Essential Hajj FAQs: 50 Key Questions Answered
50 Important Questions and Answers Related to Hajj Rites
In 2016, many pilgrims asked questions via phone, and some of the most important questions and their answers are being presented here so that others may benefit, especially those who are directly involved in these matters, making it easier for them.
- Question: What is the ruling if one could not wear the Ihram at the Miqat and wore it after entering inside?
Answer: Wearing the Ihram at the Miqat is one of the obligatory acts of Hajj. If someone wears the Ihram after entering the boundary of the Miqat, they are required to offer a “dam” (sacrifice) by slaughtering a goat or sheep and distributing it to the poor of Makkah. - Question: We work in Mina; if we want to perform Hajj, where should we wear the Ihram from?
Answer: You will wear the Ihram from Mina itself, but for Umrah, you will need to go outside Mina, as it is part of the Haram boundary. Remember that Muzdalifah is also part of the Haram, but Arafat is not. Therefore, those in Mina should go to Arafat to wear the Ihram for Umrah. - Question: People living in Jeddah, where should they wear the Ihram for Hajj?
Answer: People living in Jeddah can wear the Ihram from their residence, as Jeddah is inside the Miqat boundary. - Question: If we live in Jeddah, can we wear the Ihram for Umrah from Masjid Aisha?
Answer: There is no need to go to Masjid Aisha. You can wear the Ihram for Umrah directly from your residence. - Question: Many pilgrims arriving from abroad land at Jeddah airport and wear their Ihram from there. I have heard this is not correct. Is that true?
Answer: Yes, you are correct. Jeddah is not a Miqat. Therefore, pilgrims must wear their Ihram from the Miqat from where they are passing. If the flight passes over the Miqat, the crew will announce, and the pilgrim should wear the Ihram at that point. If someone has worn the Ihram at Jeddah airport, they must go to the nearest Miqat to wear it again, otherwise, they will need to offer a “dam” (sacrifice). - Question: I made the intention for Hajj Tamattu at the Miqat, but wore the Ihram from Masjid Aisha. As a result, I had to fast three days. Is my Hajj valid?
Answer: Yes, your Hajj is valid. The intention for Ihram is what matters. If someone made the intention at the Miqat but wore the Ihram later, and during that time they wore normal clothes, they have violated the prohibitions of Ihram. In such cases, they must offer a compensation (fidyah), which can be three days of fasting, slaughtering an animal, or feeding six poor people. - Question: Can the people of Makkah only perform Hajj if they choose the “Ifrad” type?
Answer: This is a misconception. People of Makkah can perform any type of Hajj, including Tamattu and Qiran. - Question: I have heard that for first-time pilgrims, it is necessary to choose either Tamattu or Qiran. They cannot perform Ifrad. Is this correct?
Answer: This is not correct. Whether it is your first, second, or third time performing Hajj, you can choose any type of Hajj. However, Hajj Tamattu is recommended and considered superior. - Question: I am from India and wish to perform Hajj Tamattu. I have already completed the Umrah of Hajj Tamattu. As there are still several days left for Hajj, can I perform another Umrah for myself or for a deceased person?
Answer: In Hajj Tamattu, you first perform the Umrah and then wait for the days of Hajj to come. Since your trip is for Hajj Tamattu and you have already completed the Umrah, you cannot perform another Umrah. Instead, you should wait for the Hajj days and engage in acts of worship like the optional Tawaf, prayer, supplication, recitation of the Qur’an, and Dhikr. - Question: Can a pilgrim cut their nails or hair on the 1st of Dhu al-Hijjah?
Answer: The restriction on cutting hair or nails applies to those who plan to offer a sacrifice on Eid al-Adha. Therefore, pilgrims can cut their hair or nails. However, it is forbidden to cut hair or nails while in the state of Ihram. If someone is offering the sacrifice, they must observe the restriction on cutting hair or nails. - Question: If some hair falls out while combing in the state of Ihram, is there any expiation required?
Answer: If someone is certain that their hair fell out while combing, they must offer an expiation (fidyah). However, if they are unsure whether the hair was already loose or fell out while combing, no expiation is required. - Question: If a pilgrim gets injured and blood starts flowing in the state of Ihram, does this require a sacrifice?
Answer: No, no sacrifice is required for bloodshed caused by an injury while in the state of Ihram. - Question: What is the ruling on combing the hair after taking a bath in the state of Ihram?
Answer: There is no prohibition on combing the hair in the state of Ihram. However, since cutting or breaking hair is prohibited in Ihram, it is advised to avoid combing if there is a risk of hair falling out. If a person is certain that their hair will fall out, they should avoid combing altogether. There is no expiation required if hair falls out unintentionally from scratching or touching the head. - Question: Some people perform complete prayers in Mina, Muzdalifah, etc. Is this correct?
Answer: In Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah, prayers should be shortened (Qasr). Those who perform complete prayers are violating the rites of Hajj and abandoning the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ, following the sayings of other individuals instead. - Question: What is the ruling if someone does not stay in Mina on the 8th of Dhul-Hijjah and directly goes to Arafat?
Answer: This is a mistake, as staying in Mina on the Day of Tarwiyah is a Sunnah. The rites of Hajj should be performed exactly as the Prophet ﷺ instructed. If someone cannot stay in Mina due to necessity, that is a different matter. - Question: We left for Arafat at midnight due to necessity because we were with a company that had this schedule. Does this affect our Hajj?
Answer: Staying in Mina on the 8th of Dhul-Hijjah is recommended, and this stay lasts until the Fajr prayer on the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah, just before sunrise. Pilgrims should follow the Sunnah and make efforts to ensure the company adheres to this schedule. However, due to the large number of pilgrims, companies sometimes begin preparations at midnight. As long as a person reaches Arafat before or after Fajr on the 9th, their Hajj is still valid. - Question: Some people say that if someone stays for 15 days, they become a “resident” and thus do not shorten the prayers in Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah. Is this correct?
Answer: The rule of shortening prayers (Qasr) during Hajj is not related to being a “resident” but follows the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ. He instructed the believers to perform Qasr in Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah. If the rule of travel applied, then the people of Makkah, who perform Hajj with you, would not shorten their prayers either. - Question: We left Arafat at Maghrib due to the crowd, so we were delayed in leaving. Does this affect the validity of our Hajj?
Answer: No, it does not affect the Hajj. The requirement is to stay in Arafat until sunset on the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah. Leaving before sunset is an omission of a wajib (required act), but leaving after sunset is permissible. - Question: Due to difficulty in transportation, we reached Arafat after Maghrib, which means we stayed in Arafat after sunset. Does this mean we still had the standing at Arafat (Wuquf)?
Answer: According to the correct opinion of the scholars, if you stayed in Arafat even until Fajr on the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah, it would be considered as having fulfilled the standing of Arafat (Wuquf). - Question: On the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah, I threw the pebbles, then went to the Haram to perform Tawaf and Sa’i, and after that, I shaved my head. Was this action correct?
Answer: On the Day of Nahr, the correct sequence is: first, perform the stoning (Ramy) of the Jamarat, then slaughter the sacrifice (for those doing Tamattu and Qiran), then shave the head (or trim the hair), followed by Tawaf al-Ifadah and the Sa’i of Hajj. While this is the preferred order, if it is done in a different sequence, it is still acceptable because the Prophet ﷺ said, “Do it, and there is no harm.” - Question: On the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah, I threw the pebbles, returned to my tent, and shaved my head but could not perform Tawaf. What should I do?
Answer: Every pilgrim must perform Tawaf al-Ifadah and Sa’i on the Day of Nahr. If someone already performed the Sa’i with the Tawaf al-Qudum, they only need to do Tawaf al-Ifadah. If due to difficulty, someone could not do Tawaf al-Ifadah and Sa’i on the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah, they can perform it during the days of Tashreeq. - Question: On the Day of Nahr, I fell ill. Someone else stoned the Jamarat on my behalf, and I shaved my head. Was this correct?
Answer: It is permissible for someone to act on your behalf in stoning the Jamarat if you are unable to do so due to illness. So, your actions are correct. - Question: I am unable to stay in Mina or perform the stoning of the Jamarat during the days of Tashreeq due to lack of strength. What should I do?
Answer: In my opinion, there is no harm in staying in Mina for the nights of Tashreeq, especially as medical facilities are available there. I would advise someone who is weak to stay in Mina during the nights of Tashreeq, but if due to a valid excuse they have to leave, there is no issue. At that time, they should delegate someone else to perform the stoning on their behalf. - Question: Some companions were waiting for a long time after stoning on the Day of Nahr before slaughtering their sacrifice, saying that they cannot shave their heads without offering the sacrifice. Is this correct?
Answer: This is incorrect. The companions’ actions are not in accordance with the Sunnah. The Prophet ﷺ allowed flexibility in the sequence of the Day of Nahr rites. Therefore, they should have shaved their heads without waiting for the sacrifice. - Question: What is the ruling on stoning the Jamarat at midnight on the Day of Nahr?
Answer: Stoning at midnight on the Day of Nahr is permissible for those who are weak or facing difficulty. However, for those who are healthy, it is not permissible. They must perform the stoning after sunrise. - Question: Is it permissible for someone to appoint a proxy for stoning the Jamarat?
Answer: Yes, it is permissible to appoint a proxy to perform the stoning if one is unable to do it due to reasons such as weakness, illness, young age, fear of a stampede, or concerns like the risk of miscarriage for a pregnant woman. - Question: How is the sacrifice performed in the Shara’i area of Makkah?
Answer: The sacrifice for Hajj must be offered within the Haram boundaries. Part of the Shara’i area is within the Haram, and some is outside it. The distinction is marked, so it is only permissible to perform the sacrifice in the part of Shara’i that lies within the Haram boundaries. - Question: Can the Hajj sacrifice be made in one’s own country?
Answer: The Hajj sacrifice cannot be made in one’s own country; it must be offered within the boundaries of the Haram. - Question: Can a pilgrim offer the Eid al-Adha sacrifice along with the Hajj sacrifice?
Answer: Offering the Eid al-Adha sacrifice is not obligatory for a pilgrim, even if they are able to do so. However, if they wish to offer it, they can. - Question: What is the ruling on giving the Damm (penalty) outside of Makkah?
Answer: The Damm must be given in Makkah, and its meat should be distributed among the poor and needy in Makkah. - Question: On the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah, I stoned the Jamarat, and due to fatigue, I went back to my tent and wore a shirt and trousers, and later shaved my head. Is this correct?
Answer: If you wore a stitched shirt and trousers by mistake without knowledge, there is no penalty or compensation for this. - Question: A person performed Tawaf al-Ifadah on the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah but could not perform Sa’i due to fatigue, and performed the Sa’i on the 13th of Dhul-Hijjah. Is there any penalty?
Answer: There is no harm in this, and the person does not owe anything for this delay. - Question: A woman performed Tawaf while she was menstruating. Does she need to pay a penalty (Damm)?
Answer: Tawaf should be performed in a state of purity and with wudu. Tawaf performed during menstruation is invalid, so the woman must redo it after she becomes pure and also seek repentance from Allah. - Question: A woman, despite being able to stone the Jamarat on the Day of Nahr, appointed a proxy to do the stoning while she traveled with her ill husband to Jeddah. She still had time to stone before Fajr. What is the ruling on this woman?
Answer: It is not correct for the woman to appoint someone else for stoning just because she was traveling. She is required to return from Jeddah and perform the stoning before Fajr on that day. If she fails to do so, she must offer a Damm (penalty). - Question: If a pilgrim did not perform Tawaf al-Ifadah on the 10th and 11th of Dhul-Hijjah, what should they do?
Answer: If a pilgrim did not perform Tawaf al-Ifadah on the 10th or 11th, they can perform it on the 12th. If they could not perform it on the 12th, they can do it on the 13th. If they are leaving on the 13th and still have not done Tawaf al-Ifadah, they can combine Tawaf al-Ifadah and Tawaf al-Wada’ (Farewell Tawaf) in one intention, perform the Tawaf prayer, and then perform Sa’i. In this case, the last act of Hajj will be the Sa’i, not the Tawaf. There is no harm in this. - Question: Can a pilgrim stay in Muzdalifah instead of Mina during the days of Tashreeq?
Answer: Staying in Mina during the nights of Tashreeq is obligatory. If someone stays in Muzdalifah or Aziziyah without a valid excuse, they will incur a Damm (penalty). However, if someone cannot find space in Mina, they may stay in a nearby area, and there is no harm in this, Insha’Allah. - Question: During the days of Tashreeq, should prayers be shortened (Qasr) or full?
Answer: During the days of Tashreeq, prayers should be performed in their due times, but they should be shortened (Qasr).
38. Question: I performed the Rami (stoning) at 6 AM on the 11th of Dhul-Hijjah. What is the ruling on this?
Answer: The time for stoning during the days of Tashreeq starts after Zawal (midday). Therefore, if someone performs the Rami before Zawal, it will not count, and they will be considered neglectful of their obligation. In this case, they are required to offer a Damm (penalty).
39. Question: Many people perform the Rami of the Jamarat before Zawal on the days of Tashreeq. Is this wrong, and why doesn’t the government impose any restriction on it?
Answer: The Rami on the days of Tashreeq must begin after Zawal. If someone performs it before Zawal, their Rami will not count, regardless of whether the government enforces this rule. The government’s primary concern during Hajj is to prevent harm and financial losses, rather than strictly monitoring every ritual.
40. Question: Many pilgrims leave after stoning on the 12th of Dhul-Hijjah. Is this a sign of negligence on their part?
Answer: There is no harm in this. Pilgrims are free to leave after stoning on the 12th of Dhul-Hijjah, or they may choose to do the stoning on the 13th as well.
41. Question: I often see many pilgrims performing the Rami on the 12th of Dhul-Hijjah before Zawal, and they claim that stoning before Zawal is permissible. What is the reality of this?
Answer: Even if someone intends to hasten (ta’jil), the Rami on the 12th of Dhul-Hijjah must still be performed after Zawal. Those who stone before Zawal and leave are required to offer a Damm because their stoning is not valid. They have neglected an obligatory act.
42. Question: What is the ruling on leaving Mina on the 12th of Dhul-Hijjah?
Answer: There is no harm in leaving Mina on the 12th of Dhul-Hijjah after performing the Rami, provided that the departure is before sunset.
43. Question: My car will arrive to pick me up from Mina at 6 PM on the 12th of Dhul-Hijjah. If it takes longer and the sun sets while I’m still in Mina, do I need to stone on the 13th?
Answer: If your intention is to hasten, and due to delays (such as crowding or preparations), the car arrives or departs later than expected and the sun sets in Mina, there is no harm. You were preparing to leave before sunset, and this delay does not affect the validity of your actions.
44. Question: Is the Tawaf al-Wada’ obligatory for people from Jeddah?
Answer: Yes, people from Jeddah are also required to perform the Tawaf al-Wada’ (Farewell Tawaf). They should not leave for home without it. If they do so, it will be considered neglecting an obligation, and they will need to offer a Damm (penalty).
45. Question: A pilgrim has blisters on their feet and is unable to perform the Tawaf al-Wada’. What should they do?
Answer: Tawaf al-Wada’ is obligatory, and it should be performed when returning from Hajj. If a pilgrim cannot walk due to blisters, they should wait until their feet heal, or if they leave at a time when they cannot perform the Tawaf themselves, they can do it using a vehicle (Arabiah) if possible.
46. Question: I have heard that the reward of Hajj is Jannah. Does this mean that all sins, including the rights of others, are forgiven?
Answer: According to the opinion of the scholars, all sins are forgiven through Hajj, whether minor (sagha’ir) or major (kaba’ir), except the rights of others (حقوق العباد). These rights must be settled by the individual with the person to whom the rights are owed.
47. Question: We are a group of women traveling for Hajj, and we don’t have a mahram with us. What is the ruling on our Hajj?
Answer: A woman cannot travel without a mahram, even if she is traveling with a group of women. While the Hajj of such women may still be valid, traveling without a mahram is a sin, and they must repent to Allah.
48. Question: Some people give a Damm (penalty) without knowledge, saying it is better in case they made a mistake during Hajj. What is the ruling on this?
Answer: If a person knows they have committed a violation of the prohibitions of Ihram or missed a required act of Hajj, they should offer a Damm. However, if they are uncertain, giving a Damm as a precaution is not correct.
49. Question: Can a person perform Umrah on behalf of a deceased person after completing their own Hajj?
Answer: According to the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ and the practice of the Salaf, only one Umrah is performed per journey. However, some scholars have allowed performing Umrah on behalf of a deceased person for those who are unlikely to return to Makkah. I would suggest that such people pray earnestly at the Haram, asking Allah to grant them the opportunity to return. If Allah grants this, they can then perform the Umrah on behalf of the deceased, which is a better approach.
50. Question: What should we do to ensure our Hajj is accepted and rewarded?
Answer: The reward of a “Mabroor” (accepted) Hajj is immense, with nothing less than Paradise as its reward. A “Mabroor” Hajj is one that is performed with lawful earnings, following the prescribed methods, and done with sincere repentance and avoidance of sins such as immoral behavior, idle talk, and disputes during Hajj. It must be done solely for the pleasure of Allah. Signs of a Mabroor Hajj include returning to good deeds after Hajj and focusing on preparing for the Hereafter. Therefore, pilgrims should turn to Allah before Hajj, follow the Sunnah during the pilgrimage with pure intentions, and after Hajj, continue to live a life of piety and reflection on the Hereafter.
Answered by Maqbool Ahmad Salafi
Islamic Dawah Center, Taif