Hajj & Umrah and Visitors

Two editorial decisions define this book, and both are the right ones for a pilgrim.

Brief, and Ordered by Priority

The author made his work short on purpose. And rather than arranging the topics by legal category, he arranged them according to their priorities — so what matters most comes first.

That second choice matters more than it sounds. A pilgrim reading on a plane, or the night before Arafah, does not have time to work out which of forty sections is the one he most needs. A book that has already made that judgment for him is doing real work.

Provisions

The framing is worth noting too. The author writes in terms of what a person must have as provisions — which is the Qur'an's own language about Hajj, and which extends past luggage to knowledge, intention and conduct.

What Is Covered

The rites of Hajj and Umrah, and selected etiquettes for those performing them and for those visiting the Prophet's Mosque. Throughout, the author cites a considerable number of statements from the people of knowledge, and draws the reader's attention to matters that are commonly overlooked.

Who It Is For

Pilgrims who want one short book rather than a stack. Anyone traveling for Umrah with limited time to prepare. Visitors to Madinah. Group leaders looking for something to give every member of a party without the cost of a full manual.

Related Reading

• Getting the Best out of Al-Hajj — the full practical guide, with checklists and diagrams
• 75 Q&A on Hajj & Umrah — the same ground in question-and-answer form
• Methodology of Hajj & Umrah — Shaykh Ibn Al-'Uthaymin's pocket treatment