Places and Religious Terms of Hajj

1. “EHRAAM”: This is an unsewn clothing without which a pilgrim can not cross “Meeqaat”. It is composed of two sheets, preferably of white and new cloth otherwise old clean cloth – one to be used to cover the upper body and the other to wrap round the waist (Tahband). This is, in a way, a dress to present oneself in the Most Exalted Court of Allah Almighty – a clean, simple, seamless and unostentatious clothing.

2. “MEEQAAT”: The places, spots (boundary lines) which one should not cross to reach Holy Ka’bah without adopting Ehraam even though one goes there for business or some other errand.

3. “TALBIYAH”: It means to utter “Labbaiek” i.e. Labbaiek Al-Laahumma Labbaiek. Labbaieka Laa Shareeka Laka Labbaiek. Innal Hamda Wane’mata Laka wal Mulk. Laa Shareeka Lak”. Utterance of Labbaiek once is must for Ehraam and Niyat (intention) is condition for it.

4. “HARAM-E-KA’BAH”: The vast area around the holy Makkah having boundary lines on all sides. This include the whole Makkah (city), Minaa and Muzdalifa with the exclusion of’ Arafaat. It is Haraam (unlawful) to hurt the beasts even the wild pigeon(s) within the limits of Haram-e-Ka’bah and even to uproot the grass of the holy land is unlawful.

5. “HILL”: The land from the bondary line of Haram upto Meeqaat is called “Hill”.

6. “TAWAAF”: Making circuit of the holy Ka’bah remaining within the precincts of “Masjidul Haraam” (the grand mosque round the Ka’bah) in a specified manner is called Tawaaf.

7. “MATAAF”: The Masjidul Haraam is a vast circular compound that has numerous verandahs and passages on its edges with the holy Ka’bah situated in centre. There is a circle round the Ka’bah which is called “Mataaf’ (the place of performing circum-abulation).

8.”RUKN”: The corner of the House of Allah (Khaana-e-Ka’bah) where two walls of it meet is called angle. The Khaana-e-Ka’bah has four corners:

a. Rukn-e-Aswad: This corner is situated in the south-east direction and “Hajar-e-Aswad” (the holy black-stone) is embedded in this wall high (from the ground).

b. Rukn-e-‘Iraaqee: This corner is situated in the north-east. The holy door of the Ka’bah is installed in the eastern wall, located between these two corners, very (high from the ground).

c. Rukn-e-Shaamee: It is situated in the northwest direction. If the pilgrim stands facing Hajar-e-Aswad, he will face “Baitul Muqaddas” (Jerusalem).

d. Rukn -e-Yamaanee: It is located in the west-south.

9. “MULTAZIM”: It is that portion of the eastern wall which is spread from Rukn-e-Aswad to the holy door of the Ka’bah. After having performed Tawaaf the pilgrims offer prayer and make “Du’aa” (supplication) at “Maqaam-e-Ibraaheem” (the station of Prophet Abraham) and then kiss, embrace and stretch out their hands high on this wall (Multazim).

10. MEEZAAB-E-RAHMAT: It is “Parnaalah” made of gold (a golden outlet to drain rain-water) fixed on the roof of holy Ka’bah resting on the northern wall which is situated between Rukne-e-‘Iraaqee and Rukn-e-Shaamee.

11. HATEEM: A portion of land adjacent to the same nothern wall which is surrounded by a low curvy (bow-like) wall having passages on both sides.

12. MUSTAJAAR: It is that part of the western wall situated between Rukne-e-Yamaanee and Rukn-e-Shaamee which is opposite the Multazim.

13. MUSTAJAAB: The southern wall situated between Rukne-e-Yamaanee and Rukn-e-Aswad where seventy thousand Angels are posted to say “Aameen” on the supplications (Du’aa) of the pilgrims. That’s why it is called “Mustajaab” (the spot where supplications are answered).

14 IZTIBAA7IDTIBAA: It denotes the act of placing (both ends of) sheet on the left shoulder passing under the right arm-pit before performing Tawaaf. Thus keeping the right shoulder bare.

15. RAML: To walk briskly with short steps moving the shoulders with the chest out (indicative of strength and bravery) in the first three circuits of Tawaaf. Neither to jump nor run in the process.

16. ISTILAAM: To kiss Hajar-e-Aswad placing the palms of both hands on it with the face between them, if possible, otherwise touch the hands or stick with it and kiss them/that or give it a flying kiss.

17. HAJAR-E-ASWAD: It is a black stone which serves as a point for the pilgrims to begin from and end at it their Tawaaf of the House of Allah. There is in Hadees that Hajarul Aswad was whiter than milk when sent down from heavens. It were the faults (sins) of mankind which blackened it.

18. MAQAAM-E-IBRAAHEEM: There is a stone placed in glass case before the door of holy Ka’bah which has the imprints of the feet of Prophet Abraham who rest his feet on it while constructing the holy Ka’bah. Allah Almighty has counted “Maqaam-e-Ibraaheem in “Aayaat-e-Baieynaat” (cogent arguments, categorical proof(s) of the Divinity).

19. QUBBAH ZAMZAM SHAREEF: This “Qubbah” (dome) is situated in the south from Maqaam-e-Ibraaheem within the precincts of the grand mosque which has the well of Zamzam.

20. BAABUS SAFAA: One of the southern gates of the grand mosque which leads to Safaa hill.

21. SAFAA: It is situated in the south of holy Ka’bah. There was a hill in the ancient time but now there exists only a trace of it. A long verandah has been constructed here facing the Qiblah which has stairs to get on it.

22. MARWAH: This is other hill which is situated in the east of Safaa having just a trace of hill. There is also a verandah facing the Qiblah with stairs. There is a market on the right hand (from Safaa to Marwah) and on the left is the precincts of Masjidul Haraam (grand mosque).

23. MEELAIEN-E-AKHDARAIEN: The two green spots (between Safaa and Marwah) where green tube-lights remain on round the clock.

24. MAS’AA: The distance between these two green spots which is covered by marching quickly without running and hurting other pilgrims.
25. SA’EE: Marching from Safee to Marwah and Marwah to Safaa and marching quickly between Meelaien-e-Akhdaraien is called Sa’ee.

26. HALQ: To get the head shaved off. Doing so is a commendable act.

27. TAQSEER: To get the hair (of the head) cropped. Doing so is permissible.

28. WUQOOF-E-‘ARAFAH: Staying in ‘Arafaat on 9th Zilhij and to busy oneself in Zikr, Labbaiek, Du’aa, Durood Shareef, Istighfaar and Kalimah-e-Tauheed (remembrance of Allah, Talbeeh, supplication, invocation of Allah’s blessings on the Holy Prophet, seeking forgiveness of Allah and Code of Evidence). And particularly to devote oneself to Du’aa after having offered Zuhr and Asr prayers till the sunset, is called Wuqoof-e-‘Arafah.

29. MAUQIF: The staying place in ‘Arafaat for which there is an injunction that the pilgrims should busy themselves in Zikr and Du’aa in standing posture here after offering prayer till the sunset.

30. BATN-E-‘ARNAH: It is one of the Haram’s rivulets in ‘Arafaat which is located in the west of Namrah mosque (i.e. towards the holy Ka’bah). To stay here is impermissible. If any pilgrim halts or stay here, his/her Hajj will not be in order.

31. MASJID-E-NAMRAH: It is a big mosque situated at the corner of ‘Arafaat ground. If its western wall falls, it will fall in Barn.

32. JABAL-E-RAHMAT: It is one of the hills of ‘Arafaat which is about 300 ft. high from the ground and 3000 ft. high from the sea-level. It is also called Mauqaf-e-‘Azam. The Mauqaf (staying place) of the Holy Prophet is situated near it which is tiled with black stones.

33. MUZDALIFAH: It is a large field between ‘Arafaat and Minaa which is situated at a distance of nearly three miles from ‘Arafaat and Minaa is about at the same distance from it (Muzdalifah). There is in a narrative that Prophet Adam and Eve met in Muzdalifah after Prophet Adam’s supplication was answered in ‘Arafaat.

34. MAAZINAIEN: It is a narrow passage between the hills of ‘Arafaat and Muzdalifah. The Holy Prophet had ado
pted this way to reach Muzdalifah from ‘Arafaat.

35. MASH’AR-E-HARAAM: It is the name of that particular place which is situated between the two hills of Muzdalifah. The Muzdalifah as a whole is also called Mash’ar-e-Haraam. There was a dome at the Wuqoof (staying place) of the Holy Prophet in Muzdalifah but now a mosque has been constructed here which is called Masjid-e- Mash’ar-ul-Haraam. Mash’ar-e-Haraam is also called Quzah.

36. WAADI-E-MUHASSAR: It is the very place where elephants of “As-haabil Feil” (the men of elephants) had refused to rush the holy Ka’bah and were perished.

37. MINAA: It is a vast field situated at the foot of hills. The pilgrims arrive at here from Muzdalifah and observe “Ramee Jimaar” and sacrifice animal(s).

38. MASJID-E-KHEEF: It is the big and famous monsque of Minaa. “Kheef’ means valley. There is in a narrative that seventy Prophets are taking rest (buried) here. This moque has a eight-faceted dome where, as reported in narratives, many Prophets offered prayers. The tent of the Holy Prophet was also pitched here.

39. RAMEE: Throwing pebbles against “Jimaars” (three pillars symbolising Satans) erected in Minaa.

40. JIMAAR: The three stone-pillars symbolising Satans set up in Minaa are called “Jimaar”. The first one is called “Jamratul Oolaa” the second as “Jamratul Wustaa” and the third one is called “Jamratul Uqbah”. The pilgrims will find Jamratul Uqubah first on way to Minaa from holy Makkah

Which places,sites in and around holy Makkah are visitable?The following are the visitable places,sites although these sacred places are no more in their pristine form yet the believers should visit them to earn blessings and graces gratis and make Du’aa for themselves and for their dear and near ones. 1.JANNATUL MAALAA: It is the famous graveyard of holy Makkah which is situated at a distance of about one mile from Masjidul Haraam (the holy Ka’bah) on way to Minaa. The hallowed graveyard is superior to all graveyards under the Sun except for “Jannatul Baqee” (the sacred graveyard of holy Madinah). Some companions and many saints and savants are taking rest (buried) here. Now this graveyard is divided by a road passing through it. The one half located towards the holy Makkah is new (newly expanded) portion of it and the other which is situated towards Minaa is old one. The sacred grave of Hadart Beebee Khudaijah (may Allah be pleased with her) is in the old portion. 2. MAKAAN-E-KHADIJATUL KUBRAA: The Holy Prophet stayed in this house untill his migration to the holy Madinah. His dear daughter Hadrat Faatemah (may Allah be pleased with her) was born here. 3. MAULUD SHAREEF: The Holy Prophet was born in this sacred house which is situated in “Shaabe ‘Alee”. Now there is a library at this place. 4. MAKAAN-E-SIDDIQUE AKBAR: The Holy Prophet visited this house a number of times. He proceeded to “Ghaar-e-Saur” (the Saur cave) for migration from this house. Now a mosque namely “Masjid-e-Abu Bakr” has been constructed at this site. 5. DAAR-E-ARQAM: It was the preaching spot of the Holy Prophet. Hadrat ‘Umar Farooque (may Allah be pleased with him) had embraced Islaam here. This place is located in front of the first of the doors of Haram constructed to the side of Safaa. The word “Daar-e-Arqam” is inscribed on the arch of this door. 6. GHAAR-E-SAUR: This cave is located in the mountain of Saur nearly three miles away from the holy Makkah at the height of about 1 to 1-1/2 miles. Now there are steps to climb the mountain. The Holy Prophet had stayed in this cave for three days and nights when he set off on migration from holy Makkah to the sacred Madinah. 7. GHAAR-E-HIRAA: This cave is situated on “Jabal-e-Noor” (the hill of light) not at a great height. It is 15 ft. in length and 10 ft. in width. It is the very cave where the Holy Prophet had received first “Vahee” (revelation). Located near it is a pond made by Turks. This cave faces the Qiblah. 8. GHAAR-E-MURSALAAT: This cave is situated near Masjid-e-Kheef. The pilgrims will find it on their right side on way to ‘Arafaat. Surah Mursalaat was revealed to the Holy Prophet here. This cave is reported to have the imprints of the head of the Holy Prophet. In addition to the afore-mentioned holy places, sites there are some other places in and around the sacred Makkah which the pilgrims should also visit: Masjid-e-Hamzah, Masjid-e-Jinn, Masjid-e-Shajrah, Masjid-e-Khaalid, Masjid-e-Sauqul Laiel, Masjid-e-Ijaabat, Masjid-e-Jabal-e-Abu Qubees, Masjid-e-Aieshah, Masjid-e-Kauser, Masjid-e-Bilaal, Masjid-e-‘Aqabah, Masjid-e-Ji’irraana, Masjid-e-Nahar, Masjidul Kabsh or Manhar-e-Ibraaheem, Masjid Shaqqul Qamar etc.Which places, sites are visitable in holy Madinah?The holy shrine of the Holy Prophet and every nook and cranny of Masjidun Nabee particularly the old portion of the mosque are visitable. Pulpit of the Holy Prophet, “Riyaad (Riyaaz)ul Jannah” (the heaven garden) situated between the pulpit and “Hujrah” (chamber,room) of the Holy Prophet and pillars of the mosque are the sacred places to have oneself blessed with. Jannatul Baqee’: It is the famous and big graveyard of holy Madinah where some 10,000 companions of the Holy Prophet and innumerable successors to the Prophet’s companions, successors to the companions’ successors, saints, savants, posterity of the Holy Prophet which include Hadrat Saiey-yidinaa Imaam Hasan Mujtabaa, Imaam Zainul Aabideen, Imaam Muhammad Baqar and Imaam Ja’far Saadique (may Allah be pleased with them all) are taking rest (buried) here. But alas! The shrines of all these venerable personages have been demolished leaving no traces of them. Masjid-e-Qubaa: Offering two Rak’at prayer in this mosque earns a believer the reward equal to that of an ‘Umrah’s. It is proved by authentic traditions that the Holy Prophet used to visit this mosque every week. Sometimes he walked it on foot and sometimes rode a riding-beast. Masjidul Qibla-taien: The change of Qiblah (the direction in which prayer is offered) towards the holy Ka’bah was commanded in this mosque during prayer. The Holy Prophet was leading prayer and had completed two Rak’ats in the direction of Baitul Muqaddas (Jerusalem) when the command of Allah for the change of Qiblah descended. The Holy Prophet immediately changed his direction towards the holy Ka’bah (from Baitul Muqaddas) and completed the prayer offering the remaining two Rak’ats in the direction of Ka’bah. It has two “Mehraab” (arches) one in the direction of Baitul Muqaddas and the other towards the sacred Ka’bah. Besides these mosques there are some other mosques of historical significance like Masjid-e-Kabeer, Masjid-e-Jumu’ah, Masjid-e-Shams, Masjid-e-Banee Quraizah, Masjid-e-Ibraaheem, Masjid-e-Zafar, Masjidul Ijaabat, Masjid-e-Fatah, Masjid-e-Banee Haraam, Masjid-e-Zubaab etc. Shuhudaa-e-Uhud: The Holy Prophet used to visit the graves of the martyrs of the battle of Uhud at the beginning of every year. Saiey-yidul Shuhudaa Hadrat Hamzah (may Allah be pleased with him) is taking rest (buried) here. The wells of Madinah: The Holy Prophet graced some wells by either performing ablution with its water or drinking its water or putting his blessed saliva in it. Thus these wells i.e. Beer-e-Arees, Beer-e-‘Urs, Beer-e-Budaa’ah, Beer-e-Haa, Beer-e-Romah, Beer-e-Ihaab, Beer-e-Anas bin Maalik, Beer-e-Bussah, Beer-e-‘Ahain etc. are attributed to the Holy Prophet. Some of them are extant and some extinct.