Hands upraised in front of the Kaaba in Mecca
Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam. It is a pilgrimage that Muslims from all around the world undertake to Mecca during the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah.
Hajj is a requirement that must be completed by every Muslim at least once in their lifetime. If you are physically, financially, and emotionally fit to undertake this noble endeavor, you are required to complete it.
Hajj is not an easy journey. You will be tested in various ways. The journey of Hajj includes many challenges that will test you physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. It is a way to reset your attachment to this world and to cleanse yourself of past sins.
In fact the Prophet Mohammed (SAW) said,
“Whoever performs Hajj for the sake of Allah and does not utter any obscene speech or do any evil deed, will go back (free of sin) as his mother bore him.” - Bukhari
The whole journey of Hajj lasts for about 5 - 6 days. You journey to 4 different locations and perform certain activities on each day and location.
The 4 locations of Hajj:
● The city of Makkah
● The tent settlement of Mina
● Mount ‘Arafah
● Muzdalifah
Before beginning Hajj, it is essential to set your intentions. In Islam, your intentions hold significant importance. By setting the right intentions, you start this sacred journey with a clear vision in mind. This preparation allows you to mentally and spiritually prepare for performing Hajj, ensuring that you undertake it with the proper mindset and devotion. Having the right intentions will help you focus on the spiritual significance of Hajj, enabling you to perform its rituals with sincerity and dedication. This initial step is crucial for a fulfilling and meaningful Hajj experience.
Below is a brief overview of the steps that are required for Hajj.
Ihram
On the first day of Hajj the pilgrims will travel to Mecca from the Miqat, the border that encircles Mecca. Before they cross the Miqat they have to set their intentions and wear their ihram.
The ihram is a garment men and women need to wear. It is different for each gender. The men’s ihram is 2 white unstitched cloths that he wears. One is tied around his waist, while the other one is draped around his shoulders.
The women's ihram is less strict. She is allowed to wear any loose garment. Most women wear black abayas.
Once the ihram is worn, the pilgrims enter Mecca. At this stage it is imperative that they begin to follow the rules immediately. This means one should not give into their anger, engage in any lewd behavior, or do anything that will invalidate their Hajj.
The pilgrims will then recite the following verse:
لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ، لَبَّيْكَ لاَ شَرِيْكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ، إِنَّ الْحَمْدَ وَالنِّعْمَةَ لَكَ وَالْمُلْكَ لاَشَرِيْكَ لَكَ
Transliteration: Labbayka Allāhumma labbayk. Labbayk lā shareeka laka labbayk. Inna al-ḥamda, wa n-‘imata, Laka wal mulk. Lā shareeka lak.
Translation: “Here I am, O Allah, here I am, here I am. You have no partner, here I am. Verily all praise and blessings are Yours, and all sovereignty. You have no partner.”
While chanting the pilgrims will make their way towards the tents in Mina. Once they arrive at their designated tents, they will rest here until the next day. Many pilgrims use this time for praying, reflection, and different forms of ibadah.
Arafat
After dawn breaks and the Fajr prayer is performed, the pilgrims will depart for Mount Arafat. This day is incredibly holy and special, and everyone can partake in its blessings, whether they are performing Hajj or not. Many Muslims around the world fast on this day, recognizing its significance and seeking its spiritual rewards.
The Prophet Mohammed (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
“There is no day on which Allah frees people from the Fire more so than on the day of ‘Arafah. He comes close to those (people standing on ‘Arafah), and then He reveals before His Angels saying, ‘What are these people seeking.” Hadith | Muslim
The Day of Arafah
The Day of Arafah is highly significant, offering ample rewards for those who partake in it. Once the pilgrims arrive at Mount Arafat, they will listen to a sermon and spend the day in worship and making numerous supplications (dua).
Muzdalifah
At night, the pilgrims will go to Muzdalifah, an open plain between Mina and Arafat. They will spend the night under the sky, resting and worshiping. Many pilgrims will also use this time to gather small pebbles, about 49 in total, which will be used in the next ritual.
Throwing of the Stones
On the 10th of Dhul Hijjah, everyone who is not performing Hajj will be celebrating Eid. However, those who are performing Hajj do not celebrate Eid; instead, they continue with the Hajj rituals. Once the day breaks, the pilgrims will head back to Mina to throw their pebbles at the Jamarat, the three columns.
This ritual is known as Rami (stoning of the devil). The stoning of the three columns signifies the obstacle Prophet Ibrahim faced when he was commanded to sacrifice his son, Prophet Ismail. Shaytaan tempted him three times to disobey Allah and not complete his task. However, when Allah instructed the Angel Jibreel to tell Prophet Ibrahim to throw seven stones at Shaytaan, he fled.
The pilgrims will throw their pebbles at one column each day until they have done all three. Pilgrims pelt the three pillars in order, starting with Jamarat al-Ula (the small pillar), followed by Jamarat al-Wusta (the middle pillar), and finally Jamarat al-Aqaba (the large pillar), using seven pebbles for each pillar.
Nahr
After performing the first Rami, the pilgrims will sacrifice an animal, just like all other Muslims around the world on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah.
Halq & Taqsir
Once the animal is sacrificed, the pilgrims will cut their hair and trim their nails. The men will shave their heads, and the women will trim their hair.
Tawaf al-Ifadha, Sa’i, and Tawaf al-Wida
Pilgrims will then proceed to the Ka'bah to perform Tawaf, circling the Ka'bah seven times and pacing between Safa and Marwa seven times. They will then head back to Mina to finish their Rami. Once that is completed, they end their Hajj by performing Tawaf al-Wida, also known as the farewell Tawaf, where they circle the Ka'bah seven times one last time.
Hajj Completed
Once all of these rituals are completed, the pilgrim has satisfied their obligation and is now a Haaji.
May Allah allow us all to complete this obligatory act and accept our sacrifices and Hajj.
