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In this blog, you will learn about the seven stages of Hajj. We aim to provide a comprehensive guide to make your spiritual journey smoother and easier.

Before exploring the details of the 7 steps of Hajj, be sure to check out our premium collection, which features hijabs, prayer mats, tasbeeh, and abayas to help make your Hajj journey more comfortable!

What is Hajj 

Hajj is a significant pilgrimage that every Muslim undertakes at least once in their lifetime. It occurs in the holy city of Makkah (Mecca) during Dhul Hijjah and is one of the five pillars of Islam.

Participating in Hajj allows millions of believers from around the world to come together in a shared expression of devotion to Allah. However, to be eligible to perform Hajj, you have to be physically, mentally, and financially stable.

In the Quran, Allah says,

“...Pilgrimage to this House is an obligation by Allah upon whoever is able among the people. And whoever disbelieves, then surely Allah is not in need of (any of His) creation.”

(Surah Al-Imran, Verse 97)

It’s no surprise that many people feel anxious about performing the rites of Hajj correctly. This concern shows a believer’s sincerity and desire to please Allah and have their pilgrimage accepted.

What are the Different Types of Hajj

There are three different Hajj:

1.Hajj Qiran (The Combined Hajj)

2.Hajj Tamattu’ (The Relaxed Hajj)

3.Hajj Ifrad (The Isolated Hajj)

1. Hajj Qiran (The Combined Hajj)

Hajj Qiran is a type of pilgrimage where a person performs both Umrah and Hajj using a single Ihram (sacred state of ritual purity) during their journey. 

This means that the pilgrim will first perform Umrah and then proceed to complete the rites of Hajj, all while maintaining the Ihram state without exiting it in between.

2. Hajj Tamattu’ (The Relaxed Hajj)

In Hajj Tamattu', the pilgrims enter the state of Ihram with the intention of performing only Umrah in the Hajj season, including the months of Shawwal, Dhul-Qa'dah, and the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah. 

Once they complete Umrah, the pilgrims exit the state of Ihram and can return to their regular activities until the Hajj begins.

On the 8th of Dhul Hijjah, the pilgrim will then re-enter the state of Ihram specifically for Hajj. 

This guide covers the stages of this type of Hajj, which is the most common.

3. Hajj Ifrad (The Isolated Hajj)

Hajj Al-Ifrad, also known as the Isolated Hajj, is when pilgrims perform only the Hajj rituals during the specific days of Hajj. This type of pilgrimage is specifically for those who live within the Miqat boundaries and the sacred area of Makkah (Mecca).

To learn more, take a look at our latest guide, which offers detailed information about the start and end dates of Hajj, as well as insights into the significance of this journey and practical steps for the pilgrimage.

What are the Seven Stages of Hajj

Hajj is the largest annual religious event in Islam. The word "Hajj" literally means "to intend a journey." The rituals of Hajj take place over five or six days, officially starting on the 8th of Dhul Hijjah and ending on the 13th of the same month.

The 7 stages of Hajj are as follows:

Stage 1: Entering the state of Ihram and setting intention

Stage 2: Mina: The Tent City and Prelude to Hajj

Stage 3: From Mina to Arafat: The 9th of Dhul-Hijjah

Stage 4: Muzdalifah: Overnight Stay in the Open Air

Stage 5: Rami al-Jamarat: Symbolically Stoning the Devil

Stage 6: Nahr: The Animal Sacrifice

Stage 7: Tawaf Al-Wada: The Farewell Tawaf

Stage 1: Entering the State of Ihram and setting intention

Every pilgrim must enter the state of Ihram (sanctity), before beginning their ‘Umrah or Hajj. The Ihram consists of two simple white, unstitched sheets for men and a loose, full-body covering called an Abaya for women.

How to perform Ihram

When embarking on the Hajj pilgrimage, one of the first essential steps is making a pure ‘Niyyah’ (intention) and wearing the Ihram.

1. Take a ghusl (bath), trim any hair from your body and face, cut your nails, and then put on the Ihram garments.

2. Perform two nafl rak‘ahs (voluntary prayers). It is recommended to recite Surah Al-Kafirun (Chapter 109) in the first rak‘ah and Surah Al-Ikhlas (Chapter 112) in the second rak‘ah, following Surah Al-Fatihah.

3. Then make your intention to perform Hajj Tamattu‘ and ‘Umrah by saying:

“Allahumma inni uridu-l-‘Umrata fayassirha li wa taqabbalha minni.”

‘O Allah! Indeed, I intend the ‘Umrah so make it easy for me and accept it from me’.

(Sahih Bukhari)

For those performing Hajj Ifrad:

"Labbayk Allahumma Hajjan."

'Here I am, O Allah, performing Hajj.'

Then you should say:

“Allaahumma hadhihi Hijjah la riya-a fiha wa la sum’ah.”

'O Allah, this is a pilgrimage in which there is no showing off or seeking reputation.'

For those performing Hajj Qiran:

"Labbayk Allahumma bi Hajjah wa Umrah."

'Here I am, O Allah, performing Hajj and Umrah.'

4. Then begin reciting Talbiyah (response of devotion recited during Hajj or Umrah) - men will say it louder while women will say it quietly:

“LabbayK-Allahumma LabbayK. LabbayKa la sharika laKa LabbayK. Innal-hamda, wan-ni‘matah laKa wal-mulk, la sharika laK.”

‘Here I am at Your service O Allah! Here I am at Your service. Here I am at Your service, You have absolutely no partner, here I am at Your service. Indeed, all praise, blessings and dominion belong to You. You have absolutely no partner!’

(Sahih Bukhari)

By wearing the Ihram, pilgrims symbolically shed their worldly attire and status. They focus solely on their spiritual journey and connection with Allah.

You can check out our premium collection of Hijabs that aligns with your preferences by clicking here.

Miqat

It is suggested that pilgrims wear the Ihram before entering the Miqat, which is the outer boundary of Makkah (Mecca). The Miqat marks the points where pilgrims must enter the state of Ihram.

There are five main entry points, or Miqats, for those performing Hajj, and it is stated in Ibn Majah that the Prophet (PBUH) said:

• The Talbiyah (response of devotion recited during Hajj or Umrah) of the people of Al-Madinah begins at Dhul Hulaifah.
• The Talbiyah (response of devotion recited during Hajj or Umrah) of the people of Shaam begins at Al-Juhfah.
• The Talbiyah (response of devotion recited during Hajj or Umrah)  of the people of Yemen begins at Yalamlam.
• The Talbiyah (response of devotion recited during Hajj or Umrah)  of the people of Najd begins at Qarn.
• The Talbiyah (response of devotion recited during Hajj or Umrah) of the people of the east begins at Dhat’ Irq.

After arriving in Makkah, Muslims who plan to perform Hajj Tamattu’ should combine the Umrah with Hajj. First, they will walk around the Holy Kaaba seven times in an anti-clockwise direction, a practice known as Tawaf.

Once they complete the Tawaf, they will offer a prayer, usually performed near the Maqam Ibrahim. 

Next, they will run between the hills of Safa and Marwa. After finishing the Umrah rituals, pilgrims will then begin their journey to Mina.

Stage 2: Mina: The Tent City and Prelude to Hajj

Mina is a small town located approximately 5-6 km east of Makkah (Mecca). It plays a significant role in the Hajj pilgrimage. Arriving at this tent city, pilgrims are advised to rest and prepare for the upcoming rituals.

During their stay in Mina, which begins with Zuhr (noon prayer) on the 8th of Dhul-Hijjah and ends with Fajr (dawn prayer) on the 13th, pilgrims perform all five daily prayers. This includes both the obligatory and non-compulsory prayers.

While staying in Mina, pilgrims read the Quran, offer prayers, worship Allah, recite Dhikr, seek forgiveness, and make supplications. They also perform the upcoming pilgrimage rituals including act of stoning the devil and Nahr (animal sacrifice).

Today, Mina has transformed into a modern tent city and ensures the comfort of pilgrims by providing all essential amenities.

Stage 3:  From Mina to Arafat: The 9th of Dhul-Hijjah

On the Day of ‘Arafah, you will begin by performing the Fajr prayer in Mina. After sunrise, you will then make your way to the plains of ‘Arafat, which are about 10 km away. 

Once you arrive at your tent in ‘Arafat, you can head to Masjid Namirah, where the Imam of Hajj will deliver a sermon and lead the Dhuhr (midday prayer) and Asr (afternoon prayer). Alternatively, you can choose to pray these prayers in your tent, preferably in a group.

It is highly recommended to Wuquf (stand) outside your tent, facing the Qiblah, with your hands raised in du'a (supplication) until sunset. 

Many pilgrims also choose to go to the Mount of Mercy (Jabal ar-Rahmah), where the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) delivered part of his final sermon during Hajj.

In the Quran, it is stated,

“Then go forth with the rest of the pilgrims (to Arafat). And seek Allah’s forgiveness. Surely Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.”

(Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 199)

Stage 4: Muzdalifah: Overnight Stay in the Open Air

This is what you do at Muzdalifah:

1. When you arrive in Muzdalifah, combine the Maghrib (sunset prayer) and Isha (night prayer). This means you will shorten the ‘Isha prayer and perform them together with one Adhan (call to prayer) and two Iqamahs (announcements).  

It is done because the Prophet (PBUH) performed this combination of prayers at Muzdalifah, following his Sunnah for pilgrims during Hajj.

Ja’far bin Muhammad narrated that his father said,

“…Then the Prophet (PBUH) came to Muzdalifah where he prayed Maghrib and ‘Isha’ with one Adhan and two Iqamah, offering no prayer in between. Then, the Prophet (PBUH) lay down until dawn came, and he prayed Fajr, when he saw that morning had come, with one Adhan and one Iqamah…”

(Sunan Ibn Majah, 3074)

2. Gather pebbles while you are in Muzdalifah. You will need 7 pebbles for the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah and 21 pebbles (7 pebbles for each pillar) for the following 2-3 days. They should be the size of a bean for Rumi (stoning of the devil) on the next few days of Hajj.

Narrated Az-Zuhri:

“Whenever the Prophet (PBUH) stoned the Jamra near Mina Mosque, he would do Rami of it with seven small pebbles and say Takbir on throwing each pebble. Then he would go ahead and stand facing the Qiblah with his hands raised, and invoke (Allah) and he sued to stand for a long period. Then he would come to the second Jamra (Al-Wusta) and stone it will seven small stones, reciting Takbir on throwing each stone. Then he would stand facing the Qiblah with raised hands to invoke (Allah). Then he would come to the Jamra near the 'Aqaba (Jamrat-ul-'Aqaba) and do Rami of it with seven small pebbles, reciting Takbir on throwing each stone. he then would leave and not stay by it."

(Sahih Bukhari, 1753)

3. Spend the night reciting the Quran, doing Dhikr (remembrance) and the Talbiyah(response of devotion recited during Hajj). Sleep for a while and then wake up to pray Fajr (dawn prayer). 

4. Leave the town of Muzdalifah on the morning of 10th Dhul Hijjah.

5. After this, head back to Makkah (Mecca) for Tawaf Al-Ifada ( can be performed on 10th,11th, and 12th of Dhul Hijjah) and Sa’i (the act of running between Safa and Marwa).When it’s done, you can go back to Mina for Rami, Nahr, and Halq.

Stage 5: Rami Al-Jamarat: Symbolically Stoning the Devil

When pilgrims arrive at Mina during Hajj, they perform the act of stoning the Jamrat al-Aqabah (the large pillar) on 10th Dhul Hijjah. On the following 2-3 days, stone all three pillars. 

This involves throwing seven stones at a pillar, which symbolizes the rejection of the devil's temptation.This ritual is a reminder of the time when Prophet Ibrahim (AS) was urged by Satan to disobey Allah's command, and he resisted by throwing stones at the devil.

Stage 6: Nahr: The Animal Sacrifice

After the stoning, Muslims are advised to sacrifice an animal in their name. Pilgrims have the option to buy sacrifice coupons or vouchers that confirm the sacrifice has been made on their behalf.

Conditions for Animal Sacrifice During Hajj

- Type of Animal: Sheep, goat, cow, or camel. Sheep and goats should be at least one year old; cows two and camels at least five years old.

-  Eligibility: The animal must be healthy and free from defects.

- Timing: Sacrifice is performed on the 10th of Dhu al-Hijjah. But it is allowedto sacrifice on the 11th, 12th, and 13th.

-  Intention: Must be done with the sincere intention of seeking Allah’s pleasure.

Aisha (RA) narrated that the Prophet (PBUH) said,

"A human does no action from the actions on the day of Nahr more beloved to Allah than spilling blood (of sacrificial animals). On the Day of Judgement, it will appear with its horns, and hair, and hooves, and indeed the blood will be accepted by Allah from where it is received before it even falls upon earth, so let your heart delight in it."

(Jami At-Tirmidhi, 1493)

Halq or Taqsir

After confirming that your animal sacrifice has been made on your behalf, you can then shave or trim your hair in Mina. 

For men, it is preferred to shave their heads completely (Halq), while women should cut a small amount (about the length of a fingertip) from the ends of their hair strands (Taqsir). Once you have completed this step, you are no longer bound by the restrictions of Ihram, except for sexual activity.

Stage 7: Tawaf Al-Wada: The Farewell Tawaf

After finishing the rituals of Hajj, pilgrims return to the Holy Kaaba in Makkah to perform the Tawaf Al-Wada (farewell Tawaf), followed by Sa'i. This marks the official end of Hajj. However, many pilgrims also choose to visit Madinah before going home.

The Prophet (PBUH),

"Whoever performs Hajj for Allah's pleasure and does not have sexual relations with his wife, and does not do evil or sins then he will return (after Hajj free from all sins) as if he were born anew."

(Sahih Bukhari, 1521)

Conclusion

In conclusion, the pilgrims grow spiritually and learn to obey Allah by following seven stages of Hajj including Ihram, going to Mina, standing at Arafat, stay at Muzdalifah, Rami (act of stoning), Nahr (animal sacrifice), and Tawaf Al-Wada. 

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