Hajj & Umrah Glossary

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

The ancient Islamic cemetery in مدینہ منورہ, directly adjacent to مسجد نبوی, where thousands of نبی کریم's companions, family members, and early Muslims are buried. It is the most revered cemetery in Islam.

The احرام prohibition preventing male حجاج 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 احرام prohibitions.

Dam literally means 'blood' and in the context of حج and عمرہ refers to the واجب animal sacrifice required as a penalty for violating احرام restrictions or omitting a mandatory rite of حج.

Dhikr is the Islamic practice of remembering Allah through the repetition of His names, glorification phrases, and دعائیں. It is a central act of worship encouraged throughout حج 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 حج حج is performed.

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

Dua is the act of دعا or personal نماز 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 حج حج.

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

Fidyah is a religious penalty or expiation required when a حاجی violates the rules of احرام during حج or عمرہ. 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 مستحب Sunnah before entering the state of احرام for حج or عمرہ and is واجب after specific states of impurity.

Two pairs of green-colored indicators in the سعی walkway between Safa and Marwah that mark the section where male حجاج 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 مکہ مکرمہ during حج, واجب for حجاج performing حج Tamattu or حج Qiran as a thanksgiving to Allah for the blessing of combining حج and عمرہ.

The Hajar al-Aswad (حجر اسود) is a revered stone set into the eastern corner of the کعبۃ اللہ. It marks the starting and ending point of each طواف circuit and holds deep significance in Islamic tradition.

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

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

The Haram is the sacred sanctuary zone surrounding the کعبۃ اللہ in مکہ مکرمہ, 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 حرام. Committing a Haram act is sinful, and some Haram acts during حج carry specific penalties or can invalidate the حج.

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

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

Hill refers to the geographical zone between the sacred Haram boundary of مکہ مکرمہ and the outer Miqat stations. People residing in this area have specific rules for entering احرام 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 احرام. This is explicitly mentioned in قرآن مجید (Surah Al-Ma'idah 5:95-96) and applies to all حجاج in احرام.

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 طوافs by tucking the Rida under the right armpit and draping its ends over the left shoulder. It is practiced by male حجاج.

Istilam is the Sunnah act of touching, kissing, or gesturing toward the حجر اسود (Hajar al-Aswad) at the beginning of each circuit during طواف around the کعبۃ اللہ.

The Izar is the lower portion of the احرام garment, an unstitched white cloth wrapped around the waist. It is worn by male حجاج during حج and عمرہ 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 غسل before performing salah, طواف, or handling قرآن مجید.

A location northeast of مکہ مکرمہ on the road to Ta'if that serves as a miqat point for those in مکہ مکرمہ wishing to enter احرام for عمرہ. It is the place where نبی کریم performed عمرہ 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 احرام violations.

The Kiswah is the ornate black silk cloth that drapes the کعبۃ اللہ in مکہ مکرمہ. Embroidered with قرآنic verses in gold thread, it is replaced annually and is one of the most recognizable symbols of Islam.

Mabit is the Wajib (واجب) act of spending the night at specific locations during حج — at مزدلفہ on the night of the 10th of Dhul Hijjah and at منیٰ 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 حج, 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.

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

The Mas'a is the designated corridor between the hills of Safa and Marwa where حجاج walk back and forth seven times during سعی. 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 مکہ مکرمہ where حجاج perform the ritual of سعی (walking/jogging seven times between the two points).

The first مسجد built in Islam, established by نبی کریم Muhammad upon his arrival in مدینہ منورہ during the Hijrah (migration from مکہ مکرمہ). Located approximately 5 km south of مسجد نبوی, praying there carries the reward of an عمرہ.

The Mataf is the designated circumambulation area around the کعبۃ اللہ where حجاج perform طواف. It is the open, marble-floored courtyard immediately surrounding the کعبۃ اللہ within مسجد الحرام.

Miqat (plural: mawaqit) refers to the specific geographical boundary points designated by نبی کریم Muhammad where حجاج traveling to مکہ مکرمہ must enter the state of احرام before proceeding for حج or عمرہ.

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

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

Dhul Hulayfah is the designated Miqat boundary station for حجاج traveling from مدینہ منورہ to مکہ مکرمہ for حج or عمرہ. Located about 9 km from نبی کریم's Mosque, it is the farthest Miqat from مکہ مکرمہ.

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

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

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

A prominent mountain north of مدینہ منورہ, the site of the Battle of Uhud in 3 AH (625 CE). It holds deep significance in Islamic history and is a مستحب visit site for حجاج in مدینہ منورہ.

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 کعبۃ اللہ wall between the حجر اسود corner and the کعبۃ اللہ door. Pilgrims cling to this wall while making earnest دعائیں, and it is regarded as a place where نمازs 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 حج guide or agent in مکہ مکرمہ who assists حجاج with their حج and عمرہ rituals, logistics, and religious guidance. The profession is regulated by Saudi Arabian authorities.

A professional guide who assists حجاج during حج and عمرہ, providing ritual instruction, logistical support, and navigation within the holy sites. Mutawwifs operate under licensed طوافa Establishments in Saudi Arabia.

Nafr refers to the حاجی's departure from منیٰ at the end of the حج 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 منیٰ on the 12th of Dhul Hijjah after completing the day's stoning. It is the early departure option explicitly permitted in قرآن مجید.

Nafr Thani (second departure) is the option to remain in منیٰ 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 حج and عمرہ, it is the essential declaration of purpose made before entering the state of احرام.

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

The prohibition of using perfume, fragrance, cologne, or any scented substance while in the state of احرام. This is one of the key restrictions that apply to both male and female حجاج during حج and عمرہ.

The Islamic legal concept of performing a missed or invalid واجب act of worship after its prescribed time. It applies to نمازs, fasting, حج 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 حج rites. It commemorates Prophet Ibrahim's supreme act of obedience when Allah commanded him to sacrifice his son Ismail.

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

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

The blessed area within مسجد نبوی in مدینہ منورہ, located between نبی کریم 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 احرام garment, an unstitched white cloth draped over both shoulders. Male حجاج wear it as part of their sacred attire during حج and عمرہ.

The Rukn Yamani (Yemeni Corner) is the southwestern corner of the کعبۃ اللہ. It is Sunnah to touch it during طواف, and a specific قرآنic دعا is recited between it and the حجر اسود corner.

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

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

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, واجب during the month of Ramadan.

The required number of traversals between Safa and Marwah during the ritual of سعی in حج and عمرہ. Seven one-way walks constitute a complete سعی, 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 (صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم). In Islamic jurisprudence, Sunnah acts are مستحب practices that earn reward when performed but incur no sin when omitted.

A non-emphasized or non-confirmed practice of نبی کریم Muhammad (صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم) 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 نبی کریم Muhammad (صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم) that he performed consistently and rarely abandoned. It is strongly مستحب 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 وضو, غسل, or tayammum.

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

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

A location on the northern outskirts of مکہ مکرمہ that serves as the closest miqat point for those already within مکہ مکرمہ's boundaries who wish to enter احرام for عمرہ. It is the site of Masjid Aisha (the مسجد of Aisha).

Ayyam al-Tashreeq (Days of Tashreeq) are the 11th, 12th, and 13th of Dhul Hijjah — the final days of the حج rites when حجاج stay in منیٰ and perform the daily stoning of the three جمرات 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 وضو (minor ablution) or غسل (full bath) when water is unavailable, insufficient, or its use would cause illness or injury.

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

Wuquf is the act of standing (being present) at the plain of عرفات on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah. It is the single most critical pillar of حج — without it, the حج 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 حج, featuring stoning, sacrifice, shaving, and طواف al-Ifadah, and coincides with Eid al-Adha.

Yawm al-Tarwiyah is the 8th of Dhul Hijjah, marking the beginning of the main حج rites. Pilgrims enter احرام for حج and travel to منیٰ where they spend the night in preparation for the Day of عرفات.

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

The واجب 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.