Hajj Glossary: Commonly used Arabic terms for Hajj

Adhan The call to Prayer (salah), usually issued from the minaret of a mosque.
`Arafah or `Arafat
A desert location approximately 14.5 km (9 miles) east of Makkah where
the pilgrim spends 9 Dhul-Hijjah as a rite of Hajj. The waqfah is
performed at `Arafah.
Damm
Also known as kaffarah. The atonement required of a pilgrim for a willful
violation of a prohibition or obligation while in the state of ihram.
Day of An-Nahr
(Arabic: Yawm
An-Nahr)
This day, 10 Dhul-Hijjah, is designated as the preferred day of sacrifice
during Hajj.
Day of At-Tarwiyah
(Arabic: Yawm
At-Tarwiyah)
The start of the Hajj, on 8 Dhul-Hijjah. The pilgrim proceeds to Mina on
this day.
Days of Tashreeq
(Arabic: Ayyam
At-Tashreeq)
These are 11, 12, and 13 Dhul-Hijjah. On these days, the pilgrim throws
pebbles at the stone pillars, a ritual known as rami, in Mina. The name
Tashreeq, related to the word for sunrise, comes from the practice in
the past of drying the meat of the sacrifices in the sun on those days.
Dhul-Hijjah The last month of the Islamic calendar.
`Eid Al-Adha
The Islamic public celebration of sacrifice performed on 10 Dhul-Hijjah.
An animal such as a sheep or goat is sacrificed as a commemoration of
Prophet Ibrahim's (peace and blessings be upon him) willingness to
sacrifice his son Isma`il for Allah.
Hadi
Hadi is a sacrificial animal immolated in the name of Allah by the pilgrim.
It is to be slaughtered in Al-Haram and distributed among the poor and
the needy.
Hajj
One of the five pillars or central duties of Islam. It is a set of acts of
worship to be performed in and around Makkah at least once in a
lifetime by every Muslim satisfying certain conditions. There are three
types of Hajj, ifrad, qiran and tamattu` (see individual entries below).
Al-Hajar Al-Aswad

The Black Stone built into the southeast corner of the Ka`bah at a
height of approximately four feet. The stone does not belong to the
geology of the region and is a part of the original construction of the
Ka`bah by Prophet Ibrahim (peace and blessings be upon him). The
Black Stone was personally installed in the wall of the Ka`bah by the
Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) himself during its
reconstruction following its destruction by a flash flood. The Prophet
(peace and blessings be upon him) also kissed it during his Farewell
Hajj. Thus, touching and kissing Hajar Al-Aswad during `Umrah and Hajj
is considered sunnah.
Halq
The complete shaving of the head by the male pilgrim on the 10th of
Dhul-Hijjah. This is the last thing he does before getting out of the
state of ihram. See also taqseer. For female pilgrims, the requirements
of halq and taqseer are satisfied if they trim their hair by approximately
half an inch.
Al-Haram
Ash-Shareef
The mosque around the Ka`bah in Makkah, also known as Al-Al-Masjid
Al-Haram or just Al-Haram, as well as the mosque in Madinah. The
latter, also known as Al-Masjid An-Nabawi (the Prophet's Mosque),
contains within its premises the grave of Prophet Muhammad (peace
and blessings be upon him).
Hateem
The area adjacent to the Ka`bah on its west side, enclosed by a low
semi-circular wall. Tradition has it that Hajar (wife of Prophet Ibrahim
[peace and blessings be upon him]) is buried in this enclosure. It is
highly recommended that the pilgrim offer sunnah Prayer and
supplications to Allah in this area. However, this is not a part of the
official rites of Hajj.
Idtiba`
The mode of ihram used during Tawaf Al-Qudum. The male pilgrim
drapes one end of the top part of his ihram over his left shoulder
back-to-front. The other end goes across his back, under his right arm,
across his front, and is finally draped over his left shoulder.Idtiba` is
not observed in any other type of Tawaf. Also, when the pilgrim offers
sunnah Prayer after Tawaf Al-Qudum or an obligatory Prayer during this
Tawaf, he must cover both his shoulders. In other words, idtiba` is
practiced only while actually performing Tawaf Al-Qudum. Female
pilgrims wear no ihram, so that the question ofidtiba` for them does not
arise.
Ifrad
The type of Hajj in which the pilgrim pronounces his intention to perform
only Hajj (as opposed to Hajj and `Umrah) at the miqatwhile changing
into ihram.
Ihram
(1) The distinctive garb of the male pilgrim worn during `Umrah or Hajj.
It consists of two pieces of white, plain and unsewn cloth. The lower
piece, called an izar, is wrapped around the midriff to cover the body
from just above the navel to the ankles. The other piece, called
a ridaa', is draped around the shoulders to cover the upper body. For
women, their ordinary and unpretentious clothes of daily wear
constitute their ihram. (2) The state of consecration of a pilgrim. While
in ihram, the pilgrim may not use perfume or scented soap, shampoo, or
lotion; engage in sexual intercourse or any type of foreplay; clip the
nails; pluck, cut, or shave the hair.
lhsar
Al-lhsar (as used in the Quran) means blocking the path to the House
of Allah. Allah says, (And complete the Hajj or `Umrah in the service of
Allah. But if you are prevented (from completing it) send an offering for
sacrifice.) (Al-Baqarah 2:196)
Istilam
The act of kissing the Black Stone Al-Hajar Al-Aswad at the beginning
and the end of every circuit of the Ka`bah during Tawaf. If it is not
possible to kiss the Black Stone for any reason, the pilgrim may extend
his hand to touch the Black Stone and then kiss his own hand. If even
that is not possible, he may raise his hand towards the Black Stone and
then kiss his own hand.
Izar Lower cloth of the male pilgrim's clothes.
Jamarat
The three stone pillars in Mina that symbolically represent the locations
where the devil (Shaytan) tried to tempt Prophet Ibrahim (peace and
blessings be upon him) away from the path of Allah. The pilgrim stones
these pillars on the 10th through the 13th of Dhul-Hijjah in
commemoration of the rejection of the devil by Prophet Ibrahim and of
his steadfastness to the cause of Allah. The Jamarat are located within
a few hundred feet of one another in a line and are named as follows:
Al-Jamrah Al-Kubra
The last and biggest stone pillar in the line. This is also called Jamrat
Al-`Aqabah.
Al-Jamrah Al-Ula The first stone pillar in the line.
Al-Jamrah Al-Wusta The second (middle) stone pillar in the line.
Ka`bah
A cubic structure originally built by Prophet Ibrahim (peace and
blessings be upon him) and his eldest son Isma`il. It is now housed
within Al-Haram Ash-Shareef in Makkah. During Hajj and `Umrah, the
essential rite of Tawaf is performed around the Ka`bah. Every day,
millions of Muslims perform Prayers (salah) facing the direction of the
Ka`bah.
Kaffarah
Another name for damm. The atonement required of a pilgrim for a
willful violation of a prohibition or obligation while in the state of ihram.
Kiswah
The black cloth that drapes the Ka`bah. It is embroidered in gold thread
with the Shahadah, praises of Allah, and verses of the Qur'an.
Mabrur
Accepted. A Hajj mabur is one that is accepted by Allah. It is one in
which Allah is not disobeyed during or after. For this reason others have
said that a Hajj mabrur is one that is accepted, and the sign of its
acceptance is that a person will go back in a better state than when he
came, and that he will discontinue the sins that were between him and
Allah.
Marwah
A rocky hillock located approximately one hundred yards (91 meters)
from the Ka`bah inside Al-Masjid Al-Haram. The pilgrim performs the
devotional rite of Sa`i between the hillocks of Safa and Marwah.
Mahram
The husband or close male relative of a woman to whom marriage is
expressly prohibited by the Shari`ah (e.g., father, grandfather, brother,
uncle, nephew).
Maqam Ibrahim
The stepping stone used by Prophet Ibrahim (peace and blessings be
upon him) during the original construction of the Ka`bah. The stone
carries the imprints of his feet and is housed in a glass enclosure on the
north side of the Ka`bah.
Al-Masjid Al-Haram
The mosque around the Ka`bah, also known as Al-Haram or Al-Haram
Ash-Shareef.
Mas`aa The distance between Safa and Marwah. See also Sa`i.
Miqat
An imaginary boundary around Makkah. A prospective pilgrim cannot
cross this boundary without first changing into ihram. This boundary is
anchored by different townships and localities in different directions
(Dhul-Hulayfah in the north, Yalamlam in the southeast, Dhatu `Irq in
the northeast, Juhfah in the northwest, Qarn Al-Manazil in the east).
The pilgrim changes into ihram at or before themiqat and pronounces
his intention to perform `Umrah or Hajj. For people permanently living
inside the miqat, their place of residence is their miqat.
Mina
A desert location approximately three miles (4.8 km) east of Makkah
where several rites of Hajj are performed.
Mutawwif A knowledgeable professional who can guide the pilgrim during Hajj.
Muhrim A pilgrim in the state of ihram.
Multazam
The part of the Ka`bah between its door and the Black Stone. This is
an especially sacred part of the Ka`bah. It is recommended that, if
possible, the pilgrim touch the Ka`bah at Multazam and offer
supplications to Allah. However, this is not a part of the official rites of
Hajj.
Mutamatti ` One who is performing or has performed tamattu` Hajj (see below).
Mutawwif
A knowledgeable professional who can guide the pilgrim during Hajj. Also
called a mu`allim.
Muzdalifah
A desert location approximately midway between Mina and `Arafah. The
pilgrim spends the night of the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah there.
Namirah A mosque in `Arafah.
Niyyah Intention. All acts of worship are preceded by an appropriateniyyah.
Qarin One who is performing or has performed qiran Hajj (see below).
Qasr The mode of shortened Prayers usually offered when on a journey.
Qiblah
The direction (towards the Ka`bah) that Muslims face when performing
ritual Prayers (salah).
Qiran
The type of Hajj in which the pilgrim pronounces his intention to perform
both `Umrah and Hajj and Hajj together with the same ihram at the
miqat.
Ramal
The ritual in which male pilgrims are required to walk briskly with their
chests thrust forward and with their shoulders rolling slightly during the
first three circuits of Tawaf Al-Qudum. Women are not required to
perform ramal.
Ridaa' The upper piece of ihram.
Rami
The act of symbolically stoning the devil (Shaytan) in Mina on 10
through 13 Dhul-Hijjah. This commemorates the tradition that Prophet
Ibrahim (peace and blessings be upon him) was tempted three times by
the devil but rejected all three of the devil's attempts by stoning him
and driving him away. These three locations are symbolized by three
stone pillars (Jamarat) in Mina.
Safa
A small hillock approximately half a mile (0.8 km) from the Ka`bah, inside
Al-Masjid Al-Haram. The pilgrim performs the ritual of Sa`i (walking)
between Safa and Marwah.
Sa`i
The ritual of walking seven times back and forth between the rocky
hillocks of Safa and Marwah. This act retraces the footsteps of Hajar
(wife of Prophet Ibrahim [peace and blessings be upon him]) during her
desperate search for water to quench the thirst of her infant son
Isma`il after they were left in the desert by Prophet Ibrahim (peace and
blessings be upon him) in response to a divine vision.
Salah Ritual Prayers. The obligatory Prayers are performed five times a day.
Shawt
One complete circumambulation, or circuit, of the Ka`bah. Each circuit
starts and ends at the Black Stone. Seven circuits constitute one
Tawaf.
Talbiyah
A recital of the following words by the pilgrim during `Umrah and Hajj:
Labbayka, Allahumma, labbayk. Labbayka. La shareeka laka. Labbayk.
Inna-l-hamda, wa-n-ni`mata, laka-l mulk. La shareeka lak.
Translation: Here I am at Your service, O Lord, here I am. Here I am at
Your service. You have no partners. Yours alone is all praise and all
bounty, and Yours alone is sovereignty. You have no partners.
The Talbiyah is a prayer as well as an assertion of the pilgrim's
conviction that he intends to perform Hajj only for the glory of Allah.
The pilgrim starts the recital upon changing into the ihram and
continues to recite it frequently throughout Hajj. Male pilgrims recite
the Talbiyah loudly whereas female pilgrims are required to recite it in a
low voice.
Tamattu`
The type of Hajj in which the pilgrim pronounces his intention to perform
only `Umrah at the miqat when changing into ihram. The pilgrim
performs `Umrah and then goes out of ihram until the 8th of
Dhul-Hijjah. On that day, the pilgrim makes a second intention and a
second change into ihram for the performance of the remaining rites of
Hajj.
Taqseer
Shortening or clipping of the whole head of hair by the male pilgrim
following the completion of Hajj. This may be performed in lieu
ofhalq (shaving). However, snipping off a few hairs here and there is
not acceptable. The sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (peace and
blessings be upon him) supports only taqseer and halq.
Tawaf
The seven-circuit circumambulation of the Ka`bah while reciting
prayers. It constitutes an integral part of `Umrah and Hajj. There are
five different types of Tawaf (see below).
Tawaf Al-Ifadah
The Tawaf performed by the pilgrim on the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah as the
last formal rite of Hajj in Makkah after changing into street clothes. Also
called Tawaf Az-Ziyarah.
Tawaf An-Nafl A devotional Tawaf that may be performed any time.
Tawaf Al-Qudum
The initial Tawaf performed by the pilgrim upon entering Al- Masjid
Al-Haram in Makkah pursuant upon his intention for Hajj.
Tawaf Al-`Umrah The Tawaf performed as a rite of `Umrah.
Tawaf Al-Wada `
The Farewell Tawaf performed by the pilgrim just before leaving Makkah
for his next destination.
`Umrah
A set of religious and devotional rites performed in Makkah. `Umrah, or
lesser Hajj, can be performed at any time of the year and, unlike Hajj,
does not involve the rites at Mina, Muzdalifah, and `Arafah.
waqfah
The ritual of standing before Allah at the Mount of Mercy in `Arafah. It
is a central rite of Hajj.
Wudu' The ablution that is performed prior to ritual Prayer.
Ziyarah
A visit to the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah, usually before or after hajj
or `Umrah. It is not a part of the Hajj or `Umrah rites, but many pilgrims
include this visit in their journey.
Zamzam
The spring of water that sprang forth miraculously under the feet of the
infant Isma`il (peace and blessings be upon him) during his mother's
frantic search for water between Safa and Marwah. Zamzam is now
enclosed in a marble chamber in the Ka`bah.