"Say We believe in God and what is revealed to us and what was revealed to Abraham and Ishmael and I`saac and Jacob and the Tribes, and what was entrusted to Moses and Jesus and the prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them and to Him we have surrendered." (Quran 3: 84)

HAJJ

Hajj is the annual pilgrimage to Makkah, compulsory on every Muslim who can afford. It takes place in the month of Dhu-al, Hijjah. There is an entire chapter "Hajj" in the Quran.

"And sanctify my house for those who compass it round, or stand up, or bow, or prostrate themselves" (in prayers). (The-Qur' an, 22:26)

"And proclaim the pilgrimage among men, they will come to thee on foot and (mounted) on every kind of camel, lean on account of journeys through deep and distant mountain highways. (The-Qur' an, 22:27)

There are three ways of performing Hajj

1. Hajj-al-Tamattu : It means that one has no hady (sacrifical animal) with him and the Ihram (clothes for Haji) is assumed for Umrah (Small Hajj) and assume another Ihram for performing Hajj, from Makka, but one has to slaughter a hady.
2. Hajj-Al-Qiran : It means that one should have a hady with him and should perform Hajj and Umrah with the same state of Ihram.
3. Hajj-al-Ifrad : It means that one assumes Ihram with the intention of performing Hajj only and does not perform 'Umrah'and this is specially for the inhabitant of Makkah.

The Prophets (S.A.W.) said,"The reward of Hajj is nothing but paradise". (Al-Bukhari : Vol. III :1)

Prophet Muhammed (S.A.W.) performed Hajj only once. (Al-Bukhari : Vol. III : 6)

UMRAH

It is known as the smaller Hajj. A visit to Makkah during which one performs the circumbulation of Kabah and the say between Safa and Marwa.

The Prophet (S.A.W.) said :"(performing) Umrah is an expriation from the sins committed between it and the previous one."

Ibn Umar said, "The Prophet (S.A.W.) performed Umrah four times." (Al-Bukhari Vol. III : 4)

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* pbuh - Peace be upon him; It is a Muslim practise to convey prayers of peace whenever the name of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and other prophets is taken.

Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)'s Sermon About Ramadan