MEDINA - GENERAL NOTES

PROPHET’s MOSQUE :

  1. Recite IZNE DUKHOOL (permission to enter.) This is to be recited before entering any Roza of Ahlulbayt.
  1. If possible enter through Baab Jibrail – the gate of Jibrail.
  1. Ziyarat of Holy Prophet (s.a.w.w.) + 2 Rakat Namaaz.
  1. Ziyarat of Bibi Fatimah (a.s.) + 2 Rakat Namaaz. Her burial place is either in her house or the Rawdhatul Jannah (area between Prophet’s Grave and Mimber) or in Jannatul Baqi.
  1. 2 Rakat Namaaz for Tahiyya Masjid.
  1. Observe various historical spots of the mosque – important ones being :

a)Prophet’s Grave Chamber. This includes Prophet’s original house.

b)Bibi Fatimah’s house chamber.

c)Mehrab of Holy Prophet.

d)Mimber of Holy Prophet.

e)Bilal’s Adhaan position (white structure opposite the member).

f)Rawdhatul Jannah – The area between Holy Prophet’s Grave and Mimber.

g)Several important Pillars – Pillar of Tawbah, Mahras, Sareer, Wufood, etc.

h)Maqame Jibrail.

JANNATUL BAQI :

This is the main Qabrastaan (Graveyard) in Medina. Due to local restrictions women are prohibited to visit it. Men have limited access time after Fajr and after Asr prayers. However, inside the graveyard it is not allowed to use any Books for recitations. Even a guide reciting loudly and others following is prohibited. The best way is to have electronic gadgets (mobiles, ipods, etc) with hidden headphones and hear the Ziyarats and follow.

  1. Recite IZNE DUKHOOL (permission to enter.) This is to be recited before entering any Roza of Ahlulbayt.
  1. Ziyarat of Bibi Fatimah (a.s.) as she could be buried here.
  1. Ziyarats of 4 Imams – I.Hassan, I.Zainul Abedin, I.Muhammad Baqir, I.Jafar Sadiq.
  1. Ziyarat of Fatimah binte Asad – the Mother of Imam Ali.
  1. Ziyarat of Ummul Banin – wife of Imam Ali, mother of H.Abbas.
  1. Ziyarat of Safia and Atika – Aunts of the Holy Prophet.
  1. Graves of Holy Prophet’s 3 adopted daughters – these were the nieces of Bibi Khadija who were under her care before she married the Holy Prophet. The Holy Prophet adopted them as his daughters.
  1. Graves of 8 wives of the Holy Prophet. In Mecca the Holy Prophet had 1 wife Bibi Khadija who died there. In Medina the Holy Prophet had 9 wives – of which 8 are buried here and only 1 wife (Maria Qibtiyyah – who was the mother of Ibrahim) is buried in her house near Masjide Quba. Note : The grave of Umme Salma is mentioned in these 8 but there is also her grave marked in Damascus).
  1. Ziyarat of Aqeel bin Abu-Talib – brother of Imam Ali.
  1. Ziyarat of Abdullah bin Jafar-e-Tayyar – husband of Bibi Zainab.
  1. Ziyarat of Ibrahim – son of the Holy Prophet and Maria Qibtiyyah.
  1. Ziyarat of Ismail – son of 6th Imam.
  1. Ziyarat of Martyrs of Ohad.
  1. Ziyarat of Halima Sa’adiyyah – the lady who breastfed the Holy Prophet.

ATRAF ZIYARAT NEAR MEDINA :

There are many Atraf Ziyarats around Medina. The main ones are :

  1. OHAD – The place where the 2nd War of Islam took place. In this war Imam Ali was given the sword Zulfiqar. H.Hamza (uncle of the Holy Prophet) was killed in this war. Important to do the Ziyarat of H.Hamza (as per Hadith of the Holy Prophet, if one does not do Ziyarat of my uncle Hamza, then I will not accept his Ziyarat).
  1. BADR – The place where the 1st War of Islam took place. One can just pass by the place.
  1. Masjide Qiblatain – The mosque where during Zohr Namaz (in Ruku of 2nd Rakat) the Holy Prophet got the revelation to change Qiblah by 180 degrees from M.Aqsa (in North) to Kaaba (in South). Only Holy Prophet and Imam Ali turned immediately to the new Qiblah.
  1. Mosques in Khandaq – Place where the War of Khandaq was fought. There are 4 mosques here:
  2. Masjide Ali – staircase access and mosque closed.
  3. Masjide Fatimah – access to mosque closed.
  4. Masjide Salman Farsi – pray 2 Rakat Namaz.
  5. Masjide Fath – where Holy Prophet prayed for victory. Pray 2 R.Namaz + Dua.
  1. Masjide Quba – The 1st mosque built by the Holy Prophet when he migrated from Mecca. Near this mosque there used to be the House where Holy Prophet and Bibi Fatimah stayed.
  1. House of Maria Qibtiyyah – one of the wives of the Holy Prophet. She was the mother of Ibrahim. She is buried here. Some historians say this was the last point where I.Hussain bid farewell to Bibi Fatimah Sughra.
  1. Masjide Rad-ush-Shams – the place where the Sun reversed on signal of the Holy Prophet to allow him to recite his Zohrain Namaz. Some say this is also Masjide Fadheekh where the miracle happened whereby people who were drinking alcohol repented and buried their drinks and in a short time it converted to Vinegar. This mosque has been demolished.
  1. Madrasah Imam Jaffer Sadiq – where he used to teach over 4000 students. This is closed.
  1. Bait ul Huzn – The 1st one made by Imam Ali for Bibi Fatimah used to be behind J.Baqi. This has been demolished and building constructed at that place. The 2nd one made by Imam Zainul Abedin after he returned from Kerbala and Shaam. This is in Ruins and can be seen from outside.
  1. Many other mosques – Masjide Mubahila, Masjide Bilal, etc.

GENERAL NOTES :

(1)IZNE DUKHOOL (permission to enter) is required before entering any Roza of Ahlulbayt. For frequent visits also one should recite at least a short few lines of Izne Dukhool at every entry.

(2)Wudhoo is required for reciting Ziyarat. 2 rakat Namaz for Hadiya-e-Ziyarat is recommended after all Ziyarats of Ahlulbayt.

(3)Every day of the week is attributed to Ahlulbayt – Saturday to Holy Prophet; Sunday to I.Ali and Bibi Fatimah; Monday to 2nd and 3rd Imams; Tuesday to 4th, 5th, 6th Imams; Wednesday to 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th Imams; Thursday to 11th Imam; Friday to 12th Imam. On each day one should recite the Short Ziyarat(s) recommended for that day followed by the specific Salawaat for the Masoom(s) of that particular day. Also recite Dua for each day of the week.

(4)Every day it is recommended to recite Dua-e-Ahad, the Ziyarat of 12th Imam (Allhumma Balligh Mawlaya …..) and Salawaat of 12th Imam.

(5)Salatul Layl (Namaze Shab) highly recommended to be recited every night.

(6)Ensure to recite ALL 5 Daily Wajib Prayers in Haram. In the Haram it is highly recommended to recite Qaza Namaz, Quran, Duas, Ziyarats, etc. Do not indulge in worldly talks at all.

(7)In Mecca and Medina one has a choice to recite either FULL or QASR Namaz. However, one should make this decision on 1st day and then follow it during his stay.

(8)Ziyarat-e-Jamia is highly recommended in ALL Rozas.

(9)Namaze Ja’afar-e-Tayyaar is highly recommended in ALL Rozas.

(10)Take care of the food you eat (esp. Meat products) as many outlets use imported products.

These notes have been compiled from various sources/references. For any changes, corrections or additional information please send e-mail to

Departure from Medina to Meeqat to Mecca :

Depending on climatic conditions plan your departure from Medina to Mecca. Also keep in mind that on arrival in Mecca you have lot of Wajib Actions to perform and it is convenient to do them asap. Bear in mind some Mujtahids (including A.Seestani) allow men in Ehram to travel under mobile cover at Night time (with some conditions).

NOTE :

  1. Men who are not circumcised are NOT ALLOWED to enter Masjidul Haram,Mecca.
  2. In Umra (as well as in Hajj) it is Sunnat to speak and pronounce the Niyyat for each act.

Recommendations + Sunnat Acts+ Wearing Ehram :

  1. About 12 – 14 hours before have a proper shower (using soaps, shampoos, etc.).
  1. About 1 – 2 hours before departure do a Ghusl with
  • PLAIN WATER – No scented soaps, shampoos, conditioners, etc.
  • MULTIPLE NIYYAT –(a) For wearing Ehram of Umra e Mufrada.

(for Ghusl)(b) For entering Haram area.

(c) For entering Mecca city.

(d) For entering Masjidul Haram.

(e) For doing Tawaaf of Kaaba.

  1. After Ghusl (in Medina) put on Ehram Clothes – (DO NOT DO NIYYAT OF EHRAM).

For men the clothes of Ehram are 2 pieces of unstitched clothes. For women it can be her normal clothes but it is recommended to be plain white and cotton fabric. However, women are not allowed to wear silk clothes or cover their face and hands (upto wrists).

  1. Depart Medina for Meeqat – Masjide Shajarah (nowadays called Masjide Dhul Hulaifah. It also used to be called Masjide Abyar Ali).
  1. In Masjide Shajarah go inside as much as possible near the Mehrab (original mosque area) then
  • Pray 2 Rakat Sunnat Namaz for Hadiya-e-Masjid.
  • Pray 2 Rakat Sunnat Namaz for Wearing Ehram of Umra-e-Mufrada.
  1. Wear Ehram of Umra-e-Mufrada. Wearing of Ehram involves following 3 Vital Acts which should be performed simultaneously :

WEAR Ehram – Loosen and tighten your Ehram (that you had worn from Medina).

NIYYAT of Ehram – Either for self or on behalf of 1 person or many people.

NOTE : (1) SAME NIYYAT to be done for all 6 Acts of Umra in Mecca.

(2) If one was doing an Umra-e-Mufrada which was wajib due to Nadhr, Ahd or Qasam then ONE NIYYAT ONLY in line with wajibat. Only for a purely Sunnat Umra-e-Mufrada one can do a Multiple Niyyat.

Recite TALBIYYAH – Correctly pronounce in Arabic - “LABBAIK, ALLAHUMMA LABBAIK, LABBAIK LAA-SHARIKA LAKA LABBAIK, INNAL HAMDA WANNE’AMATE LAKA WALMULK, LAA-SHARIKA LAKA LABBAIK”.

NOTES :

(a)Many things become Haram (see list below) when a person becomes MUHRIM (in the state of EHRAM). After completion of all Wajib acts the person becomes MUHIL as things become Halal. The white Ehram clothes and the Haram things reminds one of Death and the Kafan (Shroud) and Waking up from the grave and going to account for our deeds.

(b)Ehram clothes must be Mubah (not Ghasbi) and completely Paak (even little Najasat like blood that is accepted in Namaz is NOT ALLOWED in Ehram).

(c)Talbiyyah can be recited several times and may be continued. Talbiyyah must be stopped before boundary of Mecca.

(d)For men the clothes of Ehram must be 2 Unstitched white clothes - 1 for wearing as Lungi and 1 over BOTH Shoulders (Note : Other sects cover 1 shoulder only).

(e)For women the Ehram can be stitched but cannot be of pure silk.

  1. Depart from Meeqat to Mecca.

NOTE : Agha Seestani and several other Mujtahids allow MUHRIM MEN to travel under mobile cover only at Night provided it is ‘Normal Climatic Conditions’ (if no rain, storm, etc).

  1. Arrive Mecca and check-in hotel. One is allowed to rest for some time or go washroom or take shower or do Ghusl (take care of Haram acts – no soap, no mirror, no combing hair, etc). When one is ready to go to Masjidul Haram first do Wudhoo. Then proceed slowly towards the Holy Mosque and it is recommended to enter from Baab-us-Salaam (this is between Safa and Marwa. However with the new renovations it is not clearly marked).
  1. It is said that on the first sight of the Holy Kaaba one can ask Allah for 3 Wishes that will definitely be fulfilled.

ACTS THAT BECOME HARAAM ON A PERSON WHO PUTS ON EHRAM :

There are a total of 25 acts that become Haraam in the state of Ehram

  1. * Hunting wild animals i.e. non domestic animals.
  2. *Killing insects whether on the body or not. Also uprooting a plant or cutting a tree.
  3. Removing or cutting hair from oneself or others.
  4. Cutting Nails.
  5. Extract tooth.
  6. Taking out blood or causing bleeding by scratching, brushing teeth, etc.
  7. Wearing any ornament for adornment.
  8. To look at oneself in the mirror (or similar object) to see one’s face.
  9. To apply any colours, powder, surma, hair-dye, etc. for beautification.
  10. To apply Henna (mehndi). It should not be put before Ehram if the colour stays till Ehram time.
  11. Knowingly applying oil or other fatty thing on the body (or massage)
  12. Applying, smelling, using any type of scent or perfume.
  13. Closing one’s nose or nostrils from bad smell or odour.
  14. Swearing in the name of Allah (like “WALLAH”, etc.). This is always NOT RECOMMENDED.
  15. Telling lies, abusing, backbiting, etc. (this is ALWAYS HARAAM).
  16. For men - Wearing stitched clothes.
  17. For men - Wearing socks, shoes, etc. which cover the top part of the foot.
  18. For men - Travelling/walking under any mobile cover (cap, umbrella, car, etc.)
  19. Covering one’s face. For ladies avoiding Na-Mahram they can cover themselves in such a way that the cloth does not touch the face and nose.
  20. Carrying weapons.
  21. To perform or be witness to Nikah solemnization.
  22. To masturbate (this is ALWAYS HARAAM).
  23. Looking or touching any other person with lust (this is ALWAYS HARAAM).
  24. Looking or touching spouse with sexual feelings.
  25. Sexual Intercourse with spouse.

NOTE : * Nos. 1 & 2 are always Haraam in Mecca whether one is in Ehram or not.

UMRA-E-MUFRADA

Umra-e-Mufrada is a SUNNAT (recommended) act which can be performed any time during the year (except during Hajj season). However, when one goes from Umra-e-Mufrada, then after putting on the Ehram at Miqaat all subsequent actions become WAJIB and MUST BE PERFORMED WITH WAJIB NIYYAT.

Following 7 things are wajib in Umra-e-Mufrada :

  1. Wear EHRAM (see rules below)for Umra-e-Mufrada at MIQAAT (specific entry points – see below). After wearing Ehram a person becomes MUHRIM and 25 things (see above) are Haram.
  1. Perform TAWAAF (see rules below) of the Holy Kaaba for Umra-e-Mufrada.
  1. Pray 2 rakaat NAMAZ(see rules below) for Tawaaf of Umra-e-Mufrada behind Makame-Ebrahim.
  1. Do SAEE (walk) between As-Safaa and Al-Marwah 7 times for Umra-e-Mufrada.

NOTE : Each direction counted as 1. Start at Safaa, end at Marwah. (See rules below).

  1. Do TAQSEER (that is, cut little nail or hair) for Umra-e-Mufrada (see rules below).
  1. Perform TAWAAF-UN-NISAA for Umra-e-Mufrada (see rules below)
  1. Pray 2 rakaat NAMAZ for TAWAAF-UN-NISAA of Umra-e-Mufrada behind Makame-Ebrahim

NOTE : After doing first 5 acts one has a following choice for performing the remaining 2 acts :

(A)Perform them immediately (while still in Ehram)

(B)Have a break of few hours or even few days (but without leaving Mecca) and may change from Ehram into Normal Clothes and then perform the 2 actions.

NOTE : As long as all 7 actions are not done the Umra-e-Mufrada is not complete. For those who choose option (B) should note that most of things that were Haram now become Halal except Nos. 1, 2, 15 and 21 - 25. Even after Umra Mufrada, act nos. 1, 2, 15, 22 and 23 remain Haram.

After finishing Umra-e-Mufrada one can go to Masjidul-Haraam in normal clothes for any ibadat or sunnat tawaaf. Most of the 25 things that are Haram (see list above) in the state of Ehram become Halal (except the first 2 which always remain Haram in Mecca whether one is in Ehram or not) after completing all 7 acts.

Niyyat for Ehram: “I am wearing Ehram for Umra-e-Mufrada QURBATAN ILALLAAH”.

Note : If a non-baligh child does this Niyyat then it becomes WAJIB on him also too to perform all acts. Hence for a non-baligh child it is recommended that he DOES NOT DO ANY Niyyat (he may or may not wear Ehram like clothes and go with his parents to Mecca and do all acts without Niyyat).

After wearing Ehram the Niyyat for all other actions is : “I am doing _ _(name of action) _ _ for Umra-e-Mufrada WAJIB QURBATAN ILALLAAH”.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS :

MIQAAT - There are 5 points of Miqaat (specified points of entry) :

(1) Masjid-e-Shajarah (also called Masjid Dhul Hulaifah) from Medina.

(2) Johfa for those coming from direction of Syria (or from JeddahAirport).

(3) Wadi-ul-Ateeq for those coming from direction of Iraq.

(4) Qarnul Manaazil for those coming via Taef.

(5) Yalamlam for those coming from direction of Yemen.

EHRAM - While wearing Ehram 3 wajibacts to do simultaneously (see details above):

(1)Wear Ehram.

(2)Niyyat (specify purpose - Umra-e-Mufrada).

(3) Recite TALBIYYA (that is, “LABBAIK, ALLAHUMMA LABBAIK, LABBAIK LAA-SHARIKA LAKA LABBAIK, INNAL HAMDA WANNE’AMATE LAKA WALMULK, LAA-SHARIKA LAKA LABBAIK”).

Ehram for Umra-e-Mufrada must be put on at any one of the Miqaat point specified above.

For men the clothes of Ehram must be 2 Unstitched white clothes - 1 for wearing as Lungi and 1 over BOTH Shoulders (Note : Other sects cover 1 shoulder only).

For women they can be stitched but cannot be of pure silk.

For both men and women Ehram must be Mubah (not ghasbi) and completely Pak.

After wearing Ehram a person becomes MUHRIM and many things become Haram on him (for example - applying any cosmetics [perfume, oil, henna, etc.], wearing ornaments, swearing, looking in mirror, killing insects, hunting, uprooting plants, etc. Some things are haram for men only like wearing stitched clothes, wearing socks, using any mobile cover like cap, umbrella, covered car, etc.)