Hajj rituals:

How to perform hajj :

The acts of faith performed by all pilgrims during their  spiritual journey to the Holy Kaaba are
collectively known as the Hajj rituals, which lasts five days from the 8th to 12th day of Dhu al-
Hijjah.

2. PERFORMING THE UMRAH RITUALS

Pilgrims intending to undertake Hajj al-Tamatt’u must combine Umrah rituals with that of
Hajj.

3. HAJJ STEPS
Below are the ten important Hajj rituals step by step:

I. Reassume Ihram and the intention to perform Hajj

After completing Umrah rituals, pilgrims must assume the state of Ihram and declare
their intentions to do Hajj.
Note: repeat step 1 of Hajj Preparation

II. Travel to Mina

Soon after the observing the morning prayers, all pilgrims must head to Mina (a town in
Mecca), where they stay an entire day carrying out ritual prayers – Duhr, Asr, Maghrib,
Isha, Fajr and Qasr – as stated in the Quran.

III. Travel to Mt. Arafat to perform Wafuq

During the second day of Hajj, 9th day of Dhu-al-Hijjah, pilgrims travel to Arafat from
Mina reciting Istaghfar and making supplications. Upon reaching Mount Arafat, pilgrims
observe Duhr and Asr combined with Qasar prayers near the Jabal al-Rahmah from noon
to sunset. This act is known as Waquf (standing before Allah).

IV. Offer Prayers in Muzadalifah

Post sunset, pilgrims head to Muzadalifah (a town between Mina and Mt. Arafat) to
observe the evening prayers and rest the night until Fajr prayers in preparation for the
next day’s ritual of stoning the devil. Pilgrims pick up 49 pebbles of similar size for Rami.

On the 10th day Dhu al-Hijjah, pilgrims leave for Mecca before sunset to do Tawaf al-
Ifadah and Sa’iy and get back to Mina to perform Rami, Nahr and Halq.

V. Perform Rami in Mina

On the 11th and 12th days of Hajj, pilgrims must complete the stoning of the Devil or
Rami. Before Sunrise, pilgrims head back to Mina and participate in a ritual known as
‘Stoning the devil’. Seven pebbles (of similar sizes) are thrown at a stone structure known
as Jamrat al-Aqabah. This is an act carried out at noon on each day. All pilgrims are
required to leave for Mecca before sunset on the 12th day of Dhu al-Hijjah.

VI. Animal Sacrifice – Nahr

The culmination of the stoning ceremony calls for an animal sacrifice. For this pilgrims
can purchase sacrifice voucher or a coupon, which states that a sacrifice has been made
in their name. the sacrificial animal is either a lamb or a camel. The animal is butchered
and its meat is packed and shipped to other Middle Eastern countries or is fed to the
poor.

VII. Halq (shaving the head) or Taqsir (clipping or shortening of the hair for men and
women)
Men should get their head completely shaved, or get their hair clipped. While women are
forbidden to shave their heads and only allowed to have a lock or strand of their hair
clipped. The act of cutting the hair symbolizes one’s detachment from physical
appearances and complete subjection to Allah.
VIII. Perform Tawaf and Sa’iy 

IX. Repeat Stoning at Mina After Sunset On the 11th and 12TH day of Dhu al-Hijjah
The stoning ritual is repeated by throwing pebbles at two other monuments other than
Jamrat al Aqabah – Jamrat Oolah (the first Jamrat) and Jamrat Wustah (middle Jamrat).
Pilgrims face the Jamarah (main pillar), with the Mecca on their left and Mina on their
right, stone it with seven small pebbles while reciting takbeer.

X. Perform the Farewell Tawaf

The next and the final step is the farewell Tawaf, circumambulating the Kaaba anti-
clockwise seven times and touching or kissing the Kaaba if possible. Pilgrims reflect on
their experience and thank Allah for everything, while circumambulating the Kaa

In this year Hajj pilgrims must be under 65 years old and fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
They must also present a negative PCR test taken 72 hours before departure for the Kingdom.
Priority will be given to those who have not previously performed Hajj.

Impact of hajj on Islamic unity :

unity is vividly observed in the great pillar of Hajj, which is repeated every year and for
which millions of Muslims gather from all over the world. They represent the Muslim
ummah with all its different races, countries, colors, and languages. They gather in
one place, at the same time, wearing the same garment and performing the same
rites. They make one stand in the same monument. They proclaim the oneness of the
Lord of the worlds, submit themselves to His law, and show their unity under His
banner. They announce to the whole world that they are one nation although they
come form different countries and homes. They perform the rites and stand in the
open areas of Makkah, where bodies become close to each other, faces meet, hands
shake, greetings exchange, tongues communicate, and hearts reconcile. They meet
for the same purpose and intention.