As one of the Five Pillars of Islam, hajj is a major spiritual journey every Muslim is required to undertake in his or her lifetime financially when they can. Hajj is one of the five pillars in Islam and it occurs annually during the last month of the Islamic year, known as Dhul Hijjah, its priorities and purposes are the brotherhood in Islam, worship to Allah and eradication of prejudice. The following blog is a simplified chronological order on how hajj is performed from when preparing for it to the end:
1. Preparing for Hajj
Hajj preparation therefore has a very significant role to play so that those who intend to undertake hajj benefit from it in the best way possible. Here’s what you need to do before departing for Makkah:
Spiritual Preparation: Firstly, purify your heart and your mind. Next, clear dues if any and reconcile with friends/family members, and if any relationship is estranged, then try to mend it.
Financial Readiness: Enough money for the trip is the foremost consideration as well as extra money to take care of the family needs while you are away.
Physical Fitness: Hajj also requires some physical exertion; hence, one should be healthy when performing the rituals to avoid having complications.
Documentation: Make sure that you have your passport, visa, work permit, and any other legal documents that are required for travel. Certain documents should be readily available at all times.
Knowledge: Understand the rites and the meaning of Hajj so as to be oriented in the right way in each particular stage.
2. Purification of the State of Ihram
Ihram is a state of sanctity necessary for hajj and is an indication that the person has come with the purpose of hajj. Men have two white unstitched pieces of cloth and women have to wear full length clothes covering their body from neck to toe leaving face and hands. The following are key aspects of entering Ihram:
Perform Ghusl (Full Body Wash): Purify yourself and put on the required garment known as the ‘Ihram’.
Intention (Niyyah): To say your intention for Hajj, say “Labbayka Allahumma Hajjan”, which in English translates to, I am ready to perform Hajj.
Avoid Prohibited Actions: Do not trim hair or nails, apply perfume, hunt or perform any prohibited activity in the state of Ihram.
3. Performing Tawaf (Circumambulation of the Kaaba)
The first act that is performed after reaching Makkah is Tawaf which entails circumambulating the Kaaba seven times in a jahalla anticlockwise direction. Every circle starts from the Black Stone corner.
Start with Istilam: When one is circling the Kaaba, then he should touch or gesture toward the Black Stone every time round.
Recite Prayers: Do personal supplications or say “Subhan Allah,” “Alhamdulillah,” and “Allahu Akbar” while circumambulating.
Maintain Focus: Remind yourself of the religious aspect which is to purify your soul and understand that you are performing a rite observed by millions of people.
4. Sa’i – The Seven Circuits between Safa and Marwah
The next rite performed after Tawaf is Sa’i, which is the emulation of the run that Hajara carried out in the scorching heat in search of water for her baby Ismael. This entails performing seven circuits between the two small hills of Safa and Marwah.
Start at Safa: Start at Safa and move toward Marwah while saying prayers and supplications.
Run Between the Green Markers: Between two markers, men are supposed to run, in this case, the running illustrates how desperate Hajara was looking for water.
End at Marwah: This ritual ends at Marwah after one has gone round the track seven times.
5. Staying in Mina
The eighth day of Dhul-Hijjah called Yawm al-Tarwiyah is dedicated to the journey to Mina, a large tent city located 8 km From Makkah. This day involves prayers, meditations, and other preparations for any important activities that may be scheduled for the following day.
Perform Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, and Isha Prayers: The prayer will be shortened and combined according to the Sunnah during the Hajj.
Reflect and Rest: This is also an opportune moment for the participants to focus on mental and spiritual preparations for the next rituals.
6. Standing at Arafat (Wuquf)
On the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah, pilgrims proceed to Arafat, which is one of the most significant acts of hajj, to portray the Day of Judgement. Arafat is the high point of the hajj journey.
Dhuhr and Asr Prayers Combined: Recite the prayers at the call of the Dhuhr time.
Supplications and Reflection: Spend time in personal prayers, asking for God’s forgiveness and beseeching Him for blessings.
Stay Until Sunset: Stay at Arafat till the sun sets; this time only is more propitious to be close to Allah.
7. Muzdalifah: Collecting Pebbles
Pilgrims then proceed to Muzdalifah at night and pray the Maghrib and Isha prayers together. This is an overnight stay which is done out in the open and it is very simple and it symbolizes equality.
Rest and Gather Pebbles: Gather 49 or 70 small pebbles as these will be required in the next procedure of stoning the pillars in Mina during the Hajj.
Spend the Night in Worship: Sleep, worship and pray some more as you get ready for the next phase.
8. Stoning of the Devil – Ramy al-Jamarat
On the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah which is Eid al-Adha, pilgrims go back to Mina to perform Ramy al-Jamarat, where pelt seven pebbles at the largest pillar of three (Jamarat al- Aqaba) signifying rejection of temptations and sina by the Shaytan (Satan).
Throw the Pebbles: Say “Allahu Akbar” with each pebble thrown.
Reflect on Obedience: It is in line with the injunction that reminded Muslims of the patience of Ibrahim who was tempted by Satan.
9. Animal Sacrifice (Qurbani)
After stoning, the pilgrims perform the Qurbani; this is the animal sacrifices in remembrance of Ibrahim who was willing to sacrifice his son. The meat is given to the poor and destitute which represent acts of benevolence and thankfulness.
Arrange for the Sacrifice: This can be done individually or be organized by hajj officials or some accredited organizations.
Distribute Meat: The meat is cut into three portions reserved for different people; one is for the family, the second is reserved for friends/neighbors, and the third portion for the poor.
10. Shaving or Trimming Hair (Taqsir or Halq)
Men have to shave their heads (Halq) and women cut a little portion of their hair (Taqsir), in order to show that they are purified and are no longer under the limited freedom of Ihram.
Men: If possible, it is recommended that one shave the head completely but if they cannot, they should trim it.
Women: Cut off a small section from the tips of the hair.
11. Tawaf al-Ifadah
Following these rites, the pilgrims go back to the Kaaba to perform Tawaf al-Ifadah, making seven rounds around the Kaaba and then Sa’i. This Tawaf is compulsory for the performance of the hajj.
Renew the Tawaf and Sa’i: Do the same as earlier on in the pilgrimage, in which one repents to Allah acknowledging and devoting oneself.
12. Stoning of Jamarat (Days of Tashreeq)
For the subsequent two to three days (11th to the 13th day of Dhul-Hijjah), pilgrims revisit all the three Jamarat and pelt each one of these with seven stones.
Perform After Dhuhr: The stoning can be done any time after the Dhuhr prayer till the evening time.
Remember the Significance: This is a continued act of rejecting sin and temptation.
13. Final Tawaf (Tawaf al-Wada)
The last Tawaf referred to as Tawaf al-Wada (Farewell Tawaf) is done before leaving Makkah to symbolize the end of Hajj.
Seven Final Circuits: This will be the seventh circuit – perform this circuit seven times to complete the ritual.
Bid Farewell to Makkah: This particular Tawaf is a touching moment of thanksgiving and then bidding farewell, asking for the Almighty’s acceptance of your Hajj.
The Bottom Line
Hajj is a highly spiritual journey and upon its successful accomplishment is considered to be a very fulfilling mission. It is a process of seeking divine guidance, seeking forgiveness and endeavoring to bring our lives and actions in accordance with the Will of Almighty Allah. When you sincerely and diligently perform these steps you have performed one of the largest acts of worship in the religion of Islam and one returns home purified and rejuvenated from the spiritual connection that one makes with his Lord. May Allah accept your hajj and may you be amongst those who are privileged to be able to go for hajj 2025.