Hajj & Umrah Glossary

Ayyam al-Tashreeq (Days of Tashreeq) are the 11th, 12th, and 13th of Dhul Hijjah, during which হাজীগণ remain in মিনা performing the daily stoning of all three জামারাত pillars.

The ancient Islamic cemetery in মদীনা মুনাওয়ারা, directly adjacent to মসজিদে নববী, where thousands of নবী করীম's companions, family members, and early Muslims are buried. It is the most revered cemetery in Islam.

The ইহরাম prohibition preventing male হাজীগণ from covering their heads with fitted garments or items that rest on the head. This restriction applies only to men and is one of the fundamental ইহরাম prohibitions.

Dam literally means 'blood' and in the context of হজ্জ and উমরাহ refers to the ওয়াজিব animal sacrifice required as a penalty for violating ইহরাম restrictions or omitting a mandatory rite of হজ্জ.

Dhikr is the Islamic practice of remembering Allah through the repetition of His names, glorification phrases, and দোয়াs. It is a central act of worship encouraged throughout হজ্জ and daily life.

Dhul Hijjah is the twelfth and final month of the Islamic (Hijri) calendar. It is one of the four sacred months and the month during which the হজ্জ হজ্জ is performed.

The elevated gold-plated entrance to the কাবা শরীফ, located on its northeastern wall. It is raised above ground level and accessed via a portable staircase during the rare occasions when the কাবা শরীফ is opened.

Dua is the act of দোয়া or personal সালাত in Islam — directly calling upon Allah to ask for His help, mercy, forgiveness, or any worldly or spiritual need. It is described as the essence of worship.

Eid al-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice) is the greater of the two Islamic holidays, observed on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah. It commemorates Ibrahim's obedience to Allah and coincides with the হজ্জ হজ্জ.

Fard is an ওয়াজিব religious duty in Islam, commanded by Allah. In the context of হজ্জ, Fard acts (also called Arkan/pillars) are essential rites without which the হজ্জ is invalid.

Fidyah is a religious penalty or expiation required when a হাজী violates the rules of ইহরাম during হজ্জ or উমরাহ. It serves as compensation for the transgression and may involve fasting, charity, or animal sacrifice.

Ghusl is the Islamic full-body ritual purification bath. It is a strongly মুস্তাহাব Sunnah before entering the state of ইহরাম for হজ্জ or উমরাহ and is ওয়াজিব after specific states of impurity.

Two pairs of green-colored indicators in the সাঈ walkway between Safa and Marwah that mark the section where male হাজীগণ should increase their walking pace to a light jog, commemorating Hagar's desperate search for water.

Hady is the animal sacrifice offered in the Haram area of মক্কা মুকাররমা during হজ্জ, ওয়াজিব for হাজীগণ performing হজ্জ Tamattu or হজ্জ Qiran as a thanksgiving to Allah for the blessing of combining হজ্জ and উমরাহ.

The Hajar al-Aswad (হাজরে আসওয়াদ) is a revered stone set into the eastern corner of the কাবা শরীফ. It marks the starting and ending point of each তাওয়াফ circuit and holds deep significance in Islamic tradition.

Halq is the ritual act of completely shaving the head, performed as a rite of হজ্জ or উমরাহ to exit the state of ইহরাম. The alternative is taqsir (trimming). It symbolizes spiritual purification and the completion of the হাজী's sacred rites.

Halq (shaving the head) and Taqsir (trimming the hair) are the two options for releasing oneself from the state of ইহরাম after completing the rites of হজ্জ or উমরাহ. For men, shaving is preferred; for women, trimming is the rule.

The Haram is the sacred sanctuary zone surrounding the কাবা শরীফ in মক্কা মুকাররমা, within which specific prohibitions apply including the forbiddance of hunting, cutting vegetation, and fighting. It has divinely established boundaries.

Haram, in the context of Islamic legal rulings, refers to any act that Allah has strictly হারাম. Committing a Haram act is sinful, and some Haram acts during হজ্জ carry specific penalties or can invalidate the হজ্জ.

The delineated borders of the sacred precinct (Haram) of মক্কা মুকাররমা, within which special religious rules apply. The boundary extends various distances from the কাবা শরীফ in different directions and is marked by boundary stones and modern signage.

The Hateem (Hijr Ismail) is a semicircular low wall adjacent to the কাবা শরীফ on its northwestern side. The enclosed area was originally part of the কাবা শরীফ's foundation and is considered part of it for the purposes of তাওয়াফ.

Hill refers to the geographical zone between the sacred Haram boundary of মক্কা মুকাররমা and the outer Miqat stations. People residing in this area have specific rules for entering ইহরাম that differ from both Haram residents and those beyond the Miqat.

The prohibition of hunting, killing, or disturbing wild land animals while in the state of ইহরাম. This is explicitly mentioned in আল-কুরআন (Surah Al-Ma'idah 5:95-96) and applies to all হাজীগণ in ইহরাম.

Worship and devotion to Allah, encompassing all acts of obedience, submission, and service performed sincerely for His pleasure. It includes ritual worship, moral conduct, and any permissible action done with righteous intention.

Idtiba is the Sunnah act of uncovering the right shoulder during certain তাওয়াফs by tucking the Rida under the right armpit and draping its ends over the left shoulder. It is practiced by male হাজীগণ.

Istilam is the Sunnah act of touching, kissing, or gesturing toward the হাজরে আসওয়াদ (Hajar al-Aswad) at the beginning of each circuit during তাওয়াফ around the কাবা শরীফ.

The Izar is the lower portion of the ইহরাম garment, an unstitched white cloth wrapped around the waist. It is worn by male হাজীগণ during হজ্জ and উমরাহ as part of the sacred dress code.

The state of major ritual impurity (hadath akbar) resulting from sexual intercourse, ejaculation, or other causes. A person in this state must perform গোসল before performing salah, তাওয়াফ, or handling আল-কুরআন.

A location northeast of মক্কা মুকাররমা on the road to Ta'if that serves as a miqat point for those in মক্কা মুকাররমা wishing to enter ইহরাম for উমরাহ. It is the place where নবী করীম performed উমরাহ after distributing the war spoils of Hunayn.

A mandatory act of expiation or atonement required for violating certain religious obligations. It is more severe than fidyah and is prescribed for serious transgressions such as deliberately breaking the fast, breaking oaths, or major ইহরাম violations.

The Kiswah is the ornate black silk cloth that drapes the কাবা শরীফ in মক্কা মুকাররমা. Embroidered with কুরআনic verses in gold thread, it is replaced annually and is one of the most recognizable symbols of Islam.

Mabit is the Wajib (ওয়াজিব) act of spending the night at specific locations during হজ্জ — at মুযদালিফা on the night of the 10th of Dhul Hijjah and at মিনা during the nights of the Days of Tashreeq.

A Madhab (plural: madhahib) is a school of Islamic legal thought that provides a comprehensive methodology for deriving rulings from the primary sources of Islam. The four recognized Sunni madhahib are Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi'i, and Hanbali.

A Mahram is a male relative with whom marriage is permanently prohibited due to blood relation, marriage, or breastfeeding. In the context of হজ্জ, it refers to the male guardian required to accompany a woman during travel.

Makruh refers to a disliked or discouraged act in Islamic jurisprudence. While not sinful, performing Makruh acts is frowned upon and can diminish the spiritual quality and reward of worship.

Maqam Ibrahim (Station of Ibrahim) is a stone near the কাবা শরীফ bearing the footprints of Prophet Ibrahim, enclosed in a glass and gold casing. Pilgrims pray two rak'ahs behind it after completing তাওয়াফ.

The prohibition of contracting marriage, proposing marriage, or acting as a marriage guardian while in the state of ইহরাম. This applies to both হজ্জ and উমরাহ and is agreed upon by the majority of scholars.

The Mas'a is the designated corridor between the hills of Safa and Marwa where হাজীগণ walk back and forth seven times during সাঈ. It is now an enclosed, air-conditioned walkway within the Grand Mosque complex.

The designated enclosed corridor between the hills of Safa and Marwah within the Grand Mosque of মক্কা মুকাররমা where হাজীগণ perform the ritual of সাঈ (walking/jogging seven times between the two points).

The first মসজিদ built in Islam, established by নবী করীম Muhammad upon his arrival in মদীনা মুনাওয়ারা during the Hijrah (migration from মক্কা মুকাররমা). Located approximately 5 km south of মসজিদে নববী, praying there carries the reward of an উমরাহ.

The Mataf is the designated circumambulation area around the কাবা শরীফ where হাজীগণ perform তাওয়াফ. It is the open, marble-floored courtyard immediately surrounding the কাবা শরীফ within মসজিদুল হারাম.

Miqat (plural: mawaqit) refers to the specific geographical boundary points designated by নবী করীম Muhammad where হাজীগণ traveling to মক্কা মুকাররমা must enter the state of ইহরাম before proceeding for হজ্জ or উমরাহ.

Al-Juhfah is the designated Miqat for হাজীগণ traveling to মক্কা মুকাররমা from Egypt, Syria, North Africa, and western directions. Located near the modern town of Rabigh, it is approximately 183 kilometers from মক্কা মুকাররমা.

Dhat Irq is the designated Miqat for হাজীগণ traveling from Iraq, Iran, and northeastern regions toward মক্কা মুকাররমা. Located about 94 kilometers northeast of মক্কা মুকাররমা, it was established during the caliphate of Umar ibn al-Khattab.

Dhul Hulayfah is the designated Miqat boundary station for হাজীগণ traveling from মদীনা মুনাওয়ারা to মক্কা মুকাররমা for হজ্জ or উমরাহ. Located about 9 km from নবী করীম's Mosque, it is the farthest Miqat from মক্কা মুকাররমা.

Qarn al-Manazil is the designated Miqat for হাজীগণ traveling from the Najd region (central Saudi Arabia) to মক্কা মুকাররমা. Known today as Al-Sayl al-Kabeer, it lies approximately 94 kilometers east of মক্কা মুকাররমা.

Yalamlam is the designated Miqat for হাজীগণ traveling to মক্কা মুকাররমা from Yemen and southern directions. Located about 120 kilometers south of মক্কা মুকাররমা, it is also known as Al-Sadiah.

The golden water spout (gutter) on the roof of the কাবা শরীফ that directs rainwater from the rooftop into the Hijr Ismail (Hateem). Its name means 'The Spout of Mercy.'

A prominent mountain north of মদীনা মুনাওয়ারা, the site of the Battle of Uhud in 3 AH (625 CE). It holds deep significance in Islamic history and is a মুস্তাহাব visit site for হাজীগণ in মদীনা মুনাওয়ারা.

A permissible action in Islamic law that carries no reward for doing and no sin for omitting. The person has full choice without any religious consequence. It is one of the five categories of Islamic legal rulings (al-ahkam al-khamsah).

The Multazam is the section of the কাবা শরীফ wall between the হাজরে আসওয়াদ corner and the কাবা শরীফ door. Pilgrims cling to this wall while making earnest দোয়াs, and it is regarded as a place where সালাতs are accepted.

Mustahabb refers to a desirable or encouraged act in Islamic jurisprudence. Performing it earns spiritual reward, while omitting it carries no sin or penalty. It is often used interchangeably with Mandub and Sunnah Ghair Mu'akkadah.

A Mutawwif is a professional হজ্জ guide or agent in মক্কা মুকাররমা who assists হাজীগণ with their হজ্জ and উমরাহ rituals, logistics, and religious guidance. The profession is regulated by Saudi Arabian authorities.

A professional guide who assists হাজীগণ during হজ্জ and উমরাহ, providing ritual instruction, logistical support, and navigation within the holy sites. Mutawwifs operate under licensed তাওয়াফa Establishments in Saudi Arabia.

Nafr refers to the হাজী's departure from মিনা at the end of the হজ্জ rites. It can be either early departure on the 12th of Dhul Hijjah or late departure on the 13th.

Nafr Awwal (first departure) is the option to leave মিনা on the 12th of Dhul Hijjah after completing the day's stoning. It is the early departure option explicitly permitted in আল-কুরআন.

Nafr Thani (second departure) is the option to remain in মিনা and depart on the 13th of Dhul Hijjah after completing all three days of stoning. It is considered the more virtuous choice.

Niyyah is the internal intention or sincere resolve to perform an act of worship for the sake of Allah. In হজ্জ and উমরাহ, it is the essential declaration of purpose made before entering the state of ইহরাম.

The official digital platform of the Saudi Ministry of হজ্জ and উমরাহ (nusuk.sa) that manages হাজী registration, visa applications, permit issuance, and service booking for হজ্জ and উমরাহ.

The prohibition of using perfume, fragrance, cologne, or any scented substance while in the state of ইহরাম. This is one of the key restrictions that apply to both male and female হাজীগণ during হজ্জ and উমরাহ.

The Islamic legal concept of performing a missed or invalid ওয়াজিব act of worship after its prescribed time. It applies to সালাতs, fasting, হজ্জ rites, and other religious obligations that were missed for valid reasons.

Qurbani is the Islamic ritual of animal sacrifice performed during the days of Eid al-Adha and as part of the হজ্জ rites. It commemorates Prophet Ibrahim's supreme act of obedience when Allah commanded him to sacrifice his son Ismail.

Rami al-জামারাত is the হজ্জ ritual of throwing pebbles at stone pillars (জামারাত) in মিনা. It commemorates Prophet Ibrahim's rejection of Shaytan's temptation and is a Wajib act of হজ্জ.

Raml is the Sunnah act of walking briskly with short, hurried steps during the first three circuits of তাওয়াফ. It is practiced by male হাজীগণ during তাওয়াফ al-Qudum and তাওয়াফ of উমরাহ.

The blessed area within মসজিদে নববী in মদীনা মুনাওয়ারা, located between নবী করীম Muhammad's tomb (or house) and his pulpit (minbar). It is described in authentic hadith as 'a garden from the gardens of Paradise.'

The Rida is the upper portion of the ইহরাম garment, an unstitched white cloth draped over both shoulders. Male হাজীগণ wear it as part of their sacred attire during হজ্জ and উমরাহ.

The Rukn Yamani (Yemeni Corner) is the southwestern corner of the কাবা শরীফ. It is Sunnah to touch it during তাওয়াফ, and a specific কুরআনic dua is recited between it and the হাজরে আসওয়াদ corner.

Sa'ee is the ritual walking between the hills of Safa and Marwa seven times, performed as part of both হজ্জ and উমরাহ. It commemorates Hajar's search for water and is considered a pillar (Rukn) of the হজ্জ.

The Islamic ritual সালাত performed five times daily at prescribed times. It is the second pillar of Islam, involving specific physical postures (standing, bowing, prostrating) combined with কুরআনic recitation and দোয়া.

Islamic fasting, which involves abstaining from all food, drink, and marital relations from the break of dawn until sunset. It is the fourth pillar of Islam, ওয়াজিব during the month of Ramadan.

The required number of traversals between Safa and Marwah during the ritual of সাঈ in হজ্জ and উমরাহ. Seven one-way walks constitute a complete সাঈ, starting from Safa and ending at Marwah.

The Islamic declaration of faith, consisting of two testimonies: that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad is His final Messenger. It is the first and most fundamental pillar of Islam.

Sunnah refers to the way, practice, and traditions of Prophet Muhammad (সাল্লাল্লাহু আলাইহি ওয়া সাল্লাম). In Islamic jurisprudence, Sunnah acts are মুস্তাহাব practices that earn reward when performed but incur no sin when omitted.

A non-emphasized or non-confirmed practice of নবী করীম Muhammad (সাল্লাল্লাহু আলাইহি ওয়া সাল্লাম) that he performed sometimes and left at other times. There is no blame for omitting it, and performing it earns reward.

An emphasized or confirmed practice of নবী করীম Muhammad (সাল্লাল্লাহু আলাইহি ওয়া সাল্লাম) that he performed consistently and rarely abandoned. It is strongly মুস্তাহাব and its regular omission is considered blameworthy, though not sinful.

Ritual purity and cleanliness in Islamic law. It is an essential prerequisite for certain acts of worship, achieved through specific purification methods including অযু, গোসল, or tayammum.

Tahallul (first release) is the partial exit from the state of ইহরাম during হজ্জ, achieved after completing two of the three rites of the 10th of Dhul Hijjah. It lifts most ইহরাম restrictions except conjugal relations.

Tahallul Akbar (the greater/complete release) is the full exit from ইহরাম achieved after performing তাওয়াফ al-Ifadah during হজ্জ. It removes the final remaining restriction of conjugal relations.

A location on the northern outskirts of মক্কা মুকাররমা that serves as the closest miqat point for those already within মক্কা মুকাররমা's boundaries who wish to enter ইহরাম for উমরাহ. It is the site of Masjid Aisha (the মসজিদ of Aisha).

Ayyam al-Tashreeq (Days of Tashreeq) are the 11th, 12th, and 13th of Dhul Hijjah — the final days of the হজ্জ rites when হাজীগণ stay in মিনা and perform the daily stoning of the three জামারাত pillars.

Sincere repentance to Allah, involving genuine regret for sins committed, abandoning the sinful behavior, and firm resolve not to repeat it. It is a fundamental concept in Islamic spirituality and a lifelong practice.

Dry ablution performed with clean earth, sand, stone, or dust as a substitute for অযু (minor ablution) or গোসল (full bath) when water is unavailable, insufficient, or its use would cause illness or injury.

Wajib is a necessary religious duty in Islam. In হজ্জ, Wajib acts are required rites that, if missed without valid excuse, require a Dam (penalty sacrifice) but do not invalidate the হজ্জ itself.

Wuquf is the act of standing (being present) at the plain of আরাফাত on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah. It is the single most critical pillar of হজ্জ — without it, the হজ্জ is invalid.

Yawm al-Nahr is the 10th of Dhul Hijjah, known as the Day of Sacrifice. It is the most action-packed day of হজ্জ, featuring stoning, sacrifice, shaving, and তাওয়াফ al-Ifadah, and coincides with Eid al-Adha.

Yawm al-Tarwiyah is the 8th of Dhul Hijjah, marking the beginning of the main হজ্জ rites. Pilgrims enter ইহরাম for হজ্জ and travel to মিনা where they spend the night in preparation for the Day of আরাফাত.

Yawm আরাফাত is the 9th of Dhul Hijjah, the pinnacle of হজ্জ. Pilgrims perform Wuquf (standing) at the plain of আরাফাত from noon to sunset, engaging in intense দোয়া, repentance, and devotion.

The ওয়াজিব annual charitable contribution required of every Muslim whose wealth exceeds the nisab (minimum threshold) for one lunar year. It is the third pillar of Islam and involves giving 2.5% of qualifying wealth to designated recipients.

Zamzam is the sacred well of water located within the precincts of মসজিদুল হারাম near the কাবা শরীফ. It is the oldest continuously flowing well on Earth and holds immense spiritual significance for Muslims worldwide.