Hajj and Umrah

^aw\f can be performed at any time (even those times which are
considered Makr[h for %al\h). To perform it without pause is an
emphasized Sunnah. One should avoid starting ^aw\f when the time
of %al\h is close.
To start ^aw\f one will need to proceed towards the corner of the
Ka`bah in which al-*ajar al-Aswad is situated. This corner faces one
minaret (the other three corners all face two minarets). This corner has
a green light on the wall of the Ma{\f (this is not that easily noticeable
during the day, but one should be able to notice it if one looks in the
direction of the gate marking %af\).
While approaching this corner, men should uncover their right
shoulder by taking the sheet under their right arm, this is known as
I}{ib\`. If this is done before reaching the corner it will prevent one
from being an obstacle to others.
DURING ^AW¬F
Make the intention and then step in line with al-*ajar al-Aswad, facing
the Ka`bah. Here raise the hands to ear-level and say the Takb|r (as in
%al\h). This is where ^aw\f starts. If one starts ^aw\f after this point that
round will be invalid.
Now perform Istil\m. This is done by kissing al-*ajar al-Aswad. If
kissing it is not possible then touch it and kiss the hand. If this too is not
possible, raise both hands to face al-*ajar al-Aswad, and after saying
Takb|r, kiss the hands.
Now turn and start the ^aw\f. Men should quick-march forward (not
run or jog) this is called Ramal, while women should walk normally.
Ramal is done by lifting the legs forcefully, sticking the chest out and by
also including movement of the shoulders. This is Sunnah for the first
three rounds only, while keeping the right shoulder uncovered is a
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