The farewell rites of Hajj

IN the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

Once the pilgrims have completed the tawaf al-ifadah and sa’y on the Day of Sacrifice (i.e., the 10th day of Dhul-Hijjah), they all return to Mina and stay for three nights (i.e., the 11th, 12th and 13th days of Dhul-Hijjah). These three days and nights follow the Day of Sacrifice and are known as Ayyamul Tashreeq. However, it is permissible for a pilgrim to hasten and leave on the 12th day of Dhul-Hijjah.

After midday (zawal), in the afternoon of each of the two or three days of stay in Mina, the pilgrims should stone each of the three pillars (Jamaraat), starting with the first pillar (i.e., the one farthest from Mecca), followed by the middle one, and lastly the Pillar of Aqabah. Pilgrims throw seven pebbles, one after the other, at each of these pillars, saying Allahu Akbar with each throw. After stoning the first and second pillars, pilgrims should stand facing the qiblah, raise their hands in the sunnah of the Prophet (SAW) and make du’a for whatever they wish. However, they should not stay to make du’a after stoning the third Jamrah.

If a pilgrim chooses to stay in Mina for only two days and a night, he or she must leave Mina before sunset on the second day. If the sun sets before the pilgrim departs, it becomes mandatory to remain in Mina for the third night and perform the stoning again the next day. In any case, it is recommended that pilgrims stay for the full three days and nights. It is also permissible for sick, weak, or feeble pilgrims to appoint a proxy to throw the pebbles on their behalf. The proxy must first throw their own pebbles, then throw on behalf of the other pilgrim at the same pillar.

Once this is completed, pilgrims may return to their home countries, having essentially completed the rites of Hajj. Before leaving Mecca, they should perform the farewell tawaf (tawaf al-wada). No pilgrim is exempt from this, except for female pilgrims who are menstruating or experiencing postnatal bleeding.

Pilgrims must observe the following obligations while in a state of ihram for Hajj or Umrah. They should perform all obligatory acts, such as daily prayers on time and in congregation, and avoid what Allah (SWT) has prohibited, such as obscenity, sin and quarrelling. They must not harm fellow Muslims through actions or words. During ihram, pilgrims must refrain from actions prohibited in this state, such as cutting nails or plucking hair. There is no harm if nails or hair fall off naturally without intent.

Pilgrims should not use perfume or scented products on their clothes, bodies, food or drink. Any residual scent from before entering ihram is excused. They must not hunt or assist in hunting land animals. Marriage proposals or contracts, whether for themselves or others, are also prohibited. Sexual relations, including intimate touching or playful affection, are forbidden.

Some restrictions apply specifically to men: they may not cover their heads with attached garments but may use umbrellas, vehicle roofs, or carry items on their heads. Men may not wear shirts, hooded garments, turbans, trousers, or khuff (leather socks). However, if a izaars (waist cloth) is unavailable, trousers may be worn and if sandals are unavailable, khuffs are permitted.

Female pilgrims may not wear gloves or cover their faces with a niqab (face veil) or burqu (drape) during ihram. However, if in the presence of non-mahram men, they should cover their faces with a headscarf or similar cloth, as they would when not in ihram. If a person in ihram wears a stitched garment, covers their head (men), uses perfume, pulls out hair or trims nails due to forgetfulness or ignorance, there is no fidya (expiation) required. However, they must stop immediately once they remember or are reminded.

It is permissible to wear sandals, rings, glasses, hearing aids, watches, belts or money pouches. Pilgrims may change clothes, wash them and clean their bodies or hair. There is no harm if some hair falls off unintentionally during washing.

At this stage, pilgrims should recognize the significance of visiting the Prophet’s (SAW) Mosque in Al-Madinah (formerly Yathrib). Visiting Madinah with the intention of praying at the Prophet’s Mosque is a sunnah at any time of the year. A prayer in the Prophet’s Mosque is more rewarding than a thousand prayers offered elsewhere, except in the Sacred Mosque (Masjid al-Haram) in Mecca. There is no talbiyah for visiting the Prophet’s Mosque, and it is not a component of Hajj.

READ ALSO: Dos and don’ts of Hajj