How to Perform Hajj? A Step-By-Step Guide

Embarking on the sacred journey of Hajj is a dream for many Muslims worldwide. Hajj Mabrur holds immense significance and spiritual rewards as one of the five pillars of Islam. However, preparing for Hajj can be overwhelming without proper guidance. In this comprehensive guide on how to perform Hajj, we will walk you through each stage of this transformative experience, from Niyyah to performing all the rituals (Hajj Manasik) with devotion and ease. Let’s explore the steps to perform Hajj together and make this spiritual journey unforgettable!

Rituals of 5 Days of Hajj: Hajj Manasik

There is a bit of a difference between Hajj al-Qiran and Hajj al-Tamattu. See the different types of Hajj in detail. The detailed guide on how to perform Hajj is mentioned below:

Step-by-Step Hajj Map

Wearing the Ihram to Perform Hajj (Obligatory)

Hajj al-Qiran involves wearing the Ihram, with the intention to perform hajj and umrah simultaneously, before entering the Miqat. In this type, perform Umrah during the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah and perform Hajj without taking off the Ihram

In Hajj al-Tamattu, the Ihram is worn with the intention of performing Umrah separately. Take off the Ihram after performing Umrah. After performing Umrah, You may stay in Makkah or go elsewhere but do not return to your homeland. But it is good to engage in Tawaf as much as possible and spend more time in the sacred precincts of Haram. You may do so if you wish to perform additional Umrah during this time. Read the procedure for performing Umrah step by step.

Then, when the time for Hajj comes (i.e., the 8th of Dhul-Hijjah), perform Ghusl (ritual bath), wear Ihram to perform Hajj, and proceed to perform Tawaf and Sa’i. This Sa’i will be considered the initial Sa’i, meaning if you perform Sa’i now, there will be no need to perform Sa’i again after Tawaf al-Ziyarah. However, if you haven’t performed Sa’i yet, you must perform Sa’i after Tawaf al-Ziyarah.

8^th Dhul-Hijjah: Night Stay at Mina

After that, proceed to Mina. Stay in Mina from the Zuhr of the 8th of Dhul-Hijjah until the sunrise of the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah. After the sunrise of the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah, head towards Arafat. If the representatives (Muktab) take you to Arafat before this time, there is no harm in going earlier.

9^th Dhul-Hijjah: Day of Arafah

The day of Arafah is the largest day of Hajj. Arrive at Arafat before the Zawal time (the sun reaches its absolute Zenith) on the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah. After some rest, when the time for Zuhr prayer starts, perform the Zuhr prayer. If you are praying behind the Imam at Masjid Namira, combine Zuhr and Asr prayers, offering Zuhr first and then Asr. If you intend to pray in your tent, only recite the Zuhr prayer with the Adhan and Iqamah. Famous Hajj Khutbah (Sermon) is delivered here on Jabl al-Arafat.

• Wuquf Arafat (Obligatory)

Then engage in Wuquf Arafat (Stay at Arafat). During this time, recite supplications, the declaration of faith (Kalimah Tayyibah), testimonies of faith, glorifications of Allah, seeking forgiveness, sending blessings upon the Prophet Muhammad, and any other remembrance as much as possible.

Continue reciting while standing, and if you become tired, you may sit down while reciting. When the time for the Asr prayer arrives, perform the Asr prayer with the Adhan and Iqamah. Then continue with supplications and remembrance until sunset, staying engaged until sunset.

• Wuquf Muzdalifah (Wajib)

After sunset, proceed from Arafat to Muzdalifah. Do not pray the Maghrib prayer in Arafat; instead, upon reaching Muzdalifah, combine the Maghrib and Isha prayers, offering them together at the time of Isha. Then, after these obligatory prayers, perform the Sunnah prayers of Maghrib and Isha and the Witr prayer if desired.

• Gathering Stones

Afterward, if feeling sleepy, rest; if awake, engage in remembrance, recitation of the Qur’an, and other acts of worship. You may also perform Tahajjud prayers until the break of dawn, gathering approximately seventy pebbles during this time.

10^th Dhul-Hijjah: Sacrificing the Animal

• Stone the Jamarat al-Aqabah

Pray the Fajr prayer at its earliest time, i.e., in the darkness. Then, stand (perform Wuquf) for a while, engaging in supplication. Afterward, when the time comes, proceed to Mina. In Mina, only stone the Jamarat al-Aqabah (the largest pillar representing Satan) with seven pebbles.

• Sacrificing the Animal (Wajib)

After this, slaughter the sacrificial animal in Mina or within the boundaries of the Haram.

• Shaving or Cutting the Hair (Wajib)

Then, shave your head (after shaving the head, all restrictions of Ihram are lifted except for marital relations with one’s spouse; marital relations become permissible for a wife after Tawaf al-Ziyarah).

• Tawaf al-Ziyarah (Obligatory)

Now, exit the state of Ihram, wear regular clothes, and return to Makkah to perform Tawaf al-Ziyarah before Rami al-Jamarat. This Tawaf is also known as Tawaf al-Afadhah, one of the obligatory types of tawaf.

Note: If Tawaf al-Ziyarah is delayed until after the 12th, Dum will become obligatory due to the delay.

• Sa’i (Wajib)

If you haven’t performed Sa’i after wearing the Ihram for Hajj and the optional Tawaf, then you should perform Sa’i after Tawaf al-Ziyarah. After that, return to Mina and stay overnight.

Read the other forms of Tawaf in detail.

11^th and 12^th Dhul-Hijjah: Performing the Rami

•  Performing the Rami (Wajib)

On the morning of the 11^th and 12^th of Dhul-Hijjah, after the sun has passed its zenith, proceed to stone the Jamarat in the following order. First, stone the first pillar (the smallest one representing Satan) with seven pebbles, then step aside and supplicate. Next, stone the second pillar similarly, stepping aside to supplicate afterward. Finally, stone the third pillar with seven pebbles, then depart without supplicating further. Spend this night in Mina as well. Repeat this process on both days.

Note: If one intends to return to Makkah on the 12th of Dhul-Hijjah, he may do so. However, if one stays in Mina until the morning of the 13th of Dhul-Hijjah, he will also need to perform the Rami on the 13th.

• Farewell Tawaf (Wajib)

The Hajj will be completed by performing all these actions. Upon returning from Makkah to one’s homeland, perform the Tawaf al-Wida (Farewell Tawaf). This Tawaf is Wajib for those who reside outside the Miqat.

Obligations and Recommendations

Three obligatory (Fard) acts must be kept in mind while you perform Hajj:

• Putting on Ihram
• Wuquf e Arafah
• Tawaf al-Ziyarah

Failure to comply with these obligatory (Fard) acts will result in Hajj not being fulfilled.

Along with obligations, six recommended (Wajib) acts should also be kept in mind while you perform Hajj:

• Wuquf e Muzdalifah
• Sacrificing the Animal
• Shaving or cutting the hair
• Performing the Sa’i
• Performing the Rami
• Farewell Tawaf

If one fails to fulfill these recommended acts by mistake, it is mandatory for him/her to give Dum (sacrificing a goat) in the name of Allah. See in detail the obligations and wajib acts of Hajj. These are also known as pillars of Hajj.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Hajj pilgrimage is a journey of spiritual and physical significance in Islam. It is a test of faith, endurance, and devotion to God. Following the steps outlined in this guide on “how to perform Hajj,” one can easily perform it, reap its many benefits, and make it an accepted Hajj. Remember to always have an open heart and mind during this sacred journey, and may Allah accept your efforts and grant you forgiveness. May your experience bring you closer to Allah and impact your life as a Muslim.

Let us guide you through your hajj journey with personalized one-on-one support. Book now to secure your spot!

FAQ’s

Who can perform Hajj Tamattu?

A condition for performing Hajj Tamattu is that the pilgrim must reside outside the Miqat boundaries. It is not permissible for those residing within Makkah Mukarramah or inside the Miqat boundaries to perform Hajj Tamattu.

Can a pilgrim perform more than one Umrah before Hajj e Tamattu?

The one performing Hajj Tamattu can perform additional Umrah(s) after completing one Umrah but before assuming the Ihram for Hajj.

Is sacrificing an animal is obligatory for every pilgrim?

Sacrificing an animal in Mina on the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah is obligatory for those performing Hajj al-Qiran and Hajj al-Tamattu. Read about the 3 types of Hajj.

Is this sacrifice of an animal considered an obligatory sacrifice?

This sacrifice is a separate and independent obligation from the general obligatory sacrifice, which is mandated as an act of gratitude in Hajj al-Qiran and Hajj al-Tamattu.

Is Tawaf of arrival required for every pilgrim?
Those performing Hajj Tamattu are not required to perform the Tawaf al-Qudum (Arrival Tawaf).