A Comprehensive Guide To Perform Hajj

Introduction

Hajj is a sacred journey that every Muslim aspires to undertake, being one of the five pillars of Islam. This pilgrimage to Mecca (Makkah) in Saudi Arabia takes place in Dhul Hijjah, the 12th month of the Islamic calendar, from the 8th to the 12th day. It is a religious obligation for all eligible Muslims, symbolizing spiritual purification and a deeper closeness to Allah. This comprehensive guide will help clear common misunderstandings and assist in understanding the significance of Arabic supplications (duas) used throughout the process. Following this path with sincerity transforms the journey into a truly uplifting experience for the soul.

Importance of Hajj

Hajj holds immense spiritual significance as a fundamental act of worship for Muslims, symbolizing unity within the global Muslim community. It commemorates the actions of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and his family, reflecting deep devotion to Allah. This once-in-a-lifetime obligation is required of those who are physically and financially able, as taught by Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). During Hajj, pilgrims must avoid utter obscene speech or evil deeds to experience a spiritual rebirth, becoming as free of sin as the day their mother bore them, as referenced in Hadith (Bukhari and Muslim).

Criteria for Hajj

Hajj is considered obligatory for Muslims who are financially and physically capable, meeting the key points of eligibility. This pilgrimage must be performed once in a lifetime by those who can afford the expenses, emphasizing the obligation based on ability and resources.

Adults

Muslim adults, both male and female, are required to perform Hajj, while children may go but are not required to fulfill this obligation.

Physically Incapable

Muslims who are weak, sick, or elderly and physically incapable are exempt from the obligation to perform the pilgrimage.

Who is in debt

A Muslim in debt is not obliged to perform Hajj unless they are financially able and the creditor permits. Clearing debts should take priority as it may affect the ability to fulfill this obligation with sincere intention.

Nisab

Nisab refers to the minimum amount of wealth a Muslim must have to be liable for the obligation of Hajj. This financial threshold is calculated based on the value of gold or silver, ensuring the individual can meet their Islamic duties without hardship.

Ability to afford expenses

Muslims must meet the Nisab threshold and have the financial means to cover expenses for Hajj without incurring excessive debt or causing hardship to themselves or their dependents. This includes the cost of travel expenses, accommodation, transportation, food, and other associated costs.

Personal circumstances

The financial capability to perform Hajj depends on an individual’s financial situation, including their responsibilities and financial obligations like debts and supporting dependents. Essential expenses must be considered to ensure fulfilling this duty does not significantly affect their well-being. It is advisable to delay the pilgrimage until financial circumstances improve, allowing them to perform Hajj without hardship.

Prioritizing essential needs

Islam emphasizes the importance of fulfilling basic needs and obligations toward family, society, and oneself before undertaking acts of worship. Muslims are encouraged to prioritize their financial responsibilities and the well-being of their dependents before embarking on the Hajj journey.

Borrowing for Hajj

Islam discourages Muslims from incurring excessive debt or borrowing to finance the Hajj pilgrimage. It is recommended to save and plan carefully instead of relying on loans or credit for this sacred journey.

Financial Criteria for Hajj

It is important to note that the decision to perform Hajj must ensure it meets the financial criteria, which can be subjective and depends on individual circumstances. Consulting a knowledgeable religious scholar or Islamic authority can provide specific guidance tailored to a person’s unique situation.

Preparations for Hajj

Physical preparation

Engage in physical activities to enhance stamina and endurance for the significant physical exertion required during Hajj. It is essential to consult a healthcare professional to ensure you are physically fit to undertake the pilgrimage.

Packing Essentials

Prepare a checklist of necessary items, including appropriate clothing, personal hygiene products, and first aid supplies. Bring comfortable footwear for long walks and copies of important documents to stay organized during your journey.

Types of Hajj

There are three forms of Hajj: Tamattu, Ifraad, and Qiran, each serving a unique purpose. Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) provided a guide for these, and Muslims are encouraged to perform the type best suited to their circumstances.

Hajj Rituals

Ihram

To begin Hajj, one must enter a special state called Ihram, marked by ritual purity and spiritual focus. This sacred step requires pilgrims to bathe and cleanse themselves, symbolizing a new beginning. For men, the attire consists of a designated white cloth—one piece wrapped around the waist and another draped over the shoulder. Ladies, on the other hand, may wear modest clothing of their choice, ensuring it aligns with Islamic guidelines. Hijab is required, but face coverings and fully covering shoes are not permitted. Women often opt for comfortable, modest outfits suitable for the journey.

As pilgrims enter this simple and spiritual state, they must observe rules that emphasize purity and discipline. Acts such as shaving, cutting nails, using perfume, or even scented soaps are prohibited. Personal items like spare clothing should include comfortable trekking sandals to ease the long-distance walk, avoiding blisters and discomfort.

Pilgrims start their journey by reciting the Talbiyah and making a heartfelt supplication to declare their readiness for Hajj. This act of devotion reminds them to avoid negative behavior, including smoking, swearing, and sexual relations, during the holy days. Each step is a reminder to stay focused, honor the journey, and adhere to the strict guidelines, ensuring a spiritually fulfilling experience.

• لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ، لَبَّيْكَ لاَ شَرِيْكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ، إِنَّ الْحَمْدَ وَالنِّعْمَةَ لَكَ وَالْمُلْكَ لاَشَرِيْكَ لَك

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.”

Tawaf

Upon arriving in Mecca, one of the most profound moments of the pilgrimage is to perform Tawaf—circumambulating the Kaaba seven times in a counterclockwise direction. This is one of the principal rites of Hajj, symbolizing unity and devotion. Pilgrims begin and end their complete circuits at the black stone, a sacred point situated on the Kaaba. Throughout, they engage in deep worship by reciting specific supplications, marking the start of a special and spiritual journey.

After completing Tawaf, many offer voluntary prayers to express gratitude and thank Allah (SWT) for arriving safely and being part of this blessed act. This rite embodies submission and reinforces the pilgrim’s connection to the divine.

Sa’i

After completing Tawaf, pilgrims proceed to Sa’i, which involves walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwa. This act emulates Hajar (Hagar) in her desperate search for water for her son. Pilgrims begin at the hill of Safa, moving towards Marwa, with a light run between the green marker areas, and then return to complete the next lap until the seventh.

Men typically have their hair clipped or fully shaved, while women trim their hair by the length of a fingertip, marking the completion of this significant ritual. If performed as part of Umrah, pilgrims temporarily leave the state of Ihram, only to purify and re-enter it on the 8th of Dhul Hijjah, a day that marks the deeper spiritual journey ahead.

Starting the Spiritual Journey(Day 1 / 8th Dhul Hijjah)

On the 8th day of Dhul Hijjah, pilgrims begin the days of Hajj by purifying themselves and entering the state of Ihram once again. This first day marks the beginning of the next stage in their spiritual journey, focusing on the main activities with devotion and sincerity.

Entering the state of Ihram

Pilgrims begin their sacred journey by preparing to enter the holy Haram area of Mecca. Crossing the boundaries, they focus on adopting the state of Ihram, symbolizing purity and devotion.

Arrival in Mina

Pilgrims enter the state of Ihram and travel from Mecca to Mina, within the Haram area, preparing for the sacred rituals ahead.

Prayers and recitation

In Mina, pilgrims perform the five daily prayers in congregation, engaging in supplication, remembrance of God, and recitation of the Quran with devotion.

Preparation for Arafat

In Mina, pilgrims spend time preparing mentally and spiritually for the next day, the main event of Hajj—standing at Arafat. They rest and engage in acts of worship to ready themselves for this significant day.

Departure to Arafat

From Mina, pilgrims head towards Arafat, a vast plain located 20 kilometers east of Mecca, to prepare for the essential ritual of Hajj, the Standing at Arafat.

Day of ‘Arafah (Day 2 / 9th Dhul Hijjah)

On the Day of ‘Arafah, pilgrims leave Mina for ‘Arafah and spend time near Mount ‘Arafah, seeking Istaghfar and offering heartfelt supplications for forgiveness from Allah (SWT). The shortened Dhuhr and Asr prayers are combined into two Rakat as per Imam Abu Hanifa’s rulings, often performed in Masjid or tent setups. After Maghrib and ‘Isha Salah, pilgrims proceed to Muzdalifah, collecting pebbles for the Rami (stoning of the devil) ritual over the next three days, using 49 pebbles or 70 for Jamarat—the stone pillars that serve as the target for this symbolic act.

Eid al-Adha (Day 3 / 10th Dhul Hijjah)

On the 10th of Dhul Hijjah, also known as Yawm al-Nahr or the Day of Sacrifice, pilgrims perform Fajr Salah in Muzdalifah before heading to Mina. They begin the Rami ritual by stoning the devil, followed by offering Qurbani as part of the Hady, symbolizing devotion. This day also marks the start of Eid al-Adha, a four-day festival celebrated by Muslims around the world and continues with rituals for the next three days, uniting faith and sacrifice through the Talbiyah and acts of worship.

The stoning of the Jamarat

The stoning of the Jamarat is a key ritual of Hajj where pilgrims in Mina throw pebbles at the structures, symbolizing defiance of the devil. Starting on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah, this act, called Rami, commemorates Ibrahim (AS) overcoming the trial to sacrifice his son Isma’il for Allah (SWT). It continues for three days (11th and 12th), requiring a breakdown of 49 pebbles thrown over the period.

• 7 pebbles for the 10th of Dhul Hijjah.
• 21 pebbles for the 11th of Dhul Hijjah.
• 21 pebbles for the 12th of Dhul Hijjah.

Jamarat al-Aqaba

On the first day, each person or group carries four small pouches with pebbles to throw at the largest pillar, known as Jamarat al-Aqaba. Pilgrims pelt seven pebbles at this concrete structure, marking an essential breakdown of the ritual.

Upon each throw, you’ll say the Takbir:

• “اللهُ أَكْبَرُ”

“Allah is The Greatest”

Don’t rush to perform the Rami

During Hajj, authorities allocate set times for each group to perform Rami, helping to minimize overcrowding and reduce the risk for pilgrims. Following these guidelines ensures safety and smooth rituals for everyone.

Shaving The Head (Day 4 / 11th Dhul Hijjah)

On the fourth day of Hajj, Hady is a critical act for those performing the pilgrimage. For male pilgrims, it is preferable to fully shave the head as per the Sunnah practice of Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him (PBUH). If you prefer not to shave, you may trim your hair, ensuring it is cut to at least the length of a fingertip. Women, however, only trim their hair slightly, as shaving is not required for them.

Before proceeding, you must remain in your Ihram and avoid forbidden activities such as sexual intimacy. While perfume, especially musk, may now be Halal, it should still be applied moderately. After completing this step, you can change into more comfortable clothing and resume regular actions of daily life. Following this ritual is essential for fulfilling the Sunnah and completing the sacred journey.

Tawaf al-Ifadha and Saai’ (Day 5 / 12th Dhul Hijjah)

On the fifth day of Hajj, pilgrims return to Makkah to perform Tawaf al-Ifadha, completing seven circuits around the Kaaba. This step is obligatory and marks a must-do act for every pilgrim. After this, the Saai is performed, symbolizing the journey between Safa and Marwah. With Rami and Qurbani (the sacrifice) completed earlier, and after shaving or trimming the head, the completion of this ritual allows pilgrims to exit Ihram and resume lawful activities, including marital relations, while preparing to return to the tents at Mina for the remaining rituals.

Tawaf al-Wida (The Farewell Tawaf)

The farewell Tawaf is the last rite of Hajj, performed before departing Makkah. This step is Wajib (necessary) for Muslims according to Hanafis, while Shafi’is, Hanbalis, and Malikis see it as a Sunnah. It must be performed within the boundaries of the Haram, and omitting it without a valid reason can affect the lawful completion of this act in Islam.

Supplications for Hajj

Saving up for Hajj

• اللَّهُمَّ اكْفِنِي بِحَلالِكَ عَنْ حَرَامِكَ، وأَغْنِني بِفَضْلِكَ عَمَّنْ سِوَاكَ

Allah! Suffice me with what You have made lawful instead of what You have made unlawful and make me independent of all others besides You. (Al-Tirmidhi)

Du’a for Leaving Home

• بِسْمِ اللهِ، تَوَكَّلْـتُ عَلى اللهِ وَلا حَوْلَ وَلا قُـوَّةَ إِلاّ بِالله

In the name of Allah, I have placed my trust in Allah, and there is no power or might except by Allah. (Abu Dawud)

Du’a before Entering Ihram

• اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّيْ أُرِيْدُ الْعُمْرَةَ فَيَسِّرْهَا لِيْ وَتَقَبَّلْهَا مِنِّيْ

O Allah, I intend to perform Umrah, so accept it from me and make it easy for me.

The Talbiyah

• لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ لَبَّيْكَ لاَ شَرِيكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ إِنَّ الْحَمْدَ وَالنِّعْمَةَ لَكَ وَالْمُلْكَ لاَ شَرِيكَ لَكَ

I am present! O Allah I am present! There is no associate with You. I am present! All praise and grace are due to You, and the dominion. There is no associate with You! (Muslim)

Du’a when Entering the Masjid

• اللَّهُمَّ افْتَحْ لِي أَبْوَابَ رَحْمَتِكَ

O Allah! Open the doors of Your mercy for me. (Al-Nasai)

Du’a when Seeing the Ka’abah

• اللَّهُمَّ زِدْ هَذَا البَيْتَ تَشْريفًا وَتَعْظِيمًا وَتَكْرِيمًا وَمَهَابَةً، وَزِدْ مِن شَرَّفَهُ وكَرمَهُ مِمَّنْ حَجَّه أو اعْتَمَرَه تَشْرِيفًا وَتَكْرِيمًا وَتَعْظِيمًا وَبِرًّا

O Allah! Increase this House in honour and reverence and nobility and awe, and increase those who honour and revere it as pilgrims for Hajj and Umrah in nobility and goodness and status and righteousness (Ibn ‘Abd al-Barr, Ibn Taymiyyah)

Du’a after Every Prayer

• اللَّهُمَّ أعِنَّيْ عَلَى ذِكْرِكَ، وَشُكْرِكَ، وَحُسْنِ عِبَادَتِكَ

O Allah! Help me to remember You and thank You and help me to the best manner of worshipping You. (Al-Adab Al-Mufrad)

Du’a when Beginning Tawaf

• اللّهُمّ إيْمَاناً بِكَ، وَتَصْدِيْقاً بِكِتَابِكَ وَسُنّةِ نَبِيِّكَ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ

O Allah! Out of faith in You, conviction in Your book and Your Prophet’s way. (Sunan al-Kubra)

Du’a Between the Yemeni Corner and the Black Stone

• رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ

Our Lord! Grant us success in this life, and success in the next life, and protect us from the Fire! [Q, 2:201]

Du’a when Drinking Zamzam

• اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ عِلْمًا نَافِعًا، وَرِزْقًا طَيِّبًا، وَعَمَلًا مُتَقَبَّلًا

O Allah! I ask you for beneficial knowledge, and pure sustenance, and accepted actions. (Ibn Majah)

Du’a during Arafah

• لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ لَهُ الْمُلْكُ وَلَهُ الْحَمْدُ بِيَدِهِ الْخَيْرُ يُحْيِي وَيُمِيتُ وَهُوَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ

There is no God but Allah alone, with no partner or associate, His is the dominion, to Him all praise is due, all goodness is in His hand, He grants life and death and He has power overall things. (Al-Tirmidhi)

Du’a when greeting other Pilgrims

• قَبِلَ اللهُ حَجَّكَ وَكَفَّرَ ذَنْبَكَ وَأَخْلَفَ نَفَقَتَكَ

May Allah accept your Hajj, and erase your sins, and replenish your provisions. (Al-Tabarani)

Du’a when Entering Madinah

• اَللهُمَّ هَذَا حَرَمُ نَبِيِّكَ فَاجْعَلْهُ وِقَايَةً لِيْ مِنَ النَّارِ وَآمِنَّا مِنْ الْعَذَابِ وَسُوْءِ الْحِسَابِ

O Allah! This is the Sacred Precinct of Your Prophet, so make it a protection for me from the Fire and a security from punishment and a bad reckoning. (Al-Ikhtiyar)

Du’a when Returning Home

• آيِبُونَ تَائِبُونَ عَابِدُونَ لِرَبِّنَا حَامِدُونَ

(We are those) who return, who repent, who worship our Lord, who praise. (Muslim)

Common Misunderstandings

Completing Hajj guarantees personal forgiveness

While Hajj is a significant act of worship, true forgiveness depends on its acceptance by Allah. It is essential to continue striving for righteousness and seeking forgiveness in the rest of life, as this sacred journey is just one step beyond in devotion.

Wealth determines the quality of Hajj

Hajj is not a competition of material possessions but requires a sincere, humble heart, where devotion holds the utmost importance.

Hajj is only for the elderly

Hajj can be performed by individuals of all ages who are physically and financially capable. Younger pilgrims are encouraged to embark on this transformative journey early in life to fully experience its blessings.

No Zakkat on Money Saved for Hajj

Zakah must be given on money saved for Hajj if it meets the Nisab threshold and a full lunar year has passed in your possession, even if not yet spent on the journey.

Conclusion

Performing Hajj is a deeply spiritual experience that requires thorough preparation and strict adherence to its rituals. By understanding the steps and reciting Arabic supplications, pilgrims can strengthen their connection with Allah and embark on this sacred journey with devotion and humility. It is essential to approach Hajj with a desire for spiritual growth, seeking Allah’s blessings and mercy. For guidance and to clarify any misconceptions, feel free to contact us or explore our free trial resources to better prepare for this transformative journey.