Introduction to Hajj
Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam, representing a spiritual
journey that every Muslim is required to undertake at
least once in their lifetime, provided they are physically
and financially able. This pilgrimage to Mecca is not
only a religious obligation but also a profound personal
journey, bringing together millions of Muslims from
around the world.
Historical Background of
Hajj
Origins
The origins of Hajj date back to the time of Prophet
Muhammad and are deeply rooted in the actions of
Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and his family. It is
believed that the Kaaba, located in Mecca, was built by
Ibrahim and his son Ismail as a place of worship.
Development
The rituals of Hajj were established by Prophet
Muhammad during his lifetime at the occasion of
conquest of Makkah, and they have remained
unchanged since then, reflecting the traditions of the
early Islamic community.
The Importance of Hajj in
Islam
Hajj is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, symbolizing the
unity of Muslims worldwide. It serves as a reminder of
the equality of all believers, regardless of their
background, and fosters a sense of community and
shared faith.
Hajar, Isma’il (AS) And The Well
Of Zamzam
The story of Hajar, Isma’il (AS), and the Well of Zamzam
highlights a significant test of faith in Islamic tradition.
Prophet Ibrahim (AS) was instructed by Allah (SWT) to
leave his wife, Hajar, and their infant son, Isma’il (AS), in
the barren desert of Makkah. With their limited
provisions running out, Hajar desperately searched for
water, running between the hills of Safa and Marwah. In
Isma’il’s (AS) distress, he struck the ground with his leg,
and by Allah’s (SWT) command, a spring of water
miraculously emerged—this became the Well of
Zamzam. The water source allowed Hajar to trade with
passing nomads, leading to prosperity for her and her
son. When Ibrahim (AS) later returned, he witnessed
the blessings that had resulted from his unwavering
faith in Allah (SWT).
Types of Hajj: Overview
Hajj al-Tamattu' Hajj al-Qiran Hajj al-Ifrad
This type involves performing Hajj al-Qiran combines the rituals This type involves performing only
Umrah (a lesser pilgrimage) of Hajj and Umrah into one Hajj without the preceding Umrah,
before Hajj, allowing for a break continuous pilgrimage. focusing solely on the main
between the two pilgrimages. pilgrimage rituals.
Hajj al-Tamattu
Steps Involved
Perform Umrah: Pilgrims enter Ihram, perform Tawaf
around the Kaaba, and complete the Sa'i between Safa
and Marwah. Rest: After Umrah, pilgrims can exit Ihram
and resume normal activities until Hajj begins. Perform
Hajj: On the 8th of Dhul-Hijjah, pilgrims re-enter Ihram
and begin the Hajj rituals.Prophet Muhammad(PBUH)
encouraged muslims to perform this type of hajj.
Hajj al-Qiran
Overview: Hajj al-Qiran combines both Umrah and Hajj into a
single pilgrimage. Pilgrims remain in Ihram throughout the entire
journey, performing both sets of rituals consecutively.
● This type emphasizes the continuous devotion of the
pilgrim and the merging of the two sacred journeys.
Hajj al-Ifrad
Definition
Hajj al-Ifrad is the simplest form of Hajj, where pilgrims
perform only the Hajj rituals without the preceding
Umrah.
Rituals Breakdown
Enter Ihram: Pilgrims enter the state of Ihram on the
8th of Dhul-Hijjah. Perform Hajj Rituals: They follow
the same rituals as other types of Hajj, focusing solely
on the pilgrimage.
Logistical Preparations
- Obtain necessary documents (passport, visa, vaccination records) for non-arabs.
Preparations for Hajj
- Pack essentials: Ihram clothing, toiletries, and personal items.
Spiritual Preparations
- Set intentions for the pilgrimage and seek forgiveness.
- Educate oneself about the rituals and significance of Hajj.
The Journey Begins:
Entering Ihram
Ihram Requirements
Men: Two white, unstitched cloths. Women: Modest
dress covering the body, with no specific color
requirement.
Spiritual Mindset
Entering Ihram signifies purity and devotion, marking
the beginning of the pilgrimage journey.
Traveling to Mecca
Transportation Emotions
Pilgrims typically travel by bus, or train to reach As pilgrims approach Mecca, they experience a
Mecca, but not by air because it is said that mix of excitement, reverence, and anticipation,
there is a strange magnetic field near kaaba in knowing they are about to fulfill a sacred
Makkah, Pilgrims share their journey with fellow obligation.
believers.
Arrival in Mecca: The First
Ritual - Tawaf
Step-by-Step Details
Circumambulate the Kaaba: Pilgrims circle the Kaaba
seven times in a counter-clockwise direction.
Significance: This act symbolizes the unity of believers
in the worship of the One God.
The Second Ritual - Sa'i
Explanation
Walk Between Safa and Marwah: Pilgrims walk seven
times between these hills, retracing Hagar's search for
water for her son Ismail. Symbolism: This ritual
emphasizes faith and perseverance.
Clip/Shave Hair(Taqsir) (Umrah Ends)
Once Sa’i is complete, men will have their hair clipped
or shaved, whilst a woman clips her hair to the length of
her fingertip. This marks the completion of your umrah,
allowing you to leave Ihram, until the 8th of Dhul Hijjah.
Re-entering State of Ihram (Day 1/8th Dhul Hijjah)
Rules of Ihram
It’s very important to note that when you are in a
Fulfilling your sacred obligation of Hajj will be the most state of Ihram, you are not permitted to smoke,
spiritual period of your life Insha’Allah (God willing),
swear, shave, clip your nails, or engage in any form
filled with blessings and forgiveness from Allah (SWT)!
The 8th day of Dhul Hijjah marks the beginning of the of sexual relations. Fighting and arguments are also
days of Hajj and the next stage of your spiritual journey. forbidden, and participants are prohibited from
You’ll purify yourself and enter the state of Ihram once hunting, killing, or unjustifiably breaking anything.
again.
You must also avoid scented products such as
perfumes, moisturisers, makeup, or soaps. You may,
however, substitute them for unscented toiletries
which are permissible to use.
Once you’re all set to enter the Ihram, you’ll begin reciting the Talbiyah:
“Here I am, O Allah, here I am, here I am.
You have no partner, here I am. Verily all َ إِنﱠ اﻟْﺣَ ْﻣد، َ َﻟ ﱠﺑﯾْكَ ﻻَ ﺷَرِ ﯾْكَ ﻟَكَ َﻟ ﱠﺑﯾْك، ََﻟ ﱠﺑﯾْكَ اﻟﻠﱠ ُﮭ ﱠم َﻟ ﱠﺑﯾْك
praise and blessings are Yours, and all ََواﻟﻧﱢﻌْ َﻣ َﺔ ﻟَكَ َوا ْﻟ ُﻣﻠْكَ ﻻَﺷَرِ ﯾْكَ ﻟَك
sovereignty. You have no partner.”
Arrive At Mina
Once you arrive in the tent city (neighbourhood) of Mina, you’ll
settle into your allocated tent. Here you’ll pray Salah (obligatory
prayers), including Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, ‘Isha and Fajr,
shortening your four-unit prayers to two units each, without
combining them,as stated in the Qu’ran.
You’ll spend the night and pray to Allah (SWT), reading the
Qur’an and preparing for day two. It’s an important time for
spiritual reflection and devotion, so try and make the most of this
special night.
Standing at Arafat (Day 2/9th Dhul
Hijjah)
- The Climax of Hajj
Day of Arafat:
● Significance: This day is considered the pinnacle of Hajj,
where pilgrims seek forgiveness and make supplications.
● Wuquf: Standing at Arafat is a vital ritual, symbolizing
the Day of Judgment.
Night of Muzdalifah
Overview Reflection and Prayer
Gather Pebbles: Pilgrims collect pebbles for - This time is crucial for personal reflection
the stoning ritual. The size of the pebbles and spiritual connection.
should be similar to the size of date
stones/seeds. You will need a total of 49
pebbles.
The Stoning of the Devil (Ramy
al-Jamarat) (Day 3/10th Dhul Hijjah & start
of Eid al-Adha)
Ritual Breakdown:
● Stoning Pillars: Pilgrims throw pebbles at three pillars,
symbolizing the rejection of evil.
● 10th of Dhul Hijjah : 7 pebbles for the 10th of Dhul Hijjah
● 11th of Dhul Hijjah : 21 pebbles for the 11th of Dhul Hijjah
● 12th of Dhul Hijjah : 21 pebbles for the 12th of Dhul
Hijjah
● Significance: This act represents the struggle against
temptation and sin.
● Upon each throw, you’ll say the takbir: “ُ”ﷲُ أَﻛْ َﺑر,
Translation : Allah is the greatest
The Festival of Sacrifice -
Eid al-Adha (Day 3/10th Dhul Hijjah &
start of Eid al-Adha)
Actions on Eid al-Adha
Sacrifice: Pilgrims perform the Qurbani (sacrifice),
commemorating Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to
sacrifice his son. Symbolism: This act represents
obedience and submission to God.
Shaving/Cutting Hair (Taqsir) (Day 4/11th Dhul Hijjah)
Taqsir for Male Pilgrims Taqsir for Female Pilgrims
Male Pilgrims: Shave their heads or cut their Female Pilgrims: Cut a portion of their hair.
hair. This marks the conclusion of Hajj’s critical
rituals. A woman trims her hair by the length
of a fingertip
Tawaf al-Ifadha and Saai’ (Day 5/12th
Dhul Hijjah)
You will now go to Makkah to perform Tawaf al-Ifadha
and then another circuit of Saai’ as part of your Hajj
rituals.
Tawaf al-Ifada and Sa’i are obligatory. You must
perform the tawaf al-Ifadha and the Saai’ after the
Rami, the Qurbani (sacrifice) and shaving (or trimming)
of the head.
Returning to Mecca for
Tawaf al-Wada
Farewell Tawaf
This Tawaf is done after the rami of stones on 12th of
Dhul Hijjah.
This Tawaf is Wajib (obligatory).For this Tawaf, you will
complete seven laps of Tawaf. Then perform two Rakat
of Salah and drink Zam Zam water.
Ibn Abbas (RA) narrated:
“The people were ordered to perform the Tawaf
al-Wida as the last thing before leaving (Makkah),
except the menstruating women who were excused. “
[Bukhari]
Reflection and Life After Hajj
Transformative Aspects:
● Spiritual Impact: Hajj can profoundly change a believer's
life, fostering a sense of peace and purpose.
● Emotional Changes: Many pilgrims report feelings of
renewal and a deeper connection to their faith.
THANK YOU !
By :
ABDULLAH ISHFAQ
