Q&A

The Hajj Rituals in Order

Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam. Every Muslim who wishes to perform it must understand its steps and rulings. It is a profound spiritual journey that should be done in accordance with the guidance of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

The Hajj Steps in Order

The main rituals of Hajj begin on the 8th of Dhul-Hijjah (Day of Tarwiyah) and continue until the 13th of Dhul-Hijjah (the last of the Days of Tashreeq). The stages are as follows:

1. Entering Ihram (8th of Dhul-Hijjah) Men remove stitched clothing and wear two white unsewn garments; women wear modest, loose, non-transparent clothing. Bathing and applying perfume (for men) before ihram is recommended. Pilgrims declare their intention for Hajj at their Miqat and begin reciting the Talbiyah:
   “Labbayka Allahumma Labbayk…” until the stoning at Jamarat al-Aqabah.

2. Going to Mina (8th of Dhul-Hijjah) Pilgrims travel to Mina and pray the five daily prayers there, shortening (but not combining) them. They spend the night in Mina.

3. Standing at Arafah (9th of Dhul-Hijjah) After sunrise, pilgrims proceed to Arafah. The standing at Arafah is the greatest pillar of Hajj. They pray Dhuhr and Asr together and shortened (Jama‘ and Qasr). The day is spent in supplication and remembrance until sunset.

4. Overnight in Muzdalifah (Night of 10th Dhul-Hijjah) After sunset, pilgrims leave Arafah for Muzdalifah. They pray Maghrib and Isha together at Isha time. They stay there until Fajr; the weak may leave after midnight. Pebbles are collected for stoning.

5. Stoning the Large Jamarah (10th Dhul-Hijjah – Day of Sacrifice) After Fajr, pilgrims go to Mina and throw seven pebbles at Jamarat al-Aqabah, saying “Allahu Akbar” each time.

6. Sacrificing the Animal (10th Dhul-Hijjah) Those performing Tamattu‘ or Qiran sacrifice an animal (Hady) in devotion to Allah.

7. Shaving or Shortening the Hair (10th Dhul-Hijjah) Men shave their heads or shorten the hair. Women trim a small portion of hair from each end. This is the first stage of release from Ihram.

8. Tawaf al-Ifadah (10th Dhul-Hijjah and After) A mandatory pillar of Hajj. Pilgrims circle the Kaaba seven times, starting and ending at the Black Stone. Men walk briskly in the first three rounds.

9. Sa‘i Between Safa and Marwah After Tawaf, pilgrims walk between the hills of Safa and Marwah seven times, starting at Safa and ending at Marwah. Men jog between the two green markers.

10. Staying in Mina During the Nights of Tashreeq (11th–13th Dhul-Hijjah) Pilgrims stay in Mina. Those who wish to leave early may depart after the second day (12th Dhul-Hijjah). Staying overnight in Mina is obligatory.

11. Stoning the Three Jamarat During the Days of Tashreeq (11th–13th Dhul-Hijjah) After noon each day, pilgrims throw seven pebbles at each of the three pillars (small, middle, large). They may make supplication after the first two.

12. Farewell Tawaf (Before Leaving Makkah) The final circumambulation of the Kaaba, required before leaving Makkah. Women who are menstruating or in postpartum are exempt.

By performing these steps in order, the pilgrim completes Hajj according to the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
May Allah accept the pilgrims’ efforts and forgive their sins.