How to Do The 7 Easy Steps Of Hajj: Step By Step Hajj Guide

The annual Hajj pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca happens on Dhu Al-Hijjah, the last month of the islamic lunar calendar. The steps of Hajj are an essential part of a Hajj guide for pilgrims, as millions of Muslims travel each year to Mecca to perform the rituals of Hajj.

In this article, we aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of the Hajj pilgrimage, its rituals, and preparations. Our goal is to help you successfully navigate this sacred experience and foster a deeper connection with your faith.

4.3

4.3 out of 5 stars (based on 6 reviews)

You may also like:

The History of Hajj Pilgrimage: The Story of a Powerful Tradition

All about Salat: Devotion and Faith in Allah

Zakat: One of the Five Pillars of Islam

How To Do The Sawm Fasting In Islam – The Fourth Pillar

Table of Contents

Before you Perform the Steps of Hajj: Preparations for Travelling
Decide which type of Hajj You Will Make
The Steps of Hajj in the 5 day Plan for Pilgrims
Step 1: Ihram and Intentions – Talbiyah
Step 2: Spend the Day in Mina
Step 3: The Day of Arafat Ritual
Step 4: Muzdalifah and Collect Pebbles
Step 5: Rami (Stoning of the Devil)
Step 6: Day of Nahr
Step 7: Farewell Tawaf in Kaaba and Sa’i
What is forbidden When You Make the Steps of Hajj?
How to help children understand the Steps of Hajj and Umrah?
Steps of Hajj: Final Thoughts

Before you Perform the Steps of Hajj: Preparations for Travelling

Before traveling for Hajj, pilgrims must prepare themselves in several ways. The following guide outlines the necessary steps:

Learn about Hajj and its history: Understand the steps and the rituals of the Hajj, and their significance. This includes knowing about Ihram, Tawaf, Sa’i, Mina, the Day of Arafat, Muzdalifah, Rami, and the Stoning of the Devil.
Choose the right Hajj package: Select a suitable Hajj package that includes accommodation, transportation, and guidance throughout the journey.
Health and fitness: Ensure good health and physical fitness to perform the Hajj rituals, which involve walking long distances and spending time in crowded areas.
Vaccinations and medical check-ups: Obtain necessary vaccinations and complete medical check-ups before departure, as required by Islamic authorities.
Arrange travel documents: Obtain a valid passport, Hajj visa, and any other required documents.
Learn Islamic prayers and supplications: Familiarize yourself with specific prayers and supplications recited during Hajj rites.
Prepare for Ihram: Men should acquire two pieces of unstitched white cloth for Ihram, while women should wear modest, loose-fitting clothes. Understand the rules and restrictions associated with Ihram.
Pack essentials: Bring necessary items such as clothing, toiletries, a prayer mat, and any required medications. Travel light and pack only what’s needed.
Financial preparations: Settle debts and ensure enough funds for Hajj expenses and support for family members left behind.
Make a will: Although not obligatory, it’s recommended to prepare a will before embarking on Hajj.
Seek forgiveness and maintain good relations: Before leaving, seek forgiveness from Allah and reconcile with friends and family.
Learn about Makkah and Madinah: Many pilgrims visit Madinah before or after Hajj. Familiarize yourself with the holy sites in Makkah and Madinah.

Decide which type of Hajj You Will Make

There are three methods to perform Hajj, and each is acceptable according to the Prophet. One must choose between the three:

Merging Umrah and Hajj as separate acts (perform Hajj al-Tamatt’u):
This method is more convenient for those arriving in Makkah early, as it allows the removal of some restrictions and the wearing of regular clothes between the initial arrival and the start of Hajj on the 8th of Dhul Hijjah. Tamatt’u, meaning enjoyment, is the preferred choice for many because it’s easier or considered the recommended method by some scholars.
Combining Hajj and Umrah as a single act (perform Hajj al-Qirān):
This method requires maintaining special clothing and observing certain restrictions for a longer period. Qirān, meaning to combine, is suitable for those arriving in Makkah close to the Hajj start date.
Hajj only (Hajj al-Ifrād):
This method involves performing only Hajj without incorporating Umrah. Ifrād, meaning to single out, is often chosen by Makkah residents who can perform Umrah throughout the year.

The Steps of Hajj in the 5 day Plan for Pilgrims

Day 1 – 8th of Dhu al-Hijjah of the islamic calendar: Begin Hajj by entering Ihram, an Islamic state of purity. Pilgrims head to Mina, where they spend the night praying and remembering Allah.

Day 2 – 9th of Dhu al-Hijjah: The second day, move to the plains of Arafat and perform the Day of Arafat. After sunset, go to Muzdalifah and spend the night.

Day 3 – 10th of Dhu al-Hijjah: This is probably the longest day of the pilgrimage.
Collect pebbles in Muzdalifah, then return to Mina.
Perform Rami, the stoning of the devil, by throwing seven stones only at Jamarah al Aqaba (the big pillar). After that, some pilgrims perform animal sacrifice.
Next, pilgrims go to Mecca for Tawaf al-Ifadah, circling the Kaaba seven times.
Perform the Sa’i, walking between Safa and Marwa hills.

Day 4 & 5 – 11th and 12th of Dhu al-Hijjah: Go back to Mina and continue the Rami, throwing stones at all three pillars for two more days. After completing all the rites, return to Mecca for the final Tawaf, called Tawaf al-Wada.

Day 6 – 13th of Dhu al-Hijjah: This is optional. Some choose to stay in Mina and do the Rami al Jamrah once again.

steps of hajj — ^{Mbenoist at French Wikipedia, La Mecque pelerinage, CC BY-SA 3.0}

Step 1: Ihram and Intentions – Talbiyah

The first step of Hajj is entering Ihram. Muslims wear simple, white unstitched garments, symbolizing purity and equality before Allah. Once in Ihram, the pilgrim makes the intention to perform Hajj, heading towards Makkah.

Upon arrival in Makkah, every pilgrim starts by performing Tawaf, which involves circling the Kaaba 7 times. After Tawaf, they move to the hills of Safa and Marwa for the Sa’i, walking back and forth between them.

Next, the pilgrim heads to Mina, in the outer boundaries of Mecca.

Step 2: Spend the Day in Mina

Mina is also known as the “City of Tents” due to the thousands of tents set up for Muslims during Hajj.

On the first day of Hajj, pilgrims spend the entire day in Mina, engaging in prayers and preparing for the upcoming days. This step allows pilgrims to spiritually and mentally focus on the significant journey they are undertaking.

Step 3: The Day of Arafat Ritual

On the second day of Hajj, which is also the 9th day of Dhul-Hijjah, pilgrims head to the plains of Arafat. This is the most important day, as it commemorates the Day of Arafat, when Prophet Muhammad delivered his last sermon.

Pilgrims spend the day standing and praying in Arafat, asking for forgiveness and mercy from Allah. This gathering symbolizes unity among Muslims and represents a moment of deep spiritual reflection.

steps of hajj - arafat — ^{Photo by ekrem osmanoglu on Unsplash}

Step 4: Muzdalifah and Collect Pebbles

After sunset on the Day of Arafat, pilgrims move to Muzdalifah, a location between Arafat and Mina. Here, they stay overnight under the open sky, engaging in prayers and rest. In Muzdalifah, pilgrims also collect pebbles for the upcoming Rami observance.

The next morning, they head back to Mina to perform Rami al-Jamrah.

steps of hajj - Muzdalifah — ^{Panoramic view of a part of the area of Muzdalifah in Hajj time .Wurzelgnohm, MuzdalifahPanorama, CC0 1.0}

Step 5: Rami (Stoning of the Devil)

In this rite, pilgrims symbolically stone the devil by throwing seven pebbles at each of the 3 pillars in Mina: Jamarat al-Ula, Jamarat al-Wusta and Jamarat al-Aqaba.

This act represents rejecting the temptations and evil whispers of the devil. This is a powerful symbol of their faith and determination to follow the righteous path.

steps of hajj - al jamrah — ^{أمانة العاصمة المقدسة, Mecca2, marked as public domain, more details on Wikimedia Commons}

Step 6: Day of Nahr

After completing the Rami, pilgrims perform Nahr, which involves sacrificing an animal such as a sheep, goat, or cow to honor Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son Isma’il in obedience to Allah.

Those who merge Umrah into Hajj (tamattuʿ) or combine Umrah and Hajj (qirān) must perform the sacrifice as a way of thanking Allah for combining two acts of worship. However, those performing Hajj only (ifrād) aren’t required to sacrifice but may do so voluntarily.

The meat from the sacrificed animal is distributed with up to one-third consumed by the pilgrim, one-third gifted, and the rest given to the poor. Slaughtering companies manage sacrifices for those who pay them due to the large number of attendees.

After completing the sacrifice, one is mostly released from the state of ihram by shaving or trimming their hair. Men typically shave their heads but may also shorten their hair, while women trim their hair.

Step 7: Farewell Tawaf in Kaaba and Sa’i

The Farewell Tawaf marks the end of Hajj. Pilgrims return to Makkah to perform this final prayer, which involves circling the Kaaba seven times.

This is a way for Muslims to say their goodbyes to the Kaaba, the House of Allah, and to express their gratitude.

Following Tawaf, pilgrims perform Sa’i, walking and running between the hills of Safa and Marwa.

Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam, making it a vital part of a Muslim’s faith. After completing the Hajj, many pilgrims also visit Madinah, the city of the Prophet Muhammad, to pay their respects and further strengthen their spiritual connection.

^{Learn How to Perform Hajj Step By Step Complete Video}

What is forbidden When You Make the Steps of Hajj?

By the time the one enters the state of Ihram, they must follow some restrictions to maintain purity and spiritual focus. Some of the forbidden actions include:

Cutting hair or nails.
Wearing stitched or tight-fitting clothes (for men).
Applying perfume or scented products.
Engaging in sexual activity.
Hunting or harming animals.
Picking plants or uprooting them.
Getting married or participating in marriage proposals.

By observing these restrictions, Muslims demonstrate their devotion and commitment to the spiritual journey of Hajj.

How to help children understand the Steps of Hajj and Umrah?

A person is held accountable for their actions in Allah’s eyes after reaching maturity and developing intellect, which occurs at puberty. A boy becomes a mature adult after his first wet dream or equivalent, while a girl is considered mature after her first wet dream, equivalent experience, or the start of menstruation. If none of these events occur before the age of fifteen, they are deemed mature at that age.

Young children may join their parents on Hajj, and parents will be rewarded for involving them. Children who understand Hajj should try their best, but they’ll still need to perform it once they reach maturity.

So to help children understand Muslim Hajj rituals, consider the following steps:

Explain the importance of Hajj: Teach children about the significance of Hajj as one of the five pillars of Islam and its role in a Muslim’s spiritual journey.
Share stories: Tell stories about Prophet Ibrahim and his family, as many Hajj observances are connected to their lives. This will help children relate the rituals to the history of Islam.
Use simple language: Break down each rite into simple, easy-to-understand terms, and explain the purpose of each step.
Visual aids: Use pictures, videos, or illustrations to show the different stages of Hajj, making it easier for children to visualize the process.
Hands-on activities: Create age-appropriate activities, such as crafts or role-playing games, to help children actively engage with the Hajj rites and learn through play.
Answer questions: Encourage children to ask questions and provide clear, concise answers to help them grasp the concepts better.
Share experiences: If you have completed the pilgrimage, share your personal experiences with children, which can help them connect more with the rituals and their significance.