How to Perform Hajj: A Step-by-Step Guide

 

Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam and a deeply spiritual journey that every Muslim who is physically and financially able must undertake at least once in their lifetime.

This pilgrimage to the sacred city of Makkah is a profound act of worship that includes various rituals and acts of devotion aimed at seeking closeness to Allah (SWT), seeking forgiveness, and purifying oneself spiritually. It serves as a reminder of the unity of the Muslim Ummah and the humility before Allah.

In this comprehensive step-by-step guide, we will explore how to perform Hajj, outlining the key rituals, duas, and significant actions involved in the pilgrimage, backed with Quranic verses and Hadith in their original Arabic forms. This guide will help Muslims understand the meaning, importance, and proper way to perform the rites of Hajj.

The Intention (Niyyah) for Hajj

 

Before starting any pilgrimage, the first step is the intention (niyyah). A Muslim must have a sincere intention in their heart to perform Hajj as an act of worship for the sake of Allah alone. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emphasized the importance of intention in every act of worship:

إِنَّمَا الْأَعْمَالُ بِالنِّيَّاتِ
“Actions are judged by intentions.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari)

The intention to perform Hajj should be made before arriving at the Miqat (the designated boundary for entering Makkah), and the pilgrim should make a clear intention that they are about to undertake Hajj for the sake of Allah, following the prescribed rituals of the pilgrimage.

Entering the State of Ihram

 

Ihram is a state of spiritual purity that a person must enter before commencing the rites of Hajj. It involves wearing a specific set of garments (two white unstitched pieces of cloth for men and a simple dress for women) and refraining from certain actions, such as cutting hair or nails, engaging in intimate relations, and others, to maintain a state of holiness and purity.

Before entering the state of Ihram, the pilgrim should make a ghusl (ritual purification) if required. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

“مَنْ أَرَادَ الحَجَّ أَوِ العُمْرَةَ فَلْيُحْرِمْ عِنْدَ المِيقَاتِ.”

“Whoever intends to perform Hajj or Umrah should perform the Ihram when he reaches the Miqat.”
(Sahih Muslim)

As pilgrims approach the Miqat, they say the following:

لَبَّيْكَ اللهمَّ حَجًّا
“Here I am, O Allah, for Hajj.”

The Ihram is essential for maintaining the sanctity of the pilgrimage, ensuring that pilgrims are spiritually prepared and mindful of their actions during Hajj.

How to Perform Hajj

Entering Makkah and Performing Tawaf al-Qudum (Arrival Tawaf)

 

Upon entering Makkah, pilgrims proceed to the Masjid al-Haram to perform Tawaf al-Qudum (the arrival circumambulation). This act involves walking around the Ka’bah seven times in a counterclockwise direction. It is one of the most sacred rituals of Hajj, symbolizing the unity of the Ummah in the worship of the One Allah.

The following du’a is recommended to recite during Tawaf:

اللهم اجعل هذا الطواف طوافًا مقبولًا، وذنبًا مغفورًا
“O Allah, make this Tawaf an accepted Tawaf and forgive my sins.”

The act of Tawaf is performed in a state of humility, as the pilgrim approaches the sacred Ka’bah, with the intention of submitting to Allah’s will. This moment serves as an opportunity to seek forgiveness and blessings.

Performing the Sa’i (Walking between Safa and Marwah)

 

After completing the Tawaf, pilgrims proceed to the hills of Safa and Marwah to perform the Sa’i, which involves walking seven times between the two hills. This ritual commemorates the desperate search for water made by Hajar (AS), the wife of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), for her son Ismail (AS). The act of walking between the two hills symbolizes perseverance and reliance on Allah.

It is recommended to recite the following du’a when reaching Safa:

إِنَّ الصَّفَا وَالْمَرْوَةَ مِنْ شَعَائِرِ اللَّهِ
“Indeed, Safa and Marwah are among the symbols of Allah.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:158)

This ritual is a powerful reminder of the importance of faith and trust in Allah, as Hajar (AS) demonstrated when she relied on Allah to provide water for her son in the barren desert.

Going to Mina and Spending the Night There

 

On the 8th of Dhul-Hijjah, the pilgrims travel to Mina, a small village located about 8 kilometers from Makkah. The day is known as Yawm at-Tarwiyah (the Day of Thirst). Pilgrims spend the night in Mina in a state of prayer and supplication, preparing for the rites of Arafah.

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

“أَفْضَلُ الدُّعَاءِ دُعَاءُ يَوْمِ عَرَفَةَ.”

“The best supplication is the supplication on the Day of Arafah.”
(Sunan Ibn Majah)

While in Mina, pilgrims offer the Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, Isha, and Fajr prayers in congregation, shortening them to two rak’ahs each, and spend time in devotion and supplication.

Standing at Arafah (Wuquf)

 

The most important part of Hajj is the standing at Arafah (Wuquf), which takes place on the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah. Pilgrims stand in prayer, supplication, and reflection at the plain of Arafah, seeking Allah’s forgiveness and mercy. It is a moment of deep spiritual significance, as it is said that on this day, Allah forgives the sins of those who make sincere du’a.

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

“الحَجُّ عَرَفَةُ.”

“Hajj is Arafah.”
(Sunan al-Tirmidhi)

Pilgrims stand on the plains of Arafah, and during this time, it is encouraged to make du’a, seeking Allah’s mercy and forgiveness. The best du’a to recite on this day is:

اللهم مغفِرَتي، ورحمتكَ، وعافيتكَ
“O Allah, forgive me, have mercy on me, and grant me wellness.”

It is recommended to engage in heartfelt supplication during this moment, as the du’as made on this day are highly likely to be accepted by Allah.

Spending the Night at Muzdalifah

 

After leaving Arafah, pilgrims proceed to Muzdalifah, a plain located between Arafah and Mina. The night is spent in prayer, rest, and reflection. Pilgrims gather pebbles that will be used for the stoning ritual the following day. The night at Muzdalifah is an opportunity for rest and reflection on the spiritual journey thus far.

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

“إِذَا أَتَيْتُمْ مُزْدَلِفَةَ، فَبِيتُوا اللَّيْلَ فِي الصَّلَاةِ وَذِكْرِ اللَّهِ.”

“When you come to Muzdalifah, you should spend the night in prayer and remember Allah.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari)

Pilgrims offer the Maghrib and Isha prayers at Muzdalifah and sleep under the open sky, reinforcing the themes of simplicity and humility during the pilgrimage.

Stoning of the Jamarat

 

The next day, the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah, pilgrims head back to Mina for the stoning of the Jamarat, a ritual that symbolizes the rejection of Satan. The Jamarat consists of three pillars, and pilgrims throw seven pebbles at each pillar, reciting the following du’a:

اللهم اجعلها حجًا مبرورًا وذنبًا مغفورًا
“O Allah, make this a blessed Hajj and forgive my sins.”

This act commemorates the trial of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), who was commanded by Allah to sacrifice his son Ismail (AS), and the rejection of Satan’s temptation to prevent this act of obedience.

Sacrificing the Animal (Qurbani)

 

After the stoning, pilgrims perform the act of Qurbani, which involves sacrificing an animal, typically a sheep, goat, or cow. This ritual commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) to sacrifice his son Ismail (AS) in obedience to Allah’s command. Pilgrims can either sacrifice the animal themselves or arrange for it to be done on their behalf.

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

“مَنْ ذَبَحَ فَلْيَقُلْ: ‘بِسْمِ اللَّهِ وَاللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ’.”

“Whoever performs the sacrifice, let him say: ‘In the name of Allah, and Allah is the Greatest.’”
(Sahih Muslim)

The sacrifice is a way to share with the poor and needy, reinforcing the themes of charity and gratitude during the pilgrimage.

Returning to Makkah for Tawaf al-Ifadah

 

After performing the stoning and Qurbani, pilgrims return to Makkah to perform Tawaf al-Ifadah, which is a required ritual of Hajj. This Tawaf is a demonstration of the pilgrim’s devotion to Allah after the significant rites performed in Mina and Arafah. After this Tawaf, pilgrims should offer two rak’ahs at the Maqam Ibrahim (the standing place of Prophet Ibrahim (AS)).

Tawaf al-Wada (Farewell Tawaf)

 

The final ritual of Hajj is the Tawaf al-Wada, or the farewell circumambulation, which is performed before leaving Makkah. It is a final expression of love and respect for the Ka’bah. Pilgrims should make du’a, seeking Allah’s forgiveness and blessings for the journey ahead. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

“إِذَا انْصَرَفْتُمْ فَأَدُّوا طَوَافَ الْوَدَاعِ، فَإِنَّهُ جُزْءٌ مِنَ الْحَجِّ.”

“When you leave, perform the farewell Tawaf as it is a part of Hajj.”
(Sahih Muslim)

Conclusion

Performing Hajj is a life-changing spiritual journey that requires sincerity, humility, and devotion to Allah (SWT). It involves a series of rituals that have deep symbolic meanings and lessons that transcend the physical acts of worship.

The pilgrim’s journey is not just a physical one but a spiritual and emotional experience, offering an opportunity to cleanse the soul, seek forgiveness, and renew one’s faith.

Through the rituals of Tawaf, Sa’i, standing at Arafah, stoning the Jamarat, and sacrificing the animal, pilgrims demonstrate their submission to Allah and their gratitude for His endless mercy. May Allah accept the Hajj of all those who perform it and grant us all the ability to undertake this noble journey.

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