How Hajj is Performed

How Hajj is Performed: Hajj is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and is an obligatory pilgrimage for all Muslims who are physically and financially able to undertake it at least once in their lifetime. The pilgrimage takes place in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, during the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah.

Step 1: Preparation and Intention (Niyyah)

Before setting off, pilgrims should ensure they meet all financial, physical, and legal requirements for Hajj.
It is advised to seek forgiveness, pay off debts, and reconcile with others before embarking on the journey.
Pilgrims must intend (niyyah) to perform Hajj sincerely for Allah.

Step 2: Entering the State of Ihram

Ihram is a sacred state of purity that begins at designated Miqat points (boundary points).
Men wear two white, unstitched clothes, while women wear loose, modest clothing without a face veil or gloves.
Pilgrims recite Talbiyah:
“Labbayk Allahumma labbayk, labbayka la sharika laka labbayk. Innal-hamda, wan-ni’mata, laka wal-mulk, la sharika lak.”
(Here I am, O Allah, here I am. Here I am, You have no partner, here I am. Surely, all praise and blessings are Yours, and the kingdom, You have no partner.)

Prohibited Acts in Ihram:

Shaving, cutting nails, wearing perfume, engaging in marital relations, hunting, arguing, or harming others.

Step 3: Arrival in Makkah and Tawaf

Upon reaching Makkah, pilgrims perform Tawaf al-Qudum (arrival Tawaf).
This involves circling the Kaaba seven times counterclockwise, starting from the Black Stone (Hajr al-Aswad).
Pilgrims offer two Rak’ahs of prayer near Maqam Ibrahim and drink Zamzam water.

Step 4: Sa’i (Walking Between Safa and Marwah)

Pilgrims walk seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah, recalling Hajar’s search for water for her son, Ismail (AS).
This symbolizes patience, perseverance, and trust in Allah.

Step 5: Traveling to Mina (8th Dhul-Hijjah – Day of Tarwiyah)

Pilgrims travel to Mina, where they stay in tents and engage in prayer, reflection, and recitation of the Quran.
They perform five daily prayers while shortening (but not combining) them.

Step 6: Arafat – The Day of Hajj (9th Dhul-Hijjah)

Pilgrims travel to the Plains of Arafat, where they perform Wuquf (standing before Allah) from noon to sunset.
This is the most important part of Hajj, as it represents the essence of submission to Allah.
Pilgrims engage in supplications, seeking forgiveness, and remembering Allah.
The Khutbah (sermon) of Hajj is delivered at Masjid Namirah.

Step 7: Muzdalifah – Collecting Pebbles (9th Night of Dhul-Hijjah)

After sunset, pilgrims travel to Muzdalifah and perform Maghrib and Isha prayers together.
They spend the night under the open sky and collect 49 or 70 pebbles for the next day’s ritual.

Step 8: Rami al-Jamarat (Stoning of the Devil) – 10th Dhul-Hijjah

Pilgrims return to Mina and stone the largest pillar, Jamarat al-Aqaba, symbolizing the rejection of Satan.
They throw seven pebbles, reciting “Allahu Akbar” with each throw.
After this, pilgrims offer an animal sacrifice (Qurbani) as part of Eid al-Adha.

Step 9: Shaving the Head and Tahlul (Partial Exit from Ihram)

Men shave their heads or trim their hair, while women cut a small portion.
This marks a partial exit from Ihram, allowing normal activities except intimacy.

Step 10: Tawaf al-Ifadah (Main Tawaf of Hajj) and Sa’i

Pilgrims return to Makkah to perform another Tawaf around the Kaaba.
This is followed by Sa’i between Safa and Marwah.
Pilgrims now exit Ihram completely.

Step 11: Rami al-Jamarat (Stoning) on 11th, 12th, and 13th Dhul-Hijjah

Pilgrims return to Mina for two or three days, performing Rami at all three Jamarat (small, medium, and large pillars).
Seven pebbles are thrown at each pillar each day.

Step 12: Farewell Tawaf (Tawaf al-Wada) and Departure

Before leaving Makkah, pilgrims perform a final Tawaf as a farewell act.
This marks the completion of Hajj.

Final Thoughts

Hajj is a deeply spiritual journey requiring patience, endurance, and sincerity. Completing Hajj with devotion results in immense rewards, including the forgiveness of all past sins. May Allah accept the Hajj of all pilgrims in 2025. Ameen!

How Hajj is Performed – A Step-by-Step Hajj Guide 2025