Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam, a sacred obligation for every Muslim who is physically and financially able to perform it. This guide provides a detailed step-by-step breakdown of the rituals involved in Hajj, ensuring that every pilgrim can perform them correctly and with deep spiritual connection.
1. Preparation Before Hajj
Before embarking on this spiritual journey, ensure the following:
- Financial Readiness: Make sure all debts are cleared, and you have sufficient funds.
- Spiritual Purity: Engage in sincere repentance and resolve conflicts with others.
- Health Check-up: Address any health issues and take necessary vaccinations.
- Packing Essentials: Include Ihram garments, comfortable footwear, sunscreen, a prayer mat, and a guidebook.
2. Entering the State of Ihram
- What is Ihram?
Ihram is a state of purity and devotion, symbolized by specific clothing. For men, it consists of two unstitched white sheets, and for women, modest clothing without covering the face or hands. - Where to Enter Ihram?
Ihram must be donned at designated Miqats (entry points). For Indian pilgrims traveling by air, this is often done before the plane crosses the Miqat boundary. - Dua for Niyyah (Intention):
Arabic:
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أُرِيدُ الْحَجَّ فَيَسِّرْهُ لِي وَتَقَبَّلْهُ مِنِّي
Roman Transliteration:
Allahumma inni ureedul hajj fayaassirhu li wa taqabbalhu minni.
Translation:
(O Allah, I intend to perform Hajj, make it easy for me and accept it from me.) - Recite Talbiyah:
Arabic:
لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ، لَبَّيْكَ لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ، إِنَّ الْحَمْدَ وَالنِّعْمَةَ لَكَ وَالْمُلْكَ، لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ
Roman Transliteration:
Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik, Labbaika laa shareeka laka Labbaik, Innal Hamda wan-Nimata laka wal-Mulk, laa shareeka lak.
Translation:
(Here I am, O Allah, here I am. There is no partner to You. Indeed, all praise, grace, and sovereignty belong to You. You have no partner.)
3. Performing Hajj Rituals
Hajj rituals are divided into specific days:
Day 1: 8th Dhul-Hijjah (Yawm at-Tarwiyah)
- Travel to Mina:
- Spend the day and night in Mina, performing five prayers: Zuhr, Asr, Maghrib, Isha, and Fajr.
- Focus on dhikr (remembrance of Allah) and recite Talbiyah.
Day 2: 9th Dhul-Hijjah (Day of Arafat)
- Journey to Arafat:
- Spend the day in Arafat, engaged in dua and worship.
- This is the pinnacle of Hajj, where Allah’s mercy descends.
Arabic:
اللَّهُمَّ اجْعَلْنِي مِنْ أَهْلِ الْجَنَّةِ وَقِنِي عَذَابَ النَّارِ
Roman Transliteration:
Allahumma aj’alni min ahlil jannah wa qini azaban naar.
Translation:
(O Allah, make me among the people of Paradise and protect me from the punishment of Hellfire.) - Travel to Muzdalifah after sunset:
- Collect pebbles for stoning the Jamarat (7 per Jamarah, 49 total).
- Pray Maghrib and Isha combined and rest under the open sky.
Day 3: 10th Dhul-Hijjah (Eid al-Adha)
- Return to Mina for:
- Ramy al-Jamarat: Stone the largest pillar (Jamarat al-Aqaba).
- Sacrifice (Qurbani): Offer an animal sacrifice.
- Hair Cutting/Shaving: Men shave their heads or cut their hair, while women trim a small portion.
- Perform Tawaf al-Ifadah in Makkah:
- Circle the Kaaba seven times (Tawaf) and perform Saee between Safa and Marwa.
Arabic:
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ، وَلِلَّهِ الْحَمْدُ
Roman Transliteration:
Bismillah Allahu Akbar, walillahil hamd.
Translation:
(In the name of Allah, Allah is the Greatest, and all praise belongs to Allah.)
Days 4–5: 11th–12th Dhul-Hijjah (Ayyam al-Tashreeq)
- Continue stoning:
- Stone all three Jamarat in Mina (small, medium, and large).
- Spend time in Mina in worship and reflection.
Day 6: 13th Dhul-Hijjah (Optional)
- Pilgrims can stay one more day in Mina to stone the Jamarat again before returning to Makkah.
4. Completing Hajj
- Perform the farewell Tawaf (Tawaf al-Wida) before leaving Makkah.
- Engage in final prayers and supplications, asking Allah to accept your Hajj.