Hajj Guide
Learn How to Perform Hajj with Our Step-by-Step Guide!
Hajj, the fifth pillar of Islam, is an obligation every Muslim must fulfill once in their lifetime. Discover the steps and guidance on how to perform Hajj here.
Hajj (Arabic: الحج), the pilgrimage to Makkah, is one of the five pillars of Islam, alongside the declaration of faith, prayer, fasting, and charity. It is obligatory for every Muslim to perform Hajj at least once in their lifetime, provided they are physically and financially capable.
What is Hajj?
Hajj (Arabic: الحج), the pilgrimage to Makkah, is one of the five pillars of Islam, alongside the declaration of faith, prayer, fasting, and charity. It is obligatory for every Muslim to perform Hajj at least once in their lifetime, provided they are physically and financially capable.
Hajj: What to Expect
Hajj is a profound spiritual journey undertaken by millions of Muslims each year. Learn what to anticipate during this sacred pilgrimage, from handling large crowds and navigating transportation to grasping the key rituals, accommodations, and facilities available throughout the experience.
Days of Hajj
Hajj Day 1: 8th of Dhul Hijjah
The first day of Hajj, called Yawm al-Tarwiyah, signifies the start of the pilgrimage. Pilgrims enter the state of Ihram and journey to Mina, where they spend the night. This day provides an opportunity for pilgrims to mentally and spiritually ready themselves for the Day of Arafat. It is recommended (sunnah) to perform Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, and Isha prayers while in Mina.
Hajj Day 2: 9th of Dhul Hijjah (Day of Arafat)
On the second day of Hajj, known as Yawm al-Arafat (the Day of Arafat) or Yawm al-Wuquf (the Day of Standing), pilgrims travel to the plains of Arafat. There, they combine Dhuhr and Asr prayers and participate in Wuquf, the most sacred ritual of Hajj. After sunset, they depart for Muzdalifah without performing the Maghrib prayer.
Hajj Day 2: 10th of Dhul Hijjah (Muzdalifah)
Following Wuquf on the second day of Hajj, pilgrims travel from Arafat to Muzdalifah. This stage includes praying Maghrib and Isha in Muzdalifah, collecting pebbles for Rami al-Jamarat, and spending the night under the open sky. After sunset, it marks the beginning of the 10th of Dhul Hijjah, as the Islamic day starts at Maghrib.
Hajj Day 3: 10th of Dhul Hijjah
The third day of Hajj, Yawm al-Nahr (the Day of Sacrifice), involves the slaughtering of many animals. While it is Eid, pilgrims do not celebrate. After Fajr, they go to Mina to perform Rami at Jamarah al-Aqaba, sacrifice an animal (Hady), and shave or trim their hair (Halq/Taqsir), leaving Ihram. They then proceed to Makkah for Tawaf al-Ziyarah and Sa’i.
Hajj Days 4-6: 11th-13th of Dhul Hijjah
The last three days of Hajj are called Ayyam al-Tashreeq (the Days of Drying Meat). During this time, pilgrims complete their pilgrimage by stoning the Jamarat and performing Tawaf al-Wida, which signifies the conclusion of Hajj.
Rites of Hajj
Tawaf
Tawaf (Arabic: طواف) is a key ritual of the pilgrimage, involving the act of circumambulating or walking around the Kaaba in a counterclockwise direction. It consists of seven complete circuits, each beginning and ending at the Hajar al-Aswad.
Sa’i
Sa’i (Arabic: السعي) is an essential ritual of both Hajj and Umrah, involving walking back and forth seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwa. These two hills are situated near the Kaaba within Masjid al-Haram.
Rami al-Jamarat
Rami al-Jamarat (Arabic: رمي الجمرات; “Stoning of the Jamarat”), also called the “Stoning of the Devil,” is a Hajj ritual where pilgrims throw small pebbles at three stone structures in Mina. This act of throwing stones is referred to as “Rami.”
Hady
Hady (Arabic: هدي), or Damm al-Shukr (Arabic: دم الشكر), is an animal sacrifice by pilgrims on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah. It is wajib for Hajj al-Tamattu and Hajj al-Qiran, and sunnah for Hajj al-Ifrad, expressing gratitude for performing Hajj and Umrah together.
Halq & Taqsir
Halq (Arabic: الحلق) is the practice of completely shaving the head, while Taqsir (Arabic: التقصير) refers to shortening the hair by at least an inch. Both Halq and Taqsir are wajib (obligatory) acts required to exit the state of Ihram.
Ihram
Ihram (Arabic: إحرام) is the sacred state a pilgrim enters before performing the rituals of Hajj and Umrah. To achieve this state, the pilgrim must purify the body, wear the specified clothing, and declare their intention before passing the designated Miqat.
Violations & Penalties
Fidyah (expiation) is a required act to atone for mistakes or errors made during Hajj or Umrah. By offering Fidyah, pilgrims seek to make amends and rectify any shortcomings or oversights in fulfilling the rituals of the pilgrimage. It serves as a means of seeking forgiveness and ensuring the completeness of their sacred journey.
