Hajj is one of the fundamental pillars of Islam. It is an obligation upon every Muslim who is capable physically, mentally and financially. Hajj is an opportunity for pilgrims to get closer to Allah, ask for His forgiveness, seek His mercy, refresh the Iman and much more. Every year Hajj takes place in the Holy city of Makkah at a specific time of the year that spans between 8th to the 13th Dhul Hijjah.
If you are one of the blessed Muslims who have the opportunity to perform Hajj this year, we highly recommend you to learn comprehensively about how to perform Hajj. You must make sure that you know about the steps of each ritual and perform them accordingly to get your Hajj accepted. While it is best to learn about the steps of performing hajj from a scholar, this blog will highlight the Hajj rituals in a step by step guide to help you get a good idea about how you can perform Hajj.
Preparation for Hajj
Make sure you do the things mention below before departing for your Hajj pilgrimage.
- Decide on which type of hajj you want to perform.
- Complete all the procedures to ensure your trip to Makkah for Hajj.
- Women must come with a Mahram.
- Learn about the Hajj rituals and struggle you may face, preferably from a scholar.
How to Perform Hajj – Step by Step Guide
Here are the fundamental rituals of Hajj and the methods to carry out these practices in a systematic manner, while also considering the appropriate timings for each. Our aim is to guide you through all the crucial stages of Hajj, providing valuable assistance along the way.
Step 1: Niyyah (Intention)
Make clear Niyyah before you begin your Hajj journey. You must intent sincerely from the bottom of your heart. Your intention must be to perform Hajj for the sake of Allah alone. Your desire must be to get rewarded in the hereafter and not for worldly things.
Step 2: Enter Ihram
Ihram is a physical and mental state of purity. Pilgrims must enter Ihram before crossing the Meeqat or Hajj boundary. Ihram is associated with some specific rules and restrictions that you must adhere to once you assume the state of Ihram. Before learning about these restrictions, let’s learn a bit more about Meeqat.
Meeqat
There are five Meeqat points. Each has a specific boundary and depending on where you are traveling from, you will find out which one applies to you. Here are the locations:
- Dhul-Hulaifah or Abyar Ali – If you are from Madinah
- Rabegh or Al-Juhfah – If you are travelling from the West, Syria, Egypt
- Yalumlum – If you are from Pakistan, India, or Yemen.
- Qarn-Al-Manazel – If you are from Taif and Najd
- Dhatul-Irq – If you are from Iraq.
Once the pilgrims arrive at any of these meeqat points or their designated meeqat lines, it becomes necessary for them to embrace the state of ihram. In order to enter this sacred state, they are required to carefully carry out the designated rituals and wear the attire specifically prescribed for Ihram.
Ihram Clothing
- Men wear two unsewn pieces of white cloth when they enter the state of Ihram. One piece to cover the upper body and the other one to cover the lower body.
- For Ihram, women can wear any full white or black clothing that covers their whole body except their face and hands. This means, women are permitted to wear clothes that are stitched.
- It is allowed for both men and women to wear sandals.
The modest clothing eliminates markers of social class, personal wealth, and unique identity, cultivating an atmosphere of fairness and equality among the pilgrims.
Consider the Following Things Before Entering Ihram
- If necessary, you can clip your nails and trim your mustache, and hair before entering Ihram. You can do a ghusl too.
- Wear the clothes of Ihram before entering the Meeqat point.
- In case you have reached the Meeqat point but unintentionally overlooked entering the state of Ihram, you must depart from Makkah and re-enter. Or you can sacrifice a sheep as a means of punishment.
Depending on the type of Hajj you are performing, recite one of the following Dua:
| Hajj Type | Dua | Meaning of the Dua |
| Ifrad | Labbayk Allahumma Hajjan | Here I am, O Allah, for Hajj |
| Qiran | Labbayk Allahumma bi Hajjah wa ‘Umrah | Here I am, O Allah, for Hajj and ‘Umrah |
| Tamattu | Labbayk Allahumma bi ‘Umrah | Here I am, O Allah, for ‘Umrah |
Then, pilgrims should say:
“Allaahumma hadhihi hijjah la riya-a fiha wa la sum’ah
(O Allah, this is a pilgrimage in which there is no showing off or seeking reputation).”
Here are a few things to consider after entering Ihram
- You must not engage in any arguments, disputes or violence during the state of Ihram
- It is prohibited to use any scented products or any perfume.
- In order to maintain the sanctity of Ihram, men must not trim or shave their hair. On the other hand, women have the option to trim a small section of their hair if necessary.
- During Ihram, it is not permissible to have sexual relations.
- Pilgrims are not permitted to hunt, kill or hurt any animals or plant during Ihram.
- You are not allowed to commit any sins while you are in the state of Ihram.
Allah Azzawajal says in the Quran,
“So whosoever intends to perform Hajj therein (by assuming Ihram), then he should not have sexual relations, nor commit sin, nor dispute unjustly during the Hajj.” [Sura Al-Baqarah, 2: 197]
Step 3: Recite Talbiya
Once you assume the state of Ihram, you should start reciting the Talbiyah frequently. The Talbiyah:
لَبَّيْكَ اللهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ – لَبَّيْكَ لَا شَرِيْكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ – إِنَّ الْحَمْدَ وَالنِّعْمَةَ لَكَ وَالْمُلْكَ – لَا شَرِيْكَ لَكَ –
Transliteration: Labbayka llāhumma labbayk(a), labbayka lā sharīka laka labbayk(a), inna l-ḥamda wa n-ni’mata, laka wa l-mulk(a), lā sharīka lak.
Translation: At Your service, Allah, at Your service. At Your service, You have no partner, at Your service. Truly all praise, favour and sovereignty are Yours. You have no partner.
Men should loudly recite the Talbiya words, while women should recite it softly to make sure that their voices remain private and not audible to non-mahram men.
Ghusl when entering Makkah
When approaching Makkah, if possible, pilgrims should perform Ghusl before entering. This is because the Prophet (ﷺ) performed Ghusl before entering Makkah. (Narrated by Muslim, 1259)
Then, when the pilgrim enters the Masjid al-Hara, he should enter with his right foot and say, “Bismillah wa’l-salatu wa’l-salam ‘ala Rasul-Allah. Allahumma ighfir li dhunubi waftah li abwab rahmatika. A’udhu Billah il-‘Azim wa bi wajhih il-karim wa bi sultanih il-‘qadim min al-Shaytan il-rajim (In the name of Allah, and blessings and peace be upon the Messenger of Allah. O Allah, forgive me my sins and open to me the gates of Your mercy. I seek refuge with Allah the Almighty and in His noble Countenance and His eternal power from the accursed Satan).”
8th Dhul Hijjah (Tarwiyah Day): First Day of Hajj
Step 4: Performing Tawaf
Tawaf is encircling the sacred Kaaba, the house of Allah, seven times. Begin your circumambulation at the Black Stone, and continue in an anti-clockwise direction towards the Yamani Corner.
To complete the Tawaf, you need to complete seven circuit. The Tawaf we are discussing is called Tawaf Al Qudum. During the initial three rounds, men will walk faster and then they will walk slower during the following four rounds. On the other hand, women will complete all Tawaf at a steady and customary walking speed.
While performing Tawaf, it is Sunnah to kiss, Touch or Salute the Black Stone or Hajar al-Aswad. After you have completed your Tawaf, pray two rakahs Masjid Al-Haram, preferably behind the Maqam Ibrahim.
After finishing your Salah and dua, drink ZamZam water.
Please note that menstruating women must not perform Tawaf.
Step 5: Perform Saee
Saee is a historical Hajj ritual. It began from the sacrifice of Hajar (AS), the wife of Prophet Ibrahim (AS). For her infant son Ismail (AS), she ran between Safa and Marwa in search of water. That is when the well of ZamZam was created by Allah’s will.
You need to walk back and forth between the hills of Safa and Marwah a total of seven times to complete Saee.
After you have completed your Saee, the first of the Hajj al-Tamattu, Umrah, is complete. Now, you can exit the state of Ihram for the time being and wear normal clothes.
And if you are performing Hajj-al-Ifrad, your Hajj rituals will begin now. On the other hand, if you are performing Hajj-al-Qiran, you must stay in the state of Ihram without any break until the Hajj ends.
Cutting The Hair Or Shaving The Head
After completing Saee, a pilgrim who is performing Hajj-al-Tamattu should cut or shave his hair. If he trims his hair, he must do it on all part of his head and if he shaves his head he must shave the entire head.
However, if the Hajj time is near and there will be no time for the hair to regrow, then it is recommended to trim the hair. So that there will be hair on the head to shave during Hajj.
It is recommended for women to trim their hair by a small length equivalent to the size of a fingertip.
Upon completing these steps, the Umrah of the pilgrim who is performing Hajj-al-Tamattu is complete. After that, he should exit the state of Ihram and relived from all the restrictions that come with Ihram.
For those performing Ifrad or Qiran, they should refrain from shaving or trimming their hair. They should also not exit the state of ihram. Instead, they should remain in the state of ihram until the day of ‘Eid, when they can complete their pilgrimage by stoning the Jamrat al-‘Aqabah and then shaving or trimming their hair.
On the 8th day of Dhu’l-Hijjah, known as al-Tarwiyah, it is important for those performing Tamattu’ to begin their Hajj journey by entering ihram in the morning from wherever they are in Makkah. It is Mustahab for them to follow the same rituals they performed when entering Ihram for ‘Umrah, such as taking a ritual bath (ghusl), applying perfume, and offering prayers. They should make the intention for entering Ihram for Hajj, recite the Talbiyah, and say,
” Labbayk Allahumma Hajjan. (Here I am, O Allah, ready for Hajj )”
It is Mustahab to loudly recite the Tabliyah until you stone Jamrat al-‘Aqabah on the day of ‘Eid
Step 6: Going to Mina
On the first day of Hajj, pray Fajr in Makkah. Then go to the Mina city. While traveling to Mina, pilgrim should recite the Talbiyah loudly and frequently. In Mina, pilgrims will pray, Zuhr, ‘Asr, Maghrib, ‘Isha and Fajr there, they will shorten the prayer but not combine them. Pilgrims will stay at Mina on the first day of Hajj.
9th Dhul Hijjah (Arafah Day): Second Day of Hajj
Step 7: Going to Arafah
- Pilgrims will pray Fajr Salah in Mina on the second day of Hajj. Then, after the sunrise, leave for Arafah.
- Keep reciting the Talbiyah and Takbeer on your way from Mina to Arafah as much as possible.
- Pilgrims must arrive at the plains of Arafah prior to the starting time of Zuhr Salah.
- In the Masjid-E-Namirah, the Imam will give Khutbah.
- Next, as a Sunnah practice, the pilgrims will combine the Zuhr and Asr prayer.
- Then, pilgrims will stay on the plain of Arafah and remember Allah, ask for his forgiveness and make Dua until the sunset.
- Pilgrims will not pray the Maghrib Salah in Arafah. They will move for Muzdalifah after sunset.
The day of Arafah holds great significance for the Muslim. It is a time when Allah (SWT) forgives the sins of His servants and free them from the Hellfire. On the day of Arafah, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ delivered his final sermon during the Farewell Hajj. If one is not performing the Hajj pilgrimage, it is highly recommended to observe a fast as a practice of following the Sunnah.
Aisha (RA) narrated a hadith from Allah’s Messenger ﷺ: “There is no day on which Allah frees more people from the Hellfire than the Day of ‘Arafah.” [Sahih Muslim]
Note: From the 9th of Dhul Hijjah Fajr to the 13th of Dhul Hijjah Asar say Takbeer after each obligatory prayer.
Takbeer: “Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La ilaha illallah, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, wa lillahil Hamd (Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, there is no God except Allah, Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, and all praise belongs to Allah).”
Step 8: Going to Muzdalifah
- Keep reciting the Talbiyah and Takbeer frequently when gong to Muzdalifah.
- When the pilgrims reaches Muzdalifah, they will pray Maghrib and Isha Salah combinedly at the time of Isha. This is a Sunnah practice.
- On the second day of Hajj, pilgrims will remain in Muzdalifah overnight until the sunrise of the next day.
- At night, pray and make Dua as much as possible.
- For the activities for Jamaarat on the third day of Hajj, take take 7, 49, or 70 pebbles (usually 7) before leaving Muzdalifah.
During staying there, you can say the following duas-
أَكْبَرُ (Allaahu ‘Akbar)
لاَإِلَهَ إِلاَّ اللهُ (Laa ‘ilaaha ‘illallaah)
أَللّهُ أَحَدٌ (Allaahu ‘Ahad )
It was narrated from Abdullah ibn Umar (RA),
“The Prophet ﷺ offered the Maghrib and ‘Isha prayers together at Muzdalifah with a separate Iqamah (second call to prayer) for each of them and did not offer any optional prayer in between them or after each of them.” [Sahih Bukhari]
10th Dhul Hijjah (First Day of Eid): Third Day of Hajj
Step 9: Stoning the Jamarah
After praying Fajr Salah the next morning, pilgrims will depart from Muzdalifah for Mina. Pilgrims should keep reciting the Talbiyah while traveling to Mina from Muzdalifah.
Once the pilgrims reach Mina, they will start throwing seven pebbles they took before at the Jamarah al-Aqabah, which is the last stone wall and closest to Makkah. This ritual is called Ramy. Stop saying the Talbiyah before you start Ramy. Say Allahu Akbar (Allah is the greatest) each time you throw a pebble.
The tradition of throwing pebbles at the devil traces its roots back to the Prophet Ibrahim (AS). In a valiant effort to overcome Shaytan’s interference during his sacrificial endeavor, Prophet Ibrahim (AS) resorted to repelling the cursed Shaytan by throwing stones.
Step 10: Sacrifice (Nahr)
Now, pilgrims will engage in sacrificing Udhiya animals (Qurbani). Slaughtering of the animal can be done personally or you can appoint someone on your behalf to sacrifice.
Recite the following dua during sacrifice:
بِسْمِ اللهِ واللهُ أَكْبَرُ اللَّهُمَّ مِنْكَ ولَكَ اللَّهُمَّ تَقَبَّلْ مِنِّي
Transliteration: Bismillaahi wallaahu ‘Akbar [Allaahumma minka wa laka] Allaahumma taqabbal minnee
Translation: “With the Name of Allah, Allah is the Most Great! [O Allah, from You and to You.] O Allah, accept it from me.”
Please note that the one who is performing Hajj-al-Ifrad does not have to sacrifice an animal.
Step 11: Halq or Taqsir
Once the sacrifice is done, pilgrims need to trim the hair or shave the full head. Now you are out of the Ihram state for the time being. So, it is allowed for you to wear the usual dress. However, you still can’t engage in intimacy with your spouse.
Step 12: Go for Saee and Perform Tawaf
Now pilgrims will go back to Masjid al-Haram to perform Tawaf al-Ifarad like before. Then, you need to pray two rakahs of Salah preferably behind the Maqam e Ibrahim. But it is very unlikely that you will be able to perform the two rakahs behind Maqam e Ibrahim because of the crowd. So, you can pray at any part of the Masjid.
Then, perform the Zuhr Salah in Masjid al-Haram as the Prophet of Allah (ﷺ) did the same. Then go to perform Saee to Safa and Marwa. After that, drink ZamZam water and then return to Mina. Spend the night in Mina.
11th Dhul Hijjah (Second Day of Eid): Fourth Day of Hajj
Step 13: Ramy Al Jamarah
- Pray Zuhr Salah in Mina and then go to the three Jamarah.
- On the three Jamarah, you have to through 21 pebbles.
- Begin with Jamarah-ul-oola or the small Jamarah. Through seven pebbles at it.
- Now through seven pebbles at the middle Jamarah known as the Jamarah-ul-Wusta.
- Finally, throw seven pebbles in the biggest Jamarah, Jamarah al-Aqabah.
- Say Allahu Akbar each time you throw a pebble. Do this for all the pebbles.
- After the throwing of pebbles or completing Ramy, pilgrims will spend the night in Mina.
12th Dhul Hijjah (Third Day of Eid): Fifth Day of Hajj
Step 14: Stoning the Shaytan Then Proceed to Makkah for Final Tawaf
Like the 11th of Dhul Hijjah, pray the Zuhr Salah in Mina, then throw pebbles to Shaytan (Ramy). After completing Ramy, go to Makkah from Mina before the sun of 12th Dhul Hijjah sets. If you didn’t leave Mina before that, you must stay there until the next day.
If you go to Makkah, perform the final Tawaf or Tawaf-e-Wada.
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “No one should leave until the last thing that he does is (tawaf) around the House.” (Narrated by Muslim, 1327)
It was narrated from Ibn Abbas (RA),
“The people were ordered to perform the Tawaf al-Wida as the last thing before leaving (Makkah), except the menstruating women who were excused.“ [Sahih Bukhari]
After the Tawaf al-Wada, pray two Rakahs of Salah in Maqam e Ibrahim and if not possible, anywhere in the Masjid al-Haram. Pilgrim don’t have to perform Saee after this Tawaf.
With this, you have completed your necessary Hajj rituals.
13th Dhul Hijjah (Only for Those Who are Still in Mina): Sixth Day of Hajj
Step 15: Ramy al Jamarah and Tawaf al-Wada
You need to throw stones at Shaytan again if, 13th Dhul Hijjah, you are still in Mina. After that, depart from Mina for Makkah. There, perform Tawaf al-Wada around the Kaaba. Then perform two rakahs of Salah in Maqam e Ibrahim. After that, you do not have to perform Saee today.
Your Hajj rituals are complete. You can now leave Makkah. However, with the end of the rituals, do not let your spirituality forget the experience and what it meant.
If you have questions or any doubt, please consult a scholar because you don’t want to make any mistakes on your Hajj pilgrimage and miss out on the rewards. May Allah accept us all and forgive us all. Allah knows best.