A Brief Guide to Hajj: The Islamic Pilgrimage

Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, is a deeply spiritual journey and a mandatory religious duty for Muslims who are physically and financially capable. Performing Hajj is considered one of the most sublime deeds in Islam. This guide provides an overview of the rituals and requirements for undertaking this sacred pilgrimage to Mecca.

A form of worship is only acceptable when the following is true:

• One devotes it to Allah alone, with a desire for the Hereafter. It cannot be done with the intention of being seen among men or for worldly gain.
• One follows the Prophet’s example, in words deeds. This cannot accomplished except knowledge of the Sunnah.

Types of Hajj

There are three distinct types of Hajj pilgrimages that a Muslim can perform:

• Tamattu’: This involves performing Umrah first, then Hajj. The pilgrim enters Ihram (a state of ritual purity) specifically for Umrah during the Hajj months. Upon arriving in Mecca, they perform Tawaf (circumambulation of the Kaaba) and Sa’i (walking between the hills of Safa and Marwa) for Umrah, then shave or clip their hair to exit Ihram. On the 8th of Dhul-Hijjah, known as the Day of Tarwiyah, they re-enter Ihram for Hajj and proceed with its rituals.

• Ifrad: In this type, the pilgrim enters Ihram solely for Hajj. Upon reaching Mecca, they perform Tawaf for arrival and Sa’i for Hajj, remaining in Ihram until after stoning Jamrat Al-Aqabah (the largest of the three pillars representing Satan) on Eid day. They can postpone Sa’i until after their Tawaf for Hajj.

• Qiran: This combines Umrah and Hajj in a single Ihram. The pilgrim enters Ihram with the intention of performing both Umrah and Hajj, or enters Ihram for Umrah first, then makes the intention for Hajj before Tawaf for Hajj. The obligations are similar to Ifrad, but a sacrifice is required.

Tamattu’ is considered the most preferred method, as encouraged by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Pilgrims intending to perform Qiran or Ifrad are permitted to change their intention to Tamattu’.

Performing Umrah: A Step-by-Step Guide

Umrah, often referred to as the “lesser pilgrimage,” can be performed at any time of the year. Here’s how to perform it:

1. Purification and Ihram: Before entering Ihram, perform a ritual bath (Ghusl). Men should perfume their head and beard. Then, put on the Ihram garments: two white, unsewn cloths for men. Women wear modest clothing.

2. Intention (Niyyah) and Talbiyah: Make the intention to perform Umrah and recite the Talbiyah: “Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik, Labbaik La Sharika Laka Labbaik, Innal Hamda Wan Ni’mata Laka Wal Mulk La Sharika Lak (Here I am at Your service, O Allah! Here I am. Here I am at Your service, You have no partner. Here I am. Truly, the praise, the favor, and the dominion are Yours. You have no partner).” Men should recite it loudly; women should recite it softly.

3. Entering the Masjid al-Haram: Enter the Grand Mosque with your right foot first, reciting: “In the name of Allah, may peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah. Oh Allah, forgive me my sins and open to me the doors of Your mercy. I seek refuge in Allah the Almighty and in His Eminent Face and in His Eternal Dominion from the accursed Satan.”

4. Tawaf: Perform Tawaf by circling the Kaaba seven times counterclockwise, starting from the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad). If possible, touch or kiss the Black Stone. If not, point towards it. Recite prayers and supplications during each circuit.

5. Praying at Maqam Ibrahim: After Tawaf, pray two Rak’ah (units of prayer) behind the Station of Abraham (Maqam Ibrahim), if possible.

6. Sa’i: Perform Sa’i by walking back and forth seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwa. Recite supplications and remember Allah during this walk.

7. Shaving or Clipping: Men shave their heads (Halq) or clip their hair (Taqsir). Women clip a small portion of their hair. This completes the Umrah.

The Hajj Rituals: A Detailed Overview

Hajj is performed from the 8th to the 12th of Dhul-Hijjah. Here’s a breakdown of the main rituals:

1. Day of Tarwiyah (8th Dhul-Hijjah): Enter Ihram for Hajj in your accommodation in Mecca. Proceed to Mina and spend the day and night there, praying Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, Isha, and Fajr, shortening the four-unit prayers to two.

2. Day of Arafah (9th Dhul-Hijjah): After sunrise, travel to Arafah. Pray Dhuhr and Asr combined at the time of Dhuhr. Spend the day in Arafah making supplications and seeking forgiveness until sunset.

3. Muzdalifah (Night of 9th Dhul-Hijjah): After sunset, proceed to Muzdalifah. Pray Maghrib and Isha combined. Collect pebbles for the stoning ritual. Spend the night in Muzdalifah in prayer and remembrance of Allah.

4. Stoning of Jamrat al-Aqabah (10th Dhul-Hijjah – Eid al-Adha): After Fajr prayer, proceed to Mina. Stone Jamrat al-Aqabah with seven pebbles, reciting “Allahu Akbar” (Allah is the Greatest) with each throw.

5. Sacrifice (Qurbani): Sacrifice an animal (sheep, goat, cow, or camel) if performing Tamattu’ or Qiran.

6. Shaving or Clipping: Shave your head (men) or clip a portion of your hair (women). This marks the end of the first stage of exiting Ihram.

7. Tawaf al-Ifadah and Sa’i: Go to Mecca and perform Tawaf al-Ifadah (obligatory Tawaf for Hajj) and Sa’i. This completes the Hajj and allows you to fully exit Ihram.

8. Days of Tashreeq (11th, 12th, and 13th Dhul-Hijjah): Return to Mina and stone the three Jamarat (Jamrat al-Ula, Jamrat al-Wusta, and Jamrat al-Aqabah) each day after noon. Spend the nights in Mina. If you choose to leave Mina on the 12th, you must do so before sunset.

9. Tawaf al-Wada’ (Farewell Tawaf): Before leaving Mecca, perform Tawaf al-Wada’ (farewell Tawaf) as your final act.

Visiting the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina

While not a part of Hajj, visiting the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina is highly recommended. Pray in the mosque, visit the Prophet’s grave, and offer greetings to him, Abu Bakr, and Umar.

Important Reminders for Pilgrims

• Adhere to all the restrictions of Ihram.
• Avoid arguments, obscenity, and sinful behavior.
• Be mindful of other pilgrims and avoid causing harm.
• Maintain cleanliness and respect for the holy sites.
• Prayers should be on time.

Hajj is a transformative journey that brings Muslims closer to Allah. May Allah accept the Hajj of all pilgrims and grant them His blessings.