What is obligatory in Haj and what is compulsory

There are 3 Fardh (obligations) in Haj:

 

(1)  Ihraam

 

This means to make the intention of Haj and to say the Talbeeh (Labbaik Allahumma……)

 

(2)  Wuquf Arafaat

 

This means remaining in the plain of ‘Arafaat, be it for a short time, anytime between the noon of 9^th Dhul Hijjah to the dawn of 1oth Dhul Hijjah.  This is called Wuquf.  This is the most important article of Haj.

 

(3)  Tawaf Ziyarah

 

Circumambulating the Ka’aba any time between the dawn of 10^th Dhul Hijjah to the dusk of 12^th Dhul Hijjah.

 

Note:  It is necessary to perform these articles in the said order.  Performance of every article in its particular place and specified time period is also necessary.  If anything among the above is missed, then the Haj is not valid at all.  Slaughtering of animal, etc. also will not make up for it.

 

The Wajib (compulsory) articles of Haj:

 

There are 6 Wajib articles of Haj:

 

(1)  Wuquf Muzdalifa

 

Remaining in Muzdalifa after the true dawn of 10^th Dhul Hijjah.  The last time for this is until before sunrise.

 

(2)  Performing Sa‘ee between Safa and Marwah

 

(3)  Rami Jamaar

 

Stoning the pillars which are symbolic of Satan.

 

(4)  Slaughtering an animal for those who are performing Haj Qiran and Haj Tamattu’

 

(5)  Halaq or Qasar

 

Getting the head shaved or at least cutting the hair.

 

(6)  Tawaf Wada’a

 

Circumambulating the Ka’aba while returning from Makkah for those who live outside the Meeqaat (the boundaries of Makkah).

 

If any of these articles is missed, be it mistakenly or deliberately, then slaughtering of a goat/ram becomes compulsory (Wajib).