What Is Hajj?

What Is Hajj?

Each year, millions of Muslims from all over the world undertake Hajj, the sacred pilgrimage and the fifth pillar of Islam.

Hajj takes place in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, during the holy month of Dhul Hijjah, the 12th month in the Islamic calendar. It is a spiritual duty and a pillar of Islam, meaning every Muslim must perform Hajj at least once in their lifetime if they are financially, physically, and emotionally able to do so. Performing Hajj more than once is permitted while sincerely seeking Allah’s (SWT) pleasure.

Allah (SWT) commands in the Qur’an:

And [due] to Allah from the people is a pilgrimage to the House – for whoever is able to find thereto a way. But whoever disbelieves – then indeed, Allah is free from need of the worlds.
Qur’an | 3:97

For anyone preparing to perform Hajj, it is an incredibly exciting and spiritually significant time. The first pilgrimage is often a once-in-a-lifetime experience for a Muslim. Hajj is a test of patience and temperament, offering the opportunity to cleanse one’s sins and draw closer to Allah (SWT).

Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said:

Whoever performs Hajj for the sake of Allah and does not utter any obscene speech or do any evil deed, will go back (free of sin) as his mother bore him.
Hadith | Bukhari and Muslim

Hajj takes place between the 8th and 12th of Dhul Hijjah each year. Because Muslims use the lunar calendar, the corresponding Gregorian dates vary. This year, Hajj will occur from 14th June to 19th June 2024.

This guide will help you understand the various aspects of Hajj, from its origins to the steps involved in performing the pilgrimage.

The Story of Hajj

While the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) taught Muslims how to perform Hajj in 628 CE, its origins trace back to Prophet Ibrahim (AS) thousands of years earlier.

The Kaa’ba, the cubic structure in Masjid al-Haram, plays a central role in Hajj but is ultimately a mosque and not an object of worship. The Kaa’ba was built by Ibrahim (AS) by Allah’s (SWT) command and is considered the House of God, or Baitullah.

Hajar, Isma’il (AS), and the Well of Zamzam

Ibrahim (AS) faced several trials that serve as reminders of devotion, sacrifice, and faith in Allah (SWT). One of these trials involved leaving his wife Hajar and their infant son Isma’il (AS) in the desert of Makkah. When their provisions ran out, Hajar desperately searched for water, running between the hills of Safa and Marwah. By Allah’s (SWT) command, a spring of water, known as the well of Zamzam, burst forth from the ground, providing sustenance for Hajar and Isma’il (AS).

The Construction of the Kaa’ba

Ibrahim (AS) and his son Isma’il (AS) built the Kaa’ba at the site of the Zamzam well, marking a space for the sacred gathering of Muslims who believed in one God, Allah (SWT).

The Inception of Hajj

The site of the Kaa’ba and the well of Zamzam made Makkah a prosperous settlement. Ibrahim (AS) returned annually to offer his pilgrimage, and Isma’il (AS) continued the tradition. Over thousands of years, the site was taken over by pagan Arabs who used the Kaa’ba to house idols.

Centuries later, the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) was commanded by Allah (SWT) to restore the Kaa’ba to its original purpose. In 632 CE, he performed the first Hajj, re-establishing the traditions started by Ibrahim (AS).

Hajj Today

Today, over 2.5 million Muslims from around the world travel to Makkah each year to fulfill the rites of Hajj. The month of Dhul Hijjah holds countless blessings for Muslims, and even those who cannot attend can achieve similar rewards through special acts of worship during this holy month.

Who Is Eligible to Perform Hajj?

Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and must be performed by every Muslim at least once in their lifetime. However, certain conditions apply:

1. Muslim Adults: Only adult Muslims are required to perform Hajj. Children can attend but are not obliged to perform it.
2. Physical Capability: The very weak, sick, elderly, or physically incapable Muslims are exempt.
3. Financial Ability: Muslims must be financially able to perform Hajj. This means clearing debts before performing Hajj unless the creditor permits it and the debtor can still pay off the debt.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Performing Hajj

Each year, around 25,000 Muslims from the UK travel to Makkah to perform Hajj. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through this blessed journey.

The 19 Steps of Hajj at a Glance

1. Preparation and Intention
2. Enter state of Ihram
3. Tawaf x7
4. Safa and Marwa
5. Clip/Shave Hair (Umrah ends)
6. Resting and Praying
7. Re-enter state of Ihram
8. Arrive at Mina
9. Day of ‘Arafah
10. Muzdalifah (under the night sky)
11. Rami (stoning of the devil)
12. Hady
13. Shaving of the Head
14. Tawaf al-Ifadha
15. Saai’
16. Rami (stoning of the devil)
17. Spend night at Mina
18. Rami (stoning of the devil)
19. Farewell Tawaf al-Wida

When to Perform Hajj?

Hajj takes place each year between the 8th and 12th of Dhul Hijjah in the Islamic lunar calendar. The corresponding Gregorian dates vary. Hajj pilgrims typically travel to Makkah by land, air, or sea in the days and weeks leading up to the pilgrimage period.

How to Perform Hajj?

There are three forms of Hajj: Tamattu, Ifraad, and Qiran. This guide will focus on the Tamattu form of Hajj, which the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) encouraged Muslims to perform.

The 19 Steps of Hajj in Detail

1. 1. Preparation and Intention
      • Make your intention (niyyah) within your heart to perform Hajj for the sake of Allah alone.
   2. Entering the State of Ihram
      • For men, this involves wearing the designated white cloth; for women, any clothing that observes the rules of Hijab.
      • Be mindful of your behavior and avoid smoking, engaging in sexual relations, swearing, shaving, cutting nails, and using perfume or scented soaps.
   3. Tawaf x 7
      • Perform seven anti-clockwise circuits around the Kaa’ba, starting and ending at the black stone.
   4. Safa and Marwa
      • Perform Sa’i by walking and running between the hills of Safa and Marwa seven times.
   5. Clip/Shave Hair (Umrah Ends)
      • Men clip or shave their hair, and women clip their hair to the length of a fingertip, marking the end of Umrah.
   6. Resting and Praying
      • Spend time in Makkah resting, praying, and performing acts of worship until the 8th of Dhul Hijjah.
   7. Re-entering State of Ihram (Day 1/8th Dhul Hijjah)
      • Purify yourself and re-enter the state of Ihram.
   8. Arrive at Mina
      • Settle into your allocated tent in Mina, pray Salah, and prepare for the next day.
   9. Day of ‘Arafah (Day 2/9th Dhul Hijjah)
      • Travel to the plains of ‘Arafah, perform shortened Dhuhr and Asr prayers combined, and spend the day in supplication and prayer.
   10. Arrive in Muzdalifah
       • After sunset, travel to Muzdalifah, perform Maghrib and ‘Isha Salah, and spend the night in worship or rest.
   11. Rami and Hady (Day 3/10th Dhul Hijjah & start of Eid al-Adha)
       • After Fajr Salah, travel back to Mina, perform the stoning of the devil (Rami), and sacrifice an animal (Hady).
   12. Shaving of the Head
       • Men shave their heads, and women clip a small portion of their hair.
   13. Tawaf al-Ifadha
       • Return to Makkah and perform Tawaf al-Ifadha, another seven circuits around the Kaa’ba.
   14. Saai’
       • Perform Sa’i again between Safa and Marwa.
   15. Rami (stoning of the devil)
       • Return to Mina for the second stoning ritual.
   16. Spend night at Mina
       • Spend the night in Mina and repeat the stoning ritual on the following day.
   17. Rami (stoning of the devil)
       • Perform the stoning ritual for the third and final time.

• Farewell Tawaf al-Wida