For those of us who haven’t been able to go to Hajj this year, we should use this blessed time to do more good deeds. These can include anything such as giving charity, honouring one’s parents, upholding the ties of kinship, and enjoining what is good and forbidding what is evil. It is also important to enhance our obligatory acts of worship by being mindful of our prayers and ensuring we pay our Zakat on time. For those of us who have not yet completed the pilgrimage of Hajj, this is also an ideal time to make Du’a that Allah (SWT) grants us the opportunity when He deems best. Hajar returned to find Isma’il (AS) striking and scraping the ground with his leg in distress, when suddenly a spring burst forth from the barren desert. By the command of Allah (SWT), a source of water from deep within the earth (that is still in use today), provided Hajar and Isma’il (AS) with water – this is known as the well of Zam Zam.

As you leave Masjid al-Haram, step out with your left foot and recite the following Dua, as was the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ when leaving the mosque: In the name of Allah, and peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah. O Allah, I ask of you from Your bounty. Halq or TaqsirAfter arriving at your accommodation in Makkah, you may want to freshen up or take a rest before making your way to Masjid al-Haram to perform Tawaf al-Umrah. If you decide to take a shower, ensure you don’t use any items that are prohibited in the state of Ihram, e.g. scented soap or shampoo. It is recommended you present yourself at Masjid al-Haram as soon as possible. Don’t perform Tahiyatul Masjid (prayer for greeting the mosque) if you intend to; your Tawaf will suffice as the “greeting” for Masjid al-Haram.

The size of the pebbles should be similar to the size of date stones/seeds. You will need a total of 49 pebbles. It’s Sunnah to perform two Rakahs of Salah before entering into the state of Ihram. This can be performed after getting changed at the airport or in-flight before crossing the Miqat, providing there are prayer facilities on-board. Observe the prayer with the intention of performing two Rakahs Nafl for Ihram.

After offering the Hady , you will proceed to shave or trim your hair if you are male. The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) shaved his hair and this is preferable. A woman trims her hair by the length of a fingertip.