Introduction

Hajj is the pilgrimage to Makkah, to the Ka’bah the House of Allah SWT. It is obligatory for every believer who can afford it and has the means to do so. A Muslim must strive to perform this at least once in their lifetime. If one is unable to perform this, due to ailment for example, another person can perform it on their behalf.

Hajj is an act of devotion to Allah SWT. It takes place from 8th-12th Dhul-Hijjah, the 12th month in the Islamic calendar. It is performed over 5-6 days. The rewards for Hajj are huge. If performed sincerely and accepted by Allah SWT, He will forgive all the pilgrim’s sins. It is an extremely spiritual experience for all Muslims and a once in a lifetime event for most.

The performance of a voluntary shorter pilgrimage is called Umrah. This is not as demanding as the Hajj and can be completed in a few hours. Umrah can performed at any time of the year outside of the Hajj season.

Both Umrah and Hajj involve performing rituals mainly drawn from events in the life of Prophet Ibrahim AS, the father of the Abrahamic religions, Judaism, Christianity and Islam.

This article will describe the important features of the Masjid al Haram, the method and significance of the rituals involved for both pilgrimages and outline how to perform Umrah and Hajj.

Complete the Hajj and Umrah for Allah [2:196]

Masjid al Haram

The Grand Mosque in Makkah, the Masjid al Haram or Haram Sharif is the largest in the world. It has undergone several expansions, currently covering an area of around 400,000 sqm and able to hold 4 million worshippers. It has 210 gates and 3 levels plus a basement level.

The Masjid al Haram contains the Ka’bah, the Maqam Ibrahim and the well of Zamzam.

The Ka’bah

The Ka’bah is the House of Allah SWT built by Prophet Ibrahim AS and his son Ishmael AS. It is around 4000 years old and was the first House of Worship of Allah SWT to be established on this earth.

Originally the Ka’bah was a rectangular shaped building made of stone blocks. The Quraish tribe rebuilt the Ka’bah but did not have enough halal funds to complete all the walls. The northern wall was therefore shortened to make it square shaped. The northern foundation was represented by a semicircular wall called the hatim. Praying between this and the Ka’bah is as if one is praying within the Ka’bah.

And remember when We assigned to Ibrahim the site of the House {saying}, “Do not associate anything with Me and purify My House for those who circle it, stand in prayer and bow and prostrate themselves. Call people to the pilgrimage [22:26-27]

The Ka’bah also occupies the vertical space in the heavens directly above it. There is a heavenly Ka’bah in each of the seven heavens, the highest most one called the Bayt al Ma’mur, The Frequented House. This is where Prophet Muhammad ﷺ saw Prophet Ibrahim sitting, on his Night Journey. Every day 70,000 angels perform tawaf around it, never to return, being replaced with a new cohort of angels. The House in the lowest heaven is called Bayt al Izzah, The House of Might.

Then I was shown the Bayt al Ma’mur. I asked Jibril about it and he said, “This is the Bayt al Ma’mur where 70 000 angels enter it daily [for ibadah] and when they leave they never return to it” [Bukhari]

Black Stone

Originally the Ka’bah was a rectangular shaped building made of stone blocks. Each corner points to the four compass points. The Southern corner is called the Yemeni corner, the Western the Syrian corner and the Northern the Iraqi corner. The eastern corner of the Ka’bah contains the Black Stone (Hajar e Aswad) which according to Islamic tradition is a stone that fell from Jannah, showing Adam AS and Hawa where to place an altar of worship.

The Black Stone descended from Paradise and it was whiter than milk, then it was blackened by the sins of the children of Adam [Tirmidhi]

Jibril AS gave the Black Stone to Ibrahim AS to place in the corner foundation of the Ka’bah. It is placed in the corner nearest the Ka’bah door. Over the years it became fragmented and is now highly polished due to pilgrims touching and kissing it, as was the practice of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. It is now housed within a sliver casing, in the corner of the Ka’bah.

Maqam Ibrahim

This is the Station of Ibrahim. It is a rock which has the foot imprints of Prophet Ibrahim AS and is encased in a golden chamber. The rock was used to stand on to build the higher levels of the Ka’bah walls, with Prophet Ishmael AS standing on the shoulders of Prophet Ibrahim AS, for the topmost levels.

Pilgrims pray two rakat nafl behind the Maqam Ibrahim, or if too busy, elsewhere in the Masjid.

And remember when We made the Sacred House a centre and a sanctuary for the people {saying} {“You may} take the standing place of Ibrahim as a site of prayer” [2:125]

Mounts Safa and Marwah

These are the remains of two mounts close to the Ka’bah within the Masjid al Haram complex. They are separated from each other by approximately 450m.

Prophet Ibrahim AS was commanded by Allah SWT to leave his wife Hajar and baby son Ishmael AS in the valley of Bakkah, at that time uncultivated and unsettled. Hajar was initially concerned about her situation but once she knew this was a commandment from Allah SWT, she had no doubt He would protect them and provide for their needs.

Once her supplies had ran out, she climbed Mount Safa to look across the valley for anyone who may be able to help. Finding nobody, she made her way to the top of Mount Marwah, running in the valley between the two Mounts. She did this 7 times, having faith in Allah SWT that He would assist her in her predicament.

She then heard a voice and returned to her son where she saw Jibril AS standing, sent by Allah SWT. He struck the ground with the tip of his wing, or with his heel, miraculously bringing forth water at the foot of Ishmael AS. This was flowing so much that Hajar called out “zome, zome!” meaning “stop!” Thus the well of Zamzam was created.

Soon after, some people came to the well, guided by birds who were known to congregate at water sources. They asked Hajar’s permission to drink from the water and subsequently settled in the valley. Thus the new source of water in a previously barren land, led to the development of the city of Makkah.

The Well of Zamzam

The well of Zamzam is a few metres from the Black Stone on the lower ground level. It is 31 metres deep and has been flowing continuously for around 4000 years. Water flows at around 11-18 litres per second, providing hundreds of thousands of litres for pilgrims daily.

It is blessed water, with healing properties. The water is pure and full of minerals. It contains no pathogens and can reduce blood lipids and uric level [Am J Blood Res. 2020; 10(6): 386–396]. Pilgrims can fill up on the water which can provide sustenance, without the need for food. It is Sunnah to take ones fill of it.

The best water on the face of the earth is Zamzam water. In it is food for nourishment and healing for illness [Al-Mujam al-Kabir]

Rituals of Pilgrimage

The rituals common to both Umrah and Hajj are Ihram, Tawaf, Sa’ee and Halq/Taqsir. There are a few specific rituals unique to Hajj, namely Rami al Jamarat and Qurbani. Throughout Umrah and Hajj, pilgrims recite praises and zikr of Allah SWT.

Recitations

Talbiyah

The Talbiyah is the anthem of the pilgrimage. It is recited hundreds of times, with love, passion and sincerity. Males will recite loudly, females quietly. It is spiritually uplifting and engenders a deep and meaningful connection with Allah SWT. Take time to learn and reflect upon its meanings.

Explanation

LABBAYK ALLAHUMMA LABBAYK: I have come to You Allah SWT, I have left my home to be with You. I am at Your service. I submit to You and obey You. This is the pilgrims response to the call of Allah SWT: Call all people to the pilgrimage. They will come to you on foot and on every lean camel from every distant path [22:27].

LABBAYK LA SHARIKA LAKA LABBAYK: Affirmation that Allah SWT is Unique, the only One, with no partner or association. Our love and worship is for Him alone.

INNAL HAMDA: All praise and thanks belongs to Allah SWT. He is the Most Praiseworthy. All His attributes require our praise and our thanks. We praise Him for His creation and thank Him for everything we have in this world.

WA NI’AMATAH: All our blessings are from Allah SWT. Our health, wealth, family, religion, career, abilities, being called by Him to perform Umrah and Hajj and so forth.

LAKA WAL MULK: To Allah SWT belongs the dominion, the world, the heavens, the stars, all of creation. He is the Sovereign of all creation with complete control and power over everything.

LA SHARIKA LAK: There is none other than Allah SWT. He is the only One we turn to for all our needs. There is none comparable to Him.

When any Muslim utters talbiyah, everything – every stone or every tree or every pebble – on his right side and on his left side responds with a (similar) talbiyah, until the whole earth resounds with it [Ibn Majah]

Zikr

The best zikr to recite, especially on the Day of Arafat is:

LA ILAHA ILLALLAHU WAHDAHU LA SHARIKA LAHU LAHUL MULKU WA LAHUL HAMDU WA HUWA ALA KULLI SHAY IN QADEER

There is none worthy to be worshipped except Allah. He is the Only One, having no partners, to Him belongs Dominion and to Him belong all the Praises, and He is able to do all things (Omnipotent)

Takbir al Tashreek

Obligatory to recite after every fard salah from Fajr on 9th Dhul Hijjah (Day of Arafat) until and including Asr on 13th Dhul Hijjah:

Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar. La Ilaha Ilallah

Allah is the greatest, Allah is the greatest. There is no deity besides Allah

allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Wa LillaH hil Hamd

Allah is the greatest, Allah is the greatest and all praises are for Allah only

Ihram

Miqat

Pilgrims are required to enter the state of Ihram, prior to approaching Makkah. This is a state of sanctity and dedication to Allah SWT. It requires one be purified and prepare themselves mentally, knowing they will be entering the Masjid al Haram, the holiest site in Islam.

There are several sites on the approach to Makkah designated as miqat, which are stations for which to enter ihram. One needs to enter ihram at these sites or even before, for example some pilgrims enter ihram prior to leaving their home country if travelling by airplane.

If a pilgrim is already in Makkah and having completed an Umrah wishes to perform another, they must go outside the border of the Haram to enter Ihram and re-enter Makkah. The Haram border extends between 8-16 km around the Ka’bah.

Procedure

To enter Ihram, one performs ghusl (full body bath/shower) having cut ones nails and removed armpit and pubic hair.

The pilgrim dresses in simple clothing comprising two sheets of unstitched cloth. Women can wear any colour of clothing as long as it covers the body and hair, with hands and face exposed.

Men wear two sheets of white cloth, one wrapped around the waist and the other draped over the shoulders and torso. During certain rituals, the top sheet covers the left shoulder leaving the right shoulder bare. This is called Idtiba. The head is not covered, but one can use an umbrella for shade.

The clothing worn by pilgrims symbolises detachment from worldly materialism and enforces that everyone is equal in the sight of Allah SWT. There is no distinction between race or according to ones wealth.

Restrictions

There are several restrictions whilst in the state of Ihram. The pilgrim must not:

• Fight or quarrel with others.
• Use offensive language.
• Wear perfume or use scented shampoos, lotions and so forth.
• Remove any hair or cut nails.
• Engage in any sexual activity.
• Kill or hunt any animals.
• Cover ones head if male.
• Cover ones face if female.

Intention

The pilgrim then prays two rakat nafl. It is recommended to recite Surah al Kafirun in the first rakah and Surah al Ikhlas in the second. One then makes their intention to perform Umrah or Hajj by reciting:

ALLAHUMMA INNI URIDUL UMRATA/HAJJA

O Allah! Indeed I intend the Umrah/Hajj

FAYASSIRHA LI WA TAQABBALHA MINNI

So make it easy for me and accept it from me

Tawaf

Intention

On arrival to the Haram Sharif, pilgrims make their way to the Ka’bah in the centre of the masjid. On first seeing the Ka’bah, one makes dua thanking Allah SWT for calling them to His House, asking for forgiveness and then asking for whatever they desire. Men then adjust their Ihram to bare their right shoulder. Intention for Tawaf is then made:

ALLAHUMMA INNI URIDU TAWAFA BAITIKA FAYASSIRHU LI WA TAQABBUALHU MINNI SAB’ATA ASHWATIN LILLAH TA’ALA

O Allah! Indeed I intend the Tawaf of Your House so make it easy for me and accept it from me as seven circuits for Allah, Exalted be He

Method

The Tawaf commences at the corner of the Black Stone. If possible, one should touch or kiss the stone, but this is usually not possible due to numbers of pilgrims. Instead, the pilgrim raises their hand to the ears, palms pointing towards the Black Stone and says:

This action is repeated at the same spot after each round. For the first three rounds, men should try to walk quickly around the Ka’bah, pushing the chest forward whilst moving the shoulders. This is Sunnah and called Raml. It is a reenactment of the actions of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and his companions, performed as a show of strength to the Makkan pagans. The remaining four rounds are at a leisurely pace.

Between the Yemeni corner and the Black Stone one should recite:

RABBANAA AATINA FID DUNYAA HASANATAN WA FIL AAKHIRATI HASANATAN WA QINAA AZAABAN NAAR

Our Lord, give us in this world [that which is] good and in the Hereafter [that which is] good and protect us from the punishment of the Fire

During the Tawaf, one should face forwards, not looking at the Ka’bah and concentrate on their duas. The tawaf is performed around the hatim due to this being the original northern wall foundation. As the Kiswah and the Maqam Ibrahim are scented, pilgrims should not touch these otherwise the state of ihram will be broken.

120 mercies descend daily upon the House of Allah, 60 of which are for those who are performing Tawaf, 40 for those performing salah and 20 for those who gaze at the House of Allah [Tabarini]

Significance of tawaf

Another interpretation is that revolving around a central point is a universal law. The celestial bodies are in orbit around one another. The moon around the earth, the earth around the sun, the sun around the galaxy and so forth. On an atomic scale, electrons revolve around the nucleus. Every system is in obedience to Allah SWT. Pilgrims thus also participate in this subservience to their Lord, by circumambulating around the Ka’bah, the spiritual centre of the world.

And He is the One Who created the day and the night, the sun and the moon – each travelling in an orbit [21:33]

After tawaf

• Nafl. Following Tawaf, 2 rakats nafl are prayed in the vicinity of the Maqam Ibrahim if possible, otherwise elsewhere in the Masjid. Again, recite Surah al Kafirun in the first rakah and Surah al Ikhlas in the second. On approaching the Maqam Ibrahim, or wherever one prays their nafl, recite:

WA TAKHIDU MIM MAQAM IBRAHIMA MUSALLA

And take the standing place (Maqam) of Ibrahim as a place of prayer [2:125]

• Dua. After the nafl, one can make heartfelt dua between the Black Stone and the Ka’bah door, known as the Multazem. This is a short 2 metre segment of the Ka’bah wall. Narrations from the Sahabah, the companions of the Prophet ﷺ, state that the Multazam is the place where dua is accepted.

• Zamzam. Finally, one should drink as much Zamzam water as possible, whilst looking towards the Ka’bah. Say BISMILLAH with each sip and when finished recite the dua of the Prophet ﷺ:

ALLAHUMMA INNI ASALUKA ILMAN NAFIAA WA RIZQAN WASIAA WA SHIFA’AM MIN KULLI DAA

O Allah, I seek beneficial knowledge, wide sustenance and cure from all ailments from You

Whoever circles the Ka’bah seven times and prays two rakats will have a reward as if he has freed a slave. A man does not raise his foot and bring it back down except that ten good deeds will be written for him, ten bad deeds will be erased, and he will be raised by ten degrees [Ibn Majah]

Types of tawaf

• Tawaf al-Umrah. Obligatory upon those performing Umrah outside of the Hajj season and upon those who have the intention of performing Hajj al-Tamattu.

• Tawaf al-Qudum (Tawaf of Arrival). The initial tawaf on entering Makkah performed by those intending to perform Hajj al Qiran or Hajj al Ifrad and arriving from beyond the miqat boundaries. Also referred to as Tawaf al-Tahiyyah (Tawaf of Greeting), it is similar to the two nafl prayed on entering any masjid.

• Tawaf al-Ziyarah (Tawaf of Visitation). This is carried out by all Hajj pilgrims on the 10th Dhul Hijjah . It is performed on visiting the Kaaba after leaving Mina. It is also called Tawaf al-Ifadah (Tawaf of Pouring Forth) because pilgrims pour forth into Makkah from Mina.

• Tawaf al-Wada (the Farewell Tawaf). This is the final rite performed by Hajj pilgrims just before leaving Makkah, after completing the Hajj. 

• Tawaf al-Nafl. This is a voluntary Tawaf that may be performed anytime and as often as desired.

Sa’ae

Method

This ritual is performed immediately after the Tawaf performed for Umrah or Hajj. It is not obligatory after a nafl Tawaf. Sa’ee means to walk and to strive or pursue. It comprises of walking between the two Mounts, Safa and Marwah.

The pilgrim starts at Mount Safa where their intention is made. They walk 7 times between the Mounts, finishing at Mount Marwah. For men, there is a short 50 metre section near to Mount Safa where it is Sunnah to run at medium pace, signifying when Hajar ran within the valley. A dua is read on reaching each Mount. Once completed, the pilgrim reads two nafl.

There is no specific dua to make whilst walking. One can recite duas and zikr of Allah SWT, read darood sharif or simply reflect on the significance of this ritual or the pilgrimage in general.

Intention

On the approach to Mount Safa, the pilgrim recites:

INNAS SAFA WAL MARWATA MIN SHA’A IRILLAH

Indeed, Safa and Marwah are from the symbols of Allah [2:158]

ABDU’A BIMA BADA ALLAHU BIH

I begin with what Allah began with [Muslim]

Once at Mount Safa, face towards the Ka’bah and recite the intention:

ALLAHUMMA INNI URIDUS SAYA BAINAS SAYA WAL MARWATI FAYASSIRHU LI WA TA TAQABBUALHU MINNI SAB’ATA ASHWATIN LILLAH TA’ALA AZZA WA JALL

O Allah! Indeed I intend the Sa’ee between Safa and Marwah so make it easy for me and accept it from me as seven circuits for Allah, Exalted be He, Might and Majestic be He

Dua

On reaching each Mount, turn towards the Ka’bah and recite the following dua:

LA ILAHA ILL ALLAH, ALLAHU AKBAR

There is no God but Allah, Allah is the Greatest

LA ILAHA ILLALLAHU WAHDAHU LA SHARIKA LAHU LAHUL MULKU WA LAHUL HAMDU WA HUWA ALA KULLI SHAY IN QADEER

There is none worthy to be worshipped except Allah. He is the Only One, having no partners, to Him belongs Dominion and to Him belong all the Praises, and He is able to do all things (Omnipotent)

Significance

The Sa’ae commemorates the complete trust Hajar had in Allah SWT. She knew that He would be sufficient for her needs, despite the dire situation she was in. Such was her faith, that her actions became part of the pilgrimage rituals. The Sa’ee represents the struggle and striving we each face in our lives, reinforcing our need to have complete tawakkul (trust) in Allah SWT no matter our hardships.

Al Ghazali also links this ritual to the scales of good and bad deeds on the Day of Judgement. Our lives contain a mixture of good and bad deeds. Racing between these two Mounts represents our struggle to ensure our good deeds outweigh our bad.

Indeed, Safa and Marwah are among the symbols of Allah. So whoever performs Hajj or Umrah let them walk between the two mounts. And whoever does good willingly, Allah is truly Appreciative, All Knowing [2:158]

Halq and Taqsir

Once a pilgrim has performed Umrah or Hajj, they are required to shave (Halq) or trim (Taqsir) the hair from their head. This is necessary to exit the state of Ihram. If performing Hajj, once this is done all ihram restrictions except marital relations are lifted.

Method

Men can do either, although to shave ones head is Sunnah and greater reward. A minimum of a fingertip’s length of hair needs to be cut all over. If a man is bald, simply running a razor over the head will suffice. Women cut off a fingertip length of hair. They are forbidden to shave their hair completely.

Pilgrims can cut their own or each other hair, or attend a barber. One faces towards the Ka’bah. The right side of the head is shaved or cut first, followed by the left side. If shaving, this has to be complete.

Significance

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ had a dream where he performed Tawaf and saw some of his companions with shaved heads and others with hair shortened.

Shaving ones hair signifies the abandonment of vanity and attachment to ones appearance. This ritual allows one to detach from the materialism of the world and strive to attain a strong spiritual connection with Allah SWT.

Indeed, Allah will fulfil His Messenger’s vision in all truth. Allah willing, you will surely enter the Sacred Mosque, in security – some with heads shaved and others with hair shortened – without fear [48:27]

Rami al Jamarat

This is the ritual of stoning of the devil, at the three sites he appeared to Prophet Ibrahim AS. Initially built as three pillars, they are now large walls with a basin around them to make it easier to throw pebbles and avoid injuring other pilgrims.

The three Jamarat are:

• Jamarah al Aqaba or al Kubra (the big pillar).
• Jamarah al Wusta (the medium or middle pillar).
• Jamarah al Ula or al Sugra (the small pillar).

Method

The pilgrim approaches the three Jamarat, starting with the smallest one. They throw seven pebbles, one at a time towards the pillars and basin. With each throw they recite ALLAHU AKBAR, Allah is Great. Once the first pebble has reached its target, they can stop reciting Talbiyah.

After the pelting the small and middle Jamarat, they move away from the crowd, face Makkah and make a dua. After pelting the final and largest Jamarat, they move on without making dua.

On the Day of Nahr, it is Sunnah to complete stoning after Fajr salah until midday. On other days, it is Sunnah to perform the stoning after Zohr salah and before the Maghrib salah. Excluding the Day of Nahr, one cannot begin stoning before midday. However it is permissible to perform Rami outside of these times if required, especially for women, the sick and the elderly.

Significance

The shaytan was trying to dissuade Ibrahim AS from following Allah SWT’s command to sacrifice his son Ishmael AS. Ibrahim AS was told by Jibril AS to pelt the shaytan with pebbles seven times, each time driving him away.

This ritual does not represent a physical pelting of the shaytan, rather is symbolic of the worldly evils that seek to tempt us away from righteousness. It reminds us that the believer should be prepared to struggle against temptation when striving to attain the pleasure of Allah SWT.

Hady

Method

The ritual of animal sacrifice (Hady) is obligatory for those performing Hajj al Tamattu and Hajj al Qiran and Sunnah for those performing Hajj al Ifrad. It is performed on the 10th Dhul Hijjah, the Day of Nahr. This is the Day of Sacrifice, Eid ul Adha, the greatest day in the Islamic year. The latest day to perform Hady is 12th Dhul Hijjah.

The sacrificial animals include sheep, goats, cows, bulls and camels. The animals should be healthy and treated well. The pilgrim can either sacrifice the animal themselves or arrange for it to be done by someone else. Pilgrims usually receive a text message to inform them that their sacrifice has been done.

If one sacrifices the animal themselves, the animal is placed on their left side and a sharp knife is used to ensure a quick and painless death.

If one cannot afford a sacrifice, they are required to fast for 10 days. Three days during Hajj (ideally before 8th Dhul Hijjah) and seven days on their return home [2:196].

Dua

The following dua should be recited before the sacrifice:

Inni wajjahtu wajhiya lillazi fataras samawati wal arda haneefaw wama ana minal mushrikeen

Indeed, I have turned my face toward He who created the heavens and the earth, inclining toward truth, and I am not of those who associate others with Allah [6:79]

Inna salati wanusuki wa mahyaya wa mamati lillahi rabbil alameen

Indeed, my prayer, my rites of sacrifice, my living and my dying are for Allah, Lord of the worlds. No partner has He [6:162]

La shareekalah wa bizalika umirtu wa ana awwalul muslimeen

And this I have been commanded, and I am the first [among you] of the Muslims [6:163]

During the sacrifice, recite:

Bismillahi Wallahu Akbar

In the name of Allah, Allah is the greatest.

After the sacrifice, recite:

Bismillah, Allahumma Taqabbal min Muhammadin wa Al’I Muhammadin wa min Ummati Muhammadin

In the name of Allah, “O Allah, accept [this sacrifice] on behalf of Muhammad ﷺ and the family of Muhammad ﷺ and the Ummah of Muhammad ﷺ

Significance

This ritual commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim AS to sacrifice his son Ishmael AS. By doing so he relinquished any sense of his own desires and obeyed the command of Allah SWT. By showing his unwavering submission to Allah SWT, a heavenly ram was sent down to take the place of Ishmael AS.

There is no activity more beloved to Allah SWT on this day than the sacrifice of an animal. It is performed as an act of piety, to give gratitude to Allah SWT for all His blessings, including for being able to perform the Hajj and for the animals provided for our use.

A share of the meat should be distributed to the poor, a share to relatives and a share for the person offering the sacrifice. In practice, the meat is only distributed to the poor. For many people in the world, Eid al Adha is one of the few times they are able to enjoy the blessing of meat.

It is neither their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah: it is your piety that reaches Him [22:37]

How to Perform Umrah

• Assume Ihram at an appropriate miqat prior to entering Makkah.
• Pray two nafl and make intention for Umrah.
• Recite Talbiyah until one enters Masjid al Haram.
• On seeing the Ka’bah, make dua.
• Adjust ones Ihram if necessary to assume Idtiba.
• Make intention for and complete Tawaf al Umrah.
• Pray two nafl at Maqam Ibrahim, or nearby.
• Make sincere heartfelt dua at Multazem.
• Drink plenty of Zamzam.
• Make intention for and complete Sa’ee.
• Pray two nafl.
• Observe Halq or Taqsir.
• COMPLETION OF UMRAH

How to Perform Hajj

Overview

Performance of Hajj includes the rituals performed during Umrah with some variation in the order of events according to the type of Hajj intended. Importantly, all Hajj pilgrims must spend 8th-12th Dhull Hijjah outside of Makkah in the plains of Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifah. Here, they offer prayers and perform rituals specific to Hajj.

In Mina, there are thousands of tents for pilgrims. In Muzdalifah, pilgrims spend the night in the open air. Travelling between the sites can be done by coaches, trains or walking. Due to traffic, it is often quicker to walk, although more strenuous. Distances for walking will vary depending on where ones tents are situated. Approximate distances are:

• Makkah – Mina: 11 km, 2.5 hr walk.
• Mina – Arafat: 15 km, 3 hr walk.
• Arafat – Muzdalifah: 12 km, 2.5 hr walk.
• Muzdalifah – Mina: 6.5 km, 1.3 hr walk.
• Mina – Jamarat: 3.5 km, 1 hr walk.
• Jamarat – Makkah: 5 km, 1.3 hr walk.

Day of Arafat

Hajj is Arafat [Tirmidhi]

The Day of Arafat is the most important. Known as the Day of Standing, pilgrims spend the day in prayer (wuquf), asking for forgiveness from Allah SWT for their sins. Recital of Talbiyah throughout the Hajj is recommended along with zikr.

Day of Nahr

This is the The Day of Sacrifice, the busiest day for the pilgrim. They are required to perform several rituals: Rami al Jamarat, Hady, Halq/Taqsir, Tawaf al Ziyarah and Sa’ee.

Essential Acts

• Enter Ihram.
• Day of Arafat.
• Tawaf al Ziyarah.

Omission of any of these invalidates the Hajj.

Obligatory acts

• Staying at Muzdalifah.
• Performing Sa’ee.
• Rami al Jamarat.
• Hady.
• Halq/Taqsir.
• Tawaf al Wada.

Penalties

Breaking the rules of Ihram, omission of any of the obligatory acts or making mistakes in the performance of rituals requires the pilgrim to pay a penalty. Penalties apply for each act of omission.

Penalties are usually in the form of an animal sacrifice. Either a small animal (goat or sheep, referred to as Damm) or a large animal (cow, bull or camel, referred to as Badanah) must be sacrificed according to the degree of transgression.

Other penalties include giving sadaqah (charity), the amount of which ais according to the degree of transgression. If one cannot afford to offer the Hady, they must fast for 10 days.

Types of Hajj

Hajj al Tamattu

The commonest type, usually performed by pilgrims coming from overseas. Combined Umrah and Hajj. The pilgrim assumes Ihram in their home country or at a miqat en route to Makkah, making intention to perform Umrah. They perform Tawaf al Umrah, Sa’ee and Halq/Taqsir.

Once Umrah is complete, Ihram can be removed and reassumed at the time of Hajj. Therefore the pilgrim must perform Halq/Taqsir twice.

Hajj al Qiran

Combination of Umrah and Hajj with one Ihram. The pilgrim performs Tawaf al Qadum usually on or before 8th Dhul Hijjah, latest by morning of 9th Dhul Hijjah. They remain in Ihram until Hajj is completed. They may perform Sa’ee after Tawaf al Qadum however performing this after Tawaf al Ziyarah is recommended.

Hajj al Ifrad

Performance of Hajj without Umrah. Usually performed by those living within Makkah and its boundaries. It is differentiated form Hajj al Qiran only by the intention and the fact that Hady is not obligatory.

Sequence of Events

Day 1

8th Dhul Hijjah. Yawm al-Tarwiyah (Day of Quenching Thirst).

• Pilgrims pray two rakat nafl before Fajr salah.
• Enter into Ihram and make intention for Hajj.
• Pray Fajr salah in Masjid al Haram.
• Perform Tawaf al Qadam if appropriate (for Hajj al Qiran and Ifrad).
• Leave for Mina, to arrive before Zohr salah, reciting Talbiyah.
• Spend day in Mina. Shorten Zohr, Asr and Isha salah to two fard.
• DAY 1 COMPLETE.

Day 2

9th Dhul Hijja. The Day of Arafat (Day of Standing).

• Pray Fajr salah in Mina.
• After the fard, and after each fard salah until and including Asr salah on 13th Dhul Hijjah, recite Takbir al Tashreek.
• Perform Ghusl at Mina (or Arafat).
• Leave for Arafat after sunrise to arrive before Zohr salah, reciting Talbiyah.
• The wuquf starts at midday. If arriving before this time, there is opportunity to rest or make ghusl.
• After midday, head to Masjid al Namirah to listen to the Imam giving the Khutbah (sermon).
• Pray a combined Zohr and Asr salah behind the Imam.
  • One adhan.
  • Iqamah for Zohr; pray two fard.
  • After salah, recite Takbir al Tashreeq whilst standing.
  • Iqamah for Asr; pray two fard.
  • After salah, recite Takbir al Tashreeq and Talbiyah.
  • No additional nafl prayed.
• Spend the rest of day until sunset reciting Talbiyah, reading Quran and making dua and zikr sincerely.
• In the late afternoon, perform wuquf by standing and making dua with hands raised, facing the Ka’bah. It is Sunnah to do this at the Jabal al Rahmah (Mount of Mercy). This is a time when duas are accepted. Make heartfelt dua in abundance for yourself, family, the Prophet ﷺ , the deceased and the Ummah.
• After sunset make way to Muzdulifah reciting Talbiyah and pray a combined Maghrib and Isha salah.
  • One adhan. Two Iqamah’s. 3 rakat fard Maghrib and 2 rakat fard Isha, then witr.
• After salah, or early the following morning, pick up small pebbles for the Rami al Jamarat. Minimum 49 required for next three days. Additional 21 pebbles needed if staying an extra day at Mina, plus a few extra ones for safe measure.
• Spend the night in Muzdulifah making dua and zikr to Allah SWT, facing the Kab’ah, and also get some rest.
• DAY 2 COMPLETE.

Notes:

1. Attendance at Arafat is essential, even just for a few moments.
2. One cannot leave Arafat until after sunset.

Day 3

10th Dhul Hijjah. The Day of Nahr (Day of Sacrifice). Eid al Adha.

• Pray Fajr salah, then continue wuquf with Talbiyah, Takbir and dua until there is widespread light.
• Leave for Mina just before sunrise.
• Perform Rami al Jamarat on the big pillar only. Sunnah to perform before midday.
• Return to Mina tent to await confirmation that ones Hady has been performed.
• After confirmation, perform Halq or Taqsir.
• The pilgrim may now exit Ihram. All restrictions except marital relations are removed. Perform ghusl (Sunnah).
• Then proceed to Masjid al Haram to perform Tawaf al Ziyarah, pray two rakat nafl at and perform Sa’ee (if applicable). Once completed all Ihram restrictions are removed.
• Return to Mina.
• DAY 3 COMPLETE.

Notes:

1. It is permissible to perform Tawaf al Ziyarah and Sa’ee before confirmation of Hady, but not Sunnah. If this is done, Halq/Taqsir cannot be performed until Hady is confirmed. Ihram will still be worn.
2. These rituals are recommended to be done on 10th Dhul Hijjah, but may be done anytime until sunset on 12th Dhul Hijjah.
3. No specific intention is required for Tawaf al Ziyarah or Sa’ee, as the intention for Hajj covers these.

Day 4

11th Dhul Hijjah. The three days after The Day of Nahr are known as Ayyam al-Tashreeq (the Days of Drying Meat).

• Stay in Mina until midday.
• Perform Rami al Jamarat -all three pillars. Preferred to complete by sunset but permissible until before Fajr next day.
• Start with small pillar, then middle, then big pillar.
• Complete any outstanding rituals if applicable.
• DAY 4 COMPLETE.

Day 5

12th Dhul Hijjah.

• Stay in Mina until midday.
• Perform Rami al Jamarat -all three pillars. Preferred to complete by sunset but permissible until before Fajr next day.
• Start with small pillar, then middle, then big pillar.
• Complete any outstanding rituals if applicable.
• If staying an additional day in Mina, return to camp.
• If Rami al Jamarat has been completed before sunset, pilgrims may return to Makkah.
• Complete Tawaf al Wada.
• HAJJ COMPLETE.

Notes:

1. Tawaf al Wada is the farewell Tawaf for leaving Makkah. If the pilgrim is staying a few days beyond the end of Hajj, they may perform this later prior to leaving. Any Tawaf performed after Tawaf al Ziyarah is considered Tawaf al Wada.

Day 6 – Optional

13th Dhull Hijjah.

• Optional (Sunnah) to stay in Mina and perform another Rami al Jamarat.
• If a pilgrim did not complete the Rami al Jamarat by sunset on 12th Dhul Hijjah, they must stay another day in Mina. (They still need to complete this ritual for the 12th Dhull Hijjah).
• Once completed, head to Makkah to perform Tawaf al Wada.
• HAJJ COMPLETE.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rvt2gcGDU30