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:
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Niyyah (Intention):
- Purify your intention to perform Hajj solely for Allah’s sake.
- Familiarize yourself with the rituals and their spiritual significance.
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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):
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Enter Ihram:
- Men wear two unstitched white cloths.
- Women wear modest clothing covering the body (no specific color).
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Make Niyyah for Umrah:
- Recite: "Labbayka Allahumma Umrah."
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Begin Talbiyah:
- Recite frequently:
- "Labbayka Allahumma Labbayk, Labbayka La Sharika Laka Labbayk, Innal Hamda Wanni’mata Laka Wal Mulk, La Sharika Laka."
- Recite frequently:
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)
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Enter Ihram Again (for Hajj):
- At your accommodation in Makkah, make Niyyah for Hajj:
- "Labbayka Allahumma Hajjan."
- Begin reciting the Talbiyah again.
- At your accommodation in Makkah, make Niyyah for Hajj:
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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)
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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."
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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)
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Proceed to Mina:
- Perform the following rituals:
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Ramy al-Jamarat (Stoning):
- Throw 7 pebbles at the largest pillar (Jamrat al-Aqabah) while saying "Allahu Akbar" with each throw.
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Qurbani (Sacrifice):
- Offer an animal sacrifice. (If part of a Hajj package, this may already be arranged.)
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Tahalul (Cutting Hair):
- Shave or trim your hair (men) or trim a fingertip-length of hair (women).
- Exit Ihram, but maintain restrictions on intimacy.
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Ramy al-Jamarat (Stoning):
- Perform the following rituals:
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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)
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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.
- Each day, stone all 3 Jamaraat (pillars):
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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.