A Simple Guide to Performing Hajj: Step-by-Step Instructions
Every year, around 25,000 Muslims from the UK travel to Makkah to perform Hajj, joining millions of Muslims worldwide in this sacred journey. If you're planning to go on Hajj, this easy-to-follow guide will help you understand each step of the pilgrimage.
Quick Overview of the 19 Steps of Hajj:
- Preparation and Intention
- Enter the State of Ihram
- Tawaf x7
- Safa and Marwa
- Clip/Shave Hair (End of Umrah)
- Resting and Praying
- Enter State of Ihram (Again)
- Arrive at Mina
- Day of ‘Arafah
- Muzdalifah (Under the Night Sky)
- Rami (Stoning of the Devil)
- Hady (Sacrificial Animal)
- Shaving the Head
- Tawaf al-Ifadha and Sa’i
- Rami (Stoning of the Devil)
- Spend Night at Mina
- Rami (Stoning of the Devil)
- Farewell Tawaf al-Wida
When to Perform Hajj
Hajj happens between the 8th to the 12th of Dhul Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic calendar. The dates change by about 11-12 days each year in the Gregorian calendar. Most pilgrims from the UK fly to Saudi Arabia, landing in Jeddah or Medina, and then travel to Makkah with their Hajj group.
How to Perform Hajj: Tamattu Form
Here are the steps for the Tamattu form of Hajj, as recommended by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him):
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Preparation and Intention
- Make your intention (niyyah) to perform Hajj sincerely for Allah.
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Entering the State of Ihram
- Men wear two white cloths, and women wear modest clothing following hijab rules. Ihram symbolizes purity and equality before Allah.
- Tip: Carry extra Ihram clothes and wear comfortable sandals.
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Tawaf x7
- Walk around the Kaaba seven times, starting and ending at the black stone.
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Safa and Marwa
- Walk seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwa, remembering Hajar’s search for water for her son Isma'il.
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Clip/Shave Hair (End of Umrah)
- Men shave or clip their hair; women cut a small portion, marking the end of Umrah.
- Tip: Stay hydrated with Zamzam water.
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Resting and Praying
- Spend time until the 8th of Dhul Hijjah resting and worshiping.
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Re-entering the State of Ihram (Day 1/8th Dhul Hijjah)
- Enter Ihram again and go to Mina, reciting the Talbiyah.
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Arrive at Mina
- Settle in Mina, praying and preparing for the next day.
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Day of ‘Arafah (Day 2/9th Dhul Hijjah)
- Pray for forgiveness at Mount ‘Arafah, listen to the Khutbah if possible.
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Arrive in Muzdalifah
- Collect 49 pebbles for Rami and spend the night under the open sky.
- Tip: Stay close to your group and use facilities early.
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Rami and Hady (Day 3/10th Dhul Hijjah & Eid al-Adha)
- Throw pebbles at Jamarat al-Aqaba, then offer the Hady sacrifice.
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Qurbani and Eid al-Adha
- Celebrate Eid al-Adha with the Qurbani, honoring Ibrahim’s sacrifice.
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Shaving the Head (Day 4/11th Dhul Hijjah)
- Men shave or trim their hair; women clip a portion and leave Ihram.
- Tip: Use disposable blades or visit local barbers.
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Tawaf al-Ifadha and Sa’i (Day 5/12th Dhul Hijjah)
- Perform Tawaf al-Ifadha and Sa’i in Makkah.
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The Second Day of Rami
- Perform Rami at all three Jamarat.
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Spend the Night in Mina
- Return to Mina for worship and rest.
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The Third Day of Rami
- Complete Rami at the three Jamarat.
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Tawaf al-Wida (Farewell Tawaf)
- Perform the farewell Tawaf before leaving Makkah.
Conclusion
Congratulations on completing Hajj! For those who couldn’t go this year, use the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah for worship and good deeds, as these are highly rewarding days. Fast, give charity, and perform acts of worship. May Allah grant us all the opportunity to perform Hajj in the future.
Note: This guide is scholar-verified to ensure accuracy and reliability.