Hajj Tutorial
الحج
The great pilgrimage - One of the five pillars of Islam
8-12 Dhul Hijjah
Hajj (الحج) is the great pilgrimage to Mecca, one of the five pillars of Islam. It takes place from the 8th to 12th of Dhul Hijjah. Every Muslim who has the physical and financial means must perform it at least once in their lifetime.
Day of Tarwiyah
يوم التروية
8 Dhul Hijjah
Enter the state of Ihram
الإحرام
The pilgrim enters the state of Ihram from the Miqat or from their accommodation in Mecca.
Ihram marks the official beginning of Hajj. All Ihram restrictions apply.
How to proceed:
- Perform Ghusl (ritual bath)
- Wear Ihram clothing
- Make the intention for Hajj
- Recite Talbiyah frequently
Invocation:
لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ حَجًّا
Labbayka Allahumma hajjan
Here I am, O Allah, for Hajj
Going to Mina
الذهاب إلى منى
Pilgrims spend the day and night in Mina, performing the 5 prayers.
Spending the night in Mina is highly recommended (Sunnah Mu'akkadah).
How to proceed:
- Arrive at Mina after sunrise
- Perform Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, Isha and Fajr in Mina
- Prayers are shortened but not combined
- Take advantage of the time to invoke Allah
Day of Arafat
يوم عرفة
9 Dhul Hijjah
Standing at Arafat (Wuquf)
الوقوف بعرفة
The most important day of Hajj. Pilgrims stand at Arafat from noon until sunset.
The Prophet ﷺ said: 'Hajj is Arafat'. This is the essential pillar of Hajj.
How to proceed:
- Leave Mina for Arafat after sunrise
- Perform Dhuhr and Asr combined and shortened at Arafat
- Stay at Arafat until after sunset
- Spend the time in supplications and repentance
- This is the day when Allah forgives the most sins
Invocation:
لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ
La ilaha illa-llahu wahdahu la sharika lah
There is no deity but Allah, alone without partner
Night at Muzdalifah
المبيت بمزدلفة
After sunset, pilgrims head to Muzdalifah to spend the night.
Spending part of the night at Muzdalifah is obligatory.
How to proceed:
- Leave Arafat after sunset
- Perform Maghrib and Isha combined at Muzdalifah
- Collect 49 pebbles for the next day
- Spend the night at Muzdalifah under the stars
Day of Sacrifice
يوم النحر
10 Dhul Hijjah
Stoning of Jamrat Al-Aqaba
رمي جمرة العقبة
Throw 7 pebbles at the large pillar in Mina.
This is the first rite of Eid day. It symbolizes the rejection of Satan.
How to proceed:
- Throw 7 pebbles at Jamrat Al-Aqaba
- Say 'Allahu Akbar' with each throw
- Stop Talbiyah after the first pebble
Sacrifice (Hady)
الهدي
Sacrifice an animal (sheep, goat, cow or camel).
How to proceed:
- Sacrifice is obligatory for Hajj Tamattu' and Qiran
- One sheep is sufficient for one person
- Part of the meat must be distributed to the poor
Shaving or trimming
الحلق أو التقصير
Shave the head (recommended for men) or trim the hair.
How to proceed:
- Men: shave or trim the hair
- Women: cut a small lock of hair
- After this, the first desacralization takes place
Tawaf Al-Ifadah
طواف الإفاضة
Perform Tawaf around the Kaaba (7 circuits).
This is a pillar of Hajj. Hajj is not valid without this Tawaf.
How to proceed:
- Perform 7 circuits around the Kaaba
- Pray 2 units behind Maqam Ibrahim
- Drink Zamzam water
Days of Tashreeq
أيام التشريق
11-12 Dhul Hijjah
Stoning the three pillars
رمي الجمرات الثلاث
Each day, throw 7 pebbles at each of the 3 pillars in order.
How to proceed:
- Start after Dhuhr each day
- Throw at the small pillar first, then medium, then large
- 7 pebbles at each pillar with Allahu Akbar
- Invoke Allah after the first two pillars
Farewell Tawaf
طواف الوداع
The final act of Hajj: perform the farewell Tawaf before leaving Mecca.
The farewell Tawaf is obligatory for those leaving Mecca.
How to proceed:
- Perform 7 circuits around the Kaaba
- This is the last act before leaving Mecca
- Menstruating women are exempted
Practical tips
Practical tips- Learn the invocations and rituals before your departure
- Stay hydrated, especially during hot days
- Wear comfortable shoes for long walks
- Be patient and kind to other pilgrims
- Keep your documents and money safe
- Take advantage of every moment to invoke Allah