HOW TO PERFORM HAJJ

 HAJJ BAIT ULLAH

Every year, millions of Muslims from around the world make the journey to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, for the annual pilgrimage (or Hajj). Dressed in the same simple white clothing to represent human equality, the pilgrims gather to perform rites dating back to the time of Abraham.
Hajj is considered one of the five “pillars” of Islam. Muslims are required to make the pilgrimage once in a lifetime, if they are physically and financially able to make the journey to Mecca.

MASJID E HARAM

Day 1 ( 8th OF ZIL HAJJ )

Prelude

Before the 8th of Dhul-Hijjah, a person who wants to perform pilgrimage (Hajj) pronounces the intention to perform Umrah while approaching the Miqat. A second intention for the actual Hajj is pronounced at a later period. There are several rites to properly complete the Hajj and Umrah.

Proclaiming the Niyyah for Hajj

All acts of worship are preceded by an appropriate proclamation of Niyyah.
Additional Info
Niyyah for Hajj
O Allah! I intend to perform Hajj. Make it easy for me and accept it from me. I make the niyyah for Hajj and enter into the state of Ihram for the sake of Allah alone, the Most High.

Puting on Ihram After Fajr

The distinctive garb of the male pilgrim worn during Hajj or Umrah. It consists of two pieces of white, un-sewn and plain cloth. One of the pieces is wrapped around the midriff to cover his body from just above his navel to his ankles, and the other is draped around his shoulders to cover the upper body. For ladies, their ordinary and unpretentious clothes of everyday wear constitute their Ihram.
Additional Info
During Ihram, the following acts are forbidden: Cutting hair, shaving any parts of the body, clipping nails, putting perfumes or colognes, killing or hunting animals, sexual intercourse, making marriage proposals, or marriage contracts.

Praying 2 Rak’at Nafl At Miqat

An imaginary boundary around Makkah. A prospective pilgrim cannot cross this boundary without first changing into Ihram. The pilgrim changes into Ihram at Miqat and pronounces the intention to perform Hajj or Umrah.

Making Tawaf

The devotional act of circumambulating (i.e. walking around) the Ka’bah while reciting prayers and supplications. One complete circuit around the Ka’bah constitutes a shawt (pl. ashwat), and seven ashwat complete one Tawaf.

Performing Sa’ee

The devotional act of walking seven times between the knolls of Safa and Marwah. This act retraces the footsteps of Hajar, wife of Prophet Ibrahim (pbuh), during her desperate search for water for her infant son Ismail (pbuh) after they were left in the desert by Prophet Ibrahim in response to a Divine vision.
Additional Info

Safa: A small knoll approximately 200 yards from the Ka’bah inside the Masjid Al-Haram Marwah: A small knoll (i.e., hillock) located approximately one hundred and fifty yards from the Ka’bah.

Reciting Talbiya

A devotional recital of the following words by the piligrim during Hajj and Umrah
Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik. Labbaik La Sharika Laka Labbaik. Innal-Hamda, Wan-Ni’mata Laka wal-Mulk. La Sharika Lak.

Going to Mina

The Pilgrim goes to Mina on the 8th of Thul-Hijjah anytime after Fajr prayer but before Zuhr.
Additional Info
Mina is a desert location approximately three miles from Makkah where several Hajj rites are performed.

Praying in Mina

The pilgrim must perform the daily prayers in Mina starting with Zuhur Prayer.

Staying Overnight in Mina

The pilgrim must stay overnight in Mina, perform the Fajr prayer and leave after sunrise on the 9th of Thul-Hijjah.

Completion of the First Day.

This completes the first Day of Hajj, also known as the Day of Tarwiyah.

Day 2( 9th OF ZILL HAJJ )

Going to Arafah

After leaving Mina, the pilgrim heads toward Arafah.
Arafah is a desert location approximately nine miles from Makkah. Pilgrims don’t have to get crowded on the Mount of Rahmah (Mountain of Mercy). They can stay in any place WITHIN the boundaries of Arafah.

Additional Info
Prayer Upon Entering Arafah
O Allah! Forgive my sins, help me repent to you, and grant me all that I beseech of You. Whenever I turn, let me see goodness. Allah be praised! All Praise is due to Allah! There is no deity except Allah! And Allah is The Most Great.

Praying in Arafah

After settling down in the tents at Arafah, the pilgrim offers the Zuhur and Asr prayers in qasr (shortened) and Jam’ (combined) modes, that is, 2 rak’ats each prayer instead of 4 rak’ats, and the two prayers are offered at the same time, with one adhan and two separate Iqamahs, one each for Zuhur and Asr.
Additional Info
Once in Arafah, the pilgrim should spend as much time in prayer and remembrance of Allah as possible. This is a very special day and the pilgrim may never see it again. Everyone must make the most of out it.
No Nafl or any other prayers are performed, either before or after the obligatory prayers.

Staying in Arafah

The pilgrim stays in Arafah until sunset. It is recommended to spend the entire time reading the Quran, reciting the Talbiyah, offering supplications, and repenting to Allah.
Additional Info
Standing in Arafah
In the late afternoon just before sunset, the pilgrims may stand outside the tent facing the Qiblah, and raise their hands supplicating to Allah. There are no prescribed prayers for Wuquf (standing) Arafah. During these sacred moments, the pilgrim is alone with Allah, praying to have his/her sins and lifelong shortcomings get forgiven. Communication with Allah in any language is acceptable.

Leaving to Muzdalifah

After sunset, the pilgrim departs for Muzdalifah quietly, always reciting the Talbiyah and other prayers.
Additional Info
Muzdalifah is a desert location approximately midway between Mina and Arafah. The pilgrim spends the night of the 10th of Thul-Hijjah here.
Toilets and ablution facilities are available. Naturally, they are very crowded at all times. The pilgrims must be patient, courteous, and understanding to other fellow pilgrims.

Offering Prayers in Muzdalifah

The pilgrim offers Maghrib and Isha prayers combining them and shortening the Isha. Thus, after the adhan is called, three rak’ahs of Maghrib are offered following the usual iqamah.
Another iqamah (but not adhan) is called and then two rak’ahs of Isha are offered.
Additional Info
The pilgrim stays under the sky at Muzdalifah. No tents or other lodging facilities are available.

Collecting Pebbles

The pilgrim then walks to the foot of nearby hills, and collects about 70 pea-size pebbles for throwing.
Additional Info
It is a good idea to collect additional pebbles to make up for accidental losses. The pebbles lying around the bathrooms facilities should not be collected. No one should leave Muzdalifah before Fajr without a legitimate excuse: only women, elderly, and weak people can leave after midnight.

Completion of Second Day

The pilgrim spends the night at Muzdalifah and offers Fajr there. Before sunrise, the pilgrim leaves for Mina on the morning of the 10th of Thul-Hijjah.
Additional Info
After Fajr prayer, the pilgrim goes through the al-Mash’ar al-Haram and makes du’a until brightness of the sun is widespread. The pilgrim must speed up the walk when passing by the Muhasir valley.

KHTBAH E HAJJ AT MASJID E NIMRA ( MAIDAAN E ARAFAAT )

Day 3

Going to Mina

Due to the large crowd going to Mina, the pilgrim must remain calm, avoid pushing people, and must be respectful to others.
Additional Info
Weak and sick people can appoint others to throw stones at the Jamrahs in Mina on behalf of them.

Throwing Pebbles ( JAMARAAT )

 

The pilgrim stones the Jamrat al-Kubra (Jamrat al-Aqabah) only, preferably before midday. Stoning the pillar symbolizes stoning the devil. the pebbles must touch the inside of the Jamrat’s fence.
Additional Info
The Jamrat al-Kubra is the closest to Makkah. While throwing the stones, the pilgrim recites Bismillah, Allah-u-Akbar with each pebble. The size of the pebbles should not be big: anywhere between 1-1.5 cm. The pilgrim may throw either from under the bridge or from over it.

Sacrificing an Animal

A sacrifice is now required for the pilgrim performing Hajj al-Tamattu or Hajj al-Qiran. The choice of the animal is either a sheep, or 1/7th of a cow or a camel shared with other people.
Additional Info
For the pilgrim performing Hajj al-Ifrad, sacrificing the animal is recommended but not required.
The pilgrim should always choose the best animal and avoid animals which don’t look healthy or have defects. The pilgrim can slaughter him/herself or appoint someone to do it on his/her behalf.
One third of the meat can be consumed, one third offered as a gift and one third distributed to the poor people. The sacrifice can be performed between the 10th and the 13th of Thul-Hijjah but not after the 13th.

Cutting Hair

 

The pilgrim may now shave/trim the hair, shower, and change into everyday clothes. The hair may be shaved or trimmed for men. It is recommended to start from the right side. For women, trimming only a finger tip’s length is required.

Additional Info
Sacrificing an animal, cutting hair, and performing Tawaf al-Ifadah are alternate rituals. There is no specific order to perform them. All ritual places must be kept clean.
At this point in time, the regulations for Ihram no longer apply except that the pilgrim can not have conjugal relations with his/her spouse until after Tawaf al-Ifadah and Sa’ee. This is known as at-Tahalul al-Asghar, or a partial ending of the state of Ihram.

Celebrating Eidul-Adha

Starting from the 10th of Thul-Hijjah and on, Muslims around the world celebrate this special occasions.
Additional Info
EID-AL-ADHA is celebrated on the tenth day of Zul-hijjah, the 12th and the last month of the Islamic calendar. It is a very joyous day; it is a feast of self-sacrifice, commitment and obedience to Allah. It commemorates the great act of obedience to Allah by the Prophet Ibrahim (pbuh) in showing his willingness to sacrifice his son Ismael (pbuh). Allah accepted his sacrifice and replaced Prophet Ismael (as) with a lamb.

Going to Makkah

The pilgrim proceeds to al-Masjid al-Haram in Makkah for Tawaf al-Ifadah.
Additional Info
The pilgrim has the option to postpone Tawaf al-Ifadah to a later time. Menstruating women should not make tawaf until their period stops. If the pilgrim selected Hajj Ifrad or Qiran and has already made Sa’ee with the first Tawaf (the visiting Tawaf), there is no need to make Sa’ee again.

Performing Tawaf al-Ifadah

The pilgrim performs the Tawaf al-Ifadah after taking off the Ihram and changing into everyday clothes and before returning to Mina for pebble throwing.
Additional Info
Ihram, Idtiba and Ramal are not required in this Tawaf. However, Sa’ee is required of a Mutamatti, but is not required for Qarin or a Mufrid.

Maqam Ibrahim

 

The step-stone used by the Prophet Ibrahim (pbuh) during the original construction of the Ka’bah.
The stone carries the imprints of his feet, and is housed in a glass enclosure on the North side of the Ka’bah.
After completing the Tawaf, it is good to pray 2 rak’ahs behind Maqam Ibrahim, if possible.
Additional Info
Prayer at Maqam Ibrahim
O Allah! You know that which I keep secret and that which I disclose. Grant me Your pardon. You know my needs; grant me my wishes. You know that which is in my breast; forgive me my sins. O Allah! I seek from You a Faith that will saturate my heart, and a true conviction that will make me realize that naught can befall me except what You have decreed for me, and that I may find contentment in whatever You have given me. You are my patron in this world and the Hereafter. Allow me to die in a state of Islam and to be counted among the righteous. O Allah! On this occasion of our presence in this place, let not any of our sins go unforgiven, nor any of our worries undispelled, nor any of our needs unfulfilled or unfacilitated by You. And let all our tasks be made easy, and our minds relieved, and our hearts illuminated and our actions judged as pious. O Allah! Allow us to die as Muslims and to join the ranks of the virtuous without any distress. Amen, O Lord of the Universe.

Drinking from Zamzam

 

 














After completing the prayer at Maqam Ibrahim, the pilgrim may visit the Zamzam area and drink from the water.
Additional Info
Prayer at ZamZam
O Allah! I seek from You profitable knowledge and bounteous sustenance and a cure from all ailments through Your Mercy, O Most Merciful of the mercifuls!

Performing Sa’ee between Safa and Marwah

The devotional act of walking seven times between the knolls of Safa and Marwah.
This act retraces the footsteps of Hajar, wife of the Prophet Ibrahim (pbuh), during her desperate search for water for her infant son Ismail (pbuh) after they were left in the desert by Prophet Ibrahim in response to a Divine vision.

Returning to Mina

The pilgrim returns to Mina and stays there until the 12th or 13th of Thul-Hijjah for throwing the pebbles.

Day 4

Performing Prayers in Mina

Back in Mina, the pilgrim performs all of the daily prayers, shortening the 4 Rak’ats prayers to 2 Rak’ats, but without combinig them.

Additional Info
The minimum stay in Mina should exceed most of the night. Otherwise, the pilgrim is required to make a sacrifice. This is one of the best opportunities to acquire knowledge from the scholars on duty.

Stoning the Jamrahs

The pilgrim stones the The first Jamrah, then the Middle, and finally the Big one in the same consecutive order, after midday on all three days.
Additional Info
Throwing on the 13th of Thul-Hijjah is optional. The pilgrim may return to Makkah after throwing pebbles on the 12th of Thul-Hijjah to perform Tawaf al-Wada (farewell circumambulation).

Throwing at the First Jamrah

Scene from the first stone pillar in the line, also known as the small one.
Additional Info
Each throwing is constituted of 7 pebbles with the pilgrim reciting Allahu Akbar and making Dua.

Throwing at Second Jamrah

Scene from the second stone pillar in the line, also known as the middle one.
Additional Info
Each throwing is constituted of 7 pebbles with the pilgrim reciting Allahu Akbar and making Dua.

Throwing at Third Jamrah

Scene from the third stone pillar in the line, also known as the big one and the al-Aqaba.
Additional Info
This throwing is constituted of 7 pebbles with the pilgrim reciting Allahu Akbar but this time, without making Dua’.

Staying in Mina

The pilgrim should stay in Mina minimum from Fajr until Midnight.
Additional Info
It is very important to keep Mina clean, and maintain proper contact with the pilgrims.

Extending the Stay

For the pilgrims who intend to stay only two days, they must leave before Maghrib.
Additional Info
For those intending to stay more, they can collect more pebbles.

Day 5

Stoning the Jamrahs

On the 12th of Thul-Hijjah, the same procedures as the 11th take place. The pilgrim stones the The first Jamrah, then the Middle, and finally the Big one in the same consecutive order, after midday on all three days.


Additional Info
Throwing on the 13th of Thul-Hijjah is optional. The pilgrim may return to Makkah after throwing pebbles on the 12th of Thul-Hijjah to perform Tawaf al-Wada (farewell circumambulation).

Throwing at the First Jamrah

Scene from the first stone pillar in the line, also known as the small one.
Additional Info
Each throwing is constituted of 7 pebbles with the pilgrim reciting Allahu Akbar and making Dua.

Throwing at Second Jamrah

Scene from the second stone pillar in the line, also known as the middle one.
Additional Info
Each throwing is constituted of 7 pebbles with the pilgrim reciting Allahu Akbar and making Dua.

Throwing at Third Jamrah

Scene from the third stone pillar in the line, also known as the big one and the al-Aqaba.
Additional Info
This throwing is constituted of 7 pebbles with the pilgrim reciting Allahu Akbar but this time, without making Dua’.

Returning to Makkah

Pilgrims return to Makkah before Maghrib time after completing the stoning to perform Tawaf al-Wada.
Additional Info
At this point, the crowd is very large and pilgrims should not push, but instead be courteous and offer help to those who need it.

Tawaf al-Wada

This is the farewell Tawaf that a pilgrim performs just before leaving Makkah for other destinations. It is the same as other Tawaf, going in 7 circuits, starting from the black stone line. After completing the Tawaf, it is good but not required to pray 2 Rak’ahs behind Maqam Ibrahim, or, if not possible, to pray any other 2 Rak’ahs facing the Kaabah.
Additional Info
Though it is neither obligatory nor related to Hajj, it is recommended for a pilgrim to visit Prophet Muhammad’s mosque in Madinah. This could be done before or after performing Hajj.

Departing from Makkah

This completes the Hajj journey. It is recommended to leave Makkah as soon as the pilgrim completes the pilgrimage. The pilgrim also asks Allah to accept the rituals and promises to abide by the divine commands.
Additional Info
Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said: “Whoever goes to Hajj without obscenity he or she will be forgiven as a new-born.”
Another Hadith states:
“A Sound Hajj has no reward except Paradise”.