Hajj is an annual Islamic pilgrimage that must be performed by every Muslim who is able to do so. The Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam, and it is one of the most important ceremonies in a Muslim’s life. This Hajj step-by-step guide will show you everything you need to know to make the pilgrimage safely and successfully.
However, before you begin your journey, there are a few things you should know. First and foremost, you must have a valid passport and visa. You will also need to be in good health, as the Hajj can be physically demanding. Finally, you should be aware of the cultural customs and dress code of Saudi Arabia, as you will be spending a significant amount of time in the country.
Now that you are prepared, let’s begin!
Perform Umrah
Pilgrims performing Umrah will first do Tawaf which is circling the Holy Kaaba seven times in an anti-clockwise direction. After that, they will perform Sa’i which is walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah.
Hajj Guide: How To Perform Hajj 2022?
Performing the Hajj is a dream come true for many Muslims. The Hajj is a pilgrimage to Makkah, Saudi Arabia that is required of all able-bodied Muslims at least once in their lifetime.
The Hajj is performed over a seven-day period during the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah. Muslims from all over the world travel to Saudi Arabia to participate in the Hajj.
This step-by-step guide will walk you through everything you need to know to perform the Hajj, from obtaining a visa to the different rites and rituals that are performed. By the end of this guide, you will be ready to embark on your own journey to Makkah.
Hajj Guide: 1st Day
Ihram is a spiritual state of purity and devotion that is entered into by Muslims who are undertaking the Hajj, or pilgrimage, to Makkah. To enter into Ihram, Muslims perform ablutions and change into special clothing. This is preferably done at one of the five miqat stations that are located outside of the holy city of Makkah.
Once at the miqat station, Muslims recite the Talbiyah, which is a declaration of intention to make the pilgrimage. They then proceed to the Holy Mosque, where they perform the Welcome Tawaf. This involves circling the Holy Kaaba seven times in a counterclockwise direction.
After the Welcome Tawaf, Muslims then perform Sa’ay, which is a walk between the hills of Safa and Marwa that is undertaken seven times. This rite is traditionally done outdoors but is now often performed in an air-conditioned tunnel.
Hajj Guide: 2nd Day
The first day of the Hajj, or the 8th day of Dhul-Hijjah, is a special day for Muslims all over the world. On this day, Muslims travel to Mina, which is about 5 kilometers away from Makkah. They can either walk or take a bus.
After morning prayer in Makkah, Muslims spend the day in prayer. They also spend the night in air-conditioned tents. This is to make sure that they are comfortable and can focus on their prayers.
Hajj Guide: 3rd Day
On the second day of Hajj, Muslims travel to Arafat, a plain 20 kilometers away. There, they stand and pray for most of the day. This prayer, called Wuquf, is one of the most important parts of the Hajj. Muslims must stay within the boundaries of Arafat or their Hajj will be invalid.
At sunset, Muslims travel to Muzdalifah to collect pebbles for the next day. They spend the night under the stars, sleeping on the ground.
Hajj Guide: 4th Day
On the fourth day of the Hajj, pilgrims return to Mina to perform the Stoning of the Devil ritual. This involves throwing pebbles at one of three pillars (now walls), which represents the rejection of temptation. After the ritual, pilgrims offer animal sacrifice, commonly done by buying a voucher in Makkah. Thus begins Eid al-Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice. Pilgrims then travel to Al Haram to perform Tawaf and Sa’ay again. Finally, they return to Mina and spend the night.
Moreover, Eid al-Adha is one of the most important holidays in the Islamic calendar. It commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son, as an act of obedience to God. The holiday also serves as a reminder of the importance of family and community. Muslims around the world celebrate Eid al-Adha by slaughtering an animal and sharing the meat with relatives and the needy.
Hajj Guide: 5th Day
On the fourth day of Hajj, pilgrims repeat the Ramy Al Jamarat ritual, this time throwing pebbles at all three pillars (walls). They then spend the night in Mina.
This ritual is significant because it represents the final opportunity for pilgrims to repent and ask for forgiveness before the Day of Judgment. By throwing pebbles at the pillars, pilgrims are symbolically stoning the devil, who is said to have tempted the Prophet Ibraham.
This act is a reminder that we must always be on our guard against temptation and evil. It is also a reminder of the power of repentance and forgiveness. Even though the devil may tempt us, we can always turn to Allah for forgiveness and guidance.
Hajj Guide: 6th Day
Today, on the fifth day of the Hajj, pilgrims will repeat the Ramy Al Jamarat and return to Al-Haram for the farewell Tawaf. After spending the night in Makkah or Mina, pilgrims will begin their journey back to their homes.
Hajj Guide: 7th Day
It is a conditional day for pilgrims on the 13th of Dhul-Hijjah. If they are unable to leave Mina, they must repeat the stoning of the pillars (Ramy Al Jamarat) before returning to Makkah. There, they perform the farewell Tawaf and drink Zamzam water.
FAQs
Is there any other kind of pilgrimage that is as good as performing hajj?
There are many other types of pilgrimage that are just as good as performing hajj. Each person’s spiritual journey is different, and what works for one person may not work for another. There are many holy sites all over the world, and each person should find the one that resonates with them the most. There is no wrong answer, as long as the pilgrimage is done with a pure heart and good intentions.
How many days should I stay in Makkah or Madinah, Saudi Arabia during my pilgrimage trip?
The length of time that one spends in Makkah or Madinah during their pilgrimage trip is entirely up to the individual. There is no set amount of time that one is required to spend in either location.
What are the benefits of performing hajj?
There are many benefits to performing the hajj, including gaining a deeper understanding of one’s faith, developing a stronger connection to Allah, and becoming more spiritually disciplined.
Additionally, the hajj can be a life-changing experience that helps to improve one’s character and make them a better person.
Finally, the hajj is a great way to meet other Muslims from all over the world and build lasting friendships.
Can you perform hajj at your own pace and time instead of going with a group tour like most people do nowadays?
Yes, you can perform hajj at your own pace and time instead of going with a group tour like most people do nowadays.
Is there any other place in the world that is as holy as Mecca or Madinah, Saudi Arabia?
Mecca and Madinah are the two holiest cities in the Islamic world and there is no other place that is as holy as them.
What is the best way to perform Hajj?
There is no single answer to this question as different people may have different opinions on what is the best way to perform hajj. Some people may prefer to do everything themselves, while others may prefer to use a hajj tour group. Ultimately, it is up to the individual to decide what is best for them.
How do I get a visa for performing Hajj?
There are a few ways that you can go about getting a visa for performing hajj.
The first way is to contact your local Islamic center or mosque and inquire about getting a hajj visa through them.
The second way is to contact the Saudi Arabian embassy or consulate in your country and inquire about getting a hajj visa through them.
The third way is to contact a hajj tour group and inquire about getting a hajj visa through them.
How to perform Hajj Video Guide
Conclusion
After reading this guide, you should have a better understanding of how to perform the Hajj pilgrimage. While the process may seem daunting, remember that millions of Muslims have successfully completed the Hajj each year. With proper planning and preparation, you can make your Hajj a life-changing and spiritually fulfilling experience.
In conclusion, the Hajj is a special pilgrimage that Muslims are required to take at least once in their lifetime. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can make your Hajj a meaningful and memorable experience.