What is HAJJ? How to Perform HAJJ? What we do in 5 days of HAJJ?

Hajj is an annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, and one of the Five Pillars of Islam. It is obligatory for every Muslim who is physically, financially, and mentally able to perform it at least once in their lifetime. Hajj takes place in the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah and involves specific rites that commemorate the actions of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), his wife Hajar (Hagar), and their son Ismail (Ishmael).

Steps to Perform Hajj

Hajj consists of several rituals performed over five to six days, typically from the 8th to the 12th (or 13th) of Dhul-Hijjah:

1. Preparation and Intention (Ihram)

• Ihram attire: Men wear two white seamless cloths, while women wear modest clothing (not necessarily white) without covering the face or hands.

• Niyyah (intention): State your intention for Hajj by reciting:

“Labbayka Allahumma Hajj” (Here I am, O Allah, for Hajj).

• Talbiyah: Recite the Talbiyah often:

“Labbayka Allahumma labbayk, labbayka la sharika laka labbayk. Innal-hamda wan-ni‘mata laka wal-mulk, la sharika lak.”

2. Day 1 (8th Dhul-Hijjah - Yaum al-Tarwiyah)

• Travel to Mina and spend the day in worship and prayer.

• Stay overnight in Mina.

3. Day 2 (9th Dhul-Hijjah - Yaum Arafah)

• Travel to Arafah: This is the most important day of Hajj.

• Spend the afternoon on the Plains of Arafah, praying, making dua, and seeking forgiveness.

• Listen to the Khutbah (sermon) at Masjid Namirah (if possible).

• Leave Arafah after sunset and travel to Muzdalifah.

• Collect pebbles (49 or 70) for the upcoming ritual and pray Maghrib and Isha combined.

4. Day 3 (10th Dhul-Hijjah - Eid al-Adha)

• Ramy al-Jamarat (Stoning): Throw seven pebbles at the largest pillar, Jamarat al-Aqabah, symbolizing rejection of Satan.

• Sacrifice an animal (Qurbani): Sheep, goat, cow, or camel (done by yourself or arranged through services).

• Shaving or trimming hair: Men shave or trim their hair, while women cut a small portion of their hair.

• Tawaf al-Ifadah: Perform circumambulation of the Kaaba and Sa’i (walking between Safa and Marwah).

• Return to Mina to stay overnight.

5. Days 4-5 (11th-12th Dhul-Hijjah - Ayam al-Tashreeq)

• Spend two or three days in Mina.

• Perform Ramy al-Jamarat: Throw seven pebbles at each of the three pillars (small, medium, and large) daily.

• Engage in prayer, dhikr (remembrance of Allah), and reflection.

6. Day 6 (Optional - 13th Dhul-Hijjah)

• If staying an extra day, repeat the stoning ritual for all three pillars.

• Depart Mina and head to Mecca.

7. Final Rituals

• Tawaf al-Wada (Farewell Tawaf): Perform a final circumambulation of the Kaaba before leaving Mecca.