What are the 7 Steps of Hajj: Hajj, the fifth pillar of Islam, is a sacred pilgrimage to the holy city of Makkah. Every Muslim who is physically and financially able is required to perform it at least once in their lifetime. In this guide, we will explore the 7 steps of Hajj, based on the Holy Quran and authentic Hadith.
Understanding the Importance of Hajj in Islam
Hajj is not just a journey—it’s a deeply spiritual experience. Allah mentions in the Quran:
وَأَذِّن فِى ٱلنَّاسِ بِٱلْحَجِّ يَأْتُوكَ رِجَالًۭا وَعَلَىٰ كُلِّ ضَامِرٍۢ يَأْتِينَ مِن كُلِّ فَجٍّ عَمِيقٍۢ ٢٧
“And proclaim to the people the Hajj… they will come to you on foot and on every lean camel…”
(Surah Al-Hajj 22:27)
Performing Hajj allows Muslims to renew their faith, seek forgiveness, and demonstrate unity and equality before Allah.
What are the 7 Steps of Hajj
The 7 Steps of Hajj (In Order)
The Hajj rituals are performed over five to six days (8th to 13th Dhul Hijjah). Here are the seven main steps of Hajj, each with its own significance:
1. Ihram – The Sacred State
Ihram is the first step and begins before entering Makkah.
How to Enter Ihram:
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Wear the prescribed white garments (two pieces for men; modest dress for women).
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Make niyyah (intention) and say the Talbiyah:
“Labbayka Allahumma labbayk…” -
Enter a state of spiritual purity—no cutting nails, no quarrels, no perfumes.
Key Points of Ihram:
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Starts at Miqat (a boundary point).
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Prohibited acts in Ihram include hunting, intimacy, and swearing.
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Symbolizes equality and humility before Allah.
2. Tawaf – Circling the Kaaba
Upon arrival in Makkah, pilgrims perform Tawaf al-Qudum (Welcome Tawaf).
What to Do in Tawaf:
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Walk seven times counterclockwise around the Kaaba.
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Start at the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad).
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Recite duas and dhikr during each round.
Spiritual Meaning:
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Signifies the unity of believers in the worship of One God.
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Each round represents our devotion and closeness to Allah.
3. Sa’i – Running Between Safa and Marwah
After Tawaf, pilgrims perform Sa’i between the hills of Safa and Marwah.
What Happens During Sa’i:
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Walk briskly seven times back and forth.
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This ritual honors Hagar’s search for water for her son Isma’il (AS).
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Reflects patience, struggle, and trust in Allah.
Read more: Hajj Packing Checklist: Essentials for Pilgrims 2025
4. Arafah – Standing at the Plain of Arafat
The Day of Arafah (9th Dhul Hijjah) is the most important day of Hajj.
Rituals at Arafah:
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Stand in worship from noon to sunset.
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Engage in dua, dhikr, and repentance.
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Khutbah (sermon) is delivered at Masjid Namirah.
“Hajj is Arafah.” – (Hadith, Abu Dawud)
Significance:
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It is the climax of Hajj.
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Pilgrims beg for Allah’s mercy—sins are forgiven.
5. Muzdalifah – Collecting Pebbles
After sunset at Arafah, pilgrims travel to Muzdalifah to spend the night.
What to Do in Muzdalifah:
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Pray Maghrib and Isha combined.
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Sleep under the open sky.
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Collect 49 or 70 pebbles for the next ritual.
6. Rami – Stoning the Devil at Mina
This is performed on 10th, 11th, 12th (and optionally 13th) Dhul Hijjah.
Steps of Rami:
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Throw 7 pebbles at the Jamrat al-Aqaba (the largest pillar) on Day 1.
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On the following days, throw 7 pebbles at all three Jamarat:
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Jamrat al-Sughra (small)
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Jamrat al-Wusta (middle)
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Jamrat al-Kubra (large)
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Symbolism:
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Commemorates Ibrahim (AS) rejecting Satan’s whispers.
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Represents resisting evil and temptation.
7. Qurbani and Tawaf al-Ifadah
On 10th Dhul Hijjah, pilgrims:
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Offer an animal sacrifice (Qurbani) like a sheep or goat.
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Men shave their heads; women trim a small portion of hair.
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Perform Tawaf al-Ifadah—a major pillar of Hajj.
“It is neither their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah, but it is piety from you…”
(Surah Al-Hajj 22:37)
Final Steps After the 7 Rites
After completing the 7 steps, pilgrims may:
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Stay in Mina and continue Rami on 11th, 12th (and 13th) Dhul Hijjah.
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Perform Tawaf al-Wada (Farewell Tawaf) before leaving Makkah.
Read more: Read more: Health Tips for Pilgrims | Staying Fit and Healthy During hajj
What are the conditions for Hajj to be valid?
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Correct intention (niyyah)
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Entering into Ihram
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Performing Tawaf, Sa’i, and Arafah
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Sincerity and obedience to Allah
Wisdom Behind the Hajj Steps
Each ritual of Hajj is deeply symbolic:
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Ihram teaches humility.
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Tawaf symbolizes unity.
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Sa’i reminds us of faith and sacrifice.
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Arafah represents divine mercy.
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Rami strengthens our resistance against sin.
Statistics on Hajj Attendance
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In 2023, over 1.8 million pilgrims performed Hajj.
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Pilgrims came from more than 180 countries, highlighting the global unity of Islam.
Source: Saudi General Authority for Statistics
Quotes from Hadith on Hajj
“Whoever performs Hajj for the sake of Allah… will return as sinless as a newborn baby.”
– Sahih al-Bukhari
“The reward for an accepted Hajj is nothing less than Paradise.”
– Sahih Muslim
Conclusion:
The 7 steps of Hajj, a journey of a lifetime, form the spiritual core of this sacred pilgrimage. If Hajj is performed with sincerity and devotion, it purifies the soul and strengthens the bond with Allah. Whether you are preparing for your pilgrimage or seeking knowledge, this guide will help you understand Hajj in a simple, authentic, and structured way, according to the Holy Quran and Hadith.
