Hajj is performed from the 8th to the 12th of Dhul Hijjah and involves entering the state of Ihram before reaching Makkah. You’ll then perform the Tawaf (circling the Kaaba) and Sa’y (walking between Safa and Marwa). On the 9th, you’ll spend the day at Arafat, followed by an overnight stay in Muzdalifah. This is followed by Rami (stoning the Jamarat), the ritual sacrifice (Qurbani), the Tawaf al-Ifadha, and another Sa’y. The pilgrimage concludes with the Farewell Tawaf.
Here is a breakdown of the steps:
Pre-Hajj & Preparation
- 1. Intention & Preparation (Niyyah):Prepare spiritually and physically, renewing your intentions and ensuring all debts are settled.
- 2. Enter Ihram:Enter the state of ritual purity by wearing simple, unstitched garments (for men) and making a sincere intention (Niyyah) to perform Hajj.
- 3. Perform Welcome Tawaf & Sa’y:Circle the Kaaba seven times (Tawaf) and then walk seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwa (Sa’y).
- 4. Clip/Shave Hair:Men trim or shave their hair, and women trim their hair to fingertip length. This marks the end of Umrah, the lesser pilgrimage.
The Main Days of Hajj (8th-12th Dhul Hijjah)
- Day 1 (8th Dhul Hijjah): Travel from Makkah to Mina.
- Day 2 (9th Dhul Hijjah – Day of Arafat): Pray and stand in supplication on Mount Arafat.
- Night 2 (After Arafat): Stay the night in Muzdalifah.
- Day 3 (10th Dhul Hijjah – Day of Sacrifice):
- Rami (Stoning the Devil): Stonethed Jamarat with pebbles.
- Qurbani (Sacrifice): Perform the ritual animal sacrifice.
- Shave/Trim Hair: Men shave or trim their heads.
- Tawaf al-Ifadha: Perform another Tawaf around the Kaaba.
- Sa’y: If you had not performed the Sa’y after the Welcome Tawaf (for some types of Hajj), do it now.
- Rami (Stoning the Devil): Stonethed Jamarat with pebbles.
- Days 4 & 5 (11th & 12th Dhul Hijjah): Spend the nights in Mina and repeat the Rami (stoning the Jamarat) on these days.
Conclusion
- Farewell Tawaf (Tawaf al-Wida): Before leaving Makkah, perform the Farewell Tawaf as a final act.
