How to Perform Hajj

Note: If pilgrims wish to perform Hajj Tamattu or Hajj Qiran, they will have complete Umrah first.

1. The Ahram

If a pilgrim wishes to be ritually pure for Hajj, he should cut pubic hair and take a bath as he would after sexual defilement, if convenient. He should perfume his head and beard with the best oil he can find. There is no harm to use tooth brush and paste or soap for bath after Ahram. Bathing for Ahram is Sunnah for both men and women,

Ahram for Men Two-piece garment of Ahram (Tahband and Rida) which preferably should be of white cloth. He shouldn't wear sewn garments such as a shirt, turban, under shirt, under wear, socks and gloves etc.

Footwear Rules There is a difference of opinion amongst the scholars concerning footwear (for men) in Ahram: The Hanafi scholars say that the Medial Cuneiform Bone should be uncovered.

The majority of scholars (Maliki, Shafi and Hanbali) agree that only the Ankle Bones (Malleoli) need to be uncovered. (Suggested footwear Flip flops or sandals)

Ahram for Women:

Women should not do makeup, and she may wear any clothes she has available cloth as long they do not display her adornments. She should be completely covered except of her face and hands.

2. The Intention:

Then he/she pray the obligatory prayer, if it is time. Otherwise, he/she makes his/her intention by praying the two Nafil Rakats, Make Niyat by saying " Labbayka Hajjan" or Labbayka Allahumma Hajjan wa Umratan.

If he /she fears that something will prevent him from completing his /her Hajj he/ she should make a condition when he /she makes his intentions,

اللّٰھُمَّ مَحَلِّي حَیْثُ حَبَسْتَنِي

If anything prevents me to complete the Umrah, my place is where that thing obstructed me to complete.

When he /she finishes he should say:

لَبَّیْکَ اَللّٰھُمَّ لَبَّیْکَ لَبَّیْکَ لَا شَرِیْکَ لَکَ لَبَّیْکَ إِنَّ الْحَمْدَ وَالنِّعْمَۃَ لَکَ وَالْمُلْکَ لَا شَرِیْکَ لَکَ ۔

3. Tawaf

When He / She approaches the Black Stone, touches it with his right hand and kisses it. If this isn't possible, he should face the Black Stone and point to it. It is best not to push and shove, causing harm and being harmed by other people. When touching the Stone, a pilgrim should say the following supplication:

بَسْمِ اللہ وَالصَلاۃُ وَالسَّلامُ عَلٰی رَسُوْلِ اللہ أعُوْذٰ بِاللہ الْعَظَیْمْ وَ بِوَجْہ الکَریْمِ وَ سُلْطَانِہِ الْقَدِیْمِ مِنَ الشَّیْطَانِ الرَجَیْمِ

In the name of Allah and blessing and peace be upon Allah's Messenger seek refuge in Allah the Almighty and his noble countenance and his eternal power from Satan.

بِسْمِ اللہ واللہ آکْبَرْ اللّٰھُمَّ إیْمَاناً بِکَ وَ تَصْدِیْقاً بِکِتَابِکَ وَفَاءِ بِعَھْدِک وَ إِتِّبَاعاً لِسُنَّۃِ نَبِیْکَ مُحَمَّدَ صَلَّی اللّہُ وَ عَلَیْہِ وَ سَلَّم

"In the name of Allah, Allah is the greatest. Oh, Allah, with faith in you, belief in Your book, loyalty to you, compliance to the way of your Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)."

Apart from this supplication, it is highly creditable if the pilgrim recites the following dua in the Tawaf:

سُبْحَانَ اللہِ وَ الْحَمْدُ لِلّٰہِ وَ لَا إِلٰہَ إلَّا اللہِ واللّٰہُ اَکْبَر وَ لَا حَوَّلَ وَ لَا قُوَّۃَ إلّا بِاللہ

ابن ماجہ :

Allah is Holy. Allah is praise – worthy, there is no deity save Allah and Allah is great. And Allah is omnipotent. (Ibn-e-Majah).

A pilgrim must walk, keeping the Kaa'ba on his left. When he reaches the Rukn Al Yamani he should touch, but not kiss it, and say:

رَبَّنا آتِنَا فِی الدُّنیَا حَسَنَةً و فِی الآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّار : البقر۱۲۵

"Our Lord, grant us good in this life and good in the hereafter and save us from the punishment of the Hell fire. Oh Allah, I beg of you for forgiveness and health in this life and in the Hereafter."

Each time he passes the Black Stone he should say:

اللہ اکبر

"Allah is the Greatest."

During this Tawaf it is necessary for a man to do two things. Al-ldhtebaa' from the beginning of Tawaf until the end of Tawaf. Al-ldhtebaa' means placing the middle of one's Reda' under his right arm and the ends of it over his left shoulder.

Al-Raml during the first three circuits. Al-Raml means speeding up one's pace with small steps. A pilgrim should walk at a normal pace. During his last four circuits. During the remainder of this Tawaf he may say what he pleases of supplications, mentioning Allah, and recitation of Quran. This is because Tawaf, and sa'i have been devised for the purpose of mentioning Allah.

4. Two Rakats of Tawaf

When he /she complete seven circuits of Tawaf, he approaches Maqam Ibrahim and recites:

وَالتَّخَذُوْا مِنْ مُّقَامِ إِبْرَاھِیْمَ مُصَلّٰی : البقرة

"And keep the station of Ibrahim as a place of Prayer" [2:125].

He / She prays two short Rakats, as close as conveniently possible, behind Maqam Ibrahim, During the first Rakaa he recites Surah Al-Kafirun [Chapter 109] and during the second one Surah Al-lkhlas [Chapter 112].

5.Al- Hajar Al-Aswad

After performing the two rakats of Tawaf, the Holy prophet (PBUH) returned to the corner of ka'aba and kissed the black Stone A narration says that he merely touched it.

6. Zam Zam Water

Zam Zam water is the name of the famous well in Al-Masjid Al-Haram, it is situated at a distance of thirty cubits away from Ka'aba.

"Musnad Ahmad" says that after the two rakats of Tawaf the Holy prophet (PBUH) drank water of Zam Zam and poured it over his head and then he went to touch the Black stone. The Holy prophet (PBUH) drank Zam Zam water standing but this does not indicate that a person, while sitting should get up to drink Zam Zam water, because there is no command in this regard.

Abdullah Ibne Abbas used to insist on people to drink Zam Zam water in three breaths saying.

He also used to recite the following supplication after drinking Zam Zam water.

اللّھُمَّ إنّی أَسْئَلُکَ عِلماً نَافِعاً وَ رِزْقاً وَاسِعاً و شِفَاعاً مِنْ کُل دَاءٍ۔ : بخاري

O' Allah ! I ask earnestly the beneficial knowledge, the excessive provisions and healing against all the suffering and disease.

7. Sa'i

When he completes the two Rakats he should return to the Black Stone and touch it, if convenient. He goes out to the Mesa'a and when he nears As-Safaa he recites

إنَّ الصَّفا وَالمَروَةَ مِن شَعائِرِ اللہ فَمَن حَجَّ البیتَ واعتَمَر فَلا جُنَاحَ عَلیہ أن یَطوفَ

بِھِما وَمن تَطَوَّعَ خَیراً فإن اللہ شَاکِر عَلِیم : البقر۱۵۸

Indeed Safaa and Marwah are among the signs of Allah. So whoever performs Hajj or Umrah there is no harm in walking between them. And (for) whoever happily performs further righteous deeds, Allah is most appreciative and all knowing

لَا اِلٰہَ اِلَّا اللہ وَ اللہ اَکبَرُ لَا اِلٰہَ الَّا اللہ وَحدَہ لَا شَرِیکَ لَہ۔ لَہ المُلکُ وَلَہ الحَمدُ یُحیِي وَیَمُوتُ وَھُوَ عَلٰی کُلِّ شَیئٍ قَدِیْر لَا اِلٰہَ اِلَّا اللہ وَحْدَہ انجَزُ وَعْدَہ وَ نَصَرَعَبْدُہ وَھَزَمُ الاَحْزَابِ وَحْدَہ. : متفق علیہ

There is no deity save Allah. There is no deity but Allah alone he has no partner; to him belong the dominion to him praise is due and he is omnipotent. There is no deity but Allah alone who fulfilled his promise helped his servant and routed the confederates.

He then made supplication in the course of that saying such word three times. He next descended and walked towards Al- Marwah and when, he ran between to green lights and he walked till he reached Al-Marwah and could see the ka'aba. There he does as he had done at Al-safaa. He ran between Al-Safaa and Al-Marwah seven times repeating the aforesaid supplication and finally ended at Al-Marwah

8. Shaving or Cutting Hair:

On Completion of Sa'i he shaves his head or shortens his hair. A woman clips her hair the length of a finger tip.

With that, Umrah is completed.

If the a pilgrim is performing Hajj Tamttu he is free to dress in other clothing, wear perfume and engage in marital relations, etc. and he/she should wear the Ahram on the 8th of Dhul-Hijjah, throughout Hajj.

If the pilgrim is performing Hajj Qiran he/she will stay in Ahram for Hajj until 10th Dhul-Hijjah.

Places to Visit in Makkah

1. Mina'a
2. Masjid Al Khaif
3. Muzdalifa
4. Masjid Mashair Al Haram
5. Arafat
6. Masjid Al- Nimrah
7. Jabl-e-Rehmat
8. Masjid Tan'im (Masjid Aysha/ Masjid Miqaat.)
9. Masjid Al Jinn
10. The Mount of Thawor (Sour)
11. The Mount of Hira (Ghar-e-Hira)
12. The House of Prophet PBUH (Maulud-un-Nabi)
13. Makkah University
14. Qiswa-e-Kaa'ba

The Restrictions of Ahram

• We shouldn't shave or cut any hair of the body. (But it is permissible for us to clean ourselves, even if some of hair falls unintentionally.
• We shouldn't cut nails whether of the hands or the feet
• We shouldn't use perfume,
• We shouldn't do intercourse and avoid from whatever leads to it, such as kissing, looking, touching with desire or getting married etc.
• We shouldn't be wed on propose to a woman for Marriage ourselves or by others
• We shouldn't wear gloves
• We shouldn't hunt or kill animal for food
• We shouldn't cut trees or grass

The restrictions of Ahram for men

• He shouldn't cover his head, but there is no harm in the use of an umbrella or in carrying his baggage on his head.
• He shouldn't wear sewn garments. Such as a Shirt, Turban, Trousers, Undershirt, Underwear, or Shoes. And it is permissible for him to wear sandals, rings, glasses.

The restrictions of Ahram for women

• A woman shouldn't wear a Niqab or Burqa'. The Sunnah is for her to uncover her face.

Muqamat (The Important Places)

• Holy Kaa'ba: The House of Allah in the Holy Mosque in Makkah. The Kaa`ba is the first and the most ancient house of worship ever built for all of humankind and dedicated to the worship of one God.
• Qibla: The direction Muslims face to pray
• Rukun-e-Yemeni: The north-western corner of the Kaa'ba faces towards Yemen and this is why it is called Rukun-e-Yemeni (Yemen's Pillar). It is not appropriate to kiss this part during making a circuit of the Holy Kaa'ba.
• Hajr-e-Aswad (The Black Stone): It is in the north-eastern corner of the Kaa'ba. This stone is called Hajr-e-Aswad (Black Stone). Ibne Abbas narrated that Allah's messenger (PBUH) said: the black stone came down from paradise and was whiter than milk but the sins of the sons of Adam turned it black, Hajjis should kiss it if they get chance.
• Multazam: The southern part of the wall between the door of the Kaa'ba and the black stone is called Multazam. Pilgrims embrace this part of the wall. In a Hadith Prophet (PBUH) said whoever calls Allah upon Al- Multazam Allah will answer his prayer.
• Hateem: A short distance away from Kaa'ba towards North there is an open space. The place has small walls around it but there is no ceiling. There is a tradition of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) that suggests that this place was left without a roof because enough wood was not available to cover the entire building of Kaa'ba. A pilgrim should keep this place inside the Tawaaf but it is not right to face this place when offering prayers.
• Muqam-e-Ibrahim (Place of Ibrahim): There is a small round-shaped monument in front of the door of the Kaa'ba and the Multazam. This Gold plated monument has a stone that was used by Hadrat Ibrahim to stand on to complete the walls of the Kaa'ba. On the Stone there are Ibrahim's foot prints, this is called Muqam-e-Ibrahim (Place of Ibrahim). After completing the seventh circuit during the pilgrimage, two Raka't of prayer are offered near the Muqam-e-Ibrahim. Allah Almighty said:

وَاتخَذُوا مّنْ مّقَامِ إبْرَاھِیْمَ مُصَلّي : البقرۃ

And you people the Maqam (place) of Ibrahim as a place of prayer. (Al Baqarah 125)

Mutaaf: There is a circle of white stone around the Kaa'ba. This is the place where the circuit of the Holy Kaa'ba is performed during the pilgrimage.

Zam Zam: Zam Zam is the name of the famous well in Al-Masjid Al-Haram, it is situated at a distance of thirty cubits away from Al-kaa'ba this well sprung up when Ismail (Alaihi As Salaam) as an infant struck the Earth with his heels in thirst, his mother looked for water, but could not find any, she climbed to the top of Mount Safaa and prayed to Allah (SWT) for help, and then she climbed Mount Marwah and did the same.

Allah (SWT) responded to her supplication and sent Jibraeel (A) to dig out the well of Zam Zam, it is from the virtues of the Zam Zam that it is situated in Makkah.

According to the hadith the water of Zam Zam is for the purpose for which it is drunk.

Al-Safaa and Al-Marwah:

Two small hills in Makkah were located in the north of Masjid-Al-Haram. Now these hills have been flattened. Hadrat Hajirah ran seven times between these two hills in search of food and water. Pilgrims are ordained to follow her footsteps and go to these hills seven times.

Health and Safety

Due to the importance of Hajj, health and wealth is an important condition for the same. For staying healthy we should follow most of the common health and safety rules in the modern world. If we follow some safety ways by the Grace of Allah we can keep our self healthy especially during this important time when we are doing the most important Worship.

There are some suggestions

• Before we start our Journey we should check what vaccinations we need at least six week before travel.
• We should check if our medication is legal in the country where we are visiting, and pack it in our hand luggage.
• We should avoid overcrowded Places
• We should try our best to eat and drink fresh food and drinks.
• We should keep our ID card, Muallim and Hotels address and phone numbers with us all the time.
• We should always keep cleanliness; our prophet (PBUH) said cleanliness and purification are half of Iman.
• When we are abroad we should carry only as much money as we need for the day, use a money belt or secure inside pockets. Leave the rest in a hotel safe.

When we are in Holy city we should give respect for Bald-ul-Amin.(the city of peace and Mercy)

Five days of Hajj

First Day 8th Dhul-Hijjah (Yaum Tarwiyah).

If you are performing Hajj Al-Tamatt'u (or Hajj Ifrad ), you enter into Ahram for Hajj from your residence in Makkah on the 8th of Dhul-Hijjah. See page No 10 of detail of Ahram. After putting on Ahram make your niyyah (intenstion) by Saying Labbayka Hajjan, then recite talbiyyah:

لَبَّیْکَ اَللّٰھُمَّ لَبَّیْکَ لَبَّیْکَ لَا شَرِیْکَ لَکَ لَبَّیْکَ إِنَّ الْحَمْدَ وَالنِّعْمَۃَ لَکَ وَالْمُلْکَ لَا شَرِیْکَ لَکَ ۔

O' Lord, here I am no partner do you have. Here I am truly, the praise and the favour is yours, and the monition no partner do you have.

You then go to Mina'a, where you pray the Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, Isha and Fajr prayers, shortening prayers of four rakats to two Rakats. Do not combine these prayers.

Second Day 9th Dhul Hijjah (Yume Arafat)

When the sun has risen on the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah, proceed toward Arafat in a dignified manner and without harming your fellow pilgrims. At Arafat, pray the Dhuhr and Asr prayers, shortened and combined during the time of Dhuhr with one Adhan and two Iqamahs.

Stay within the boundaries of Arafat,

Standing at Arafat is one of the greatest worship. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: Pilgrimage is Arafa, on that day the Islamic religion was completed with the descent of Quranic verse,

الیوم اکملت لکم دینکم و أتممت علیکم نعمتي ورضیت لکم الإسلام دینا۔

(Today I have completed your religion for you, and completed my favour upon you, and accepted Islam as a religion for you).

Arafat day is the day of forgiveness of sins release from hell. Hajjis shouldn't fast in Arafat.

Remain at Arafat until after sunset, when the sun has set, proceed toward Muzdalifa in a peaceful and dignified manner, reciting Talbiyyah do not harm or cause any discomfort to your fellow Muslims. When you arrive at Muzdalifah, pray the Maghrib and Isha prayers combined, shortening Isha to two rak'ats and stay at Muzdalifa. For women or weak individuals, it is permissible to proceed to Mina'a at any time after midnight.

Muzdalifa also called Mash'ar-Al-Haraam.

Almighty Allah Said:

فاذا افضتٰم من عرفا تٍ فاذکروا اللّہ عِند المشعرالحرام : البقرہ

(When you leave Arafat remember Allah (by glorifying his praises)

Third Day 10th Dhul Hijjah (Yaume Nahar)

You have prayed the Fajr prayer. Then wait until brightness of the morning is wide spread, supplicate facing Qiblah with upraised hands, following the practice of the Prophet Muhammad (may peace and blessings of Allah be on him). in Muzdalifa, pick up only 49 pebbles to throw them at the three Jamarat pillars; while passing through Muhssir Valley, hasten if possible, upon arriving at the Mina'a, throw seven pebbles at Jamarah Al-Aqabah by calling Allah-u-Akbar every time you throw a pebble. As soon as you complete the throwing, discontinue the Talbbiyah.

Slaughter a sacrificial animal, eat from it if possible and feed its meat to the needy and the poor. Slaughtering is obligatory on Qarin and Mutamatt.

Shave or shorter your head hair, shaving is better, as for women, she may shorten her hair equal to a finger tip length. At this stage you are allowed to put on normal clothes and use perfume and scent; except of sexual intercourse. This is called Tahallul Al Awwal.

After throwing the pebbles you can go to Makkah to offer Tawaf Al-Ifadhah, after Tawaf, perform sa'i and by completion of Sa'i you will return to normal life, and this called Tahallul Thani. Drink from Zam Zam water and pray Zuhr in Makkah if possible, spend the remaining nights in Mina'a.

Fourth Day 11th Dhul Hijjah (First day of Ayyam-e-Tashreeq.)

After the spending the night in Mina'a you are advised to pray the five daily prayers in congregation. And it sunnah to repeat the Takbeer after every Salah whether you are staying or travelling and you are in Mina'a or anywhere else. Throwing of stones at the three Jamarats after Zuhr is Sunnah If possible. Start Rami at Jamarah Al- Sughra, then middle and then at Jamrah Kubrah .The pebbles are to be collected from any place in Mina'a.

After completion of Rami at Jamarahs (Wusta & sughra )Make Dua'a straight facing the Qibla, as the Messenger of Allah did.

اللّھُمَّ إجعَلہ حَجّا مَبرُوراً وَذنباٍ مَغفُوراً : مسلم ،ابو داؤد، مسند احمد ،ابن خزیمہ

Fifth Day 12th Dhul Hijjah (2th day of Ayyam-e-Tashreeq)

Spend your time in performing of good deeds and remembering Allah. After Zuhr, throw the pebbles at the three Jamarahs as you did on the 11th day of Dhul Hijjah starting with the Jamarah Al Sughra. Make Dua'a after throwing the pebbles at the Sughra and then Wusta.

اللّھُمَّ إجعَلہ حَجّا مَبرُوراً وَذنباٍ مَغفُوراً : مسلم ،ابو داؤد،مسند احمد ،ابن خزیمہ

After stoning Jamarah al-Aqabah leave immediately without any Dua'a.

During Ayyam-e-Tashreeq it is recommended to pray at Al-Khaif Mosque, If possible.

Note: It is permissible to leave Mina'a before sunset; after sunset he doesn't allowed to live Mina'a he should stay in Mina'a until next day and throw the pebbles on three Jamarats.

The Almighty Allah said:

واذکروا اللہ في ایام معدودات فمن تَعجل فی یومَین فلا اثم علیہ ومن تاخر فلا اثم

علیہ لمن اتقی : البقرة : ۲۰۳

And remember Allah during the Appointed days But whosoever hastens to leave in two days, there is no sin on him and whosoever stays on there is no sin on him if his aim is to do good and obey Allah ( fear him ).

Terminology

Haram: Makkah and its surrounding areas are called Haram. Haram has different boundaries. These boundaries extend to three miles on one side, seven on the other and nine miles towards Jeddah. Within these boundaries of Haram it is forbidden to hunt, bother any animal, or to cut grass or trees. One is permitted to kill dangerous animals like snakes, scorpions, rats or animals with rabies (dogs, etc.)

Masjid-Al-Haram: Around the Kaa'ba is a mosque that has a rectangular shape with rounded corners. Pilgrims offer prayers is this mosque by making circular rows and face towards the Kaa'ba.

The Ahram: Ahram means putting on a un sewn two-piece garment consisting of a Tehband and a Rida and the pilgrim should wear no other clothes.

Talbiah:

لَبَّیْکَ اَللّٰھُمَّ لَبَّیْکَ لَبَّیْکَ لَا شَرِیْکَ لَکَ لَبَّیْکَ إِنَّ الْحَمْدَ وَالنِّعْمَۃَ لَکَ وَالْمُلْکَ لَا شَرِیْکَ لَکَ۔

(Labbek Allah humma labbek, labbek la-sharika laka labbek, innal hamda wannematah laka wal mulko la-sharika lak).

Here I am at your service, O' Lord; here I am no partner do you have. Here I am Truly, the praise and the favor is yours, and the dominion no partner do you have.

Al-ldhtebaa: Means placing the middle of one's Rida' under his right arm and the ends of it over his left shoulder, from the beginning of Tawaf until the end.

Tawaf- Al- Wadaa: (Farewell Tawaf.) Last Tawaf in the end, when you are leaving Makkah.

Al-Raml: Al-Raml means speeding up one's pace with small steps; during the first three circuits, a pilgrim should walk at a normal pace during his last four circuits.

Estalam: He / She approaches the Black Stone, touches it with his right hand and kisses it. If this isn't possible, he / she should face the Black Stone and point to it.

Sa'i: The walk made between As-Safaa and Al-Marwah.

Virtues of Makkah

The Almighty Allah said:

لَاُأُقْسِمُ بِھٰذَ البَلَدْ (البلد)

I swear by this city.

Prophet (PBUH) said "By Allah (SWT) You are the best land of Allah and verily you are the most beloved land to me.

If I had not been driven out of you, I would not have departed from you." (Al-Muattah)

Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) said "Whosoever gives one dirham therein charity, Allah (SWT) writes for him the reward of having spent a hundred thousand dirhams in charity." (Sunain Tirmizi)

Prophet Mohammed peace be upon him said " Each pious deed performed therein is multiplied a hundred thousand fold." (Sunain Abu Dawood)

Rasullullah stated: "A person passed away while performing the Hajj or Umrah will not questioned (in the qabr) nor will any reckoning be taken from him (on the day of Qiyamah) He will be told: "Enter Jannah in peace with those who have attained salvation." (Bayhaqi)

Prophet (PBUH) said "Anyone who endures any difficulty experiences in Makkah (with patience), I will intercede and bear witness for him on the day on Qiyamah."

Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) said "The best valley on the face of this earth is the valley of Ibrahim (Alaih As Salaam). (Sahi Bukhari)

Madina Munawwarah

Vertues of Madina Munawwarah

Medina Munawwarah is one of the most beloved places to Allah the Exalted, because of the following merits it is the land of Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him) migration, it is his choice, its people are his neighbours and supporters. It is the land of receiving Revelation [Wahi]. There is no place in Medina that has not had Qur'anic verses or Prophet's hadith revealed or said therein. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) used to say:

اَللّٰھُمَّ حَبِّبْ إِلَیْنَا الْمَدِیْنَۃِ کَحُبِّنَا مَکَّۃ اَوْ اَشَدُّ : متفق علیہ

O' Allah makes Madina beloved to us as we love Makkah or more.

Prophet's Mosque

In Islam, the Prophet's (PBUH) Mosque is second in rank with regard to merit and status in Allah's sight. The same applies to the reward for the worshipers and those heading there. The Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him) said:

لا تَشُدُ الرِحال إلاإلی ثَلاثَة مَساجِد ، المسجد الحرام ، ومسجدي ھذا ، والمسجد الأقصی : متفق علیہ

Do not undertake a journey, but to one of the three Mosques: the Sacred Mosque, this Mosque of mine, and Al-Aqsa Mosque."

It has been narrated that performing prayers in the Prophet's Mosque is of great merit and reward. The Prophet (PBUH) said:

صَلاة فی مَسجدی ھَذا أفضل مِن ألف صَلاة فِیما سِواہ الا المسجد الحرام و صلاة فی المسجد الحرام افضل من مائة ألف صلاة فیما سواہ : متفق علیہ

"Prayer in this Mosque of mine is a thousand times more excellent than a Prayer in any other mosque except the Sacred Mosque (in Makkah)."

Visiting the Prophet's Mosque

Going to Madina at any time with the intention of visiting the Prophet's Mosque is a sunnah, as is performing salah in it.

There is no Ahram or Talbiyah for the visiting to the Prophet's Mosque, upon reaching the mosque, pray two Rakats of Tahaiya-tul-Masjid or performs any obligatory prayer that is due.

Note: One should enter first by his right foot and supplicate saying

اللّٰھُمَّ إفْتَحِ الباب رحمتک

O' Allah, open for me the doors of your Mercy.

A visitor should not raise his voice in the Mosque as a sign of politeness with the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him). Lowering one's voice is also a sign of obedience to the words of the Almighty Allah,

"O' ye who believe! Raise not your voices above the voice of the Prophet, nor speak loud to him in talk, as ye may speak aloud to one another, lest your deeds become vain and ye perceive not, of those who lower their voices in the presence of Allah's Messenger (PBUH) their hearts has Allah tested for piety: for them is forgiveness and a great reward."

Thus, it is a warning to those who raise their voices in the presence of Allah's Messenger (PBUH) that Allah will render their deeds vain and avoid them and will not reward them.

It has been narrated that Abu Bakr Al-Siddique (A) used to say, "There should be no rising of voices in the presence of a prophet, whether dead or alive."

1. When the visitor finishes the greeting rakats, he should go to the Honoured Apartment, face the grave of the Prophet (PBUH) and greet him, saying, "Peace be upon you, O' Messenger of Allah. Peace be upon you, O' the dearest one to Allah.
   Peace be upon you, O' the best of His creation.
   I bear witness that you indeed have delivered the message (of Allah), discharged your trust, advised the Muslim community, and strived hard in the cause of Allah until there came unto you the Hour that is certain."
2. Then, he takes a step to the right and greets Abu Bakr Al-Siddique (R) saying,
   "Peace be upon you, O' Abu Bakr.
   Peace be upon you, O' Second of the two who were in the Cave. Peace be upon you, O' Successor of Allah's Messenger (PBUH)."
3. Then, he takes another step to the right and greets Umar Al-Farooq saying:
   "Peace be upon you, O' Amir of the Believers.
   Peace be upon you, O' Abu Hafsa.
   Peace be upon you, O' Eliminator of Sedition."
4. Then, he faces the Qiblah, with his back to the Honoured Apartment, and while leaving a place for others, invokes Allah for his welfare both in this world and in the Hereafter.

Places to Visit in Madinah

1. The Quba Mosque
2. Janat ul Baqi (Garden of Paradise)
3. Masjid Qiblatain
4. Place of Ghazwa-e-Uhud
5. Place of Ghazwa-e-Khandaque
6. King Fahad Qura'an Printing Complex
7. Madina University