How to Perform Hajj

Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam — a once-in-a-lifetime obligation for every able Muslim. This sacred journey takes place in the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah and carries deep spiritual significance.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to perform Hajj step by step, with all rituals explained clearly and references from the Qur’an and Hadith included.

📑 Table of Contents

1️⃣ What Is Hajj & When Is It Performed?
2️⃣ The 7 Main Steps of Hajj
3️⃣ Step 1: Entering Ihram
4️⃣ Step 2: Tawaf al-Qudum (Arrival Tawaf)
5️⃣ Step 3: Sa’i Between Safa and Marwah
6️⃣ Step 4: Journey to Mina
7️⃣ Step 5: Day of Arafah
8️⃣ Step 6: Muzdalifah Overnight Stay
9️⃣ Step 7: Rami (Stoning), Sacrifice & Tawaf al-Ifadah
🔟 Final Steps & Farewell Tawaf
✅ Hajj Tips for First-Time Pilgrims
❓ FAQ – Hajj Explained
🔚 Conclusion

1️⃣ What Is Hajj & When Is It Performed?

Hajj is an annual pilgrimage to Makkah that takes place from the 8th to the 12th of Dhul-Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic calendar.

🕰️ It involves specific days and rituals that must be followed in exact sequence.

📖 “And [due] to Allah from the people is a pilgrimage to the House – for whoever is able to find thereto a way.”
— Surah Al-Imran 3:97

2️⃣ The 7 Main Steps of Hajj

Hajj involves seven major rituals, each with deep spiritual meaning. These include:

1. Ihram

2. Tawaf

3. Sa’i

4. Mina stay

5. Arafah gathering

6. Muzdalifah night

7. Rami & sacrifice

We’ll break them down next.

3️⃣ Step 1: Entering Ihram

Pilgrims enter a sacred state called Ihram, wearing plain white garments. It symbolizes purity and equality — no status, just servitude to Allah.

🚫 In this state, you must avoid:

• Cutting hair/nails

• Arguing or fighting

• Using perfume

• Hunting or harming animals

📖 “And complete the Hajj and Umrah for Allah…”
— Surah Al-Baqarah 2:196

4️⃣ Step 2: Tawaf al-Qudum (Arrival Tawaf)

On arriving in Makkah, pilgrims circle the Kaaba seven times counterclockwise — this is called Tawaf.

✅ Begin from the Black Stone (Hajr al-Aswad)
✅ Say Bismillah Allahu Akbar at each round

📖 “Then let them perform their acts of purification, fulfill their vows, and circle the Ancient House.”
— Surah Al-Hajj 22:29

5️⃣ Step 3: Sa’i Between Safa and Marwah

After Tawaf, pilgrims walk 7 times between the hills of Safa and Marwah, reenacting the journey of Hajar (RA) searching for water for her son Ismail.

📖 “Indeed, Safa and Marwah are among the symbols of Allah…”
— Surah Al-Baqarah 2:158

6️⃣ Step 4: Journey to Mina

On the 8th of Dhul-Hijjah, pilgrims travel to Mina, a tent city, where they stay overnight.

🔹 Here, pilgrims perform five prayers and prepare spiritually for the Day of Arafah.

7️⃣ Step 5: Day of Arafah

On the 9th, pilgrims head to Arafah — the most critical day of Hajj.

📍Stand in worship from Zuhr to Maghrib, making Dua, repenting, and praising Allah.

📖 “Hajj is Arafah.”
— Hadith: Jami` at-Tirmidhi 889

8️⃣ Step 6: Muzdalifah Overnight Stay

After sunset, proceed to Muzdalifah — sleep under the stars and collect pebbles for the next ritual.

🌌 Pray Maghrib & Isha combined here.

9️⃣ Step 7: Rami, Sacrifice & Tawaf al-Ifadah

From the 10th onwards:

🪨 Rami: Throw 7 stones at the largest pillar (Jamrah al-Aqabah)
🕊️ Sacrifice: Offer an animal (Qurbani)
✂️ Shaving hair (men) or trimming (women)
🕋 Tawaf al-Ifadah: Another Tawaf around Kaaba

📖 “So mention the name of Allah upon them when lined up for sacrifice…”
— Surah Al-Hajj 22:36

🔟 Final Steps & Farewell Tawaf

🔚 On 12th Dhul-Hijjah, pilgrims perform:

• Stoning of remaining Jamarat (3 pillars)

• Tawaf al-Wada’ — a farewell Tawaf before leaving Makkah

📖 “Make Tawaf around the House…”
— Surah Al-Hajj 22:29

✅ Hajj Tips for First-Time Pilgrims

• Stay hydrated 🧴

• Memorize daily duas 📿

• Wear comfortable sandals 👡

• Follow your group and schedule

• Be patient — crowds can be intense

❓ FAQ – Hajj Explained

1. Can women perform Hajj without a Mahram?
   Most scholars say no; a Mahram (male guardian) is required for travel. Some exceptions exist for large groups.

2. What’s the best time to go for Hajj?
   Hajj is only valid from 8th–12th Dhul-Hijjah.

3. Is Hajj obligatory for every Muslim?
   Only if physically and financially able (per Surah 3:97).

4. Can you perform Hajj more than once?
   Yes, but it’s obligatory only once in a lifetime.

5. What if someone can’t afford Hajj?
   Then it’s not obligatory until they can afford it.

6. What is the difference between Hajj and Umrah?
   Umrah can be performed anytime; Hajj has fixed dates and more rituals.

7. How long does Hajj take?
   Usually 5–6 days.

8. Can someone else do Hajj on my behalf?
   Yes, if you are deceased or physically unable.

9. What’s Ihram and what breaks it?
   A sacred state — cutting hair, arguing, or harming animals breaks it.

10. What happens if you miss a step?
    Consult a scholar. Some mistakes can be compensated by sacrifice.

🔚 Conclusion

Hajj is a sacred journey that renews your soul, erases sins, and connects you deeply to Allah (SWT). Following these steps with sincerity will help you perform Hajj correctly and meaningfully.

Whether you’re preparing to go or simply learning, may Allah grant us all the opportunity to perform Hajj. Ameen.