Hajj Tamattu', the obligatory Hajj, is one of the most important pillars of Islam. Muslims perform it in the first ten days of the month of Dhu al-Hijjah by traveling to the Masjid al-Haram in the city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
When is Hajj obligatory for Muslims?
Hajj Tamattu' is one of the three types of Hajj in Islam. This type of Hajj is obligatory for those whose place of residence is more than 16 farsakh (48 miles) away from Mecca. Therefore, it is also referred to as "Hajj Afaqi" or "Hajj Nayi." Hajj Tamattu' is only performed in the month of Dhu al-Hijjah and consists of two parts: Umrah Tamattu' and Hajj Tamattu'. The pilgrim must perform the Umrah rituals before the Hajj. The Hajj rituals begin on the 9th of Dhu al-Hijjah, and the sacrifice (Qurbani) is obligatory in this type of Hajj.
Hajj is obligatory once in a lifetime for a Muslim who is capable of performing it. This is known as "Hajj al-Islam." However, it can become obligatory multiple times due to reasons like vows, promises, oaths, invalidation of a previous Hajj, etc. Apart from this obligatory Hajj, other Hajj acts are considered voluntary. The obligation to perform Hajj is immediate upon the fulfillment of the necessary conditions; it must be performed in the first year of the person's ability to do so. If it is deliberately or due to some valid excuse delayed, it must be performed in the second year or in subsequent years.
Conditions for Hajj Tamattu' to be obligatory:
Mental and Physical Maturity: The person must have reached puberty and possess sound intellect. Therefore, it is not obligatory for children, even those near puberty, or for mentally impaired individuals.
Freedom: The individual must be free, not a slave.
No Compulsion to Engage in Haram (Forbidden) Actions: The person must not be forced to commit actions that are more important than Hajj in the Sharia, which would conflict with the pilgrimage.
Non-obligation of More Important Duties: The person must not neglect any duty more important than Hajj.
Financial Ability (Istita’ah): The person must be financially capable of performing the pilgrimage.
Provision for the Journey: The individual must have the necessary provisions for the journey, including food, water, and other necessities.
Transportation: The person must have access to means of transportation or financial resources to acquire it.
Health and Strength: The person must be physically fit to travel and perform Hajj.
No Obstacles in the Way: There should be no obstacles or dangers on the path that would put the person's life, reputation, or wealth at risk. If the usual route is blocked, the person may use an alternative route as long as it is not excessively difficult.
Sufficient Time: The person must have enough time to perform all the required rituals of Hajj.
Financial Responsibility for Dependents: The person must have enough money to cover the expenses of those who depend on them, such as spouse and children.
Financial Stability After Hajj: After returning from Hajj, the person must have a means of livelihood (e.g., a job, agriculture, or property) so that they are not dependent on others or unable to support themselves.
What is Umrah Tamattu'? Umrah Tamattu' consists of five actions:
Entering Ihram from the Miqat during the months of Hajj (Shawwal, Dhu al-Qi'dah, and Dhu al-Hijjah).
Tawaf: Circumambulating the Ka'bah seven times.
Tawaf Prayer: Performing two Rak'ahs of prayer behind the Maqam Ibrahim.
Sa'i between Safa and Marwah: Walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah.
Tahseer: Shaving the head (or cutting hair) to exit the state of Ihram and make the prohibitions of Ihram lawful.
What is Hajj Tamattu'? After performing Umrah, one can perform Hajj Tamattu', which consists of thirteen parts:
Entering Ihram from Mecca, knowing that they will observe the standing at Arafat.
Standing (Wuquf) at Arafat from noon until sunset on the 9th of Dhu al-Hijjah.
Spending the night at Muzdalifah and standing at it from Fajr to sunrise.
Throwing pebbles at the Jamarat al-Aqabah on Eid al-Adha.
Sacrificing an animal at Mina on the 10th of Dhu al-Hijjah.
Shaving the head or trimming the hair at Mina on Eid al-Adha.
Tawaf al-Ziyarah: Circumambulating the Ka'bah for the visit.
Tawaf Prayer: Performing two Rak'ahs of prayer behind the Maqam Ibrahim.
Sa'i between Safa and Marwah: Walking seven times between Safa and Marwah.
Tawaf an-Nisa: Circumambulating the Ka'bah for the women’s tawaf.
Tawaf Prayer: Performing two Rak'ahs of prayer behind Maqam Ibrahim (for women’s tawaf).
Spending the nights at Mina during the Days of Tashriq (11th and 12th Dhu al-Hijjah, and for some, the 13th of Dhu al-Hijjah).
Throwing pebbles at the three Jamarat on the 11th and 12th, and the 13th for those who stay at Mina.
