HAJJ: Merits and Precepts-Definition of the Terms used in Connection with Hajj-3

Ka'ba the Sacred. The Ka'ba, which is also known as Baitullah, is a sacred house in the center of Masjid-e-Haram in Mecca. It is the first place of worship in the world. It was originally constructed by angels under the order of Allah the most high even before the birth of Hazrat Adam. Subsequently on its demolition Hazrat Adam reconstructed it. Thereafter it was reconstructed by the Holy Prophet Hazrat Ibrahim, then by Quraish, then by Hazrat Abdullah ibn Zubair (Radhi-Allahu 'anhu) and then by Abdul Malik. Even in the later ages, certain repairs continued to be carried out. It is the Qibla of Muslims. All the Muslims in the world turn their faces towards it while offering their prayers.

Muhrim. One who wears Ihram.

Mufrid. One who were Ibrahim for Hajj only.

Miqat. The place where Ihram wearing is Wjib for those who go to Mecca.

Miqati. The inhabitant of Miqat.

Mataf. The place around Baitullah in Masjid-e-Haram to perform Tawaf.

Maqam-e-Ibrahim. It is a stone from Paradise. Standing on it, the Holy Prophet Hazrat Ibrahim had constructed Baitullah. Nowadays, it is included in Mataf.

Masjid-e-Haram. The Mosque around Ka'ba.

Multazam. The wall between Hajar-e-Aswad and the gate of Baitullah. It is Masnon (prescribed as Sunnah of our Prophet) to invoke blessings of Allah while embracing this wall.

Mina. It is a vast open field between two hills at a distance of 3 miles from Mecca towards the East. Rami and Sacrifice are accomplished here. It is included in Haram. A stay of three days is observed here.

Masjid-e-Khaif. It is the name of big Mosque in Mina situated adjacent to the hill on the northern side of Mina.

Masjid-e-Namra. A Mosque on one side of 'Arafat.

Mad'a. The Place of invocation. It means the place which is situated between Masjid-e-Haram and the graveyard of Mecca and where invoking Allah's blessing is Mustahab (preferred) at the time of entering Mecca.

Muzdalifa. It is open field between Mina and 'Arafat at a distance of about three miles from Mina in the East. On having returned from 'Arafat, the Hajj Pilgrims stay here at night.

Muhassir. It is an open field adjacent to Muzdalifa. The Divine punishment had descended upon the people of Elephant (Ashab-ul-Fil) here, who had invaded Baitullah. That is why the pilgrims cross it running.

Marwa. It is a small bill near the north eastern corner of Baitullah. The Sa'i ends here.

Masjid-ul-Raya. This Mosque is on the way to Jannat-ul-Ma'la. On the day of the Conquest of Mecca, the Holy Prophet had erected this flag here.

Masjid-e-Quba. It is a Mosque three miles before the boundaries of Medina. The Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him) himself participated in its construction. It is the first Mosque of Muslims in the vicinity of Madina. Offering two Raka'at of Nafl (supererogatory) prayer, here is equivalent to one Umra in reward and it is Mustahab to visit this Mosque on a Saturday.