Every year, millions of Muslims worldwide journey to Mecca to participate in Hajj, the sacred Muslim pilgrimage. This journey, rich in history and spiritual significance, follows a specific set of rituals performed over several days. Understanding these steps can enhance the experience for those embarking on this profound act of worship.
Hajj became obligatory for every able-bodied Muslim adult who has the financial means to do after Prophet Muhammad’s “farewell pilgrimage” in 632 AD. Performing Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam, demonstrating devotion to Allah and seeking spiritual purification.
According to Islamic tradition, the Kaaba, a black silk-clad stone structure at the heart of the Grand Mosque in Mecca, was built by the Prophet Abraham and his son Ishmael. This ancient structure serves as the focal point for many of the Hajj rituals.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, between two and three million people would participate in the pilgrimage each year. After restrictions in 2020 and 2021, numbers returned to one million in 2022 and are expected to continue to increase.
Hajj is a spiritual, emotional, and physical challenge that tests the patience and temperament of the pilgrim. It occurs in Dhul-Hijjah, the 12th and final month of the Islamic lunar calendar, between the eighth and 13th days of the month. Let’s explore the step-by-step rituals involved in performing Hajj.
Image: Muslim pilgrims engaged in prayer around the Kaaba during Hajj.
Day 1: Intention, Ihram, Tawaf, and Mina
The first day of Hajj involves several key steps. It begins with making a sincere intention (Niyyah) to perform Hajj solely for the sake of Allah. This intention should be pure and free from any worldly motives.
Next, pilgrims enter the state of ihram at the designated boundary points of Mecca called Miqat. Ihram is a state of purity and consecration that involves wearing specific garments – two unstitched pieces of cloth for men, or loose-fitting clothing for women. While in ihram, pilgrims must adhere to certain restrictions, such as refraining from cutting hair or nails, engaging in sexual activity, or arguing.
The Tawaf is then performed, involving circling the Kaaba seven times in an anticlockwise direction. This act symbolizes the unity of Muslims around the world and their devotion to Allah. After completing the tawaf, pilgrims perform sai, which entails walking or running between the hills of Safa and Marwa seven times, emulating Hagar’s desperate search for water for her son Ishmael.
Finally, pilgrims travel to Mina, a tent city located just outside Mecca. The 8km journey is often made on foot, or via bus. The day in Mina is spent in prayer, supplications, and remembering Allah.
Image: Muslims performing the Tawaf ritual around the Kaaba.
Day 2: Arafat and Muzdalifah
The second day is centered on the Day of Arafat, considered the most important day of Hajj and in the Islamic calendar. Pilgrims travel from Mina to Arafat, a plain about 15km away, and spend the entire day in prayer and contemplation at Mount Mercy (Jabal al-Rahmah).
Wuquf, the act of standing before Allah from noon to sunset, is a core part of this day. It’s a time for seeking forgiveness, making supplications, and reflecting on one’s life and relationship with Allah. The location is particularly revered as the place where the Prophet Muhammad delivered his last sermon. Many Muslims around the world choose to fast on this day.
After sunset, pilgrims travel to Muzdalifah, an 11km journey, where they spend the night under the open sky. Here, they collect 49 pebbles to use for the stoning ritual on the following days.
Image: Pilgrims gathering on Mount Arafat during the Day of Arafat.
Day 3: Nahr (Sacrifice) and Rami (Stoning)
The 10th of Dhul-Hijjah coincides with Eid al-Adha, a major Islamic holiday celebrated worldwide.
Pilgrims leave Muzdalifah before dawn and return to Mina to perform rami, the symbolic stoning of the devil. This involves throwing seven pebbles at the largest of three columns known as Jamarat al-Aqaba. This act commemorates Prophet Abraham’s rejection of Satan’s temptation to disobey God’s command to sacrifice his son.
Following rami, pilgrims perform nahr, the sacrifice of an animal (camel or lamb). The meat is then distributed to the needy. Pilgrims can purchase sacrifice coupons or vouchers indicating the sacrifice has been made on their behalf or perform their own sacrifice.
Image: Muslim pilgrims participating in the symbolic stoning of the devil in Mina.
Days 4 and 5: Continuing Rami
For the next two days, pilgrims repeat the rami ritual, stoning all three pillars (Jamarat al-Ula, Jamarat al-Wusta, and Jamarat al-Aqaba) with seven pebbles each, in the specified order.
Day 6: Halq/Taqsir and Farewell Tawaf
On the 12th day of Dhul-Hijjah, after completing rami, men shave their heads (halq) or trim their hair (taqsir). Women trim their hair by a fingertip’s length. This symbolizes a release from the restrictions of ihram and a renewal of commitment to Allah.
Afterwards, pilgrims remove their ihram garments and proceed to Mecca to perform a farewell tawaf, circling the Kaaba seven times. This final tawaf signifies the completion of Hajj. Pilgrims then return to their campsites in Mina.
Image: A pilgrim having his head shaved after completing the stoning ritual.
Visiting Medina (Optional)
While not a part of Hajj, many pilgrims choose to visit Medina, the second holiest city in Islam, before returning home. Medina is the site of the Prophet Muhammad’s tomb and the location of the Prophet’s Mosque.
Image: Muslim pilgrims praying and circumambulating the Kaaba in Mecca.
Conclusion
Hajj is a profound spiritual journey that requires physical and mental preparation. By understanding the step-by-step rituals involved, pilgrims can focus on their connection with Allah and experience the transformative power of this sacred pilgrimage. May Allah accept the Hajj of all those who undertake this journey with sincerity and devotion.
