How to Perform Hajj in Islam: Guide for First-Time Pilgrims

For those embarking on their first Hajj, it is essential to understand the sequence of rituals that make up the pilgrimage. These rituals are a combination of physical actions and prayers, each with deep spiritual significance.

• Ihram (Entering a State of Purity): Before arriving in Mecca, pilgrims must enter a state of spiritual purity known as Ihram. This involves donning special garments: men wear two white seamless clothes, and women wear a simple dress that covers their whole body.
• During Ihram, pilgrims must avoid specific actions such as cutting their hair, engaging in marital relations, or using perfume. The goal is to embody purity and devotion.
• Tawaf (Circumambulating the Kaaba): Upon arriving in Mecca, the first ritual is Tawaf, which involves walking around the Kaaba seven times in a counterclockwise direction. The Kaaba is the most sacred structure in Islam, located in the Grand Mosque (Masjid al-Haram). This act symbolizes the unity of believers in the worship of the One God.
• Sa’i (Walking between Safa and Marwah): After Tawaf, pilgrims perform Sa’i, walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah. This act commemorates the search for water by Hajar (the wife of Prophet Ibrahim) for her son Isma’il. Pilgrims often pray for their needs during this ritual, asking Allah for forgiveness and mercy.
• Standing at Arafat (Wuquf): One of the most important rituals of Hajj is standing at Arafat, known as Wuquf. Pilgrims gather at the plain of Arafat on the 9th day of Dhu al-Hijjah to stand in prayer, ask for forgiveness, and reflect on their faith. This is the most spiritually significant day of Hajj.
• Muzdalifah (Night under the Open Sky): After Arafat, pilgrims move to Muzdalifah, where they spend the night under the open sky. Here, they gather pebbles for the next ritual, which is the Ramy al-Jamarat (stoning of the pillars).
• Ramy al-Jamarat (Stoning of the Pillars): Pilgrims throw pebbles at three stone pillars in Mina, symbolizing the rejection of Satan’s temptation. This act is a reminder of the test of faith that Prophet Ibrahim faced when he was commanded to sacrifice his son.
• Sacrifice (Qurbani): After stoning the pillars, pilgrims perform an animal sacrifice, usually a sheep, goat, or cow, to commemorate the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah. The meat is distributed to the needy.
• Tawaf al-Ifadah (Return to the Kaaba): After the stoning and sacrifice, pilgrims return to the Kaaba for another round of Tawaf, known as Tawaf al-Ifadah. This is a key act that symbolizes the pilgrim’s renewal of their faith.
• Shaving or Trimming Hair: Men are encouraged to shave their heads, while women trim a small portion of their hair. This marks the completion of the major rituals of Hajj.
• Tawaf al-Wada (Farewell Tawaf): The final ritual before leaving Mecca is the Tawaf al-Wada, a farewell circumambulation of the Kaaba. It is a time of reflection, gratitude, and prayer, marking the end of the pilgrimage.