Hajj Rules: Conditions, Pillars and Wajib Acts
Hajj is obligatory once on every adult, sane Muslim who is able. In the Hanafi school its pillars are ihram (as a condition), standing at Arafah and Tawaf al-Ifadah; the night at Muzdalifah, sa'i, stoning, shaving, the sacrifice for Tamattu and Qiran, and the farewell tawaf are wajib. Saudi rules also require an official Hajj permit; Hajj without one is not allowed.
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Conditions of obligation
- Muslim, adult and sane
- Physically able and with the means for the journey and for dependants at home
- A safe route; for women, a mahram according to many scholars
Pillars and wajib acts (Hanafi)
| Pillars (fard) | Wajib |
|---|---|
| Ihram (condition) Standing at Arafah Tawaf al-Ifadah | Night at Muzdalifah Sa'i Stoning the Jamarat Shaving or shortening Sacrifice (Tamattu, Qiran) Farewell tawaf |
Saudi rules
- Every pilgrim needs an official Hajj permit through their country's system; Hajj on a visit or Umrah visa is not allowed.
- Follow the camp and stoning schedules your group is given; they exist to prevent crushes.
Women and elderly pilgrims
Women may stone the Jamarat by night or appoint a proxy if unable; the elderly and sick may appoint a proxy for stoning. A woman on her period does every rite except tawaf, which waits until she is pure.
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[Reviewer: add the name and credentials of the Islamic scholar who checked this guide (also in the page's Expert fields) before publishing]