the Prophet of Allah (SAW)
HAZRAT ABBAS
Uncle of the Prophet (SAW).
Page 24
JANAB-E-IBRAHIM
Son of the Prophet of Islam and brother of Bibi Fatema Zehra A.S.
OUTSIDE ZIYARAT
If you have not joined any group and you are on your own, then you can hire a taxi to take you to all the outside Ziyarat and it will cost
you approximately SR50/SR70 for four passengers.
MASJID-E-SHAMS
It is narrated that the Prophet (SAW) fell asleep on the laps of Imam Ali A.S. just before Dhohar time till nearly Maghrib.
Imam Ali A.S. said his Dhohar and Asar Salaat sitting down. Near the time of Maghrib, the Prophet woke up and pointed his finger at
the setting sun, which came up and the Prophet (SAW) prayed his Dhohar and Asr Salaat.
In Iraq there is another Masjid called MASJID-RADUS-SHAMS which has got it’s name on a similar kind of story.
MASJID-E-ZUL QIBLATAYN
Our previous Qibla was Bait-ul-Muqaddas. The Jews
used to taunt the Holy Prophet (SAW) that his followers did not have their own direction for Salaat.
One day when the Prophet of Allah (SWT) was leading the Salaat-e-Dhohar, a revelation came to him after the second
Page 25
MASJID-E-QUBA
This was the first Masjid that the Prophet of Allah (SAW) built on his arrival from Makkah. It is narrated that the Prophet of Allah was
heard saying that if you say two Rakaats Salaat in this Masjid you will get the Thawab of one Umra.
MASJID-E-FATAH
This Masjid is situated on the hilltop. It is narrated that the Prophet of Islam stayed (in this tent) for three days in his tent and prayed for
the success of the Muslims.
MASJID-E-SALMAN-E-FARSEE.
This Masjid is just at the bottom of Masjid-e-Fatah. It is said that at this Masjid the tent of Salaman-e-Farsee was erected.
MASJID-E-ALI A.S.
This Masjid is on the hill opposite to Masjid-e-Fatah where
Page 26
The Prophet (SAW) was heard saying that whoever does his Ziyarat and does not do the Ziyarat of his uncle Hamza has been
unfaithful to the Prophet.
This is the place where the second Islamic war took place. At the beginning of this war the Muslims were winning, but a group of
archers who were stationed at the entrance of the mountain to block the army of unbelievers, left their position to go and loot the
belongings of the running away soldiers of the unbelievers, inspite of strict instructions not to leave their position, thus the battle was
almost lost.
It is also narrated during this battle Jibra’el brought the sword ‘Zulfiqar’ from heaven because Hazrat Ali A.S. had broken many
swords.
During your stay in Medina, you should spend as much time as possible at Masjid-e-Nabawee and Jannat-ul-Baquee.
Page 27
Page 28
Page 29
MEDINA/MAKKAH
Our experience tells us that it is advisable to depart Medina after Dhohar so (you arrive in Makkah) between Maghrib and Isha you
arrive in Makkah.
If you have not joined a group and you are on your own then you will have to hire a taxi which will cost you approximately
SR500/SR600 to take you to Makkah via Masjid-e-Shajarah, our Meeqat, to do the Niyyat of Ihram.
You must also make sure that the limo has a permit to take Hujjaj from Medina to Makkah or else you will be turned back to Medina
from the checkpoint.
UMRA-E-MUFRADAH
11. To wear Ihram and Talbiya at Masjid-e-Shajarah.
12. To do Tawaaf of Khane-e-Ka’aba at Makkah.
13. To recite 2 Rakaat Salaat of Tawaaf at Makkah.
14. To perform Saee’ at Makkah.
15. To do Taqseer at Makkah.
16. To perform Tawaaf-un-Nissa at Makkah.
17. To recite 2 Rakaat Salaat of Tawaaf at Makkah.
Page 30
This Umrah is Mustahab (Sunnat). Therefore, your Niyyat while wearing the Ihram will be Mustahab, but all other A’amaals which you
have to perform for completing the Umra must be done with a Wajib Niyyat.
a. For men the loins clothe covering oneself from the navel (around waist) to the knees. The second piece covers one self from the
shoulders to the elbows. It is not necessary to have the clothes of Ihram on you all the time when you are in the state of Ihram. For
example, one may remove the upper piece provided it is not done in front of the ladies. The Recommended size of cloth of Ihram
is two and half yards in length and about 42/44 inches in breadth.
b. The cloth used for Ihram must be Paak. If it becomes Najis at any time during Ihram, it must be replaced or made Paak.
d. It must not be Ghasbi. This means it must not be the one usurped from its rightful owner or belonging
For men the Ihram must not be sewn.
f. Ihram can be purchased in Medina for about Saudi Riyals 30/45 per set, which is much cheaper than buying one from North
America.
g. Men are allowed to wear a money belt around their waist, to secure their money, traveler’s cheques and
Page 31
other documents. These are made of plastic and are available for about 15/30 Saudi Riyals. Ladies should either sew or buy a
white pouch to wear round their neck in order to keep their money and other valuables. These are available in North America for
about $8/12, depending on the quality.
h. One should try to wear your Ihram at the prescribed Meeqat after Dhohar prayers, or when that is not possible, after any Wajib
prayers. But if none of the Wajib prayers precede your Niyyat for Ihram, then a minimum of two Rakaats and a maximum of 6
Rakaats (by way of 2 Rakaats in each set, like the morning Salaat) is Mustahab.
After wearing the Ihram immediately proclaim Talbiyya. Men must recite loudly but women should not recite loudly. Talbiyya must be
recited in Arabic as under
“Here I am, O Lord, here I am, You indeed have no partner, here I am. No Doubt, all praise and bounties are
Yours, and so is the absolute Domain. You indeed have no partners, here I am”.
Page 32
With Talbiyya recited, the process of wearing Ihram is now completed. Twenty-five things become Haraam and forbidden for you as
long as you are in Ihram. They are applicable to both, men and women.
These are:
2. Sexual intercourse: Sexual intercourse, or any acts of courtship which would arouse sexual desire are forbidden. Even lustful
glance at ones own wife or husband or any other lady or man who is Na-Mahram is forbidden. The expiation is one camel or a
cow or a sheep in that order of affordability.
3. Masturbating: This includes all methods of self-abuse. It has the same precept as sexual intercourse.
4. Marriage contract: To read Nikah for oneself or for others regardless of whether the other person is in Ihram or not. This applies
to Muta’a as well. The expiation is ihtiyatan (precautionary) one sheep.
5. Perfumes: To use perfume or apply it on ones clothes. Perfumes like Saffron, Camphor, Cloves, Cardamom, Amber and all
their uses are forbidden. Sweet smelling fruits like apples etc., may be eaten, but it is forbidden to smell them.
6. Smell or odor: To close ones nose or nostrils from bad smell or odor is not allowed. The expiation of
Page 33
doing so is one sheep. However, there is no objection if one hastily passes away from the unpleasant odour.
7. Sewn clothes: It is Haram for men to wear sewn or stitched clothes in Ihram. Their clothes must not have sleeves or seams.
However, belts with sewn pockets for keeping money, traveler’s cheques, passports and other valuables, slung around the
shoulders or worn around the waist are allowed. Similarly, Hernia belts can be worn. One is not allowed to fasten the Ihram with
pins or a needle or anything of that sort. You can not even tie a knot. Ladies are allowed to wear all types of sewn clothes during
Ihram, except for the hand gloves and wear a veil. The expiation for violation of this rule is one sheep.
8. Surma: To apply black surma (eyeliner) in the eyes for cosmetic purposes are strictly forbidden for men and women. If it is
neither black nor for any cosmetic or beautifying purposes, then it is allowed. The expiation of violation is one sheep.
9 Mirror: To look into a mirror for cosmetic reason, which means to appreciate ones looks and features, including combing hair etc.,
is forbidden. The expiation of this violation is one sheep. If a driver wearing Ihram has to refer to the mirrors of his car or bus as
he drives, there is no objection. Spectacle glasses are allowed provided they are not worn for fashion or beautification, though this
should be avoided if possible.
11. Shoes and socks: It is forbidden for men to cover the upper part of the feet from the toes to the ankle. So, men must not wear
socks or full shoes. Women can wear them, (although), it is better for women to avoid wearing socks. The expiation for men
violating of this rule is one sheep.
12. Swearing: To take an oath or to swear in any form, particularly saying LaWallah, Balaa Wallah (no, by God or yes, by God) is
Haraam. The expiation is Istegfaar, (repentance) for the first and second time, and a sheep for the third time.
The following cases are exceptional.
a) That it is intended to prove thereby some right or to make the wrong public to others.
b) That is not meant to swear thereby, but is merely expressing respect and love.
There is no expiation (kafara) for a right swearing, provided, it is not more than twice, otherwise, the expiation is one sheep. If
it is a wrong swearing, the expiation is one sheep for the first time, for the second time two sheep and a cow for the third time.
13. Killing insects: It is forbidden to kill insects or brush-off an insect originating from one’s own body e.g. lice. There is no harm to
transfer them from one place to another and the expiation for this rule being violated is to give a handful of food to the poor.
Page 35
14. Make up: All methods of self-beautification, either by use of cosmetics or by ornaments are forbidden. A ring worn for the Niyyat
of thawab, like a Firoza or Aqeeq or Dhoor-e-Najaf is permissible. Ladies must also refrain from wearing ornaments, except
those they usually wear. But even these must not be displayed to men, even to the husband.
15. Henna: To apply henna is Haraam during Ihram. The expiation for the violation is ihtiyatan (precautionary) one sheep.
16. Pulling out of a tooth: To have your tooth extracted even if there is no bleeding due to it. (Marhum Ayatoullah Abul Qassim El
Khui did not lay emphasis on this. He said this is permitted).
17. Blood: To take out blood from ones own body, or to cause any bleeding by scratching or brushing the teeth etc., is Haraam.
However, if this becomes in evitable for relief from any distress, it is allowed. The expiation for ignoring this rule is one sheep.
Note: One should use salt to brush teeth rather than scented toothpaste.
18. Covering of the face: In the state of Ihram, women are not allowed to cover their faces with a mask or veil, not even partly.
While saying her Salaat, they may cover part of their forehead etc., in an effort to cover her head and hair fully, but after Salaat,
she has to see that her face is not covered even partially. She can cover her face while sleeping. She must also refrain from
immersing her head in water. Men are not allowed to cover their face at all, their ears must also be visible.
Men must not carry any baggage on their heads, nor dip themselves in water. However, a handkerchief or
strip of cloth tied on the forehead for relief from a
Page 36
headache is allowed. The expiation for this violation is one sheep.
19. Ointment: It is forbidden to apply any kind of ointment to the body, whether it has a sweet smell or not. If however, it becomes
necessary for medical reasons it is allowed.
20. To remove or pluck hair from ones own body, or from another's body, regardless of whether the other fellow is in Ihram or not. The
expiation for this is a handful of grain. There are four exceptions to this.
ii) If one’s hair has grown to his/her eyelid and is causing distress and agony, one may remove it.
iii) If the removal of hair becomes inevitable for any good reason and valid reason. But if due to the hair, there are too many lice on
the body, and it becomes necessary to remove the hair so as to be relieved of the parasite.
iv) You are allowed to stroke your hair or beard or slowly scratch your body, if you know that by so doing no hair would fall, and no
bleeding would be caused.
21. Travel: Men are not permitted to travel under any kind of shade or shadow, be it the hood of a car, an umbrella or walking in the
shadow of a car, bus, caravan or aircraft. All travelling must be under the open sky. Shades are permitted at the time of resting or
taking a respite on the way. You can ward off sunrays by cupping one hand. The meaning of refraining from shade or shadow is
that men must not protect themselves from sunrays, cold, heat or rain. So it is not only the head, which must not go into
Page 37
shade, it is the whole body. Once you are in Makkah, you are allowed to go under shade or shadow, even before you have found
your accommodation or place of abode. Women, children and such men who fear that exposure would disable them or render
them very sick, are exempted. But for such men, the expiation (Kafara) will have to be given inspite of the valid excuse they may
have. The expiation for this violation is one sheep.
According to Ayatoullah Syed Seestani, he allows men to travel in closed bus during the night. Men may follow his
rulings if they are doing his Taqleed.
22. Cutting of nails: Cutting of nails either whole or partly is not allowed unless the nail is causing pain. The expiation (Kafara) for
each fingernail being cut is a handful of food. If all nails of the hands are cut in the same place, the expiation (Kafara) will be one
sheep. The same is true of feet. If the nails of both the hands and feet are cut in the same place, the expiation will be one sheep.
If one cuts the nails of his hand in one place and the feet in another place the expiation will be two sheep.
23. Carrying of weapons: One is not allowed to carry any weapons, unless it is absolutely necessary. There is no harm in carrying a
knife, etc., for cutting fruits, etc.
24. Uprooting trees: To uproot, pluck or cut the grass, leaves of the trees and all that grows from the earth in Makkah and around it;
is not allowed. This is forbidden during Ihram and also without Ihram.
The above rules are according to Marhum Ayoutallah Abul Qassim Al Khoei. If you are a Muqaleed of another Ayatoullah
please make sure you check his rulings with an A’alem.
MAKKAH.
Upon arrival in Makkah you will check into your hotel where you are booked to stay (and after refreshing yourself and having your
dinner) you will then Inshallah proceed to the Holy Haram to perform all the A’amaal of Umrah-e-Mufradah.
a. If Wudhu is Batil before or just at half of the total Tawaaf, that is three and half rounds, Tawaaf is Batil. Do your Wudhu again
and repeat the Tawaaf.
b. If Wudhu is Batil unintentionally at the completion of the fourth round, you have to do Wudhu and continue further. There is no
need to repeat the whole Tawaaf.
Page 39
c. If one makes his/her Wudhu Batil intentionally at any state, he/she will do Wudhu and repeat the Tawaaf, making Niyyat that
he/she is completing the circuits, which are due.
For ladies only: When a lady experiences menses while performing Tawaaf, she must come out of Masjid-ul-Haraam immediately. If
she has then completed half of the Tawaaf, which is three and half rounds, those are valid. When she becomes Paak, after her Ghusl,
she will complete the balance. Agha Khui had said that it is Ahwat (recommended) that she make a new Tawaaf of seven rounds with
a Niyyat to relieve her of whatever is incumbent upon her.
If a woman completes Tawaaf and she sees blood before she can say her Salaat-e-Tawaaf, she will come out of the Masjid-ul-Haraam
immediately. Her Tawaaf will remain valid, and she will wait until she is Paak, and after Ghusl, she will say her Salaat-e-Tawaaf. In
case there is no time and she must go to Arafah, Muzdhalifah etc., then will do Saee' and Taqseer, complete her Hajj A'amaal upto
Munna, and before the Tawaaf of Hajj-e-Tamattu', she must first pray the Salaat of Tawaaf which she had left.
If a woman is not sure whether her menses began after the Tawaaf and its' Salaat or during or before, her Tawaaf and Salaat, will be
deemed correct.
A woman who is not able to perform Tawaaf and its' Salaat because of Haiz or Nifas, and is also unable to do Ghusl, will do
Tayammum instead of Ghusl and perform the Tawaaf and its' Salaat.
It is Ahwat (recommended) that she appoint a Naib who would do these A'amaal on her behalf.
The body and clothes must be Paak. Even small stains or dots of blood that are permissible in daily prayers are not allowed in Tawaaf.
Page 40
However, if you have a boil or a wound, which persistently bleeds, and it cannot be removed from the body or the dress, then it is
permissible.
Private parts must be adequately covered during Tawaaf, the same as is done in Salaat. The clothes of Ihram must not be Ghasbi (as
already explained under Ihram).
For men only: Men must have been circumcised before Tawaaf can be valid. This includes sensible boys as well. It is Ahwat
(recommended) that younger boys, who are not even able to wear Ihram by themselves be also circumcised.
There will be thousands of people doing Tawaaf and the best place to enter into the crowd is from somewhere near Hajre Ismail and
slowly working your way into the crowd.
Page 41
The first cycle will commence from Hajarul Aswad. Try to be as close as possible near the walls of the Ka'aba. When you reach Rukne
Yamani, you should start making your Niyyat.
How to do Tawaaf:
1. The starting and ending point of each circuit
during Tawaaf is Hajarul-Aswad.
After making your Niyyat, stand just parallel to Hajarul Aswad and start the Tawaaf. Each round is completed when you return to the
starting point.
4. The area of Tawaaf is defined as one between Ka'aba and Maqam-e-Ibrahim. This is about 40 feet or 26
Page 42
and half arm lengths. Tawaaf must be carried out within this area, and not beyond. As mentioned earlier, Hijre Ismail is adjoining
Ka'aba. It covers nearly 31 feet of space left. So, when you reach here, you find only 9 feet of open space on the left. You will keep
yourself within this area during Tawaaf. Agha Khui had said that Tawaaf beyond its area would not be correct. But if it becomes
extremely difficult to do so due to the great number of people, or other disabilities, then Tawaaf beyond the described area would be
deemed sufficient.
5. Around the Ka’aba near its’ foundation, there are small supporting walls. During Tawaaf, one must not pass over them. If one
passes over them, or touches them during Tawaaf, it will be necessary to repeat the part of the circuit which was done on the said
walls, and then, it would be Ahwat to repeat the whole Tawaaf all over.
6. The number of circuits in each Tawaaf is Seven. Each round begins from Hajarul Aswad and ends there. A Tawaaf of less or
more then Seven rounds is Batil.
Simple rule to remember when you are in doubt about the number of circuits or rounds:
• When you are certain of having completed the seven rounds, but are doubtful whether you went round more than seven times, such
doubts should also be ignored.
• If you were doing Tawaaf that is Wajib, all doubts during Tawaaf would render Batil. When in doubt whether the round is third or
fourth, for example you will decide that it is third, complete the Tawaaf, and do it all over again. So the rule is that, determine the
lesser
Page 43
number, complete the doubtful Tawaaf, and then repeat the whole set again.
• If your Tawaaf is Mustahab, determine the lesser number and complete your Tawaaf. It would be correct.
• You can rely on your friend or companion who is doing Tawaaf with you. For example, if he/she tells you that the particular round is
fifth, and if he/she says so with certitude, you can accept it.
• Muwalaat is necessary in Tawaaf. This means that all seven rounds must follow each other in sequence. However, if one wishes
to take a brief respite or rest during Tawaaf, one may do so provided that it is not too long to disrupt Muwalaat.
3) SALAAT OF TAWAAF
Niyyat: “I am offering two Rakaat Salaat for Tawaaf of Umra-e-Mufradah Qurbatan Ilallah”.
Salaat of Tawaaf: Two rakaats of Salaat of Tawaaf becomes Wajib immediately after completion of Tawaaf.
This Salaat must be said behind Maqame-Ibrahim, or at a place nearest to it. The method of this Salaat is exactly like the morning
Salaat. But in this, you may recite the suras loudly or silently, as you prefer.
4) Saee’
The Niyyat should be made at the hill of Safaa. Your walk will start from Safaa and end at Marwa.
Niyyat: “I walk between Safaa and Marwah, seven times for Umra-e-Mufradah Qurbatan Ilallah”.
Page 44
Saee” means to walk between the two mountains Safaa and Marwaa. It begins from Safaa and ends at Marwaa.
Each Saee' consists of seven trips. As you walk from Safaa ending at Marwaa, this is counted as first, your return from Marwaa to
Safaa will be second and so on and you will end your seventh round at Marwaa.
c. To Kiss or Salute Hajarul Aswad before when you are proceeding for Saee', (of course if this is possible).
d. To drink from Zam Zam before going for Saee'. It is also Mustahab to pour the water upon ones head and body
i. To utter words of praise and gratitude for Allah, remembering His bounties, blessings, signs and kindness.
Points to remember:
a. Saee' is Wajib, and must be performed immediately after Salaat of Tawaaf.
c. While walking from Safaa to Marwaa, and similarly from Marwaa to Safaa, you must walk forward facing the rocks. If you walk in
reverse, then the distance covered this way will have to be retraced. There is no harm if you look sideways or behind during the
walk.
d. To rest at Safaa or Marwaa is allowed during Saee', it is Ahwat not to rest between the rocks.
e. Saee' can be performed walking or on the back of an animal, or on somebody's shoulders, or on a wheelchair or cart etc. When
all these alternatives are not possible you have to appoint someone as Naib, who will do the Saee' on your behalf.
f. The distance between Safaa and Marwaa must be crossed on the route that is fixed. Your walking may not strictly be in a
straight line but you cannot deviate from the given route.
g. In between Safaa and Marwaa, there are two pillars, which are meant for Harwala. In these days, they are built of green stones,
distinguishing them from the others. When one reaches these, one has to trot or jog. This is Mustahab for men only.
h. When one is in doubt the number of trips one has made, Saee' would be Batil. The rule to be followed
Page 46
5) TAQSEER
Niyyat: “I am performing Taqseer so as to be relieved of Ihram for Umra-e-Mufradah Qurbatan Ilallah”.
Taqseer means cutting off some hair or nails. Taqseer had to be done after completion of your Saee’ at Marwa (it can be done at your
hotel).
PS In Ihram one cannot cut his or another person’s hair until and unless one has got his/her Taqseer done first by a person
who is already out of the Ihram.
6) TAWAAF-UN-NISSA
Niyyat: “I am doing Tawaaf-un-Nissa by going round this Ka’aba seven times for Umra-e-Mufradah Qurbatan Ilallah”.
7) SALAAT OF TAWAAF-UN-NISA
Niyyat: “I am offering two Rakaat Salaat for Tawaaf-un-Nissa for Umra-e-Mufradah Qurbatan Ilallah”.
If somebody avoids Tawaaf-un-Nissa purposely, or because of not knowing the law, he/she has too later
Page 47
perform it himself/herself, and as long as he/she has not done it, his wife/husband would remain Haraam to him/her. Naib for this
Tawaaf is only allowed if it was omitted forgetfully, or for ladies who due to their menses etc., are unable to do it. This Tawaaf is Wajib
for children as well, if they have worn Ihram.
During your entire stay in Makkah you should try and visit
the Holy Haram as much as possible to Sunnat Tawaaf as many as you can for your deceased parents, relatives and friends. You do
not need to be in Ihram. But if you wish to do Umra for your passed away parents, relatives or friends then you must to go to Masjid-e-
Umra just outside of Makkah, do your Niyyat, go to Masjid-ul-Haraam and do the Umrah, (exactly the same A’amals that you did when
you arrived from Medina).
It is said that after the strong waves and currents of Prophet Nuh's A.S. ship, the Ka’aba was destroyed except for the foundation.
Prophet Ibrahim later built the walls of the Ka’aba again. During the time of the Prophet of Allah, the people were still idol worshippers.
Our fist Imam, Hazrat Ali A.S. was born in the Ka’aba and one can still notice the crack in the wall which opened up to allow Bibi
Fatema Binte Asad A.S. to enter few days before the birth or our Imam.
HAJR-E-ISMAIL
Page 48
In this arc Hazrat Ismail, Bibi Hajra and many prophets are
buried. It is great thawab to recite two rakaat Salaat. If you are standing in the arc and if you raise your head to see the top of the
Ka’aba you will see a golden pipe was draining out rain water on the Ka’aba. This is the place where you should ask for your Haajat.
Here are the graves of Bibi Hajra and his son Hazrat Ismail. It is also believed that other Prophets are also buried here.
HAJR-UL-ASWAD
This is the black stone from Heaven. It is narrated that Prophet Adam A.S. (when he was in Heaven), he used to sit on this stone and
pray.
When Prophet Adam A.S. was sent down to the earth as a calipha, the stone started crying because it was missing the company of
Hazrat Adam, so Allah (SWT) sent this stone to the earth and the angels put it in the Ka’aba. On the day of judgement it is a witness
for those who have gone for Hajj and Umrah.
MAKAAM-E-IBRAHIM
There is a footprint of Prophet Ibrahim (which can be seen through the glass) when he used to put his foot on it when building the walls
of the Ka’aba.
ZAM ZAM
By the order of Allah (SWT), Prophet Ibrahim left is wife Hajra and his son Ismail on the plains close to where the Ka’aba is situated to
spread the word of God. Hazrat Ismail became thirsty so Bibi Hajra went to look for water. She went running seven times between the
Hills of Safa and Marwa but could not find water.
Page 49
While Bibi Hajra desperately searching for water, Hazrat Ismail rubbed his feet on the ground as he was very thirsty and through the
miracle of Allah (SWT) water sprang furiously near the feet of Hazrat Ismail, so much water sprang forth that Bibi Hajra shouted ‘Zam
Zam’ which means ‘stop’. The well of Zam Zam is still there but now instead a well you see some pipes which brings the water supply
to the Masjid and to the whole of Makkah. It is said that the water level is the same, and it is pure and free from any kind of dirt or
germs.
JANATUL-MUALLA
This is a general cemetery in existence since the time of the Prophet and many Ulemas, relatives of the Prophet (SAW) and many well
known personalities are buried here including:
JANAB-E-KHADIJATUL KUBRA
She was very rich prosperous and successful businesswoman who entrusted the Prophet of Allah with her caravan going to Syria,
Egypt and other places; she later married the Prophet (SAW) at the age of 40.
JANAB-E-ABU TALIB
He was the father of our first Imam. He died when the Prophet of Allah was 50 years old.
Page 50
JANAB-E-ABDUL MUTALIB
He was the Prophet of Islam (SAW) paternal grandfather.
HAZRAT ABDULLAH
He was the father of our Prophet (SAW) and it is narrated that when Masjid-e-Nabawee in Medina was being extended, his grave was
dug and his body which was intact was transferred to Jannat-ul-Maulla.
MASJID-E-JINN
A group of Jinn were passing by, when they heard the Prophet of Allah (SAW) reciting the Holy Quran. They were so moved and came
to the Prophet, repented and accepted Islam. A Masjid was later built here called Masjid-e-Jinn.
CAVE OF THAWR
During the Hijrah the Holy Prophet (SAW) (with Abu Bakr) stayed here for three days. The Miraculous incident of a spider’s web and a
pigeon laying eggs occurred at the mouth of this cave. This misled the trackers and the Prophet of Allah (SAW) was safe.
CAVE OF HIRA
The first ‘revelation’ of “Iqra Bismi Rabbek” was revealed here.
Page 51
ARAFAH
It is also known as the ‘tent’ city that comes into existence only one day in a year and this on the 9th of Dhulhijja when all Hajjis are
required to stay here from Dhohar until Maghrib.
It is said that this is the first place where Prophet Adam A.S. and Bibi Havva met for the first time after they were asked to leave Jannat.
JABAL-E-RAHMAH
This mountain is in Arafah. During Umra season one can climb it by steps and it is highly recommended to pray two rakaat Salaat of
Haajat and then ask for your Hakata.
MUZDHALIFA OR MA’SHAR
The Hajjis are required to spend the night here and also collect 70 pebbles for hitting the Shaitaan in Munna.
MUNNA
This is a city that comes to existence for three days in a whole year. All the Hajjis are required to spend the night in Munna, to hit the
three Shaitaans and sacrifice of an animal. Men must also to do Taqseer or Halaq. Women are required to do Taqseer and not Halaq.
MASJID-E-KHEEF - IN MUNNA
It is highly recommended to pray 6 rakaat Salaat in this Masjid that has great thawab as it is said that many Prophets of Allah prayed
here.
HAJJ-E-TUL ISLAM
Hajj-e-tul Islam or Wajib Hajj is obligatory once in a lifetime upon all Muslims and the following conditions must be
Page 52
obtained before Hajj becomes Wajib.
1. Baligh, means age of puberty, girls 9 years of age and boys 15 years of age.
3. Istita'ah. Means capability. This means one must be able to defray all the necessary expenses during Hajj, including the return
passage.
• Upon his return, he must have enough means to maintain himself and his family.
• The journey to Hajj and returning from it must not involve any danger to the security of his life, wealth and family.
• One intending to go to Hajj must be healthy. If he is infirm or old or has any other justifiable excuse Hajj would not be Wajib, though
if other conditions were fulfilled, however, he must send someone as his Naib (agent representative).
• Ample time must be there for one to prepare to go to Hajj, and to perform all the obligatory acts. If other conditions of Hajj are met,
while time is limited or extraordinary effort is involved, one has to keep the money unused until the following year for the purpose.
When above conditions are fulfilled, Hajj, becomes Wajib immediately. To postpone it without any reasonable excuse is among the
major sins. Hajj, must be performed in the same year of Istita'ah, and it continues to remain obligatory in the ensuing years as long as
it has not been performed.
Page 53
IMPORTANT
Before leaving for Hajj, make sure that:
a) you fully understand the rules of Taqleed.
b) your money is clean, and you have paid your obligatory debts like Khums and Zakat. These essential, long term debts like house
mortgages, business loans, car loans, furniture loans, etc., are not considered as debts for Hajj purposes, provided the
installments are met by you without any hardship.
c) your intention is purely for Hajj. The Niyyat must be to perform Hajj for the sake of seeking nearness to Allah, Qurbatan Illallahi.
d) you have prepared your Will, and given some "sadaqa" for your safe journey.
Please refer to the instructions sent by the Saudi Embassy when they send the application form to you.
HAJJE-TUL-ISLAM
Wajib Hajj is known as Hajj-tul-Islam that has two parts. The first part is called Umra-e-Tamauttu’ and the second part is called Hajj-e-
Tamattu’.
1) UMRA-E-TAMATTU’ 2) HAJJ-E-TAMATTU’.
CAUTION: You are not allowed to use scented soap or scented shampoo when doing this Ghusl.
UMRAH-E-TAMATTU’
1) To wear Ihram at Masjid-e-Shajarah/Masjid-e-Johfa
2) To proclaim Talbiya after wearing the Ihram
3) To do Tawaaf of Khane-e-Ka’aba at Makkah
4) To recite 2 Rakaat Salaat of Tawaaf at Makkah
behind Makam-e-Ebrahim
5) To perform Saee’ at Makkah
6) To do Taqseer at Makkah
PS There is no Tawaaf-un-Nissa at this point. You will perform it with the A’amaal of Hajj-e-Tamattu.’
Page 57
1) IHRAM AND TALBIYA
To wear Ihram at Masjid-e-Shajarah if you are going to Makkah from Medina or Masjid-e-Johfa if you are going to Makkah from
Jeddah.
As soon as you have done your Niyyat of Ihram and proclaimed Talbiya, 25 things become Haram as shown on
page 33.
2) TAWAAF OF KHAN-E-KA’ABA
Niyyat: “I go round this Ka’aba seven times for Umra-e-Tamattu’ for Hajje-tul-Islam, Qurbatan Ilallah”
3) SALAAT OF TAWAAF
This Salaat is to be performed as near as possible behind Makam-e-Ibrahim but facing the Ka’aba.
Niyyat: “I am offering two Rakaat Salaat for Tawaaf of Umra-e-Tamattu’ for Hajje-tul-Islam Qurbatan Ilallah”.
4) SAEE’
Niyyat: “I walk between Safaa and Marwah, seven times for Umra-e-Tamattu’, for Hajje-tul-Islam, Qurbatan Ilallah”.
The Niyyat should be made on the hill of Safaa.
5) TAQSEER
Niyyat: “I am performing Taqseer so as to be relieved of Ihram for Umra-e-Tamattu’, for Hajje-tul-Islam, Qurbatan Ilallah”.
PS In Ihram one cannot cut his or another person’s hair unless and until one has got his/her Taqseer done first by a person
who is already out of Ihram.
You must have noticed that there is no TAWAAF-UN-NISSA at this point, you will perform it after you complete all A’amaal of Hajj-e-
Tamattu’ and before departing Makkah to return home.
You have now completed your UMRA-E-TAMATTU’ and you now remove your Ihram. You will stay in Makkah until the 8th of Dhulhijja
when you will go to Arafah.
During your waiting period in Makkah you should spend more time in duas. You can perform as many Tawaaf as you may wish in your
ordinary clothes (not in Ihram) for your deceased parents, relatives and friends at the Holy Haram.
HAJJ-E-TAMATTU’
01. Makkah – Ihram & Talbiya
02. Arafah
03. Muzdhalifah
04. Munna - Hitting of the big Shaitaan
05. Munna - Qurbani
06. Munna - Taqseer or Halaq
07. Munna - Mabeet on 10th & 11th Dhulhijja
08. Makkah - Tawaaf of Khan-e-Ka’aba
09. Makkah - Two rakaats Salaat for Tawaaf
10. Makkah - Saee’
11. Makkah - Tawaaf-un-Nissa
12. Makkah - Two rakaats Salaat for Tawaaf
13. Munna - Hitting all three Shaitaans on
- the 11th & 12th Dhulhijja
Sandwiches and drinks served usually by the organizer of your group during your stay in Arafah and Munna if possible and available.
Therefore, Hujjaj are requested to carry (some snacks) with them in case sandwiches cannot be provided.
All of the above items must fit in the Hajj travelling bag (except for the sleeping bag). Please make sure to keep your cash and
your ID card with you at all times.
HAJJ-E-TAMATTU’
8th Dhulhijja at Makkah
Mustahab Ghusl for wearing the Ihram.
Niyyat: “I am doing Ghusl for wearing Ihram for Hajj-e-Tamattu’ for Hajje-tul-Islam, Qurbatan Ilallah”. Late in the evening you will
Inshallah proceed to Arafah and spend the night in duas and A’amaal.
Late in the evening you will proceed to Arafah and spend the night in duas and A’amaal.
During your journey and your stay at Arafah, Muzdhlifah and Munna you should refrain from worldly talks and occupy yourself in
remembering Allah (SWT) and to thank Him for his blessings that He has bestowed on you. Also do not forget to pray for your deceased
parents, relatives and friends.
Page 61
Inshallah, A’amaal, Duas, Jamaat Salaat, Ziyarat and Majlis are organized by your group organizer.
It is recommended that you pray Maghrib & Isha Salaat here but if your group decides to pray at Arafah before leaving for Muzdhalifah,
then you should their instructions.
You will spend the night at Muzdhalifah. Ladies, sick, old people, children and volunteers usually go to Munna after picking the pebbles.
After settling down in your place of residence you will Inshallah proceed to hit the big Shaitaan only, followed by Qurbani (sacrifice of a
sheep) and performance of Taqseer or Halaq. The night must be spent in Munna.
5) 10th DHULHIJJA – QURBANI AT MUNNA Niyyat: “I am doing Qurbani for Hajj-e-Tamattu’, for Hajje-tul-Islam,
Qurbatan, Ilallah”.
Niyyat: “I am spending the night in Munna for Hajj-e-Tamattu’’, for Hajje-tul-Islam, Qurbatan Ilallah”.
Some Hujjaj prefer to return to Makkah on the 10th Dhulhijja after mid-night which is permitted by Shariah and after refreshing
themselves at their place of residence in Makkah, they proceed to the Holy Haram to perform the A’amaal of Hajj-e-Tamattu’ but they
must return to Munna
Page 63
on the 11th Dhulhijja before Maghrib in order to hit the three Shaitaans.
11) 11TH & 12TH DHULHIJJA AT MUNNA – HITTING ALL THREE SHAITANS ON EACH DAY.
It is Wajib on these two days to hit at all the three Shaitaans, each with pebbles seven times. The sequence as shown here
must be maintained. The first Shaitaan to be hit at must be OOLA the small one, the one nearer to Mash'ar. The next will ALWUSTA,
the middle one, and the last one is AQBA the big one closer to Makkah. For those who have a justifiable excuse, like infirmity or
sickness, a Naib must be appointed.
Ladies are allowed to perform this act at night, but they are not permitted to appoint a Naib if they can perform it themselves.
Page 64
• First Niyyat: “I strike Shaitaan of OOLA (small) seven times, for Hajj-e-Tamattu’, for Hajje-tul-Islam, Qurbatan Ilallah”.
• Second Niyyat: I strike Shaitaan of WUSTA (middle) seven times, for Hajj-e-Tamattu’ for Hajje-tul-Islam, Qurbatan, Ilallah”.
• Third Niyyat: “I strike Shaitaan of AQBA seven times for Hajj-e-Tamattu’, for Hajje-tul-Islam, Qurbatan Ilallah”.
Agha Khui says that the pebbles must hit the old, original part of the structure of Shaitaan or known as Jamarat.
Many Hujjaj prefer to return to Makkah on the morning of 11th Dhulhijja after hitting the three Shaitaans, which is permitted by Shariah
and after refreshing themselves at the hotel to proceed to the Holy Haram to perform the A’amaal of Hajj-e-Tamatu’. You are required to
return to Munna before Maghrib.
Please make sure that all the A’amaal of Hajje-Tamattu’ are completed before you depart Makkah.
6. Duas, prayers, dhikr and all acts of worship are recommended in this night, which you have to spend here. If possible try and pray
Salaat-e-Shaab.
1. The animal must not have any defects in it's limbs. It must not be very old, sick or emaciated. If the ears are partly torn or have
holes, it would not matter, but if
the ears, horns or testicles have been severed or crushed, it would not be sufficient.
2. The age limit prescribed for animals are as follows:
Camel - must have completed it's 5th year and entered the sixth.
Sheep - must have completed eight months, better still if it has completed one year and entered the second. If the person
purposely and knowingly selects a young animal in age than above, his Sacrifice would not be sufficient and acceptable. He has to
slaughter again.
3. Every person must offer his own Qurbani. There can
4. be no sharing of funds or animal. Ladies, sick or old people can appoint a Naib.
5. Qurbani must be carried out during daytime, unless there is a fear of security. Agha Khui, had said that if
Page 67
due to change in place, it becomes impossible to slaughter in Munna, one must wait and stay, if one can, even till the end of Dhulhijja to
complete the Qurbani in Munna, but if this is not at all possible, then Qurbani outside Munna will be valid.
Haram, or better yet from Mash'ar. Each pebble must be a fresh one; you cannot strike with a pebble that has already been used for
Shaitaan.
It is Mustahab that the pebble is small in size, just about the size of a finger head, slightly colored and spotted. It is also Mustahab to
be in Wudhu, and to recite "Allahu Akber" with every throw.
Page 68
Page 69
THE ZIYARAT OF MEDINA
Idhn al-Dukhul means permission to enter the Prophet’s mosque for the Ziyarat of the Prophet:
O Allah, I am standing at the door of one of the houses of Your Prophet and the family. You have prohibited the people from entering
his house except by the permission of Your Prophet and You said: “O You who believe do not enter the house of the Prophet unless
permitted to do so”. O Allah, I believe in this in his absence just as I believe it in his presence and I know that Your Prophet and Your
vicegerents upon whom be peace, are alive in your presence, they are being nourished, they see my position and hear my speech and
they return my greetings and (I believe) that You have covered my ears from hearing their speech and have opened the door of
perception of their secret conversations (with You); I seek Your permission, O my Lord firstly; then I seek the permission of Your
Prophet, peace be upon him and his family secondly and I seek the permission of Your vicegerent, the Imam whose obedience is
incumbent upon me and (the permission of) Your angels entrusted over this blessed site thirdly. May I enter, O Prophet of Allah, may I
enter O the proof of Allah, may I enter, O angels of Allah who are stationed close to this shrine, so permit me O my master to enter the
best of way that You have permitted any of Your friends, if I am not deserving of that then You surely are deserving of that.
Then say ‘Allaho Akber’ Allah is greatest 100 times and two Rakaat Namaz with the Niyyat of ‘Tahiyat-e-Masjid’.
Your Messengers and those of Your upright slaves and the people of the heavens and the earth and those who have glorified You, O
Lord, from the beginning to the end, on
Page 71
Muhammad Your slave and Messenger and Your Prophet and Your trustworthy and saved one, Your beloved and Your chosen one;
Your special, pure and most virtuous one from Your creatures. O Allah, grant him an elevated status and make him a means to heaven
and raise him in a praiseworthy status which the first and the last people will wish to attain. O Allah, You have said: “If they wrong
themselves and come to you and seek forgiveness from Allah, and if the Prophet seeks forgiveness for them, they will find Allah
forgiving and merciful”. I have come to you seeking forgiveness, repenting my sins and I seek your mediation with Allah, who is my
Lord and Your Lord that He forgives my sins.
Peace be upon you O wife of the friend of Allah and the best of Allah’s creation after the Prophet of Allah. Peace be upon you O
mother of al-Hasan and al-Husayn, the two
Page 72
leaders of the youths in paradise. Peace be upon you O truthful martyr, Peace be upon you O peaceful and tranquil one. Peace be
upon you O excellent and pure one. Peace be upon you O one who has traits of an angel. Peace be upon you O virtuous and pure
one; Peace be upon you O learned one who heard angels speak, Peace be upon you O oppressed one and one whose rights were
usurped; Peace be upon you O one who was suppressed and overpowered; Peace, mercy and blessing be upon you O Fatima, the
daughter of the Prophet of Allah, May Allah bless you and your soul and body. I bear witness that you passed away well informed by
your Lord and that one who has pleased you has pleased the Prophet of Allah peace be upon him and his family; and one who has
displeased you has displeased the Prophet of Allah peace be upon him and his family, and one who has harassed you has harassed
the Prophet of Allah peace be upon him and his family and one who establishes links with you establishes links with the Prophet of
Allah peace be upon him and his family and one who has cut relations with you has cut relations with the Prophet of Allah peace be
upon him and his family because you are part of him and his spirit within him. I bear witness by Allah and His Prophets and his angels
that I am pleased with one whom you are pleased and am angry with one whom you are angry, I dissociate myself from one whom you
have dissociated yourself, I befriend myself with one whom you have befriended and am an enemy of one with whom you are an
enemy; I detest one whom you detest, I love whom you love, Allah is sufficient as a witness and as one accounting for deeds and as
one who repays and rewards.
Recite Salawat followed by two Rakaat Namaaz of Ziyarat and supplicate to Allah:
Page 73
arrogant. O One who is upright and does not over look; O Eternal One who does not disregard and covers all things You have
favoured me with Your help and have shown me the path which You established for me; for Your slaves have turned away from it and
have become ignorant of its knowledge and have belittled its rights and have inclined to others; it is Your favour on me with the people
that be to You for I am in front of You in this position remembered and subject to (Your) decree so do not deprive me of what I hoped
for and, by the sanctity of Muhammad and his pure family, do not disappoint me what I have asked from You,
that you supported in the best manner possible and fulfilled your obligation and strived for the pleasure of Allah and exerted yourself in
protecting the Prophet of Allah, being aware of his status; believing in his truthfulness; acknowledging his prophecy, perceiving his
blessings; taking responsibility of his upbringing, dealing with him affectionately; ready to serve him; choosing what please him,
preferring what he like; I bear witness that you spent your life on the (true) faith and adhering to the most noble religion, being pleased
and contented, pure, clean, guarded and virtuous. May Allah be pleased and satisfied with you; may He make heaven as your house
and permanent abode. O Allah, send y our greetings on Muhammad and the family of Muhammad and make my visiting her beneficial
to me and make me firm in my love for her and do not deprive me of her intercession and the intercession of the Imams from her loins;
so grant me her
company and gather me with her and with her pure children; O Allah, do not make it my last visit to her and grant me another visit to her
as long as You keep me alive and if You cause me to die then gather me with her ranks and include me amongst those receiving her
intercession by Your mercy, O Most Merciful of the Merciful ones. O Allah, I ask You by her status and high position in front of You,
forgive me and my parents and all believing men and women and grant us goodness in this and the next world and save us, by Your
mercy, from the punishment of the fire.
Most Mighty and Glorious and you exerted yourself and advised the Prophet of Allah and desired (the rewards) available through Allah
the Most Glorious. May my father and mother be sacrificed for you, I have come to you seeking closeness to Allah the Most Mighty and
Glorious by visiting you, and seeking nearness to the Prophet of Allah peace be upon him and his family; through that desiring from
(your) intercession; seeking from my visiting you freedom of myself and seeking refuge, through you, from the fire; those like me
deserve it for the wrong I have done to myself. (I come) fleeing from my sins which I have committed; fleeing to you hoping g for the
mercy of My Lord; I have come to you from a distant land seeking freedom from the fire, my back is loaded with my sins. I have
committed what angers my Lord. I did not find anyone more worthy to flee to than you, the Ahl Al-Bayt of mercy, so be my intercessors
on the day of my poverty and need. I have traveled to you in a sad state and in distress. I shed tears in front of you, crying I have
come to you lonely; you are amongst those whom Allah has commanded to join with and has urged me towards piety and guided me to
His grace and love; He urged me to come to you and inspired me to ask my needs to Him; You are the Ahl Al-Bayt no one befriends
you is miserable; one who comes to you is not disappointed and one who is inclined towards You does not lose nor does one who
shows enmity towards you become happy.
be on you for the patience which you have exercised for what a wonderful abode that is! I bear witness that Allah has chosen you for
His religion and chosen you for His Prophet. I also bear witness that you truly strove for Allah and defended the religion of Allah and
His Prophet and you gave yourselves for him. I bear witness that you were killed on the path of the Prophet of Allah so may Allah grant
you the best reward of (your services to) His Prophet and for Islam and its followers. May Allah make us see your faces in places of His
pleasure and His honour with the Messengers and the truthful ones and the martyrs and the upright ones; for they are the best friends.
I bear witness that you are the party of Allah and that one who wages war against you wages war against Allah. I also bear witness
that you are the close, victorious ones to Allah who are living in the proximity of their Lord and are being nourished. May the curse of
Allah and the angels and all the people fall on those who killed you. I have come to visit you, O people of tawhid, knowing your rights
and the merits of visiting you seeking closeness to Allah and because of my knowing (your) past honourable deeds and good acts so
may the peace, mercy and blessings of Allah be upon you; may the curse, anger and wrath befall on one who killed you O Allah, make
my visit to them beneficial to me and make me firm in my resolvement (for them) and make me die (for the same goal) as you made
them die and gather me and them in the same abode of your mercy. I bear witness that you have preceded us and we will join you.
When leaving Medina, recite the following Ziyarat Al-Wida’a (farewell Ziyarat) of the Prophet
Peace be upon you O Prophet of Allah I bid you farewell and I ask you (for help) and I send you my salaams. I believe in Allah and in
what you have brought and guided
Page 78
me towards. O Allah, do not make it my last visit to the grave of Your Prophet. If You take me away before that I bear witness in my
death as I bear witness in my life that there is no god but You and that Muhammad is Your slave and Your Messenger Peace be upon
him and his family.
When leaving Jannat-ul-Baquee for the last time, recite this farewell Ziyarat (Ziyarat Al-Wida’a)
Peace be upon you of leaders of guidance, may the mercy and blessings of Allah be showered upon you; I bid you farewell and send
you my salutations. We have believed in Allah and in the Prophet and in what you have brought and guided towards. O my Allah,
count us amongst those who bore witness (to this testimony). Peace be on the Prophet of Allah, Peace be on the Messenger of Allah,
Peace be on the beloved of Allah, Peace be on the chosen one of Allah, Peace be on the saved one by Allah, Peace be on Muhammad
the son of ‘Abd Allah’, the master and seal of the Prophets and the chosen one by Allah amongst all His creatures on the earth and
skies. Peace be on all His Prophets and Messengers; Peace be on the martyrs and upright prosperous one. Peace be on us and on
the upright slaves of Allah. Peace be on you O pure soul; Peace be on you O noble self; Peace be on you, O one with pure descent;
Peace be on you, O pure soul, Peace be on you, O son of the best creatures; Peace be on you O son of the chosen Prophet, Peace be
on you O son of one sent to all the upright ones; Peace be on you, O son of the bringer of good tidings and warner; Peace be on you, O
son of the lamp and light. Peace be upon you, O son of one supported by the Qur’an; Peace be on you O son of one sent to human
beings and Jinns; Peace be on you O son of the bearer of the flag and sign; Peace be on you O son of the intercessor on the day of
judgement; Peace be on you O son of one whom Allah drew closer with honour;
Page 79
Peace be on you, and may the mercy and blessings of Allah descent upon you I bear witness that Allah has chosen for you the abode
of his blessings before He prescribed His laws or imposed His halal and haraam so he took you towards Him as you were good, pure,
contented and purified from all impurity, sanctified from all filth and He has allocated heaven as your resting abode and elevated you to
a high station; May the blessings of Allah be upon you, blessings through which the eyes of His Prophet are delights and his greatest
hopes realized. O Allah, send your best, pure and choicest and complete blessings on Your Prophet and Messenger and Your choicest
of creatures Muhammad the seal of the Prophets and on the loins of his pure sons and on those succeeding him from his pure family,
by Your mercy, O Most Merciful One. O Allah, I ask You by the right of Muhammad Your chosen one and by Ibrahim, the Progeny of
Your Prophet that make my striving to them accepted, due to them, forgive my sins and make my life, due to them, upright and my end,
due to them, praiseworthy, my needs, due to them, fulfilled and my actions, due to them pleasing (to You) and my affairs, due to them
prosperous and my matters, due to them, commendable. O Allah, make my success complete, and free me from all troubles and
constraints. A Allah, remove Your punishment from me and grant me Your rewards; make me live in Your paradise, grant me Your
pleasure and Your safety; include in my upright supplication my parents and my children and all the believers, men and women, those
alive or dead, for You are the master of the actions which survive after the doer passes away, A’amin, O Lord of the universe.
It is better to enter from Bab-ul-Salaam and recite the du’a while near the pillar.
May Peace, mercy and blessings of Allah be upon you O Prophet. In the name of Allah and by Allah, and by what Allah wishes, peace
be on the Prophets and Messengers of Allah. Peace be upon the Prophet of Allah (SAW) peace be upon Ibrahim the friend of Allah.
Praise be to Allah the Lord of the Universe, In the name of Allah and by Allah and from Allah and to Allah, by whatever Allah wishes
and in accordance to the religion of the Prophet of Allah, peace be upon him and his family all the best names belong to Allah, praise
be to Allah. Peace be to the Prophet of Allah, peace be upon Muhammad the son of ‘Abd Allah. Peace, mercy and blessings be upon
you, O Prophet of Allah. Peace be upon the Prophets and Messengers of Allah. Peace be upon Ibrahim the friend of the Merciful One.
Peace be upon the Prophets, praise be to Allah the Lord of the Universe. Peace be upon us and on the upright slaves of Allah. O Allah
send peace on Muhammad and the family of Muhammad and bless Muhammad and the family of Muhammad and have mercy on
Muhammad and the family of Muhammad just as You sent peace and blessings and had mercy on Ibrahim and the family of Ibrahim,
You are the most Praiseworthy, most Glorious. O Allah send peace on Muhammad and the family of Muhammad Your slave and
Messenger. O Allah send Your blessings on Ibrahim, Your friend and on Your Prophets and Messengers and grant them peace, and
peace be upon the Messengers. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the Universe. O Allah open for me the doors of Your mercy, and make
me perform, deeds of Your obedience and pleasure. Protect me through the protection of faith as long as You make me live, all Praise
be to You. Praise be to Allah who has made me amongst His guests and His visitors and amongst those who enlivens His mosques
and made me
Page 81
amongst those who converses with Him. O Allah, I am Your slave, visiting Your house; whoever comes and visits there has rights (to
ask) and You are the best of hosts, and most noble to visit. I ask You O Allah, O Merciful One, You are Allah there is no Lord but You;
You have no partners You are One, Unique, Independent. You did not beget nor were You begotten nor is there anyone like You; and I
bear witness that Muhammad is Your slave and Messenger, peace be upon him and family, O Generous One, O Noble One, O
Glorious One, O All-Conquering, O Noble One. I ask You that Your first gift to me of my visiting You be that You grant me freedom
from the fire.
Then face the Khana-e-Ka’aba and raise both hands and recite the following:
O Allah, I ask You in my present position and in my first (stages of) of rituals to accept my repentance and overlook my faults and
remove my burden. Praise be to Allah who made me reach His sacred sanctuary. O Allah, I bear witness by You that this is Your
sacred sanctuary which You have made a place of return, place of safety and blessing for the people, and a source of guidance for the
Page 82
universe. O Allah, the slave is Yours, the land is yours, the sanctuary is Yours, I have come seeking Your mercy and I agree to obey
You, obeying Your commands, pleased with Your decree. I ask You like a poor person coming to You, scared of Your punishment. O
Allah, open the doors of Your mercy for me and me perform deeds of Your obedience and pleasure.
During the Tawaaf, on reaching the door of the Ka’aba in each round recite this du’a commencing with Salawat:
Your needy person is asking from You, Your poor person and beggar is at Your door, so grant him heaven. O Allah, this is Your house,
Your sacred sanctuary, I am Your slave; in this is a position of one who seeks Your protection and refuge from the hell-fire, so free me
and my parents and my family and my children and my believing brothers and sisters from the fire, O most Generous and Noble one.
On reaching Hijre Ismail, look up at the (Ka’aba) golden water spout which is at the roof and recite the following du’a:
O Allah, grant me heaven and through Your mercy protect me from the fire and keep me away from sickness, expand (the scope of) my
halaal sustenance and remove the evil corruption of the Jinn and men and the evil corruption of the Arabs and the non-Arabs from me.
O Allah, O master of health and giver of health and bestower of blessings through health, grant benefits with health to me and to all
Your creatures; O Most Merciful and Most kind One of this world and the hereafter; send Your blessings on Muhammad and his family,
grant us complete health in its perfect form and the ability to thank You for the health in this world and in the hereafter, O Most Merciful
and the Merciful ones.
Then facing the front of the Ka’aba raising both hands say this:
Praise be to Allah who has honoured You and deemed you great, praise be to Allah who sent Muhammad as Prophet and made Ali the
Imam. O Allah, guide through him the best of Your creatures and remove from him the evil of Your creatures.
In the 7th round at Mustajar (behind the Ka’aba and a little before Rukn-e-Yamani), it is recommended to stop a little and spread both
hands on the walls of the Ka’aba and, with the face and body touching the wall, recite the following du’a: O Allah, this is Your house,
Your slave; in this position I am seeking Your protection from the fire. O Allah, from You is the comfort, relief from suffering and health
(comes from You). O Allah, indeed my (good) actions are few so increase them for me and forgive what You know about me which
You have hidden from Your creatures, I seek protection by Allah from the fire. O Allah, I have (committed) multitudes of sins and
multitudes of
Page 86
slips; You have multitudes of mercy and multitudes forgiveness. O One who answered His most detestablecreatures (Satan) when he
said: “Give me respite until the day they are raised”, (O Allah), answer me (ask for your Haajat, confess your sins etc).
At the well of Zam Zam, after pouring water on the face and back and drinking it, recite:
O Allah, make it (the water a source) of beneficial
knowledge and vast sustenance and cure from every illness and sickness.
After this, perform the Saee' and at Safa facing the Khana-e-Ka’aba say 7 times:
Allahu Akbar - (There is no god but Allah)
Then read Salawat three times and read the following du’a also three times:
Allah is the greatest due to His guidance to us, Praise be to Allah for what He has bestowed upon us, Praise be to Allah, the One who
is the Ever-existent, the Ever-lasting; Praise be to Allah the Ever-existent, the Eternal-One.
oppression, O One who is just but does not oppress, have mercy on me. O One who does not disappoint the one who asks Him and
does not exhaust His gifts send Your blessings on Muhammad and his family, through Your mercy, save me from the fire.
On the fourth step at Safa facing the Ka’aba recite the following duas:
O Allah, I seek our protection from the punishment of the grave and it’s trials and it’s strangeness and loneliness and it’s darkness and
it’s narrowness and it’s straits. O Allah, shelter me with the shelter of Your throne on the day when there will be no shelter except
Yours.
When going beyond the second green pillar say the following:
O You who bestow favours and grace, has power, nobility, blessings and generosity; forgive my sins, for no one forgives sins except
You.
On reaching the hill of Marwa, recite all the duas which have been mentioned for Safa and recite this du’a too:
O Allah, O one who has commanded through forgiveness, O one who loves forgiveness, O one who gives through forgiveness, O one
who forgives through forgiveness, O Lord of forgiveness, I ask for forgiveness, forgiveness, forgiveness.
FOR HAJJ-E-TUL
th
ISLAM
On the eve of 8 of Dhulhijja when one leaves for Arafah and when nearing Munna recite the following:
O Allah, I have placed my hopes in You only, I ask from You only, so make me attain my hopes and put my affairs in order.
During the journey, make yourself busy with tasbih and the remembrance of Allah (SWT) and when nearing Arafah recite the
following.
O Allah, I have turned to You and I have depended on You and I desire You; I ask You to bless me in my journey and to fulfill my needs
and make me amongst those whom You can boast of today in front of those who are better than me.
On the day of Arafah after saying your Dhoharan Salaat on time say whilst facing the Qibla:
Recite Ayatal-Qursi, Salawat, Sura Inna Anzalna, La hawla wala quwwata illa bi’llah and also sura Tawhid. It is
Page 91
recommended to recite each of these 100 times, and together with the duas recommended for the day, recite the following:
Allah is greatest, Praise and Glory be to Allah, and there is no god but Allah. O Allah, I am Your slave so do not make me amongst the
disappointed guests. Have mercy on my travelling to You from distant areas. O Allah, the Lord of all holy places, free me from the fire
and grant me halaal sustenance and remove the evil corruption of Jinn and human beings from me. O Allah, do not plot against me
and do not deceive me and do not test me. O Allah, I ask You by Your power, generosity, nobility and bounties and grace, O best of
those who hear, O best of those who see, O quickest in reckoning, O most Merciful of the merciful ones, send Your blessings on
Muhammad and his family and do for me [Raise your both hands and ask for needs].
A’AMAL-E-ARAFAH – BY IMAM HUSSEIN A.S.
Praise belongs to Allah, whose decree none may avert, and whose gift none may prevent. No fashioner’s fashioning is like His
fashioning, and He is the Generous, the All-embracing. He brought forth the varieties of unprecedented creatures and perfected
through His wisdom all He had fashioned. Hidden not from Him are harbingers, nor lost with Him are deposits. He repays every
fashioner, feathers the nest of all who are content and has mercy upon all who humble themselves.
He sends down benefits and the all-encompassing Book in radiant light. He hears supplications, averts afflictions, raises up in degrees,
and knocks down tyrants. For there is no god other than He, nothing is equal to Him. “Like Him there is naught, and He is the Hearing,
the seeing, the subtle, the Aware and He is powerful over all things”.
O Allah, I make Thee my quest and bear witness to Thy Lordship and acknowledging that Thou art my Lord and to Thee is my return.
Thou created me from dust, then gave
Page 92
me a place in the loins (of my fathers), secure from the uncertainty of Fate and the vagaries of the ages and the years.
I remained a traveler from loin to womb in a time immemorial of past days and bygone centuries. In Thy tenderness, bounty and
goodness toward me Thou did not send me out into the empire of the leaders of disbelief, those who broke Thy covenant and cried lies
to Thy messengers. Rather Thou sent me out to that guidance which had been foreordained for me, the way, which Thou made easy
for me and in which Thou nurtured me. And before that Thou were kind to me through Thy gracious fashioning and abundant
blessings.
Thou originated my creation from a sperm-drop spilled and made me to dwell in a threefold gloom among flesh, blood and skin. Thou
gave me not to witness my creation, nor did Thou entrust me with anything of my own affair. Then thou sent me out into the world for
the guidance that had been foreordained for me, complete and unimpaired. Thou watched over me in the cradle as an infant boy,
provided me with food, wholesome milk, and turned the hearts of the nursemaids towards me. Thou entrusted my upbringing to
compassionate mothers, guarded me from the calamities brought by the jinn and kept me secure from excess and lack.
High art Thou, O Merciful! O Compassionate! Then when I began to utter speech Thou completed for me Thy abundant blessings.
Thou nurtured me more and more each year until, when my nature was perfected and my strength balanced, Thou made Thy argument
incumbent upon me by inspiring me with knowledge of Thee, awing me with the marvels of Thy wisdom, awakening me to the wonders
of Thy creation which Thou had had multiplied in Thy Heaven and Thy earth, and instructing me in Thy thanks and remembrance.
Thou made incumbent upon me Thy obedience and worship, made me to understand what Thy messengers had brought and made
easy for me
Page 93
the acceptance of Thy good pleasure. Thou were gracious to me in all of this, through Thy succour and kindness. Then, since Thou
created me from the best soil, Thou were not satisfied, my God, that I should have one blessing without another. Thou provided me
with varieties of sustenance and kinds of garments and Thy tremendous - most tremendous - graciousness to me and Thy eternal
goodness toward me.
And finally, when Thou had completed for me every blessings and turned away from me all misfortunes, Thou were not prevented by
my ignorance and audacity from guiding me toward that which would bring me nigh to Thee or from giving me success in that which
would bring me close to Thee.
For if I prayed to Thee Thou answered, if I asked of Thee Thou gave, if I obeyed Thee Thou showed Thy gratitude, all of that was to
perfect Thy blessings upon me and Thy
goodness toward me. So glory be to Thee, Glory be to Thee, who are Producer and Reproducer, Laudable, Glorious Holy are Thy
Names and tremendous Thy bounties. So which of Thy blessings, my God, can I enumerate by counting and mentioning? For which of
Thy gifts am I able to give thanks? Since they, O lord, are more than reckoners can count or those who entrust to memory can count or
those who entrust to memory can attain by knowledge. But the affliction and hardship, O God that Thou turned and averted from me is
more than the health and happiness that came to me.
And I witness, my God, by the truth of my faith, the knotted resolutions of my certainty, my pure and unadulterated profession of Unity,
the hidden inwardness of my consciousness, the places to which the streams of light of my eyes are attached, the lines on my
forehead’s surface, the openings for my breath’s channels, the parts of my nose’s soft point, the paths of my ears’ canals.
Page 94
What my lips close upon and compress, the movements of my tongue in speaking, the joining at the back of my mouth and jaw, the
sockets of my molar teeth, the place where I swallow my food and drink, that which bears my brain, the hollow passages of my neck’s
fibers, that which is contained in my breasts’ cavity, the carriers of my aorta, the places where my heart’s curtain is attached, the small
pieces of flesh around my liver, that which the ribs of my sides encompass, the sockets of my joints, the contraction of my members,
the tips of my fingers, my flesh, my blood, my hair, my skin, my nerves, my windpipe, my bones, my brain, my veins, and all of my
members, what was knitted upon them in the days when I was a suckling baby, what the earth has taken away from me, my sleep, my
waking, my being still, and the movements of my bowing and prostrating, that had I taken pains and had I striven for the duration of the
epochs and ages - were my life to be extended through them - to deliver thanks for one of Thy blessings, I would not have been able to
do so, except by Thy grace, which alone makes incumbent upon me never-ending and ever-renewed gratitude to Thee, and fresh and
ever present praise.
Indeed, and were I and the reckoners among Thy creatures ever so eager to calculate the extent of Thy bestowal of blessings, whether
past or approaching, we would fail to encompass it through numbers or to calculate it’s boundaries. Never! How could it ever be done!
For Thou announce in Thy eloquent Book and truthful Tiding, Thy Book, O God, Thy Message, has spoken the truth! And Thy prophets
and messengers delivered Thy revelation that Thou had sent down upon them and the religion that Thou had promulgated for them and
through them.
And I witness, my God, my effort, my diligence, and the extent of my obedience and my capacity, and I say as a believer possessing
certainty, “Praise belongs to God, who has not taken to Him a son” that He might have an heir,
Page 95
“and who has not any associate in His dominion” who might oppose Him in what He creates, “nor any protector out of humbleness” who
would aid Him in what He fashions. So glory be to Him, glory be to Him!
“Why, were there gods in earth and heaven other than God, they would surely go to ruin” and be rent. Glory be to God, the Unique, the
One, “the Everlasting Refuge” who “ has not begotten, nor has He been begotten, and equal to Him there is none” Praise belongs to
God, praise equal to the praise of the angels stationed near to Him and the prophets sent by Him. And God bless His elect,
Muhammad, the Seal of the Prophets, and his virtuous, pure and sincere household, and give them peace.
NAMAZ-E-SHAB
It can be prayed anytime after midnight (Midnight is the exact half between sunset and sunrise). It is better and more preferable to pray
during the last hours of the night and just before dawn so that one can stay awake and pray morning prayers before retiring.
SHORT WAY OF PRAYING NAMAZ-E-SHAB
There are a total of 11 rakaats in Namaz-e-Shab.
Start with praying 8 rakaats i.e. 4 prayers of 2 rakaats each like the subh prayer to be prayed with the Niyat of
Salaat-e-Shab. In both the rakaats recite Sura-e-Hamd followed by any other Sura. Then recite 2 rakaats with the Niyyat of Salaat-e-
Shafa, which is to be prayed like the morning prayer. After that pray 1 rakaat Salaat with the Niyyat of Salaat-e-Witr. It is prayed like
the second rakaat of Salaat-e-Subh. This one rakaat is the most important of the whole Salaat-e-shab. Details of how to pray are
described.
HOW TO PRAY SALAAT-E-WITR:
Take Tasbeeh in your hand and stand up. Make Niyyat of salaat-e-witr, say Takbeer and recite Sura-e-Hamd followed by Sura-e-Qul-
Huwallahu-Ahad three times then
Page 96
Sura-e-Qul-Audhu Bi-Rabbil Falaq and Sura-e-Qul-Audhubi-Rabbin-Naas each once.
QUNUUT:
Then say Takbeer and raise your hands for Qunuut in which any Dua may be recited. It is preferable to recite the following Dua.
“Lailaha Illalahul Haleemul Kareem; Lailaha Illalaahul Aliyyul Adheem; Subhanallahi Rabbi-s-Samawaati-s-Sab’e, Wa Rabbil
Aradheena-s-Sab’-e; Wamaa Feehinna Wamaa Baina-Hunna; Wa Rabbil Arshil Adheem; Wal Hamdulillahi Rabbil Aala Meen;
Waswallalahu Alaa Muhammadin Wa Aalheit Twaahereen.”
Then hold the Tasbee in your right hand for counting and raise your left hand pray for 40 Momineen and Mominaat whether dead or
alive in the following manner:
Finish the prayer in the usual way by going into Rukuu and Sajdah followed by Tashahud and Salaam. After finishing recite Tasbee-e-
Fatema Zehra A.S. Then make Sajda-e-Shukr.
Page 97
ZIYARAT OF SHAAM
Please refer to page numbers 5 to 14, which are very important except for a few changes for Ziyarat in Syria, which are mentioned
below.
INFORMATION FOR SYRIAN VISA.
They are very strict especially Zuwars holding Tanzanian, Kenyan, Ugandan, Indian, Pakistani and Shri Lankan passports.
You must obtain your Visa from the country of your residence before you proceed to Syria. If you are going to go to Iran then please
make sure that you have a multiple visa for Syria otherwise you will have a problem on your return from Iran.
If you have joined a group then your group organizer will be responsible for obtain your visa.
HOTELS & RESTAURANTS
In addition to five star hotels mentioned in this booklet, there are also many 2 and 3 star hotels at the city centre, known as the MERGE
which are less expensive and affordable.
There are also many restaurants at the MERGE but we will recommend two, ALI BABA and ABU KAMAL the food is also very
reasonable.
TRANSPORTATION
Taxis are very cheap in Damascus. From the city centre to Rauza of Bibi Zainab may cost you about Fifty Syrian Pounds.
TRAVELLER’S CHEQUES
It is very difficult to cash your traveler’s cheques and we advise you to carry US Dollars bills in large denomination.
Page 98
CURRENCIES.
There is an exchange control in Syria and Zuwars are advised not to cash their currency in stores but to go to the banks. It is difficult to
cash Traveler’s cheques and we recommend you carry US Dollars bills with you in large denomination for better rate. If you have
joined a group then the group leader can assist you in exchanging your currency. Exchange only what you think you will need. You will
not be able to reconvert the Syrian Pounds into US Dollars.
The rate of exchange fluctuates against the American Dollar and the rate in December 1997 was about 35/40 Syrian Pounds to one US
Dollar.
WEATHER
During the months of December, January and February are very cold and you will require thermal undergarments, winter coat and
winter gloves.
March, April, August, September and October and are pleasant months.
She was born in Medina on 1st Shabaan in the year 6 A.H. and she died in the year 62 A.H. When she was born, the Holy Prophet
(Saw) gave her the name of ‘Zainab’ by the order of the Almighty Allah (SWT). Bibi Zainab A.S. was a very clever, intelligent and pious
lady. She devoted her whole life in spreading and saving Islam. She used to teach Quraan with the meanings to the ladies of Kufa.
Imam Zainul Abedeen A.S.’s mother died when he was very young and Bibi Zainab A.S. used to take care of him. In the year 60 A.H.
she went with Imam Hussein .A.S. to
Page 99
Kerbala. On every occasion in Kerbala, Imam Hussein A.S. used to take the advice of Bibi Zainab A.S. On the day of Ashura, her two
sons, Ibrahim and Aun Mohammed sacrificed their lives for the sake of Islam. On the 11th Muharram, 60 A.H. they were taken captives
and marched through the towns of Kufa and Shaam.
For one year they stayed captives in Damascus. Bibi Zainab A.S. faced Yazid after the Tragedy of Kerbala and told him of the wrongs
he had done. She also gave very good lectures whenever she got a chance, she therefore enabled the people to know the principles
and practices of Islam and the wrong and merciless killings of the followers of Imam Hussein A.S. in Kerbala by Yazid and his army.
Due to her honesty, bravery and truthfulness, Islam spread through Shaam.
When they were released from prison, she, along with the rest of the members of Ahlul Bayt went to Medina. Even in Medina, she
continued preaching. Islam spread rapidly. The governor of Medina became very frightened and wrote to Yazid that Bibi Zainab A.S.
was in Medina and was spreading Islam quickly and that she would break his empire. Yazid gave orders that Bibi Zainab A.S. should
leave Medina and settle in a village outside Medina. Later on from there she was sent to a town called Misar which is in Egypt. She
continued spreading Islam there as well. Yazid became very scared so he once again ordered that she be taken prisoner and brought
to Shaam. When she arrived at a small village on the boundary of Shaam, she remembered where Imam Hussein A.S. head had been
kept on a farm under a tree. When she found the tree, she started crying. A man of Shaam, who was a follower and friend of Yazid,
saw her and hit her with a spade on her head. She collapsed and died. Imam Zainul Abedeen A.S. buried her there. That is how this
small town came to be known as As-Syed Zainab. According to historians, Bibi Zainab’s A.S. husband - Abdullah Ibnne Jaffar-e-Tayyar
was a very rich man. He bought the surrounding land and made the Rauza especially in the name of Bib Zainab A.S.
Page 100
In the town of Misar in Egypt, there is another Ziyarat of Bibi Zainab and the place is known as Masjid-e-Zainabia. This Bibi Zainab is
the daughter of Yahya, Yahya binte Zayed, Zayed Binte Zainul Abedeen. She is the great granddaughter of our 4th Imam Zainul
Abedeen A.S. The Bohoras go to Cairo to the Ziyarat of this Bibi Zainab.
HAJAR BIN UDAI AND HIS SONS
He was the companion of our Prophet of Islam (SAW)
and Hazrat Imam Ali A.S. He was the Commander-in-Chief of Imam Ali’s army in the battle of Siffeen. He, together with his sons and
other people, was sent by Imam Ali A.S. to see Moaviya on a special project. At the border he was recognized and was arrested along
with his people including his two sons. Moaviya asked them to renounce their allegiance to Imam Ali A.S., but they refused and stood
steadfast in their faith for Imam Ali A.S., They were killed. He witnessed his two sons being killed. They are buried here. This place is
known as MAKAME ADRA, which is about 40 km from the city.
It is narrated that Bibi Zainab A.S. has said that ‘anybody who comes for my Ziyarat and does not perform the Ziyarat of Hajar Bin Udai
then his/her Ziyarat is incomplete.
of Bibi Fatema A.S. She was also taken prisoner and brought to Shaam along with the others. When Bibi Zainab A.S. was martyred,
Bibi Kulthum A.S. was with her in Shaam. She used to live in Shaam and it is here that she passed away and is buried. Her
husband’s name was Mohamed Ibne Jaffer-e-Tayyar who was the brother of the husband of Bibi Zainab A.S., but he passed away
before the incident of Kerbala.
After the death of Bibi Fatema A.S. she continued to stay with the Ahlul Bayt, even though she had sons who were
Page 102
very rich. Imam Hussein A.S. even took her to Kerbala. On every occasion in Kerbala, she was with Bibi Zainab A.S. Imam Hussein
A.S. respected her very much. She died in Shaam and is buried there.
In Medina in the year 1 A.H., they built the Masjid and called it Masjid-e-Nabawee and Hazrat Bilal used to give
Adhaan there. In the year 8 A.H. he was ordered by the Prophet of Islam to climb on the top of Khan-e-Ka’aba and give Adhaan.
Hazrat Bilal used to love the Prophet (SAW) very much so after the death of the Prophet of Islam he migrated to Shaam. One night
Hazrat Bilal saw the Prophet of Allah (SAW) in his dream. The Prophet asked Bilal “why did you leave our home”? So Hazrat Bilal
returned to Medina.
He went to pay his respect to Bibi Fatema A.S. who asked him to please recite Adhaan. Bilal agreed at once and as soon as he started
the Adhaan, Bibi Fatema A.S. fainted. She remembered her father, the Prophet of Islam. Bibi Fizza went immediately to Hazrat Bilal
and asked him to stop the Adhaan because Bibi Fatema A.S. had fainted.
He returned to Shaam because the people of Medina used to bother Hazrat Ali A.S. and Bibi Fatema A.S. and Hazrat Bilal felt very
badly. Bilal passed away in Shaam.
RAUZA OF HAZRAT ABDULLA IBNE
IMAM ZAINUL ABEDEEN
th
A.S.
He was the son of our 4 Imam. He migrated from Medina and came to live in Shaam. He was the grandson of Imam Hassan A.S., his
mother was the daughter of Imam Hassan A.S. He was a very brave, clever and religious man and used to a lot of ‘ibadat’. He was the
younger brother of our 5th Imam - Imam Mohamed Baqir A.S. He passed away in Shaam and is buried there.
RAUZA OF BIBI FATIMA SUGHRA BINTE
IMAM HUsSein A.S.
She was the daughter of Imam Hussein A.S. Due to the fact that she was very ill, she was unable to go to Kerbala
Page 104
with her father. It was when Bibi Zainab A.S. was taken prisoner the second time and taken to Shaam that Bibi Fatema Sughra went
with her, it was here in Shaam that she passed away. This Rauza has since been closed.
GANJE SAR-E-SHOHADA-E-KERBALA.
This is situated in the compound of the Ummayad mosque. This is the place where the heads of the Martyrs of Kerbala were kept. In
the year 60 A.H. Yazid released the members of the Ahlul Bait from the prison, according to one historian, Imam Zainul Abedeen A.S.
buried all the head of the martyrs of Kerbala Here. According to another historian it is said that he went to Kerbala and buried them
there. Altogether there are 16 heads here including Hazrat Hur’s.
MUSALLA OF IMAM ZAINUL ABEDEEN A.S.
This is situated just outside Sar-e-Shohada and it is narrated that the Imam prayed here before he took the heads to Kerbala.
This place is locked but if you are lucky the guard may open it for you and you can say your two rakaats Salaat.
Place where they imprisoned the 4th imam
According to one historian, Imam Zainul Abedeen A.S. was imprisoned separately by Yazid.
She died when she was sill in prison and was first buried in the prison near Bani Ummayad but after many years, one A’alem, saw Bibi
Sakina A.S. in his dream. She asked him
Page 105
to remove her body from the grave and bury her elsewhere because water was seeping in her grave. So, with the advise of other
A’alems, the man had the grave opened. They saw that indeed the water was filling the grave. When they brought the body out the
grave they found it to be intact. The A’alem held the body in his hands till another grave was dug at another location and buried her
there and the Rauza is now known as Bibi Ruqaya A.S.
All the mountains turned in sand. The people turned into stones and were buried beneath the sand. After thousands of years by the
order of Mansur Dawaniki, during the time of our 7th Imam, a well was dug in this place. But instead of water, they found stones in the
shape of human beings. Mansur Dawaniki and the other people were very surprised. They went to our 7th Imam, Imam Musa-e-
Kadhim A.S. and asked him about this . Our Imam revealed that these are the people of Hood and because they disobeyed Allah
(SWT), He punished them by turning them into stones.
MIMBER OF IMAM ZAINUL ABEDEEN A.S.
This mimber is in the Masjid-e-Bani Ummaya where Yazid used to hold his orders. This is what we call DARBAR-E-SHAAM. It was
here that the members of Ahlul Bayt were held captive and Yazid used to mistreat them and ask them all types of questions.
Page 106
One day, Imam Zainul Abedeen A.S. got a chance to give a sermon. He climbed on the Mimber and narrated the true story of how
Imam Hussein A.S. and his followers were martyred and how Yazid used to mistreat them. Our 4th Imam preached the sermon in such
a way that all the people present in Yazid’s court started to cry. When Yazid saw that it was getting out of hand, he gave an order for
Adhaan and stopped the Imam from preaching. This is why this Mimber is known as Mimber-e-Imam Zainul Abdedeen A.S.
MUSALLA OF PROPHET KHIZER A.S.
Allah (SWT) has given him a stick with a lot of Barkat (blessings). If he puts the stick in the water, it will become a ship and if he puts it
in the earth, it will turn into a fruit-bearing tree. Prophet Khizer A.S. came into the world 300 years before Prophet Issa A.S. and he is
still alive today. He has visited al the Imams and greeted them with salaams. He also goes and greets our 12th Imam, Hazrat Mehdi
Sahebuz Dhaman A.S. now and then. It is narrated the he will re-appear with our 12th Imam A.S.
Allah (SWT) has given Prophet Khizer a gift he touches a dry stick or plant with his hands, it at once turns green.
RAASUL HUSSEIN A.S.
This is the place where the head of Imam Hussein A.S. was kept.
RAUZA OF PROPHET YAHYA BIN ZAKARIA A.S.
Prophet Yahya A.S. was martyred due to the lies of one sinful woman and his head was kept in the same place where the head of
Imam Hussein A.S. was kept.
A FOURTEEN HUNDRED YEAR OLD DOOR IN BAZAR OF SHAAM KNONW A. s. “BAB-E-FARAJ”
It is from this door that the members of Ahlul Bayt entered when they were taken to Shaam. They had to wait for 36 hours so that the
court could be decorated before they entered.
Page 107
ZIYART OF IRAN
Please refer to page numbers 05 to 14, which are very important except for a few changes to Ziyarat in Iran which, are mentioned
below.
TRANSPORTATION
Taxis are very cheap in Iran.
TRAVELLER’S CHEQUES
It is very difficult to cash your traveler’s cheques we advise you to carry US Dollars bills in large denomination.
CURRENCIES.
There is exchange control in Iran and Zuwars are advised not to cash their currency in stores but to go to the banks. It is difficult to
cash Traveler’s cheques and we recommend
you carry US Dollars bills with you in large denomination for better rate. If you have joined a group then the group organizer can assist
you in exchanging your currency.
Exchange only what you think you will need. You will not be able to reconvert the Iranian Riyals or Tumans into US
Dollars.
Page 108
The rate of exchange fluctuates against the American Dollar and the rate in December 1997 was about 350/400 Iranian to one US
Dollar.
WEATHER
Temperatures vary considerably from season to season and from one place to another. During the months of December, January,
February and March are very cold and you will require thermal undergarments, winter coat and winter gloves.
March, April, August, September and October and are pleasant months.
If you have joined a group then the organizer of your group will take care of everything.
After clearing Immigration and customs you will proceed to your hotel and rest for the night.
You are required to declare the following, and if you do not then at the time of your arrival (you may get into trouble when leaving Iran).
EXPORT ALLOWANCES
1. Every passenger may take one hand-woven carpet or two rugs (a maximum size of 12 sq. m) provided that they are not antiques.
2. Every passenger may, when departing the country, carry 150 grams of wrought gold without gems and upto 3 kgs of wrought
silverware without gems.
Our experience tells us that you should include the following items in your list of souvenirs. Saffron, pistachio, different kinds of
pastries, nuts, dates, gems like aqeeq, feeroza, dur-e-najaf and other. Also all kinds of Tasbih and small decorative placements where
you would keep your sajdagha when saying your Salaat.
TEHERAN/QUM
The next day early in the morning you should proceed to Qum to visit the Rauza of Janabe Masuma Fatema Binte Imam Musa-e-
Kadhim A.S. and the sister of Imam Redha A.S. On your way back to Teheran you should visit Masjid-e-Jumkaran, Mazaar of Imam
Khomeini and Bashete Zahra.
QUM – RAUZA OF JANAB-E-MASUMA
th
FATEMA BINTE IMAM MUSA-E-KADHIM A.S.
She was the daughter of our 7 Imam, Imam Musa-e-Kadhim A.S. and the sister of Imam Ali Redha A.S. Her mother’s name was
Ummul Banin Najma. The meaning of Qum is to “stand” as the ship of Nabi Nooh A.S. had stopped here. It is said that our 12th Imam
A.S. will start Jehad from here.
The Holy Prophet (SAW) said 150 years before the death of Masuma-e-Qum one of his daughter would be buried in
Page 110
Qum, where many Mujtahids and A’alems will be ready to preach.
After the departure of Imam Redha A.S. from Medina, she missed his brother so much that she decided to go to Mashad also known as
Khorasan to meet him. When she arrived Qum, which is on the way to Mashad, she got the news that the Imam had been poisoned
and had died.
She was very upset and became ill. Within 40 days of the death of the Imam, she passed away in Qum. When she was buried, they
found her grave had already been dug. Two men came with Nikab (covered faces) and led Namaaz-e-Janaaza and buried her. Our 7th
Imam A.S. is recorded to have said that before visiting him in Mashad you should first visit his sister in Qum, and that who ever visits
her shall enter Jannat.
MASJID-E-JUMKARAN
Hassan Bin Maslah by the order of our 12th IMAM HAZRAT MEHDI A.S built this Masjid. The Imam has said that to pray four rakaat
Salaat in this Masjid is equal to the thawab of praying inside Khan-e-Ka’aba.
It is narrated that Imam Mehdi A.S. visits this Masjid every Tuesday night. There is a well behind this Masjid and Zuwar write AREEZA
asking the Imam to take their Haajat to Allah (SWT) and they put it in this well.
Sheikh Saleh (Hassan Maslah Jamkarany) narrates in his book that one Thursday night eve 17th of Ramadhan, and he was sleeping in
Jamkaran site (small village) when suddenly he heard someone knocking at the door. He opened it and saw a couple of Sheikhs
(clergymen) who after saluting him asked him to follow them, telling him that his master wanted to see you. He went with them to a
place, where Masjid-e-Jumkaran (now stands). He saw a throne and a very nice carpet on the floor and a young man of about 30 years
of age sitting on it and he was informed that he (the person sitting on the throne) was our 12th
Page 111
Imam A.S. An old man was sitting beside him and was reading a book and more than 60 people in green and white robe were praying
around the throne. Later on, he was made to understand that the old man was Nabi Khizr A.S.
Our Imam called Sheikh Saleh by his name and told him to tell the people that they were planting on land, which was not just for
planting. They had to pay back all the profit they made from the crops and that with the proceeds they were to build a Masjid on this
land. This is a very sacred land and Allah (SWT) picked it from all others.
Sheikh Saleh told the Imam that the people would not believe him and the Imam should give him some sign or a letter. The Imam
replied that some kind of a sign at the site would be put till the people would accept his message.
So, go and deliver my message to them to build the Masjid from “ardeha” funds from our private property. Tell the people that this is a
very sacred place of they should recite four rakaats Salaat. Two rakaats with the Niyyat of "Tahiyat-e-Masjid” and the other two rakaats
are for “Imam-e-Dhamana A.S.” The Imam further said that each person that recite these four rakaats will get the thawab of reciting
inside the Khan-e-Ka'aba.
The Imam further said that among the sheep of “Jaafar Kashany”, a shepherd, there is a black and white sheep, which Sheikh Saleh
must buy and sacrifice on this land and then distribute the meat among the sick and the poor Allah (SWT) will then heal. He further
writes in his book that he returned to his house but could not get any sleep and was thinking until morning. After Salaat-e-Fajr he
immediately went to the place the Imam had mentioned and found that a boundary of chains had already been put around the land and
that was the sign of the area.
Sheikh Saleh further writes that he then went to Qum and when reaching the house that he was asked to visit, he met
Page 112
a man waiting for him at the door and said to him that his master had been waiting to see him since Fajr. He was escorted inside the
house and after exchanging salaams the Syed then asked Sheikh Saleh whether his name was Hassan Maslah, to which he replied
yes. He told me that he dreamed last night that he will be coming to see him and whatever he was asked in his dream he should act
accordingly. Sheikh Hassan Maslah, repeated his whole dream and after we went towards the land designated for the Masjid, we saw
Jaafar Kashany the shepherd and among his flock of sheep we saw the white and black sheep who was at the end of the flock. The
shepherd swore that he had never seen that sheep before in his flock and how hard he tried to catch he was not able.
The Masjid was then erected and the chains that were around the plot was removed and taken to Qum. The sick used to visit him and
rub their bodies against the chains and they would be healed.
After the death of Sheikh Hassan Maslah Jamkarany all the chains disappeared.
TEHERAN – ZIYARAATS
Rauza of Shah Abdul Azim
He was the great grandson of Imam Hassan A.S.
RAUZA OF IMAMZADA SALEH BIN
IMAM MOOSA-E-KADHIM A.S.
He was the brother of Imam Redha A.S.
RAUZA OF JANABE HAMZA BIN ABUL QASIM IBNE IMAM MOOSA-E-KADHIM A.S.
Page 113
She followed the instructions and truly “Zuljana” took her took her to Iran but her brothers in Iran did not accept her since she married
an Arab so she was very sad. She went to live on the mountains of Shimran and it is believed that she entered one of the caves and
never returned.
MASHAD
RAUZA OF IMAM ALI REDHA A.S.
He was born in Medina on Thursday 11 Zilkaad in the year 148 A.H. He was the son of our 7th Imam – Imam
th
Page 114
Musa-e-Kadhim A.S. and his mother’s name was Ummul Banin Najma. Upon the death of his father, he became Imam, at the age of
35 years. Imam Redha A.S. lived in Medina, but Mamoon invited him to Mashad also known as Khorasan. Mamoon’s main aim was to
subdue the troubled Persian Province and he realized that Imam Redha A.S. was the only person who can achieve peace in Iran
formerly known as Persia.
The Imam was reluctant to leave Medina, where he was leading a quite life, but under the circumstances, he had no choice, so he
came to Khorasan. On arrival, Mamoon
gave the Imam a royal reception and treated him with honour and declared his intention of making the Imam his successor. Imam
Redha A.S. told Mamoon openly “I know why you are doing this but there is no point in refusing because my death will come before
yours.” Mamoon forced the Imam and thus on 27th Ramadhan in the year 201 A.H., Imam Redha A.S. was officially designated as
Mammon’s heir. A gold coin was minted in the name of the Imam A.S. Distribution of this coin amongst the people subdued the
enemies of the emporia and Mamoon’s purpose was accomplished. Within 18 months, Persia was under control. Later Mamoon
poisoned the Imam by feeding him with poisoned grapes, and made a great show of his sorrow. Thus our 8th Imam – Imam Ali Redha
A.S. died on 17th Safar 203 A.H. at the age of 55 years and is buried here.
Our Imam is also well known as “Imam Dhamin” and this is due to a famous story narrated by historian that one day was travelling he
saw a hunter capture a deer and wanted to slay it but he saw that the dear was crying and had tears in her eyes. The deer addressed
our Imam in her language, and told him that she had babies who needed to be fed by her and that he should request the hunter to let
her go and feed her babies first. The Imam fully understood the language of the dear and told the hunter to let the deer go and that
after she fed her babies she would return to the hunter. The hunter was not prepared to listen
Page 115
to this and told the Imam if he will guaranty the return of the mother deer then, he will let her go. The Imam guaranteed and that is why
he is known as Imam Dhamin.
If you visit the huge lecture room which was been built after the birth of the Islamic Republic of Iran you will see the artist has beautiful
drawn the story of the deer on one of the walls.
GOHARSHAD MASJID
It is said that Goharshad Khatoon, wife of an Indian King whose name was Shah Rukh Mirza, built this Masjid.
MUSEUM OF QURAAN IN THE HARAM OF THE RAUZA OF IMAM REDHA A.S.
One should not miss the opportunity to visit this museum. It has pages of the Quraan written by hand by Imam Ali A.S., Imam Zainul
Abedeen A.S. and other Imams.
LUNCH AS A GUEST OF IMAM REDHA A.S.
You may not get this opportunity again. You should take your passport and go to the office of Pilgrims which is situated in the Haram of
Imam Redha’s A.S. They will mark your passport and give you a ticket for the meal. At this restaurant they feed 4000 Zuwar each day.
Thousands of Iranians have to wait for years before they get a chance to have a meal at this restaurant.
They serve you a good portion of rice and chicken and one cannot finish it, besides at the entrance you will find thousands of Iranian
begging you to bring them some food (Niaz) from the Restaurant. We suggested you take with you a few zip lock bags and put the
food in it and when you come out you can distribute them to the people waiting for this once in a lifetime “Tabaruk” but you must be very
careful because they will jump on you like bees jump on the beehive.
There are many Ziyarat around Mashad and you should try and visit them all.
Page 116
There is also a spring water coming out from the rocks and is said to be a Miracle of our Imam where people drink the water in a special
bowl for Shafa.
TOMb OF ATTR
He was a poet.
TOMB OF KAMAL-AL-MULK
He was also a great artist.
TOMB OF OMAR KHAYYAM
He was an astronomical mathematician and a famous poet. His work is well known in the Muslim world.
Page 117
RAUZA OF SAYYED IBRAHIM A.S.
He was the brother of Imam Redha A.S. and was also executed by the Bani Abbsi representative
YOUR ZIYARAT OF IRAN IS NOW ALMOST COMPLETE AND YOU HAVE TWO CHOICES EITHER RETURN TO DAMASCUS OR
PROCEED TO IRAQ. WE RECOMMEND YOU GO TO IRAQ FROM AMMAN, JORDAN
TEHERAN/DAMASCUS/AMMAN
Your flight by Air Iran is late in the evening and you will arrive Damascus sometime 8:00 PM. Usually all Rauza in Damascus are
closed after Isha Salaat. If you arrive on a Thursday night you may be lucky if your flight is not delayed then you proceed to Rauza of
Bibi Zainab A.S. direct from the airport before you go to your hotel.
Our experience tells us that it is better to go to Iraq from Amman, Jordan, because there is a good traffic on this road. You can also go
from Iran but there you have change the buses at the border and you may have to walk about a half km to the Iraqi border and get your
Immigration and customs cleared there.
They are talking of opening the road from Damascus but up to now it has not materialised. Of course the traveling time may be
reduced by about 3 to 4 hours on this route.
Another reason to go from Amman is that you can visit Baitul-Muqaddas and other Ziyarat both in and around Amman and in and
around Baitul-Muqaddas.
Page 118
Amman - jordan
INFORMATION FOR JORDANIAN VISA.
They are very strict especially Zuwars holding Tanzanian, Kenyan, Ugandan, Indian, Pakistani and Shri Lankan passports.
You must obtain your Visa from the country of your residence before you proceed to Syria. If you are going to go to Baitul-Muqaddas
and or Iraq then please make sure that you have multiple visas for Jordan otherwise you will have difficulties returning from Baitul-
Muqaddas or Iraq.
Canadians and Americans can obtain their visa at the Amman airport, but we still recommend you obtain it from Canada and the United
States before you travel to Jordan.
If you have joined a group, the organizer (of your group) will be responsible for obtaining your visa.
TRAVELLER’S CHEQUES
Traveler’s cheques can be easily cashed at shops and hotels.
CREDIT CARDS
All major credit cards are acceptable in all shops and hotels in Jordan.
CURRENCIES
There is no exchange control in Jordan but their money, which is known as JD, is expensive. In December 1997 one JD was equal to
2.5 American Dollars.
Page 119
WEATHER
During the months of December, January, February and March are very cold and you will require thermal undergarments, a winter coat
and winter gloves.
March, April, August, September and October and are pleasant months.
Canadians and Americans can obtain their visa at the Israel border, but we still recommend that you make arrangements with any Tour
Operator in Amman to obtain
Page 120
for you the Israeli Visa on a piece of paper.
If you have joined a group then the organizer of your group will be responsible for obtaining your Visa.
March, April, August, September and October and are pleasant months. June and July are very hot.
AMMAN/BAIT-UL-MUQADDAS
If you intend to go to Bait-ul-Muqaddas then make sure you make arrangements with a Tour Operator before your arrival in Amman
otherwise it may day you days before you can obtain a visa from Amman. Usually the Tour Operator makes arrangements to drive you
to the Israeli border where you have to clear Immigration and Customs. There are no problems with Canadian and American Passport
holders. Others Nationalities could be a problem.
Please make sure you tell your Tour Operator that the
Page 121
Israeli Visa should not be stamped in your passport otherwise you will not be able to visit any Arab Countries.
The Tour Operator who will be responsible looking after you in Israel will come and pick you up at the border and drive you to Bait-ul-
Muqaddas.
BAIT-UL-MUQADDAS
This was our first Qibla before it was changed to Khan-e-Ka’aba in Makkah. The event took place at Masjid-e-Qiblatain in Medina.
MASJID-E-AQSA
TOMB OF NABI MUSA A.S.
Bethlehm city where nabi isa a.s. was born
There are many Christians and Muslims historical monuments. If time permits, visit the Diamond Factory.
Al-quds/amman
After you return to Amman from Al-Quds first you should try to rest for a night and prepare yourself for the long bus journey to Iraq.
IF YOU ARE GOING FOR ZIYARAT TO IRAQ THEN PLEASE CONTINUE READING
Page 122
ZIYARAT OF IRAQ
Please refer to page numbers 10 to 14, which are very important except for a few changes for Ziyarat in Iraq, which are mentioned
below.
INFORMATION FOR IRAQ VISA
You must obtain your Visa from the country of your residence before you proceed to Iraq. If you are going to go to Iraq from
Amman, Jordan, then please make sure that you have multiple visas for Jordan otherwise you will have problem when you return from
Iraq.
At the Iraqi border you will have to take an Aid test and you will have to pay US$50 cash for it. Some groups include this in their cost.
We highly recommend that you join a group for going to Iraq for Ziyarat.
The United States has a Presidential decree that no American citizen is permitted to go into Iraq, if they do so and the government
comes to learn of it they may be denied entry into the United States. Therefore, Zuwars are cautioned that the groups they are joining
do not get the Iraqi visa stamped in the passport; it should be obtained on a piece of paper, which does not present a problem.
Even the Canadian Government will not be able to help Canadians if they get stuck in Iraq. So it is important to join a respectable and
well-known group.
ITEMS TO TAKE WITH ON YOUR IRAQ TRIP
List of items
01) One bottle of Shampoo and soap.
02) One can dusting powder.
03) One toothbrush and toothpaste.
04) One hairbrush or comb.
05) One travelling money pouch for safe keeping your valuables.
Page 123
06) Four shirts, two pants, two pajamas and some undergarments for men.
07) Four sets of Shalwaar Kurta or long dress and some undergarments for women.
08) One Janamaaz (Mussalla).
09) One travelling alarm clock.
10) One pair of rubber slippers and one pair of very comfortable shoes for daily wear.
11) You should take enough prescription medicine to last you during the entire trip and you should carry them in your hand luggage.
Also please make sure to take some Tylenol and cough drops like ‘Bradasol’ for sore throat.
12) A First Aid Kit.
13) If you wear prescription glasses then it is highly recommended to carry (with you) an extra pair.
14) Packages of soup, dry snacks, tea, coffee, coffee mate, cookies, chevda, Ghanthia, chewing gum, candies, and chocolates etc.
To buy these from Iraq is difficult.
15) There is a lot of poverty in Iraq so if you can then take some clothes and medicine to give them away to the needy. You might
want also to take some candies and chocolates for the children near the Haram.
HOTELS
The quality of hotels in Iraq is not very high standard. Most of the Hotels in Kerbala and Najaf are poorly equipped and do not have
English style bathrooms in all the rooms, so if you are disabled please make sure you carry (with you) a portable toilet.
CURRENCIES
There is exchange control in Iraq and Zuwars are advised not to cash their currency in stores but to ask their group organizer to
exchange their money for them through the Tour Operator. We recommend you carry US Dollars bills (with you) in a mix denomination.
Have some dollar bills to give away as ‘Baqshees”.
Page 124
The exchange rate varies from month to month. You will not be able to reconvert the Iraqi Dinar to US Dollars. Last December 1997
the rate was about 1600 Iraqi Dinar to one US Dollar.
WEATHER
During the months of December, January, February and March are very cold and you will require thermal undergarments, winter coat
and winter gloves.
AMMAN/NAJAF
Najaf is about 53 miles from Kerbala. It has been narrated that there was a huge mountain where the city of Najaf is now. When
Prophet Nooh A.S. son refused to
get in the ark, he got on that mountain thinking it would save him from drowning.
Prophet Nooh A.S. prayed to the Almighty Allah to save his son but Allah’s reply was that he could not accept his prayers as his son
had disobeyed Allah’s instructions to get into the ship.
The mountain suddenly fell to pieces and an ocean gushed out. This ocean was called NAY. After several years the ocean dried up
and the place was then called NAY-JAFF (Dry Ocean). Later it came to be known as NAJAF.
It is also the city of Madressas for Ulemas and many renowned Ulemas like Ayatoullah Burujardi, Ayatoullah Mohsin Hakim, The Grand
Ayatoullah Abul Qassim El Khoue are buried in and around the Holy Haram of Imam Ali A.S.
HAZRAT IMAM ALI A.S.
He was the son of Hazrat Abu Talib and Bibi Fatema Binte Asad. The Prophet of Islam (SAW) raised him. He was
Page 125
always protecting the Holy Prophet during his Prophetic Mission.
He was married to the only daughter of the Prophet of Allah (SAW), Bibi Fatema Zehra A.S. and he was the proud father of Imam
Hassan A.S., Imam Hussein A.S., Bibi Zainab A.S. and Hazrat Abbas A.S.
He was the hero of many the battle of Islam. It is narrated that the Prophet on many occasion said that “Ali is never separated from the
truth and the truth is never separated from him”
At Ghadeer the Prophet proclaimed Imam Ali A.S. to be his brother and the leader of Muslims after him, but the people of the time
ignored this and chose another leader whilst Imam Ali A.S. was busy with the burial rituals for the Prophet.
When the third elected leader was killed the people of the time begged Imam Ali A.S. to be the ruler. He accepted and ruled with
justice and truth in the Islamic way.
On the 19th of Ramadhan, in the Masjid of Kufa, (while he was praying Fajr Salaat), he was struck by Abdul Rehman Ibne Muljim (may
the curse of Allah fall upon him) with a sword. He died two days later and is buried in Najaf where Inshallah you will visit to pay your
respect.
PROPHET ADAM A.S.
The first Prophet of Allah, was Prophet Adam A.S. who was created from clay by the spirit of Allah (SWT).
As soon as he was created, all the angels were ordered to prostrate to him. All obeyed except Shaitaan. Shaitaan was then ordered to
leave Heaven, which he did. However, requested Allah to allow him to live as long as human beings live on the earth. His wish was
granted.
Page 126
One day Shaitaan came and fooled Prophet Adam A.S. and Bibi Hawwa A.S. to eat a fig from a tree. They ate the fig, which Allah
(SWT) had ordered them not to touch. go near that tree. Immediately they realised their mistake and asked Allah (SWT) to forgive
them. They were forgiven but were asked to leave Jannat and live on the earth.
Hazrat Adam is buried next to Prophet Nooh A.S. and Imam Ali A.S. is buried next to Prophet Nooh A.S.
PROPHET NOOH A.S.
The people were giving Prophet Nooh A.S. a very hard time and were not prepared to accept that they should believe in one God. So,
Allah (SWT) asked him to build an ark (ship) on which only the believing people could board with various kind of animal. The
disbeliivers including one of his sons refused to board the Ark stayed behind on the mountain. The mountain crushed and all the bad
people who took refuge on it were drowned.
ALLAMA HILLI A.R.
He derived the name ‘Hilli’ from the village in the out -skirt of Najaf where he was born. He became a Mujtahid before he was baligh.
He was one of the greatest “Uremia” and he died in Hilla. He is buried in the “Sahan” of Imam Ali's A.S. Rauza.
MUQADDAS ARDEBILLI A.R.
It is narrated that he once went to get water to perform wudhoo from a well. Instead of the water a he treasure came out. He put them
back saying that he wanted water for wudhoo not treasures. He is buried in Najaf and his real name is Mullah Ahmed bin Mohamed.
He too is just buried in the ‘Sahan’ of Imam Ali A.S. Rauza.
MAKAM-E-IMAM ZAINUL ABEDEEIN A.S.
This is the place where Imam Zainul Abedeen A.S. used to spend hours in prayers. He like this place because if faces the Rauza of
Imam Ali A.S. Zuwar visit this place and recite munajats.
Page 127
Prophet Hood A.S. repeatedly warned them to give up worshipping the idols and to turn towards one God but they did not listen. Allah
(SWT) punished them and they
were all killed except Prophet Hood A.S. and a few believers. His tomb is at Wadius Salaam, in Najaf.
PROPHET SALEH A.S.
Allah (SWT) sent Prophet Saleh A.S. to Thamood. Allah sent a she-camel and instructed Prophet Saleh A.S. to tell the people of
Thamood that they should not kill it. They did not listen and killed the she-camel. Allah (SWT) punished them by sending an
earthquake and fire and they were all destroyed. His tomb is at Wadius Salaam.
Some 400 km from Medina in Saudi Arabia there is a city known as “Madain Saleh”. Many foreigners go to visit the ruins of this city.
Allah (SWT) brought his curse on this city and the people there in.
MAKAM-E-SAHEB-UL ASR A.S.
It is narrated that Saheb-ul Asr visits this place which is in the boundaries of Wadius Salaam.
MAKAM-E-IMAM JAFFER SADIQ A.S.
This is also in the boundaries of Wadius Salaam.
TOMB HAZRAT KUMAIL A.R.
He was one of the favorite companion of Imam Ali A.S. IMAM ALI A.S taught the famous dua Kumail that is recited on every Thursday
to him.
TOMB OF HAZRAT RASHID HIRJI A.R.
He was the companion of Imam Ali A.S. who had come from Yemen to Kufa. He was one of the most important friend of our Imam.
One day Imam Ali A.S. asked him “what will you do if BenoUmaya asks you to leave me?”
Page 128
Rashid Al Hijri in turn asked our Imam “that if I do not leave you what will be my fate?” The Imam, replied “in that case you will be with
me in Jannat”, to which Rashid Al Hijri replied, “so I will not leave you.”
It is narrated that after the Shahadat of our Imam, Abidalla Ben Ziad sent for Rashid Al Hijri and asked him
to curse Imam Ali A.S. and his sons. When he refused to do so his hands and feet were cut off. Rashid Hijri continued to praise Imam
Ali A.S. and Abidalla asked him to stop, but he would not, so his tongue was cut off.
MASJID-E-HANNAANA
This Masjid is between Kufa and Najaf. The fazilat of this Masjid is that when Hazrat Imam Hassan A.S. and Hazrat Imam Hussein
A.S. together with others carried the ‘Janaza’ of Hazrat Imam Ali A.S. from Kufa to Najaf they passed near this Masjid. At that time the
pillars of this Masjid inclined for “ta’azim.”
It is narrated that Hannan use to be a Church. When IMAM HUSSEIN A.S. was martyred on the 10th of Muharram, BenoUmaya
carried his head on a plate. When BenoUmaya passed by this church, now Masjid, the priest noticed that the face of Imam Hussein
A.S. was shinning with light (noor) was coming out and was reciting an Ayah from the Holy Quran. So, the priest asked BenoUmaya to
leave the head with him for one night and
he addressed the head "who are you?" and the head replied I am Hussein Bin Ali and my grandfather is Prophet Muhammad (SAW)
and BenoUmaya in Kerbala killed me. The priest was moved with the reply and he immediately accepted Islam.
ZIYARATS IN HILLA
HAZRAT HAMZA A.S.
One of Hazrat Abbas A.S. son’s whose name was Ubaydullah was a resident of Medina. He was a great scholar of his time and he left
a son named Hassan who
Page 129
also was a great scholar and Hazrat Hamza A.S. happens to be one of his sons. So he is the great grandson of Hazrat Abbas A.S.
This great sacrifice ensured the survival of Islam as long as the world exists. It is highly recommended (Makhsusi) to be in Kerbala on
a Thursday Night for the Ziyarat of Imam Hussein A.S., and his companions.
Page 130
Under the Dome and just touching the Zaree of our Imam is a piece of red coloured stone where we are told that we should recite two
rakaat Salaat and ask for our Haajat which Inshallah will be fulfilled.
There are only four places where you can recite full Salaat even though the condition of ten days is not met. They are in Medina,
Makkah, Rauza of Imam Hussein A.S. under the Dome and Masjid-e-Kufa.
HAZRAT ALI AKBAR A.S.
He was Imam Hussein’s A.S. eldest son. He was 18 years old when he gave his life for Islam on the fields of Kerbala. It is narrated
that whenever Imam Hussein A.S. wanted to do Ziyarat of the Prophet of Allah, he would look at Hazrat Ali Akbar A.S. because of his
resemblance to the Holy Prophet.
On the morning of Ashura at the time of Fajr Salaat, Imam Hussein A.S. asked Ali Akbar A.S. to recite Adhaan.
The Imam covered him with his Aba and took him towards the army of Yazid. Yazid thought that the Imam had brought the Holy Quran
and was going to ask for mercy, but instead the Imam put the baby on the hot sand of Kerbala and spoke to the army loudly and told
them that if he (the Imam) was at fault then the 6 months old baby was not and that they should come and give the baby some water.
Page 131
They did not but instead Hurmala (may curse of Allah on him) pulled a three headed arrow and aimed at the baby piercing his little neck
and the arm of Imam Hussein A.S.
GANJ-E-SHOHADA
This is a mass grave where all the Shohad-e-Kerbala are buried. It is narrated that even Shah Qassim the son of Imam Hassan A.S. is
buried in here.
QATLAGHA
This is the place where Shimr Maloon (may the curse of Allah be upon him) sat on Imam Hussein’s A.S. chest and martyred him..
HAZRAT HABIB IBNE MAZAHIR A.S.
He was the childhood friend of Imam Hussein A.S. When he reached Kerbala and so that the army of Yazid surrounded him he sent a
letter to Habib informing him of the situation and asking him to come to Kerbala to help the Imam. Immediately, Habib came to Kerbala
and went to fight for Islam and was martyred on the day of Ashura.
His tomb is just outside one of the doors to the Rauza of Imam Hussein A.S.
HAZRAT IBRAHEEM BIN MUSA KADHIM A.S.
At one time he was the governor of Yemen. He was the grandfather of Sayed Murtaza A.R. and too was martyred by the Abbaside
Caliph.
KHAIMAGAH
This is just behind Tille-Zainabia. Here all the tents of Imam Hussein A.S., his family and companions were pitched.
RAUZA OF HAZRAT ABBAS A.S.
He was the stepbrother of Imam Hussein A.S. and his mother’s name is Ummul-Banin. When Imam Ali A.S. was on his death bed he
called Hazrat Abbas A.S. and put his hands in the hands of Imam Hussein A.S. and told Hazrat Abbas that this, pointing to Imam
Hussein A.S. is your master and that you are like his slave so on in Kerbala on the day of Ashura you must help him and fight for Islam
until death. Hazrat Abbas A.S. just proved that on the day of Ashura.
It is said that the distance between the Rauza of Imam Hussein A.S. and Hazrat Abbas A.S. is the same as the distance between Safa
and Marwa in Makkah.
Under the Rauza of Hazrat Abbas A.S. there is a river running and is called Al-Kamma, though they have closed the entrance and is
opened only to high dignitaries coming to Iraq from other countries.
It is narrated that a King by the name of Al-Kamma had stopped at Kerbala and was very sad. So he tried to find out what this place
was and why it looked very sad to him. The people told him that this place is called Kerbala and one of the son’s of Prophet
Muhammad (SWT) and his family will be martyred here on the day of Ashura and they will be denied water of the river Euphrates which
we call ‘Furat”
The king felt sorry and ordered that a canal be dug from the river Euphrates to the place where now stands the Rauza of Hazrat Abbas
A.S. unfortunately this did not help Imam Hussein A.S. on the day of Ashura.
Page 133
KAFL ABBAS
Kafl Abbas means the arm of Hazrat Abbas A.S. There were two spots near by outside the Haram of Hazrat Abbas A.S. One was
destroyed during the Persian Gulf war and the second one is still there.
HAZRAT HURR A.S.
He was the commander of one of the Yazid’s battalion and he was sent by Yazid to stop Imam Hussein A.S., his family and
companions from going to Kufa unless and until Imam Hussein A.S. gives ‘Bayat” (allegiance) to Yazid. When he arrived at the Imam’s
camp, he (Hurr) and his entire battalion including horses were dying of thirst. Immediately Imam Hussein A.S. gave orders to Hazrat
Abbas A.S. that they be given water until their thirst including the horses are quenched, though the were the enemies of the Imam.
On the night of Ashura Hurr could not sleep after hearing the cries of small children from Imam Hussein’s camps crying for water. Early
in the morning he asked his servant to tie his hands behind his backs and he went straight to Imam’s camp. When he was near the
came he came down his horse and walked to where the Imam was and fell on his knees asking for forgiveness. Imam raised him up
and told him that Allah (SWT) has forgiven you.
Hurr asked permission from the Imam to go and fight for Islam which he did but after sometime he was martyred and he is buried about
3 miles away from the city of Kerbala.
RAUZA OF JANAB-E-AUN A.S.
He was the son of Bibi Zainab A.S. and he too was killed on the day of Ashura. He is buried some 10 miles from the city of Kerbala.
RAUZA OF MOHAMED & IBRAHIM
They were the two sons of Hazrat Muslim Bin Aqeel A.S. and they were going to Imam Hussein A.S. to give him the
Page 134
message that their father had been killed. They were caught by Haris (may Allah send His curse upon him).
They are buried about 25 miles from the city of Kerbala in the Musayyab area.
ZIYARAT IN MADAYAN
MAZAAR OF SALMAN-E-FARSI A.R.
His original name of Rozeba and he was an Iranian from Iran formerly known as Persia. The Prophet of Allah (SAW) changed his
name to Salman.
IMAM ALI A.S. made him a governor of Madayan but he died at the age of 88 years, a few weeks after his arrival in Madayan.
It is said that when he came to Kerbala, he first went to Nehr-e-Furat, did Ghusl wore Ihram and then visited the graves of the Shohada-
e-Kerbala.
In the year 1934, Nuripasha the Vazir (Vice-President) of Shah Faisal the king of Iraq at that time, so a dream for three continuous days
whereby Jabir told him that water was coming into his grave and that of Huziafa’s. He asked him to transfer them to another grave.
Nuripasha narrated the dream to Shah Faisal who said that he also had the same dream.
Page 135
It was decided to transfer the bodies to another grave, which was announced. On 26th March 1934 and it was announced in the PTI
News Agency worldwide. Some Germans reports also came to witness the transfer of the bodies. When the bodies were taken out of
the graves they were intact with the same Kafan. Even the eyes were wide open with so much ‘noor’ and the hair of beard was still wet
as if the bodies had just been given Ghusl. t. Salaat-e-Mayyat was prayed again. The army saluted and the bodies were transferred to
another gravesite next to Hazrat Salaman-e-Farsi A.R. Many Germans reporters when witnessing this accepted Islam.
TAK-E-KISRA
This used to be the summer palace of the King of Persia whose name was Nausherwaan. Because it can get very cold in Iran during
winter. He built this some 1700 years ago and used to come and stay there during the severe winter months.
It is narrated that when the Prophet of Allah (SAW) was born, the famous arch in it, which is known as the Arch of, Catesiphon,
developed cracks in it. Visitors can still see the arch as well as the cracks in it.
Masjid-e-KUFA
It is narrated that many Prophets have visited this Masjid and have performed Salaat, that is why there are many places where Zuwar
recite Ziyarat and perform two rakaat Salaat. You will find the sketch of the Masjid on page number 139.
1. MAIN ENTRANCE
2. MAKAM-E-HAZRAT EBRAHIM A.S.
This is the same Prophet that built the Ka’aba in Makkah and was ready to sacrifice his son Hazrat Ismaeel at Munna.
4. PLACE OF MIRACLE
It is narrated that during the time Imam Ali A.S. a group of people wanted to stone a woman to death because they thought that she had
committed adultery as her stomach was bulging just like that of a pregnant woman.
Imam Ali A.S. had happened to be present at this place and he was asked to give his decision. Imam Ali A.S. asked them to bring a big
tub and told them to fill it with water and put a curtain round it. Then she asked the woman to go and sit in this tube, which she did and
after
some time her stomach returned to her normal shape and it was proved that she was not pregnant.
There is also a room where it is said that Imam Ali A.S. was given Ghusl at the place.
Further up there is a well and Zuwar take the water for Tabaruk. It is better to put on your arms and forehead and just touch the tongue
for Shafa.
MATHAM BIN TAMMAR A.R.
He was a close companion of Imam Ali A.S. and also was his business partner running a date shop. The name Tammar is derived
from Tamr that means dates. He too was killed for his love of Imam Ali A.S.
It is narrated that a wealth businessman came to Najaf from Karachi with his son who had blood cancer. He visited Imam Ali’s A.S.
Rauza in Najaf he cried, prayed and made a wish that if his son is cured then he will get any kind of work to be done at the Imam’s
Rauza. With the blessings of Allah (SWT) and the dua of Imam Ali A.S. his son recovered completely and as he had made a wish he
went back to Najaf and asked the Mutavallis if there is any work that has to be done or completed at the Imam.s Rauza.
The Mutavallis replied that off hand they do not know but they will think about it. At night when the Mutavalli was sleeping he dreamed
that Imam Ali told him that do not do any work in my Rauza, but instead, build the Rauza of Maytham’s properly because it is in very
bad shape. So the work was done on Maytham’s Rauza.
RAUZA OF ZAID BIN ALI BIN ALHUSSAIN
BIN IMAM ALI A.S.
Al Hajjaj asked Zaid Bin Ali to curse Imam Ali A.S. otherwise he will be killed. He refused, so he was killed
Page 139
SKETCH OF MASJID-E-KUFA
1. - Main entrance 10. - Makam-e-Jibra’el A.S.
2. - Makam-e-Hazrat Ibrahim A.S. 11. - Makam-e-Imam jaffer Sadiq A.S.
3. - Makam-e-Hazrat Khizer A.S. 12. - Makam-e-Imam Zainul Abedeen A.S.
4. - Place of Miracle 13. - Makam-e-Hazrat Nooh A.S..
5. - Court of Hazrat Imam Ali A.S. 14. - Shahadat Place of Imam Ali A.S.
6. - Well of Hazrat Nooh A.S. 15. - Night prayers place of Imam Ali A.S.
7. - Entrance to the well 16. - Rauza of Hazrat Muslim Bin Aqil A.S..
8. - Makam-e-Hazrat Muhammad A.S. 17. - Mazaar of Hazrat Mukhtar A.R.
9. - Makam-e-Hazrat Adam A.S. 18. – Mazaar of Hazrat Hani Ibne Urwa A.R.
Page 140
SKETCH OF MASJID-E-SAHLA
1. – General entrance 06, - Makam-e-Hazrat Idris A.S.
2. – Place for Wadhu 07. - Makam-e-Hazrat Khizer A.S.
3. – Main entrance 08. - Makam-e-Imam Zainul Abedeen A.S.
4. – Makam-e-Saleheen 09. - Makam-e-Imam Jaffer Sadiq A.S.
5. – Makam-e-Hazrat Ibrahim A.S. 10. - Makam-e-Imam Hujjat A.S.
Page 141
and his body was hung on the palm tree for four years till he was dried and the palm tree started growing branches besides the main
trunk of the tree, which is unusual, but it grew and is still there until this day. We have been told there is no such kind of a tree
anywhere in Iraq. If the palm tree with all it’s extension is cut it at the top, it will be noticed that it forms a letter ‘Allah” in Arabic. This
can be witnessed in one of our Ziyarat videocassette.
MASJID-E-SA’ASA IBNE SANHAN A.R.
It is believed that here too the head of Imam Hussein A.S. was kept when Yazid was taking the heads of the Shoahada and the Bibi
from Kerbala to Damascus via Kufa.
MASJID-E-SAHLA
It is the second most important Masjid after Kufa. It is also the house of Prophet Idrees A.S., Prophet Ibrahim A.S. and Prophet Khizer
A.S.
At all places mentioned on page 140 Ziyarat is recited and two rakaat Salaat is prayed by all Zuwar.
It is also narrated that all the Prophets who were sent to this earth by Allah (SWT) had prayed in this Masjid and any Momineen who
prays in this Masjid will come back to visit it again. There is also a rock there which has all the names of all the Prophets. It is also
said that if one asks for Haajat here with a clean heart will Inshallah be fulfilled.
It is also believed that the Angles come to pray in this Masjid and also Imam Saheb-ul-Dhaman is always present in this Masjid for
Ziyarat on Tuesday nights between Salaat-e-Maghribain and Isha.
There are many Musallas where many Prophets and Imam have prayed and you can follow the sketch of Masjid-e-Sahla given on page
142.
samarrah
Samarrah used to be the capital of Iraq and is situated on the banks of river Tigris. The old city has, however, turned into ruins. The
new city is located around the Rauza that contains four tombs.
RAUZA OF IMAM ALI NAQI A.S.
He is our 10 Imam and he was the one that completed the rules of Taqlid to prepare believers for the occultation of 12th Imam.
th
RAUZA OF
th
IMAM HASSAN ASKARI A.S.
He is our 11 Imam and was kept under house arrest for a very long time. He was kept there because the ruler of the time did not want
him to have a son, just like at the time of Hazrat Mussa A.S.
He was married to Bibi Nargis Khatun A.S. who gave birth to our 12th Imam. He became an Imam at the age of about four and half
years when his father Imam Hassan Askari A.S. passed away. He led the Salaat-e-Mayyat of his father.
BIBI HAKIMA KHATUN A.S.
She taught Bibi Nargis Khatun A.S. about the rules of religion. She was present when the 12th Imam was born.
When our 11th Imam was put in jail, Bibi Hakima Khatun A.S. used to answer all the masaels, which the Shia Umah used to ask her.
She was a very learned and pious lady.
BIBI NARGIS KHATUN A.S.
She was a princes from Roman who became a Muslim after seeing Bibi Fatema Zehra A.S. and the Holy Prophet (SAW) in her dream.
She was the mother of our 12th Imam Mahdi A.S.
Our 11th Imam told Bibi Nargis Khatun A.S. that the army will enter our house to check whether any child is born to which Bibi Nargis
Khatun A.S. told Imam, “Please pray for
Page 144
me that I die before they enter our house and make me their captive. She died before our 11th Imam’s shahadat.
He has the same name as our Holy Prophet that is Muhammad. He was born in Sammarrah and was under his father’s care until his
father was martyred. He became the Imam at the age of four and half years and went into occultation. He was only available to his
deputies who were Uthman bin Saeed, Mohammed bin Uthman, then Husayn bin Rooh and finally Ali bin Muhammed Samarri. When
the last of them was to die, Imam wrote to tell him that there would be more deputies after him and that he (Imam) was going into
occultation until Allah (SWT) willed him to re-appear.
MAKAM-E-GHAIBAT OF OUR 12TH IMAM
th
A.S.
This is in the basement of the house of the 11 Imam A.S. where the shrine now stands. The entrance has been opened from the
courtyard. It is said that this was the house of Bibi Nargis and our 12th Imam was last seen here.
SYED MUHAMMED IBNE IMAM ALI NAQI A.S.
He was the son of Imam Ali Naqi A.S. the place where his Rauza is used to be the cemetery of Shias. During the time of Hajjaj bin
Yusuf thousands of shias were imprisoned here and when they died were buried there. No Shia was allowed to leave the area and
because of the torment thousands of them died.
This Rauza is very famous for couples who come to make a Nadr (wish) that they be blessed with a child. It is in Balad a small village
near Samarrah.
Page 145
KADHMAIN
It is a twin city of Baghdad and just a bridge between them separates these two cities.
He is our 7th Imam and he was given the title of Kadhim that means one who swallows his anger. He also has another title that is
Baabul Hawaaj, which literally means the door of fulfillment of wishes.
Harun Rashid had imprisoned our Imam and then poisoned him and left his body on the bridge of Baghdad. His body stayed on the
bridge for three days then his followers buried him.
If you are lucky to be present in Kadhmain on a Thursday night you will see that it is difficult to even touch the Zaree of the Imam.
RAUZA OF
th
IMAM MOHAMMED TAQI A.S.
He is our 9 Imam and he became an Imam at the age of
9 years and even at this age he answered all questions of religion to all including the learned ones.
His tomb is within the boundary of the Rauza of our two Imams in Kadhemain and one can read the Marshia written
Page 146
on his grave that was the same Marshia recited by our 12th Imam when ‘Mufeed’ died.
BAGHDAD
Just over the bridge from the Holy City of Khademain lies
Baghdad. It is a modern city and all around it are many Mazaar of great scholars.
MASJID-E-BORATHA
This Masjid is between Khademain and Baghdad and it is a very famous Masjid.
It is narrated that this was a church before at the time of Imam Ali A.S. and when the Imam A.S. returned from the battle of Naherawan,
the Christian priest invited our Imam to rest here, which he did for three days.
During his stay he saw the people of the church go out very far to fetch water and Imam Ali A.S. asked the priest why he does not dig a
well in the church compound? The priest replied, that they tried but got salt water.
Page 147
Imam Ali A.S. just hit the ground with his heel and water gushed out which was cold and sweet. There is a black stone at this miracle
place. Also there is a white stone with Ayat-tul-Kursi written on it.
There is a famous story that one day Hazrat Qamber A.R. was sitting on a camel leading the caravan when a needy person came to
Imam Ali A.S. and told him that he was very poor and asked the Imam to help him. Imam Ali A.S. told him to take the whole caravan of
camels. On hearing this Hazrat Qamber A.R. jumped from the camel and when Imam Ali A.S. asked him why he did that, to which he
replied he gave away the whole caravan to the needy
person and as I was sitting on one of the camel that would have included me too.
Page 148
MAZAAR OF HAZRAT HAAFIZ MUHAMMED BIN YAKUB AL- KULYANI A.R.
He was a famous narrator of hadiths of the Prophet of Allah (SAW) and the Imams.
MARJA-E-TAQLEED
You should visit Ayatoullah al-Odhma Syed Ali Hossaini Seestani his residence is just behind the Rauza of Imam Ali A.S. and you will
need to make an appointment. You can pay him Khums, Sadaqa, nadr and other huqooq money also medicine and used clothes for the
poor and he will issue you a receipt with his seal and signature.
Saudi ARABIA
Shopping for Musalla, Tasbih, Dates, Attar, Abaya, Scarves and jewelry and name brand watches.
IN JEDDAH: At the Balad which is the city center and all shopping malls are to be found here.
IN MEDINA: Shops all around Masjid-e-Nabawee. For exclusive items visit Quba Street near Masjid-e-Quba.
IN MAKKAH: Shops all around Masjid-ul-Haram for quality items visit shops in the Hilton Towers or go to Souk Azizia.
DAMASCUS - SYRIA
You should pay a visit to the famous Souk Ahmadia which is adjacent to the Ommayad Mosque.
IRAN
IN TEHERAN: You should visit the shopping bazaar at the city center where you can buy anything you may think of, Saffron, Pistachios, Scarves, Abaya, woolen
sweaters, you name it and they have got it.
IN MASHAD: The famous Bazaar-e-Redha which is a walking distance from the Haram of Imam Redha A.S. All properties in this Bazaar is owned by the
Trustees of Imam Redha A.S. All kinds of stones, like Aqeeq, Dure-Najaf, Firoza (Iran produces Firoza),Tasbih Maqhsood and Eerze Jawad Taawiz for children
and rings for adults, Abaya Scarves, and Musallas with tasbih and Sajdagah.
In Mashad there is also another Bazaar called The Janatee Bazaar and here you can find exclusive items for ladies and gents wear including Abaya and scarves.
Page 150
IRAQ
IN NAJAF: Shopping stores just behind the Rauza of Imam Ali A.S. where one can buy Sajdagah, Khak-e-Shafa Tasbih, Feeroza, Aqeeq, Dur-e-Najaf, Kafan,
scarves and many more.
IN KERBALA: All around Imam Hussein A.S. Rauza and Till-e-Zainabia you can buy the same things that are also available in Najaf.
NOTES: