The Steps of Hajj

1. The Spiritual State of Ihram

The very first action is to make the intention of performing the Hajj by entering a state called Ihram. Ihram is entered once pilgrims shower or perform ablution, with men donning two white unsewn sheets (whilst women continue wearing their preferred clothing). Muslim enter the state of Ihram at specific locations outside Makkah. In this state, actions such as hunting, cutting nails, applying any scent, or having marital relations are forbidden.

2. Entering Makkah 

Muslim pilgrims then enter Makkah and make seven circuits (known as Tawaf) around the Ka’bah. They then offer two units of prayer (rak’at) near the Maqam-e-Ibrahim (the place of Abraham^as, near the Ka’bah). 

3. The Safa And Marwah Laps 

Muslims then go to Safa, a hill located near the Ka’bah, and make seven rounds between Safa and neighbouring hill Marwah. This is in remembrance of when Hagar^as ran to and fro looking for water, as Ishmael^as cried of thirst.

4. 8^th Dhu al-Hijjah: Travelling to Mina

Muslims then travel to Mina, located about eight kilometres from Makkah, on 8^th of Dhu al-Hijjah (the month of Hajj). Here, they spend one day and night praying and remembering God. They depart to a place called Arafat following the Fajr (pre-dawn) prayers the next day.

5. 9^th Dhu al-Hijjah: Travelling to Arafat 

In the morning, Muslims travel to Arafat, which is located some 13 kilometres away. Muslims offer the Zuhr and Asr (noon and midday) prayers combined, and then engage themselves in the remembrance of God. 

6. Travelling to Muzdalifah 

After spending the afternoon in remembrance of God, they then travel to Muzdalifah near sunset, where they combine the Maghrib and Isha prayers (sunset/night). They pray profusely throughout the night, and then offer the Fajr prayers the next morning.

7. 10^th Dhu al-Hijjah: Travelling to Mash’ar al-Haram 

Muslims travel to Mash’ar al-Haram, a small hill in Muzdalifah. Here, pilgrims lay special emphasis on reciting the Talbiyah (prayer of the Hajj). 

8. Travelling Back to Mina 

Muslims then return to Mina, where they go to the Jamarat al-Aqabah, a stone pillar meant to represent Satan. They throw seven pebbles at the stone while declaring ‘Allah is the Greatest’.

9. Sacrificing the Animal 

Continuing the 10^th of Dhu al-Hijjah, Muslims sacrifice an animal and distribute the meat to the poor and their family members. Men then either cut their hair short or shave their head. Women cut off a small piece of their hair as well. Upon this, the state of Ihram comes to an end. 

10. Circuits around the Ka’bah 

Once they have exited the state of Ihram, Muslims once more complete seven circuits around the Ka’bah. After this, they return to Mina.

11. Stay in Mina 

Muslims then stay in Mina for either two or three days, depending on their preference. During these days, they spend time in prayer and remembrance of God. Furthermore, they go to the stones which represent Satan, throwing seven pebbles at each of them, every day. 

12. Ending the Hajj 

Muslims then depart from Mina and perform one last circuit around the Ka’bah. They drink from the well of Zamzam and complete the Hajj.