As we are getting closer to Dhul Hijja which Hajj is performed between 8th to 12th of this month and billions of our Muslim brothers and sisters around the world have been undertaking Hajj each year since 629 CE. So, if you’re planning your pilgrimage this year, we will guide you to understand how to perform Hajj. We’ll cover essential steps, tips, and details to ensure your journey is both spiritually fulfilling and well-organized.

First: Understanding Hajj

Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and a once-in-a-lifetime obligation for Muslims who are physically and financially able to undertake it. The pilgrimage occurs annually in the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijja and involves several rites performed in and around Mecca.

Note: Before Departure: Make sure all necessary documentation, including your Hajj visa, is in order.

Step 1. Preparation and Intention (Ihram)

1. Niyah (Intention): Declare your intention to perform Hajj.
2. Entering Ihram: The state of spiritual purity, known as Ihram, begins before reaching Mecca. Men wear two white seamless cloths, and women wear modest, simple clothing.
3. Recite the Talbiya:

“Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik.”

لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ، لَبَّيْكَ لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ، انَّ الْحَمْدَ، وَالنِّعْمَةَ، لَكَ وَالْمُلْكَ، لا شَرِيكَ لَك ) )

Step2.  Arriving in Mecca and Performing Tawaf

1. Tawaf: Upon arriving in Mecca, perform Tawaf, which involves walking seven times counterclockwise around the Kaaba.
2. Sai: Walk seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah, commemorating Hagar’s search for water for her son Ismael.

Step 3: Travel to Mina (8th of Dhu al-Hijja)

The 8th day of Dhul Hijah, you will travel to Mina and spend the night there. This day marks the beginning of the days of Hajj and the next stage of your spiritual journey. You’ll purify yourself and enter the state of ihram once again.

Step 4: Arafat Day (The Day of Standing) (9th Dhul Hijja)

Day of Arafat: On the 9th of Dhu al-Hijja, go to the plain of Arafat and stand in prayer, seeking mercy and forgiveness. This is the climax of Hajj.

Step 5:  Muzdalifah (Collecting Pebbles)

Muzdalifah: After sunset on the 9th, head to Muzdalifah (an open plain between Mina and Arafat), collect 7 pebbles for the next day’s ritual, and spend the night under the open sky.

Step 6: Ramy al-Jamarat / Stoning the Devil (10th of Dhu al-Hijah)

 Stoning Ritual: On the 10th of Dhu al-Hijah, perform the symbolic stoning of the devil by throwing 7 pebbles at the largest of three pillars in Mina.

Step 7: Sacrifice and Shaving

1. Sacrifice: An animal is sacrificed to commemorate Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son.
2. Shaving/Cutting Hair: Men shave their heads, and women cut a small portion of their hair.

Step 8: Tawaf al-Ifadah

Return to Mecca for another Tawaf, known as Tawaf al-Ifadah, and perform Sai again. The Tawaf seven times and also sa’i seven times

Note: You must perform them after the rami, sacrifice and shaving (or trimming) of the head.

Step 9:  Stoning Rituals (11^th & 12^th & 13^th Dhul Hijja)

1. Return back to your tents in Mina and continue with the remaining rituals of Hajj Continue stoning the three pillars for two or three more days.
2. On the afternoon of (11th Dhul Hijja), you’ll have your 21 pebbles ready and proceed to stone the three Jamarat.
3. You will begin with Jamarah al-Ula (the small pillar), then Jamarah al-Wusta (the middle pillar) and finally, Jamarah al-Aqaba (the big pillar)

Note: Each one should be stoned with seven consecutive pebbles accompanied by takbeer (Allah Akbar)

4. 12^th & 13^th Dhul Hijja you will repeat again the same stone the three Jamarat.

Step 10: Tawaf al-Wada (the farewell tawaf)

Performing the farewell Tawaf is the last rite performed before leaving Mecca.

Note: For this tawaf, you will complete the seven laps of tawaf, perform two rakat of salah and drink zamzam water. There is no sa’i or shaving/trimming of the head after this tawaf.

 Step 11: Don’t forget to visit Medina

Medina is deeply significant for Muslims. It’s home to the Prophet’s Mosque (Al-Masjid an-Nabawi) and the final resting place of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Many pilgrims choose to visit Medina before or after Hajj to pray and seek blessings. While in Medina, don’t miss visiting the Prophet’s Mosque, Qibaa Mosque, and Mount Uhud.

Note: Manazil Al Mokhtara Hotels offers the best, cheapest and comfortable accommodations in Medina & Mecca with easy access to all holy sites.

Tips for a Smooth Hajj Experience

• Stay Hydrated: The climate can be extremely hot, so drink plenty of water.
• Comfortable Footwear: Ensure you have comfortable footwear for walking long distances.
• Health Precautions: Bring necessary medications and consult your doctor before traveling.
• Travel Light: Only carry essentials to make moving between rituals easier.

At the end, Performing Hajj is a profound spiritual journey that requires preparation and dedication. We hope this guide helps you navigate the rites of Hajj smoothly. For any assistance or accommodation needs in Medina, feel free to contact us.

May your Hajj be accepted and your prayers answered.