Performing Hajj is included in the fifth pillar of Islam. This means that every Muslim is obliged to perform Hajj to perfect his/her Islam. However, unlike the first to the fourth rukun Islam (pillars of Islam), Hajj is only compulsory for those who are able to do it. The word “able” in Hajj means not only material ability, but also external and mental ability.
However, this does not hinder the desire of every Muslim to perform Hajj. It actually makes every Muslim more enthusiastic to pursue the ability to perform Hajj. Moreover, Hajj is the right moment to get closer to Allah Almighty. On that occasion, we can all remembrance and pray endlessly in the Holy Kaaba.
Although all places in Mecca and Medina are good for prayer, there are a series of mustajab places there that are believed that Allah Almighty will not refuse our prayers. A series of those mustajab places are located in Mecca and Medina.
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8 Mustajab Places in Mecca and Medina
Here are a series of mustajab places in Mecca and Medina to pray during Hajj and Umrah:
1. Multazam
The first location which becomes a mustajab place to pray is Multazam. Multazam is the place or distance between the corner of the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad) and the door of the Kaaba. Multazam is the most important place in the Holy Kaaba, so shed tears while asking Allah Almighty for forgiveness. If possible, also hold the door of the Kaaba. Ask for goodness and happiness for you in the world and hereafter.
2. Hijr Ismail
Under the Mizab or shower of the Kaaba. This gutter is located in the direction of Hijr Ismail. In the time of Prophet Ibrahim AS, Mizab did not yet exist. This gutter was made by Suku Quraisy (the Quraysh tribe) along with the roof of the Kaaba. On the front is written the pronunciation of bismillahi ar-rahman ar-rahim. Meanwhile, on the left side is written a sentence in Arabic which means, “this gutter was renewed by the servant of the two Holy Lands, Fahd bin Abdul aziz Al Sa’ud, King of Saudi Arabia.” After tawaf, the Hajj or Umrah pilgrims usually take the time to linger to say prayers here.
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3. Rukn al-Yamani (the Yemeni Corner)
Rukn al-Yamani and Hajar al-Aswad (Mecca). Rukn is a pole, which is the four corners of the Kaaba which are named Rukun Aswad (Aswad corner), Rukun Iraqi (Iraqi corner), Rukun Shami (the Levantine corner), and Rukun Yamani (the Yemeni corner). Rukun Aswad is known as Hajar al-Aswad which is the position of the “black stone” which according to some accounts is a stone that hangs as high as 1.5 meters above the ground. When Prophet Ibrahim and Prophet Ismail received orders from Allah to raise the foundation of the Kaaba, Hajar al-Aswad was made as one of the foundations.
4. Inside the Kaaba
Although the inside of the Kaaba cannot be entered by just anyone, this room is believed to be a mustajab place to pray. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) once brought Aisha RA to Hijr Ismail when Aisha asked permission to do salah inside the Kaaba. At that time, the Rasulullah (PBUH) said, “Do salah here if you want to do salah inside the Kaaba, because it is part of the Kaaba.”
Therefore, it is not permissible for a person to do tawaf in the area of Hijr Ismail, because Hijr Ismail is part of the Kaaba. During Hajj and Umrah, pilgrims must queue to enter Hijr Ismail which is not too large. After the absolute Sunnah prayer, they usually satisfy themselves for praying here.
5. Saee between Safa and Marwa
Saee is a 7-loop walk between Safa and Marwa hills. The process is carried out after tawaf, starting from Safa and ending at Marwa. There is no compulsory prayer, but it is recommended to pray according to your ability and istighfar.
Also read: Dompet Dhuafa Permudah Bayar Zakat Fitrah Hingga Beli Hewan Kurban via Aplikasi DANA
6. Behind Maqam Ibrahim
If performing Hajj or Umrah, after performing the seven rounds of tawaf and praying for a while in Multazam, Muslims are offered to do salah behind Maqam Ibrahim. Maqam Ibrahim itself is still located near the Kaaba, not far from Multazam.
7. Muzdalifah and Mina
Muzdalifah, the area between Mina and Arafat. The location is about 10 km from Mecca. Muzdalifah is less than 4 km long, located in a narrow area between two adjacent mountains after Arafat. While Mina, a hilly area 3-5 km long, is located between Mecca and Muzdalifah. Its distance from Mecca is about 7 km. In Mina there is a Jamaarat.
8. Rawdah
In Nabawi Mosque there is Rawdah, which is the place between the pulpit and the residence of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). During his life, this location became one of the special places for the Muslim community. The prayers offered in Rawdah are believed to be granted by Allah Almighty. To achieve the desired Rawdah, Muslims must scramble before entering this place to do salah, remembrance, pray, and recite the Qur’an. Wallaahu a’lam..
May we be facilitated to be able to pray in these mustajab places. (Dompet Dhuafa/Ustaz Ahmad Fauzi Qasim/Ronna)