Hajj is one of the fundamental pillars of Islam, a journey every able-bodied Muslim must undertake at least once in their lifetime. It offers a chance for spiritual renewal, wiping away past sins and allowing believers to start anew. For many, it strengthens their faith, and some women choose to adopt the hijab (Islamic head covering) as a reflection of their renewed commitment upon returning.

Hajj is the major pilgrimage to Mecca that every Muslim must perform at least once in their lifetime if they can afford it. It takes place in the final month of the Islamic calendar and is one of the Five Pillars of Islam.

There are three types of Hajj: Tamattu, Ifraad, and Qiran. The Tamattu form is the one encouraged by Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). Here’s how it works:

1. Preparation & Intention

Before setting off, you must make niyyah (intention) for Hajj.

2. Entering the State of Ihram

Ihram is a state of ritual purity. You must enter Ihram before beginning your journey.

3. Performing Umrah in Makkah

Once you arrive in Makkah, you first perform Umrah by completing these steps:

•Tawaf: Circling the Ka’bah seven times in an anti-clockwise direction.

•Safa & Marwa (Sa’i): Walking and running between the hills of Safa and Marwa.

•Clipping/Shaving Hair: Men either shave or trim their hair, while women trim a small portion (about a fingertip’s length).

After Umrah, you exit Ihram until the 8th of Dhul Hijjah.

4. Spiritual Preparation in Makkah

You stay in Makkah, engaging in worship and prayer, until Hajj officially begins on the 8th of Dhul Hijjah.

5. Re-entering Ihram (8th Dhul Hijjah)

On this day, you purify yourself and re-enter Ihram to begin the next phase of your Hajj journey.

6. Journey to Mina

•Travel to Mina and stay in your designated tent.

•Perform Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, Isha, and Fajr prayers, shortening the four-unit prayers to two units each (without combining them).

•Spend the night in Mina in worship and reflection.

7. The Day of Arafat (9th Dhul Hijjah)

•After sunrise, travel to Arafat and spend the day in supplication and seeking forgiveness.

•This is the most important day of Hajj.

8. Journey to Muzdalifah

•After sunset, travel to Muzdalifah to spend the night under the open sky.

•Perform Maghrib and Isha prayers.

•Collect pebbles for the next day’s ritual.

9. The Day of Sacrifice (10th Dhul Hijjah)

•Travel to Mina to perform Rami (stoning the devil) by throwing pebbles at the Jamarat.

•Perform Qurbani (sacrificing an animal) in honor of Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) devotion.

•Men shave or trim their hair, while women trim a fingertip-length.

•Exit Ihram, but avoid marital relations until completing Tawaf al-Ifadha.

10. Tawaf al-Ifadha & Sa’i

•Return to Makkah to perform Tawaf al-Ifadha (circling the Ka’bah).

•Perform Sa’i between Safa and Marwa again.

11. The Second & Third Days of Rami (11th-12th Dhul Hijjah)

•Return to Mina for two more days of Rami (stoning the devil).

•Spend nights in Mina in worship.

12. The Final Ritual – Tawaf al-Wida

Before leaving Makkah, perform Tawaf al-Wida (farewell Tawaf) as a final act of Hajj.