Guide for performing Hajj

Step-by-step guide for performing Hajj

Ensuring you fulfill all the rituals properly and in the correct order. Hajj consists of three types: Hajj al-Tamattu’ (most common), Hajj al-Qiran, and Hajj al-Ifrad. This guide focuses on Hajj al-Tamattu’, which involves performing both Umrah and Hajj in the same journey.

BEFORE YOU BEGIN:

  1. Niyyah (Intention):
    • Purify your intention to perform Hajj solely for Allah’s sake.
    • Familiarize yourself with the rituals and their spiritual significance.
  2. Essentials:
    • Pack Ihram garments, prayer essentials, comfortable footwear, and personal items.
    • Obtain your Hajj visa, tickets, and any required vaccinations.

PHASE 1: UMRAH (Part of Hajj al-Tamattu’)

1. At the Miqat (Station for Ihram):

  • Enter Ihram:
    • Men wear two unstitched white cloths.
    • Women wear modest clothing covering the body (no specific color).
  • Make Niyyah for Umrah:
    • Recite: "Labbayka Allahumma Umrah."
  • Begin Talbiyah:
    • Recite frequently:
      • "Labbayka Allahumma Labbayk, Labbayka La Sharika Laka Labbayk, Innal Hamda Wanni’mata Laka Wal Mulk, La Sharika Laka."

2. Tawaf (Circumambulation):

  • At the Kaaba, begin your 7 circuits around it starting from the Black Stone.
  • Recite supplications or personal du’as.

3. Sa’i (Walking Between Safa and Marwah):

  • Walk back and forth 7 times between Safa and Marwah.

4. Tahalul (Cutting Hair):

  • Men trim or shave their hair.
  • Women trim a small portion of their hair.

This completes Umrah. Exit Ihram and await the 8th of Dhul-Hijjah for Hajj rituals.

PHASE 2: HAJJ

Day 1: 8th Dhul-Hijjah (Yawm al-Tarwiyah)

  1. Enter Ihram Again (for Hajj):
    • At your accommodation in Makkah, make Niyyah for Hajj:
      • "Labbayka Allahumma Hajjan."
    • Begin reciting the Talbiyah again.
  2. Proceed to Mina:
    • Stay in Mina and pray Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, Isha, and Fajr (shortened to 2 rak’ahs for Dhuhr, Asr, and Isha but not combined).
    • Spend the night in Mina.

Day 2: 9th Dhul-Hijjah (Yawm Arafah)

  1. Proceed to Arafah:
    • After Fajr, head to Arafah and spend the day there.
    • Perform Dhuhr and Asr combined and shortened during its time.
    • Engage in du’a, dhikr, and repentance.
    • This is the most important day of Hajj. Supplicate earnestly, as this is the time Allah forgives sins.
    • Key du’a: "La ilaha illa Allah, Wahdahu La Sharika Lahu, Lahul-Mulk Wa Lahul-Hamd, Wa Huwa Ala Kulli Shay’in Qadeer."
  2. Leave Arafah After Sunset:
    • Do not leave before Maghrib. Head to Muzdalifah.

Night of 9th Dhul-Hijjah: Muzdalifah

  • Pray Maghrib and Isha: Combine and shorten them.
  • Collect Pebbles: Gather 49 or 70 small stones (depending on your plan).
  • Rest overnight under the open sky.

Day 3: 10th Dhul-Hijjah (Yawm al-Nahr)

  1. Proceed to Mina:
    • Perform the following rituals:
      1. Ramy al-Jamarat (Stoning):
        • Throw 7 pebbles at the largest pillar (Jamrat al-Aqabah) while saying "Allahu Akbar" with each throw.
      2. Qurbani (Sacrifice):
        • Offer an animal sacrifice. (If part of a Hajj package, this may already be arranged.)
      3. Tahalul (Cutting Hair):
        • Shave or trim your hair (men) or trim a fingertip-length of hair (women).
        • Exit Ihram, but maintain restrictions on intimacy.
  2. Perform Tawaf al-Ifadah:
    • Return to the Kaaba for Tawaf al-Ifadah (7 circuits) and Sa’i between Safa and Marwah.

Days 4-5: 11th & 12th Dhul-Hijjah (Ayyam al-Tashreeq)

  1. Stay in Mina:

    • Each day, stone all 3 Jamaraat (pillars):
      • Start with the small pillar, then the middle, and finally the large pillar.
      • Throw 7 pebbles at each pillar while saying "Allahu Akbar."
    • Spend the nights in Mina.

  2. Leave Mina on the 12th if Possible:

    • If you can leave before Maghrib, your Hajj is complete.
    • If not, stay for the 13th of Dhul-Hijjah.

Day 6: 13th Dhul-Hijjah (Optional)

  • Perform the same stoning ritual as previous days for all 3 Jamaraat.
  • Leave Mina after completing the stoning.

Final Step: Tawaf al-Wada (Farewell Tawaf)

  • Before leaving Makkah, perform Tawaf al-Wada (7 circuits around the Kaaba).
  • This marks the end of your Hajj journey.

Important Notes:

  • Maintain Sincerity: Focus on worship and avoid distractions.
  • Avoid Violations: Follow Ihram restrictions (e.g., no perfumes, cutting nails, or arguments).
  • Stay Hydrated and Rested: Take care of your health during this physically demanding journey.
  • Follow the Sunnah: Learn the actions of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) during Hajj.