Hajj (Pilgrimage)
It takes place in the holy city of Makkah during the month of Dhul-Hijjah. Pilgrims perform rites including Tawaf around the Kaaba and standing at Arafat. Hajj symbolizes equality, unity, and devotion to Allah.
Highlights
Sacred Journey
Hajj is performed in Makkah once in a lifetime if one is able.
Unity of Believers
Muslims from all over the world gather in equality.
Important Rituals
Includes Tawaf, Sa’i, and standing at Arafat.
Step-by-Step Method of Hajj
1. Preparation and Intention (Ihram)
Before entering Makkah, pilgrims enter the state of Ihram at the Miqat (fixed boundary).
Men wear two white, unstitched sheets; women wear simple, modest clothes.
Intention (Niyyah) is made: “Labbaik Allahumma Hajjan” (O Allah, I am here for Hajj).
Recite the Talbiyah often: “Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik, Labbaika laa shareeka laka Labbaik, Innal-hamda wan-ni‘mata laka wal-mulk, laa shareeka lak.”
2. 8th Dhul Hijjah (Day of Tarwiyah)
Go to Mina (a valley near Makkah).
Perform Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, Isha, and Fajr (next morning) prayers in Mina, shortening 4-rak‘ah prayers to 2 rak‘ahs (without combining).
3. 9th Dhul Hijjah (Day of Arafah)
After Fajr in Mina, go to Arafah.
Stay there until sunset, worshipping, praying, and making dua.
This is the most important day of Hajj (without standing at Arafah, Hajj is invalid).
After sunset, go to Muzdalifah (without praying Maghrib at Arafah).
4. Night of 9th / Morning of 10th Dhul Hijjah
In Muzdalifah, pray Maghrib and Isha together, stay overnight under the open sky.
Collect pebbles (49–70 small stones) for stoning the pillars (Jamaraat).
Pray Fajr, then depart for Mina.
5. 10th Dhul Hijjah (Eid Day)
In Mina, perform:
Rami: Stone the big Jamarah (Jamarah al-Aqabah) with 7 pebbles.
Qurbani (Sacrifice): Offer an animal sacrifice.
Halq/Taqsir: Men shave (Halq) or shorten (Taqsir) their hair; women cut a small portion.
Now most Ihram restrictions are lifted.
Then go to Makkah for Tawaf al-Ifadah (circumambulation of the Kaaba) and Sa’i (walking between Safa and Marwah).
Return to Mina for the next days.
6. 11th–13th Dhul Hijjah (Days of Tashreeq)
Each day, after midday, perform Rami: throw 7 pebbles at each of the 3 Jamaraat (small, middle, large).
Spend nights in Mina.
On the 12th, you may leave Mina before sunset if you wish (this is called Nafrah al-Ula). Staying till the 13th is better.
7. Farewell Tawaf (Tawaf al-Wada‘)
Before leaving Makkah, perform a farewell Tawaf of the Kaaba.
This is the final step of Hajj.
Summary of Main Steps
Enter Ihram with intention and Talbiyah.
Mina (8th Dhul Hijjah).
Arafah (9th Dhul Hijjah, most important).
Muzdalifah (night of 9th).
Mina (10th – Rami, sacrifice, shaving, Tawaf al-Ifadah, Sa’i).
Mina (11th–13th – stoning Jamaraat).
Farewell Tawaf (before leaving Makkah).
Frequently asked questions
It is the pilgrimage to Makkah performed once in a lifetime by able Muslims.
During the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah.
Every Muslim who is physically and financially able.
It symbolizes equality, devotion, and renewal of faith.
