What are the Steps to Perform Hajj?
All Steps to Perform Hajj:
One of the pillars of Islam is the Hajj – the annual pilgrimage. It is a compulsory act for financially and physically capable Muslims and must be done once in a lifetime. This yearly pilgrimage is performed in the month of Dhul Hijjah in the holy city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
Hajj takes five to six days to perform. It is an essential act of worship that teaches us about Muslim brotherhood and solidarity by gathering in one place. Hajj has fixed dates, which start on the 8th of Dhul Hijjah and end on the 13th. Each day of Hajj involves some rituals that pilgrims have to perform. Whenever you are going to perform this significant pilgrimage of Islam after confirmation of your Hajj Packages, you must know the performance steps.
Let’s see below all the steps to perform Hajj – a step-by-step guide:
Ihram:
Entering the Ihram state comes first in the list of all the steps to perform Hajj. It’s a symbol of being pure physically and spiritually. This specific attire has separate dress codes for men and women. Men have to wear two clothes: the first is called ‘Izar’, which covers the lower body, and the other is known as ‘Rida.’ For women, it’s a simple, modest dress covering the whole body, such as an Abaya.
Tawaf al-Qudum:
This Tawaf is also called the arrival Tawaf, which pilgrims can perform after wearing the ihram by entering the Makkah premises. By reaching Mecca, Hajj pilgrims enter the Masjid Al-Haram, make intentions, and then perform the Tawaf. After completing seven circles around the Holy Kaaba, offer two Rakats of prayers at Maqam-e-Ibrahim. Then, perform Sa’ee by walking or running between Safa and Marwah hills seven times, then drink the Zamzam water from the Zamzam well.
Mina Stay:
In this step, after performing Tawaf, the pilgrims of the Hajj have to go to Mina, which is about 6 km from the Grand Mosque. Pilgrims can access it by using transportation options. Mina is also called the “City of Tents” and a symbolic place for Hajj pilgrims. Pilgrims offer their day prayers in Mina as well as the morning prayer of the next day. After that, they go to Arafat for the next ritual.
Wuquf at Arafat – the 9th day of Dhul Hijjah:
This is the next step, which is performed in the place of Arafat – around 20 km east of Mecca. Arafat is plain with a famous mount called “Mount Arafat.” Pilgrims must reach Arafat before the afternoon.
You should know that this is the most important day of Hajj. It is where the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) delivers His last sermon to Muslims. Pilgrims offer Noon and afternoon prayers at the Mosque al-Namirah in Arafat. The pilgrims must stay the afternoon at Arafat, but if anyone fails to do so, their pilgrimage will not be valid. The primary purpose here is to listen to the sermon delivered by some scholars and seek forgiveness from God.
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Muzdalifah:
On the 9th day of Dhul Hijjah, pilgrims, after leaving Arafat, go to Muzdalifah, which is located between Mina and Arafat Valley. Pilgrims offer sunset and night prayers here at Muzdalifah, a small town. Here, pilgrims collect pebbles to throw them at the symbolic pillars for the Rami ritual. Pilgrims stay under the open sky at Muzdalifah all night while praying, seeking forgiveness from Allah (SWT), etc.
Rami – stoning the devil:
This is the ritual of stoning to the devil, which must be done at the Al-Jamarat point of Mina. There are three pillars of Jamarat al-Aqabah so pilgrims will throw all the pebbles there. This is where the Prophet Ibrahim (A.S) confronted the devil and stoned him. The act of Rami is also done by the beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) on His farewell pilgrimage.
Sacrificing the animal:
This is the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah, when you have to perform the sacrificed act. The sacred ritual of sacrifice is remembering the act of Prophet Ibrahim (A.S) when He followed Allah’s (SWT) commands. Pilgrims can sacrifice from the 10th to the 13th of Dhul Hijjah before sunset. Pilgrims can sacrifice sheep, goats, cows, and camels, and the meat is distributed to needy people.
Halq/Taqsir:
Halq means shaving the hair completely, and Taqsir means trimming the hair. Halq is usually for men, and Taqsir is for women. After the act of sacrificing, pilgrims must attempt this ritual. This will mark the completion of your pilgrimage. After that, you can perform the Farewell Tawaf.
Tawaf al-Wida/Farewell Tawaf:
This Farewell Tawaf comes last on the list of all the steps to perform Hajj. In this type of Tawaf, you only have to complete seven circles around the holy Kaaba. All the Nafl prayers are optional; you can do it if you have enough time. Remember that this act is not for the residents of Mecca; it is only for the other pilgrims.
To summarize this article, Hajj is one of Islam’s leading acts, which is very important. When you should go to perform this act, you must know the main steps of Hajj and their performance.
If you want to know more about the Miqat points of Hajj, read this:
https://www.labbaikhajjumrah.co.uk/miqats-for-hajj-and-umrah/