Hajj Rituals Step by Step refer to the sacred rites Muslims perform during the annual pilgrimage to Makkah. These rituals include entering the state of Ihram, traveling to Mina, standing at Arafat, spending the night in Muzdalifah, performing the symbolic stoning of the devil, offering an animal sacrifice, cutting or shaving the hair, and completing the final Tawaf. Each step reflects deep spiritual meaning, symbolizing submission, sacrifice, and devotion to Allah. Hajj is performed from the 8th to 13th of Dhul Hijjah and is a once-in-a-lifetime obligation for all capable Muslims.
What Are the Rituals of Hajj?
Hajj, the fifth pillar of Islam, is a sacred pilgrimage to Makkah that every Muslim must perform at least once in their lifetime if they are physically and financially able. The rituals of Hajj commemorate the trials of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his family, reflecting submission, sacrifice, and devotion to Allah.
📅 Hajj Steps Day by Day: Overview of the Pilgrimage
The Hajj takes place from 8th to 13th Dhul Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic calendar. Here’s a day-by-day breakdown of the pilgrimage:
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8th Dhul Hijjah (Day of Tarwiyah) – Enter Ihram & travel to Mina
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9th Dhul Hijjah (Day of Arafah) – Stand at Arafat
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10th Dhul Hijjah (Eid al-Adha) – Stoning, animal sacrifice, shaving
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11th–13th Dhul Hijjah (Tashreeq Days) – Stoning continues at Mina
✨ Step-by-Step Hajj Rituals Explained
🧼 Step 1: Entering the State of Ihram
Ihram is a sacred state of purity and intention. Pilgrims must:
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Make niyyah (intention) for Hajj at a designated Miqat
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Wear Ihram clothing (white sheets for men, modest attire for women)
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Refrain from prohibited actions (e.g., cutting hair, using perfume)
Dua:
“Labbayka Allahumma Hajjan”
“Here I am, O Allah, for Hajj.”
🏞️ Step 2: Travel to Mina (8th Dhul Hijjah)
Pilgrims move to Mina, a tent city outside Makkah, where they:
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Pray five daily prayers (Dhuhr to Fajr)
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Stay overnight in preparation for Arafah
Tip: Stay hydrated and bring a prayer mat and light snacks.
🌄 Step 3: Day of Arafah (9th Dhul Hijjah)
This is the most significant day of Hajj.
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Travel to Mount Arafat before Dhuhr
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Perform combined Dhuhr and Asr prayers
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Stand in Wuquf (vigil) from noon to sunset in prayer and reflection
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
“Hajj is Arafah.” — [Tirmidhi]
Read more: Hajj Packing Checklist: Essentials for Pilgrims 2025
🏃♂️ Step 4: Muzdalifah (Night of 9th Dhul Hijjah)
After sunset, pilgrims travel to Muzdalifah:
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Pray Maghrib and Isha combined
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Sleep under the open sky
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Collect pebbles (49 or 70) for the stoning ritual
🪨 Step 5: Rami – Stoning the Devil (10th Dhul Hijjah)
Pilgrims return to Mina and:
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Throw seven pebbles at the largest pillar (Jamarat al-Aqabah)
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Symbolizes rejecting evil, as Prophet Ibrahim did
Important: Only seven pebbles on this day; continue for next two or three days.
🐑 Step 6: Sacrifice (Qurbani)
This act commemorates Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son:
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Slaughter an animal (can be done via a Hajj authority or service)
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Meat is distributed to the needy
✂️ Step 7: Shaving/Cutting Hair (Tahallul)
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Men: Shave or trim hair
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Women: Cut a small portion (about an inch)
This marks partial exit from Ihram (Tahallul al-Asghar).
🕋 Step 8: Tawaf al-Ifadah
Return to Makkah and perform:
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Tawaf (7 circuits) around the Kaaba
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Sa’i between Safa and Marwah hills
This step is obligatory and symbolizes the heart of Hajj.
🔁 Step 9: Return to Mina & Continue Stoning (11–13th Dhul Hijjah)
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Throw 7 pebbles at each of the three Jamarat pillars daily
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Do this for 2 or 3 days, depending on individual choice
Note: Pilgrims can leave on the 12th or 13th after the ritual.
🔚 Step 10: Final Tawaf (Tawaf al-Wada’)
Before leaving Makkah, pilgrims perform a farewell Tawaf:
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7 circuits around the Kaaba
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This is the final act, marking the end of Hajj
🤔 People Also Ask: Common Hajj Questions
How long does Hajj take?
5–6 days, typically from 8th to 13th Dhul Hijjah.
What are the types of Hajj?
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Hajj al-Tamattu (Umrah before Hajj)
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Hajj al-Ifrad (Hajj only)
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Hajj al-Qiran (Umrah and Hajj together)
What should I pack for Hajj?
Check out our Hajj Packing Checklist for a detailed guide on essentials.
Can women perform Hajj alone?
As of recent years, Saudi authorities allow women to perform Hajj without a mahram in certain conditions. Check latest guidelines before planning.
📘 Want a Printable Guide?
Download the Hajj rituals step by step PDF to carry with you during the pilgrimage. (Add link when available.)
🧠 Final Thoughts: A Spiritual Journey of a Lifetime
Hajj is not only a set of rituals—it is a transformational journey of submission, patience, and self-purification. Every step carries deep symbolism, connecting pilgrims to the legacy of Prophets Ibrahim, Ismail, and Muhammad (peace be upon them).
وَأَذِّن فِى ٱلنَّاسِ بِٱلْحَجِّ يَأْتُوكَ رِجَالًۭا وَعَلَىٰ كُلِّ ضَامِرٍۢ يَأْتِينَ مِن كُلِّ فَجٍّ عَمِيقٍۢ ٢٧
“And proclaim to the people the Hajj…” — Surah Al-Hajj 22:27
