May 24, 2024
The month of Dhul Hijjah brings one of the most significant events of the Islamic Year – Hajj. The Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam, and Muslims from all over the world gather in Makkah to fulfill this obligation. Here is an overview of what is Hajj and everything you need to know, along with a comprehensive Hajj guide.
Hajj is the sacred pilgrimage obligated on Muslims who are Sahib-e-Nisab to be performed at least once in their lifetime. For everyone looking to understand what is Hajj, it is that time of the year when Muslims gather in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, to worship and garner immense rewards through every ritual performed according to the Hajj Guide.
Hajj begins on every 8th Dhul Hijjah and spans until 4 or 6 days, depending on when the moon is sighted for the 12th month of the Islamic calendar. Muslims from all over the world come to perform Hajj, following the Sunnah of Prophet Ibrahim (AS). This is the reason why is Hajj important to a Muslim.
As we get to know what is Hajj, there are some interesting facts about Hajj that we as Muslims should have at our fingertips:
Now with a handful of information about what is Hajj, it’s time to take a look at the Hajj Guide. You can also download the Hajj guide PDF for better access while performing this obligation.
Prior to reaching Makkah for Hajj, it’s crucial to sincerely intend in your heart to perform the pilgrimage solely for the sake of Allah, seeking spiritual rewards in the hereafter, not for show or material gain.
Prepare to enter Ihram, the state of ritual purity. Men should wear the designated white cloth, while women may choose any attire adhering to Hijab rules. Face coverings are not allowed, and closed footwear is prohibited; sandals are required for both genders.
Tawaf, a key ritual of pilgrimage, entails circling the Kaaba counterclockwise. Each Tawaf consists of seven circuits, beginning and concluding at the Black Stone within the Kaaba. Besides Tawaf, you may offer voluntary prayers to express gratitude to Allah for safe arrival and to commence this profound spiritual journey.
After completing Tawaf, you’ll proceed to Sa’i, walking and running between Safa and Marwa hills. Starting from Safa, walk towards Marwa, running between designated green markers. Repeat this process for seven laps, alternating between the hills until Sa’i is complete.
After finishing Sa’i, men will shave or trim their hair, while women will trim their hair to fingertip length. This signals the end of Umrah, permitting you to exit Ihram until the 8th of Dhul Hijjah.
After completing Umrah, you’ll remain in Makkah for the remainder of this sacred month to embark on your Hajj journey alongside fellow Muslims. Rest well and utilize your time wisely for sincere worship. Hajj starts on the 8th of Dhul Hijjah.
Embarking on Hajj fulfills a sacred duty, promising a deeply spiritual experience with Allah’s blessings and forgiveness. The journey begins on the 8th day of Dhul Hijjah, marking a new phase in your spiritual path as you purify yourself and enter Ihram once more.
Upon reaching Mina’s tent city, you’ll find your designated tent and perform Salah, observing Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, ‘Isha, and Fajr prayers, reducing four-unit prayers to two units each, as instructed in the Quran. Spend the night in prayer, Quran reading, and preparation for the following day, emphasizing spiritual reflection and devotion.
After sunrise in Mina, you’ll proceed to the plains of ‘Arafah, seeking forgiveness and making supplications on the Day of ‘Arafah. Upon arrival, pilgrims combine shortened Dhuhr and Asr prayers. A sermon is delivered from Masjid al-Nimra, and it’s recommended to listen if feasible, with the possibility of an English translation by your group.
After sunset, leave ‘Arafah for Muzdalifah, where you’ll pray Maghrib and ‘Isha combined, shortening ‘Isha to two Rakat. Rest or worship until shortly before Fajr. Collect pebbles in Muzdalifah for stoning the devil over the next three days. Pebbles should be similar in size to date stones. Gather 49 pebbles, but it’s advisable to have 70 in case some are lost. You can collect extra pebbles in Mina to ensure you have enough for the ritual.
The 10th of Dhul Hijjah, known as Yawm al-Nahr, marks the Day of Sacrifice. After Fajr Salah, pilgrims leave Muzdalifah for Mina, reciting the Talbiyah. They perform the Hady and start the ‘stoning of the devil’ ritual for three days. Muslims worldwide also offer Qurbani and begin the Eid al-Adha festival.
● Correct Way of Performing Rami
During the 10th, 11th, and 12th days of Dhul Hijjah, you’ll perform Rami (stoning of the devil) using 49 pebbles, each similar in size to date stones or seeds. Divide them into four pouches: 7 for the 10th, and 21 for both the 11th and 12th days. At Jamarat, start by throwing 7 pebbles at Jamarat al-Aqaba while saying “Allāhu ‘Akbar” (Allah is The Greatest).
Eid al-Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice, is observed worldwide by Muslims who are not on pilgrimage on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah. Through Qurbani appeal (sacrifice), Muslims commemorate Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) obedience to Allah’s (SWT) command to sacrifice his son Isma’il (AS).
After offering the Hady, men should shave their hair preferably, following the example of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). Women should trim their hair by the length of a fingertip. You can now exit the state of Ihram, wear comfortable clothes, and resume normal activities except for sexual intimacy. Applying perfume is recommended as Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) did, typically with a scent of musk.
After performing Rami, Qurbani, and shaving (or trimming) your head, you’ll proceed to Makkah for Tawaf al-Ifadha and another Saai circuit, which are obligatory Hajj rituals. Following completion, you can resume lawful activities, including marital relations. However, you’ll return to your tents in Mina to continue with the remaining Hajj rituals.
On the 11th of Dhul Hijjah, it’s time for your second day of Rami (stoning of the devil). This time, you’ll throw stones at each of the three pillars in order: Jamarah al-Ula (the small pillar), Jamarah al-Wusta (the middle pillar), and finally, Jamarah al-Aqaba (the large pillar). After the first and second pillars, pause to make Du’a facing the qibla. Each pillar should be hit with seven consecutive pebbles while saying the Takbir. Don’t forget to bring spare pebbles in case you need them!
After completing your second Rami, head back to your Mina camp for the remainder of the day and night, dedicating the time to worship and maximizing its value.
On the afternoon of the 12th of Dhul Hijjah, you’ll prepare 21 pebbles and follow the same procedure as the day before.
Before departing from Makkah, there’s one final step to complete your Hajj: the farewell Tawaf. This Tawaf is obligatory for most schools of thought and must be done before leaving the Haram boundaries. It involves seven laps around the Kaaba, followed by two Rakat of Salah and drinking Zam Zam water. Remember, skipping this Tawaf without a valid reason is not permitted in Islam.
MABROOK!! YOUR HAJJ IS NOW COMPLETE!
For all those preparing to leave for Hajj 2025 or those who are already there, download the Hajj guide PDF by clicking below for your convenience to find out about what is Hajj and the step-by-step Hajj guide. We wish you all a safe and blessed journey.
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