Step by Step Guide to Hajj


Prelude

Before the 8th of Thul-Hijjah, the pilgrim pronounces the Niyyah to perform Umrah while approaching the Miqat. A second Niyyah for the actual Hajj is pronounced at a later period. There are several rites to properly complete the Hajj.

The rites of Hajj are as follows in order:

• Tawaf al-Qudum

• Followed by two rak'ah of salat al-Sunnah,

• Part-taking of the water of Zam-Zam,

• And Sa'ee

• Halq or Taqsir. Shaving some hair,

• Showering

• And changing into everyday clothes.

These steps complete the Umrah portion. All restrictions of the Ihram are temporarily lifted. The pilgrim waits until the 8th of Thul-Hijjah to start the rites of Hajj.

On the 8th of Thul-Hijjah, the pilgrim pronounces a new niyyah at the place to perform Hajj. There is no need to go to Miqat for this. The pilgrim changes into Ihram in the prescribed manner and proceeds to Mina soon after the Fajr Prayers.

The pilgrim stays in Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah to perform the prescribed rites.
A sacrifice is required for Hajj al-Tamattu.

Proclaiming the Niyyah for Hajj
All acts of worship are preceded by an appropriate proclamation of Niyyah.

Niyyah for Umrah:
O Allah! I intend to perform Umrah. Make it easy for me and accept it from me. I make the niyyah for Umrah and enter into the state of Ihram for the sake of Allah alone, the Most High.

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.

Niyyah for Tawaf:
O Allah! I intend to perform Tawaf of Your Sacred House. Make it easy for me and accept from me the seven ashwat for Your sake, Allah, the Most High

Niyyah for Saee:
O Allah! I intend to perform Saee of seven ashwat between Safa and Marwah for Your pleasure alone. Make it easy for me and accept it from me.

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.

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.

The Miqat boundary is anchored by different townships and locations in different directions around the Kaabah. They are as follows:

• Thul-Halaifa in the North,

• Yalamlam in the South-East,

• al- Juhfah in the North-West,

• That ' Irq in the North-East

• Qarn al-Manazil in the East

For people living inside the Miqat area permanently, their place of residence is their Miqat.

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.

During Tawaf (circumambulating), the pilgrim cannot enter the Kaaba nor stop anywhere around it. He/she must enter into and disappear from the crowd, getting drawn into the roaring river of people who are circumambulating. This is the collective invitation to whoever wants to come to this house. Everyone is dressed in one color and pattern. There is no distinction nor personal promotion; true totality and universality is demonstrated.

Performing Sa'ee
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.

Safa:
A small knoll approximately 200 yards from the Ka'bah inside the Masjid Al-Haram

Marwa:
A small knoll (i.e., hillock) located approximately one hundred and fifty yards from the Ka'bah.

Going to Mina
The Pilgrim goes to Mina on the 8th of Thul-Hijjah anytime after Fajr prayer but before Zuhr.

Mina is a desert location approximately three miles from Makkah where several Hajj rites are performed.

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

Staying Overnight in Mina
The pilgrim must stay overnight in Mina, pray Fajr Prayer and leave after Sunrise of the 9th of Thul-Hijjah

Prayer Upon Departing From Mina:

O Allah! To Thee I turn praying to Approach Thy Bounteous Countenance. Let my sins be forgiven and Hajj be acceptable, and have Mercy on me. Allow me not to be disappointed, for Thou hast Power over all things.

Going to 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.

Prayer Upon Entering Arafah

O Allah! Forgive me and help me in my repentance and grant me all that I beseech of Thee; and whenever I turn, let me see goodness. Allah be praised! All Praise is due to Allah! And there is no deity except Allah! And Allah is Most Great.


Praying in Arafah
After settling down in the tent, the pilgrim must offer the Zuhur and Asr prayers in qasr (shortened) and 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.

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 prayer, 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.

Standing in Arafah

In the late afternoon just before sunset, the pilgrims may stand outside the tent facing the Qiblah, and raise their hands in supplication 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. Praying in any language and in any manner is acceptable.

Leaving to Muzdalifah
After sunset, the pilgrim departs for Muzdalifah quietly, always reciting the Talbiyah and other prayers.

Muzdalifah is a desert location approximately midway between Mina and Arafat. 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.

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.
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.

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.

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.

Going to Mina
Due to the large crowd going to Mina, the pilgrim must remain calm, avoid pushing people, and be respectful to others.

Weak and sick people can appoint others to throw stones on behalf of them.

Throwing Pebbles
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.

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.

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/cut 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.

Slaughtering, cutting hair, and 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 and pilgrims in particular celebrate this special occasions.

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 Masjid al-Haram in Makkah for Tawaf al-Ifadah.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

For those intending to stay more, they can collect more pebbles.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Though it is neither obligatory nor relatd to Hajj, it is recommended for a pilgrim to visit Prophet Muhammad's mosque in Madinah.

Departing from Makkah
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.

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".

* Source: www.islamicity.com