Hajj’s guide
Fiqh (Islamic law and literature based on the teachings of the holy Quran and the traditions of Prophet Muhammad) describes in detail carrying out the rites of Hajj, and pilgrims generally follow handbooks and expert guides to successfully fulfil the requirements of Hajj. It is remarkable to mention that hajj mostly commemorates events in the life of the Prophet Ibrahim.
1. Niyyah
Every pilgrim has to be clear about their intent (niyyah) whether for Umrah or Hajj before they start their journey.
2. Ihram
Ihram is a sacred state in which every pilgrim must enter before crossing the pilgrimage boundary, known as Mīqāt, both physically and spiritually. They leave material life behind and embark into a state of submissiveness for Allah.
3. Talbiyah
Talbiyah is the unique prayer said while on the journey towards Makkah, in supplication to attain Ihram. It is the conviction that pilgrims intend to perform Umrah only for Allah. Each pilgrim has to repeat the supplication: "Here I am O Allah, here I am. Here I am. You have no partners (other gods). To You alone is all praise and all excellence, and to You is all sovereignty. There is no partner to You."
First Day
( DHU AL-HIJJAH 8)
4. Tawaf
Upon entering the holy mosque in Makkah, every person should perform Tawaf. This is the act of circling around the Kaaba counter clockwise seven times. Tawaf begins and ends from the sacred black stone located in front of the Kaaba. During Tawaf, pilgrims will repeat any Dhikr (phrases of prayers) that they wish to say. While crossing the black stone it is a Sunnah (a traditional practice of the Prophet (PBUH)) to repeat this Dua’a (prayer).
5. Sa’I
Sa'i is the ritual of walking back and forth between two hills known as Safa and Marwa seven times. Pilgrims make any prayer (Dua'a) they wish for themselves, families, or loved ones during this walk. This ritual commemorates Hagar, Prophet Ibrahim's wife, who ran between the hills in search of water for her thirsty son Ismail. Ismail's act of stamping his foot miraculously caused the water of Zamzam well to gush forth, ending her search. Pilgrims must also pace between the two points seven times and drink water from the Zamzam well after prayer at Maqam Ibrahim.
6. Departure to Minah
After praying Fajr (one of the five mandatory daily prayers that occurs at dawn) in Makkah pilgrims will head towards Mina city. It lies around eight kilometers away from Makkah. Pilgrims will remain in the valley of Mina until the sunrise of the second day. While in Mina they will pray Zuhur, Asr, Maghrib, Isha, and Fajr (all five mandatory daily prayers).
Second Day
(ARAFAH DAY - DHUL-HIJJAH 9)
7. Departure to Arafah
Pilgrims depart from Mina and head towards Arafah, a mountain around 20km from Makkah. This day is considered an Islamic holiday, and fasting on the Day of Arafah for non-pilgrims is recommended for its great rewards and forgiveness of sins. Pilgrims spend their afternoon at Arafah repeating prayers and supplications, a practice known as Dhikr. Wuquf, or standing before God, is a significant part of Hajj rites, as pilgrims repent and pray to Allah on Mount Arafah, also known as the Mountain of Mercy.
7. Departure to Arafah
Pilgrims depart from Mina and head towards Arafah, a mountain around 20km from Makkah. This day is considered an Islamic holiday, and fasting on the Day of Arafah for non-pilgrims is recommended for its great rewards and forgiveness of sins. Pilgrims spend their afternoon at Arafah repeating prayers and supplications, a practice known as Dhikr. Wuquf, or standing before God, is a significant part of Hajj rites, as pilgrims repent and pray to Allah on Mount Arafah, also known as the Mountain of Mercy.
8. Departure to Muzdalifah
After the sun sets, pilgrims will head to an open level land southeast of Mina named Muzdalifah where they will stay overnight and pray, jointly Maghrib and Isha. Here, Muslims will collect jamarat (pebbles) for the next phase of the Hajj process.
Third Day
( DHUL-HIJJAH 10)
9. Stoning of the Devil
Pilgrims throw pebbles at three stone walls near Mina, symbolizing the stoning of the devil, which marks the end of the second day of Hajj. This act is a symbolic re-enactment of Prophet Ibrahim's rejection of the devil's temptations and represents pilgrims' commitment to overcoming their own temptations and desires.
10. Nahr
Pilgrims and Muslims around the world will slaughter an animal as a sacrifice. The origin of this ritual also goes back to Prophet Ibrahim when he was commanded by Allah to sacrifice his own son Ismail as a testament of faith. Ibrahim was willing to execute when at the last minute, Allah commanded him to sacrifice an animal instead as a reward to his unwavering faith.
Pilgrims are following Prophet Muhammad’s teachings during his farewell pilgrimage when he sacrificed a few camels, ate little from what they sacrificed then gave the rest for charity.
11. Halq or Taqsir
Pilgrims must either cut their hair or shave it completely (for women, it’s typically cutting just a single lock of hair) after animal sacrifice rituals to signify rebirth on their spiritual journey.
Fourth Day
(THREE DAYS OF TASHREEQ - DHU AL-HIJJAH 11-13)
12. Tawaf and Sa’i
Pilgrims will head back to Makkah to perform tawaf and Sa’i. They will continue going back and forth seven times.
13. Stoning of the Devil
Pilgrims throw pebbles at three stone walls near Mina, symbolizing the stoning of the devil, which marks the end of the second day of Hajj. This act is a symbolic re-enactment of Prophet Ibrahim's rejection of the devil's temptations and represents pilgrims' commitment to overcoming their own temptations and desires.
14.Tawaf Al-Ifadha
The last rite of Hajj is crucial to complete every pilgrim’s Hajj journey successfully. Once they reach Makkah, they will circumambulate the Kaaba seven times as per Prophet Muhammad’s guidance then pray two rakaat in Masjid Al-haram.