
Detailed Steps for Performing Hajj
Day 1: 8th Dhul-Hijjah (Day of Tarwiyah)
- Entering Ihram for Hajj:
- If performing Hajj Tamattu, the pilgrim must re-enter Ihram from their location in Makkah.
- It is recommended to perform Ghusl (ritual washing) and apply perfume before Ihram.
- Men wear two white, unstitched garments (Izar and Rida), while women wear any modest Islamic clothing.
- The pilgrim makes the intention by saying: "Labbayk Hajj" and begins reciting Talbiyah:
"Labbayk Allahumma Labbayk, Labbayka La Shareeka Laka Labbayk, Innal-Hamda Wan-Ni'mata Laka Wal-Mulk, La Shareeka Lak."
- Travel to Mina:
- Pilgrims travel to Mina, located about 7 km from Makkah.
- It is Sunnah to pray Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, Isha, and Fajr in Mina, shortening but not combining the prayers.
- The day is spent in remembrance of Allah (Dhikr) and supplication in preparation for the Day of Arafah.
Day 2: 9th Dhul-Hijjah (Day of Arafah - The Most Important Day of Hajj)
- Travel to Arafah:
- After Fajr prayer, pilgrims move to Arafah, where they remain until sunset.
- It is recommended to stand anywhere within Arafah and engage in Dua, Dhikr, and Talbiyah.
- The best supplication for this day is:
"La ilaha illa Allah, wahdahu la sharika lah, lahul-mulk wa lahul-hamd, wa huwa 'ala kulli shay'in qadeer."
- Arafah Sermon and Prayers:
- Pilgrims pray Dhuhr and Asr combined and shortened, with one Adhan and two Iqamahs.
- After prayer, they continue in worship and supplication until sunset.
- Departing to Muzdalifah:
- After sunset, pilgrims leave for Muzdalifah without praying Maghrib in Arafah.
- Upon arrival, they pray Maghrib and Isha combined (shortened) and sleep in the open.
- Seven pebbles are collected for the Jamarat.
Day 3: 10th Dhul-Hijjah (Day of Sacrifice - Eid Al-Adha)
- Travel to Mina & Stoning the Jamrah:
- After Fajr, pilgrims leave for Mina and perform Rami Al-Jamarat (stoning) at Jamarat Al-Aqaba (largest pillar).
- They throw seven pebbles, saying "Allahu Akbar" with each throw.
- Animal Sacrifice (for Tamattu and Qiran pilgrims only):
- Pilgrims sacrifice a sheep, cow, or camel (or arrange for a proxy to perform it).
- Shaving or Trimming Hair:
- Men: It is preferable to shave all hair or trim it evenly.
- Women: Cut about 1-2 cm from the hair.
- After this step, the pilgrim is in partial release from Ihram and can wear normal clothes but must refrain from marital relations.
- Tawaf Al-Ifadah (Major Tawaf of Hajj):
- Pilgrims travel to Makkah to perform Tawaf Al-Ifadah (seven circuits around the Kaaba), followed by two units of prayer near Maqam Ibrahim.
- After Tawaf, they perform Sa’i (seven rounds between Safa and Marwah).
- Once completed, the pilgrim exits Ihram completely and all restrictions are lifted.
Days 4-5 (11-12 Dhul-Hijjah): The Days of Tashreeq
- Stoning the Three Jamarat:
- Each day, after Dhuhr, pilgrims stone three pillars in order:
- Small Jamrah (7 pebbles, followed by supplication).
- Middle Jamrah (7 pebbles, followed by supplication).
- Large Jamrah (7 pebbles, no supplication after).
- Pilgrims can leave Mina after stoning on the 12th (for those who choose to leave early) or stay until the 13th for additional worship.
- Each day, after Dhuhr, pilgrims stone three pillars in order:
Final Day: Tawaf Al-Wada’ (Farewell Tawaf)
- After completing Hajj, the pilgrim performs Tawaf Al-Wada’ (Farewell Tawaf) before leaving Makkah.
- No additional prayers are performed after this Tawaf.
- Pilgrims depart Makkah, completing their Hajj journey.
Important Notes:
- Perform rituals on time and avoid unnecessary delays.
- Engage in Dhikr and Dua throughout Hajj for spiritual benefits.
- If physically unable, a pilgrim can appoint someone to throw the stones on their behalf.
- Maintain patience and calmness throughout the pilgrimage.
By following these steps, a pilgrim completes their Hajj according to the Sunnah. May Allah accept your Hajj and grant you blessings! 🤍