Introduction
Every year, millions of Muslims from around the world gather in Makkah to perform Hajj, a sacred pillar of Islam. For first-timers and even repeat pilgrims, understanding the Hajj steps clearly is important to fulfill this act of worship correctly. In this guide, we’ll walk you through all the Hajj steps in a simple and easy-to-understand way.
What is Hajj?
Hajj is the annual pilgrimage to Makkah that every adult Muslim must perform at least once in their lifetime if they are physically and financially able. It is performed during the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah and consists of a series of spiritual rituals known as the Hajj steps.
1. Ihram – The State of Purity
The journey begins with entering the state of Ihram, which includes wearing special white garments for men and modest dress for women. This is one of the most important Hajj steps, as it marks your intention (niyyah) to perform Hajj. You must enter Ihram before crossing the Miqat (entry point).
2. Tawaf – Circling the Kaaba
After entering Makkah, pilgrims perform Tawaf, which is walking around the Kaaba seven times in a counter-clockwise direction. This is a key part of the Hajj steps that symbolizes the unity of believers in the worship of One God.
3. Sa’i – Walking Between Safa and Marwah
The next step is Sa’i, walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah, following the tradition of Hajar (AS), the wife of Prophet Ibrahim (AS). Sa’i is one of the spiritual Hajj steps that highlights perseverance and trust in Allah.
4. Arafat – Standing in Supplication
On the 9th day of Dhul-Hijjah, pilgrims travel to the plain of Arafat to stand in prayer and supplication. Known as Wuquf-e-Arafat, this is considered the most essential of all the Hajj steps. Without it, Hajj is incomplete.
5. Muzdalifah – Collecting Pebbles
After sunset on the Day of Arafat, pilgrims move to Muzdalifah, where they spend the night under the open sky and collect pebbles for the next step. This is among the Hajj steps that reflect humility and simplicity.
6. Ramy – Stoning the Devil at Mina
Using the collected pebbles, pilgrims go to Mina to perform Ramy al-Jamarat—the stoning of three pillars that symbolize Satan. This is one of the powerful symbolic Hajj steps representing rejection of evil and submission to Allah.
7. Qurbani – Sacrificing an Animal
After stoning, pilgrims perform Qurbani, the sacrifice of an animal, following the tradition of Prophet Ibrahim (AS). This step reminds pilgrims of devotion and obedience. It is an important part of the Hajj steps performed on Eid al-Adha.
8. Tawaf al-Ifadah – Returning to the Kaaba
Pilgrims then return to the Kaaba to perform another Tawaf called Tawaf al-Ifadah. This is one of the final Hajj steps and is mandatory for completing Hajj.
9. Halq or Taqsir – Hair Cutting
Men shave their heads (Halq) or shorten their hair (Taqsir), while women cut a small portion of their hair. This marks the partial exit from Ihram and is among the concluding Hajj steps.
10. Final Tawaf – Tawaf al-Wada
Before leaving Makkah, pilgrims perform a farewell Tawaf known as Tawaf al-Wada. It is the last of the Hajj steps and a way of bidding goodbye to the sacred city of Makkah.
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