What Hajj is

Hajj is an act of worship that Allah made a duty for people who are able to make the journey to the House, as mentioned in Quran 3:97. Being able means having enough health, enough money for the trip and for the family left at home, and a safe way to travel.

If you are not able yet, the duty does not apply to you yet. A qualified local scholar can help you with your own situation.

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said that an accepted Hajj has no reward less than Paradise (Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim). He also said that whoever performs Hajj and avoids bad speech and wrongdoing returns as clean as the day his mother gave birth to him.

The pillars of Hajj

Most scholars count four pillars. If a pillar is missed, the Hajj is not complete. Schools differ a little in how they count and classify these rites, so a scholar or a Hajj guide can explain the details.

  • Ihram: the intention to begin Hajj and to enter the sacred state, with its rules.
  • Standing at Arafah on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said that Hajj is Arafah (Jami at-Tirmidhi).
  • Tawaf al-ifadah: seven rounds around the Kaaba after Arafah.
  • Sa'i: seven trips between the hills of Safa and Marwa.

The 8th and 9th of Dhul Hijjah

On the 8th, pilgrims go to Mina. They pray there, rest, and spend the day and night in worship.

On the 9th, pilgrims go to Arafah. They stay there making dua (supplication), dhikr (remembrance of Allah) and reciting the Quran until sunset. This is the most important day of Hajj.

After sunset they travel to Muzdalifah. There they pray Maghrib and Isha together, rest for the night, and make dua.

The 10th: the day of many rites

The 10th is the busiest day. Pilgrims usually do these rites in this order, although the Sunnah allows some flexibility:

  • Stone Jamrat al-Aqabah, the large pillar in Mina, with seven small pebbles.
  • Offer the sacrifice, which is required for those doing Hajj tamattu or qiran.
  • Shave the head or trim the hair. Men may do either, and shaving is better. Women trim a small part of their hair.
  • Go to Makkah for tawaf al-ifadah and sa'i, if sa'i has not been done already.

The 11th to the 13th and the farewell

On the 11th and 12th, pilgrims stone all three Jamarat in Mina, with seven pebbles for each, and stay the nights there. Allah says there is no sin in leaving after two days, and no sin in staying longer (Quran 2:203). Those who stay until the 13th also stone on that day.

Before leaving Makkah, pilgrims make the farewell tawaf. Most scholars say it is obligatory, with an excuse for a woman in her monthly period.

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ told people to learn their rites from him. Learn the steps before you travel, and follow your group scholar.

General information for learning, not a fatwa. For your own situation, ask a qualified scholar.

Sources

  • Quran 3:97
  • Quran 2:196-203
  • Sahih Muslim (Book of Hajj)
  • Sahih al-Bukhari (Book of Hajj)
  • Jami at-Tirmidhi (Book of Hajj)