HAJJ GLOSSARY

The Holy City of Makkah and its surrounding areas. Al-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 Al-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.)

The Valley between Arafaat and Mina, where pilgrims should make a Du'a after they have slept in Muzdalifa while they are going to Makkah to throw Jamrat al-Aqabah on the morning of the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah.

The area that surrounds Mount Rahmah, Southeast of Makkah.

Afternoon. The Asr prayer is the prescribed prayer to be performed between afternoon and sunset.

The stone in the Southeast corner of the Kaa'bah from which Muslims begin the Tawaf. Also called as Hijr Al-Aswad.

To walk around (something), especially as part of a ritual. See also: Tawaf. TOPDu'a Supplication for Allah.

One of the Islamic holiday. It represents the celebration of sacrifice.

Dawn. The Fajr prayer is the prescribed prayer to be performed between dawn and sunrise.

Sunset. Maghrib prayer is the prescribed sunset prayer. Also see Maghrib

Wife of prophet Ibrahim/Abraham (pbuh) and mother of prophet Ismail/Ishmael (pbuh).

The 5th pillar of Islam, to be performed at least once in a lifetime.

Refers to the Tawaf that is done by a Muslim when she/he comes from Muzdalifa.

The state in which one starts Umrah or Hajj, and during which certain acts are prohibited. Some of these acts are: cutting hair, shaving any parts of the body, clipping nails, putting perfumes or colognes, killing or hunting animals, sexual intercourse, making marriage proposals, or marriage contracts.

Isha. The Isha prayer is the prescribed prayer to be performed between once the night settles until dawn.

The act of kissing the Hajr-e-Aswad (Black Stone) is called Istlam.

Combining prayers. Under certain circumstances, Zuhur and Asr prayers can be combined, and Maghrib and Isha prayers can be combined. When this is done, the two prayers are offered at the same time, with one adhan and two separate Iqamahs, one for each prayer.

The pillar at which the pilgrim throws pebbles. There are three Jamrahs pillars at which pilgrims throw pebbles. Jamrah Al-Ula, Jamara Al-Wusta & Jamrah Al-Aqabah.

The square stone building in al-Haraam mosque in Makkah and towards which all Muslim face in every prayer.

A call meaning "Here I Come". It is the Muslim's expression of answering the invitation of God to perform pilgrimage.

The city which Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) migrated, about 450 km northeast of Makkah.

Sunset. The Maghrib prayer is the prescribed prayer to be performed between sunset and the time when all day light is gone.

The holiest city for Muslims, located in Western Saudi Arabia.

Abraham's station, a small glass station 30 meters from the Kaa'bah door. It is the place where prophet Abraham used to stand when he was building the Kaa'bah.

The hill on which a pilgrim ends his/her sayee. It is about 250 meters Northeast of the Kaa'bah.

The place where Muslims declare their intention to make Hajj or Umrah and begin the state of Ihraam. The Miqat boundary is anchored by different townships and locations in different directions around the Kaabah. They are (1)Dhul-Hulaifa in the North, (2)Yalamlam in the South-East, (3)Zat Irq in the North-East, (4)Al-Johfa in the North-West, (5)Qarn al-Manazil in the East.

The place between Arafah and Mina where pilgrims stay the night on the 9th of Thul-Hijjah.