How to Perform Hajj: Easy Guide and Process


Hajj isn’t just a trip. It’s a trip of the heart. Every time, millions of Muslims leave behind their homes, families, and comfort to visit Makkah, the holiest place on Earth. They all come for one purpose, that is to answer the call of Allah. 

No matter where you’re from, when you stand in front of the Kaaba, you realize something beautiful: that everyone is equal.  There are no rich or poor, no species or races.  Just people, all dressed in white, all standing before their Creator. 

This simple blog will help you understand every step easily. From medication to the final farewell, if you’ve ever wondered how to perform Hajj, then this blog is for you. Let’s take it slow, step by step.  Also, you can visit Amax Travel to get the best packages for your hajj. 

What Is Hajj? 

Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam. It’s a duty that every Muslim must perform at least once in their life if they’re healthy and can afford to do it. 

The Hajj happens in the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah. It’s not just a collection of rituals; it’s a test of tolerance, Faith, and love for Allah. 

When you complete Hajj, it’s believed that your sins are wiped down. You return home like a newborn, clean, light, and peaceful on the outside. 

Where Does Hajj Take Place? 

Hajj takes place in and around Makkah, in Saudi Arabia.  The main holy spots are: 

Masjid al- Haram

This is where the Kaaba is. Every prayer faces this sacred point. 

Mina

A large roof where pilgrims stay during several days of Hajj. 

Arafat 

The place where pilgrims stand together in prayer. It’s the most important day of Hajj. 

Muzdalifah 

A peaceful open area between Arafat and Mina where pilgrims sleep under the stars. 

Every step of the Hajj connects to the story of Prophet Ibrahim( A.S.), his wife Hajara, and their son Isma’il ( A.S.). 

Each place tells a story of sacrifice, trust, and obedience to Allah. 

Why Muslims Perform Hajj 

The purpose of Hajj is to worship Allah and to purify the soul.  It teaches tolerance, modesty, and gratefulness. 

When pilgrims wear the simple white Ihram, all signs of status vanish.  No rich or poor, only worshipers of Allah.  This equivalency brings peace to the heart. 

Hajj is also about leaving behind pride, arrogance, and status. You concentrate only on Allah. 

You remember that this life is short, and what truly matters is Faith and kindness. 

Prophet Muhammad S.A.W. said
“Whoever performs Hajj and avoids sin will return as pure as the day they were born.” 

How Long Is Hajj? 

Hajj generally lasts five to six days, starting on the 8th of Dhul-Hijjah and ending on the 13th. Each day has special rituals and meaning. Furthermore, if you want to spend some time exploring that holy place, you can find tour packages at Amax Travel for the best prices. 

Let’s go through them step by step. 

Step 1 : Preparing for Hajj 

Before leaving home, prepare your body, mind, and heart. 

Make Your Intention 

Say in your heart, “I’m going for Hajj for the sake of Allah alone.” That’s where your trip truly begins. 

Make Peace 

Forgive others and ask for forgiveness. Hajj is a trip of peace. Don’t carry guilt or pain in your heart. 

Pack Light 

Only take what you need.  Your basics: 

  • Ihram clothes 
  • Slippers 
  • Unscented cleaner and wipes 
  • Small Quran or dua book 
  • Medicine and particular particulars 

trip light. The lighter your bag, the calmer your trip. 

Step 2: Reaching Makkah and Wearing Ihram 

When you reach the Miqat, you put on your Ihram. Men wear two white unstitched clothes. Women wear simple, modest clothes. 

At Miqat, make your intention and say loudly:
“Labbaik Allahumma Hajjan.”
“O Allah, I’m here to perform Hajj.”

From that moment, you’re in a sacred state. You can’t harm any living thing or argue with anyone. You’re concentrated on worship. 

Step 3 : Tawaf of the Kaaba 

When you enter Masjid al- Haram, you’ll see the Kaaba for the first time. It’s an emotional moment, and numerous people cry. It feels like your heart recognizes home. 

You perform Tawaf, walking around the Kaaba seven times in a counterclockwise direction. 

Keep your right shoulder facing the Kaaba and move calmly with others. 

As you walk, make dua.  Ask Allah for forgiveness, health, and peace for your family and the world. 

After Tawaf, perform two rak’ahs near Maqam Ibrahim if possible. 

Step 4: Walking Between Safa and Marwah 

Next, you’ll walk between two small hills called Safa and Marwah. This act remembers Hajara (A.S.), who ran between these hills in search of water for her baby. 

You walk seven times, starting at Safa and ending at Marwah.  Men walk quickly between the green lights while women walk slowly. While walking, make dua and think about Hajar’s tolerance and trust in Allah. 

When you finish Sa’i, people rest, pray, and thank Allah for bringing them safely this far. 

Step 5: The Days of Hajj Begin 

On the 8th of Dhul-Hijjah, pilgrims travel to Mina. It’s a valley filled with white umbrellas. It is a peaceful megacity that comes alive only during Hajj. 

You’ll stay there overnight, worship, and prepare for the coming day. It’s simple living, like no luxury, no rush. Just prayer, reflection, and peace. 

Step 6: The Day of Arafat 

The coming day, the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah, you’ll go to Arafat. This is the most important day of Hajj.  Here, pilgrims stand from noon until evening, worshiping and seeking Allah’s forgiveness. 

This moment is called Wuquf Arafat. It’s said that if your prayers are accepted on this day, your sins are forgiven. 

Raise your hands, cry if you feel like it, and talk to Allah, actually.  Ask for everything: guidance, mercy, health, and peace. 

Prophet Muhammad S.A.W. said
“Hajj is Arafah.”
That means if you miss this day, you miss Hajj. 

Step 7: Night in Muzdalifah 

After the evening, you’ll leave Arafat and head to Muzdalifah.  Then, you’ll offer Maghrib and Isha, and also rest under the open sky.  No tents and umbrellas, just stars above you and peace in your heart. 

You’ll also collect small stones( around 49 or 70) for the coming day’s ritual. 

It’s calm, quiet, and humbling. A memorial that we all return to the same Earth. 

Step 8: Stropping the Devil 

On the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah, you go back to Mina. Then, you’ll perform Rami. This includes throwing stones at the three pillars that represent the devil’s temptation. 

You start with the biggest pillar and throw seven stones, saying “Allahu Akbar” each time. 

It reminds you to fight against wrong and sin in your own life. 

This is also the day of Eid al-Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice. 

Step 9: Sacrifice and Shaving Hair 

A small animal( lamb, goat, or camel) is slaughtered after prayers. This act commemorates Prophet Ibrahim (A.S.) ‘s devotion to Allah. It teaches obedience, even when it’s impossible. 

After the sacrifice, men shave or trim their hair.  Women cut a small portion of their hair. 

This shows renewal, like starting fresh, clean, and humble. 

Step 10: Tawaf al-Ifadah 

You also return to Masjid al- Haram to perform another Tawaf, called Tawaf al-Ifadah.

It’s similar to the first Tawaf, but this one completes your main Hajj rituals. Numerous people feel a deep peace after finishing it. 

Step 11: Staying in Mina 

You’ll spend two or three more days in Mina.  Each day, you perform Rami again, throwing stones at all three pillars. These are calm, reflective days. You pray, rest, and thank Allah for giving you the strength to complete your trip. 

Step 12: Farewell Tawaf 

Before leaving Makkah, you perform the final Tawaf, called Tawaf al-Wada. 

It means “Farewell Tawaf.” You walk around the Kaaba one last time, with love. 

Numerous people cry during this moment. It’s hard to say goodbye. 

As you finish, you know you’ve completed one of the topmost acts of Islam. This is the end of your hajj package.  

Step 13: Returning Home 

When you return home, everything feels different. You’re calmer, more patient, more thankful. The world seems softer because your heart has changed. Keep that feeling alive. 

Pray on time, help others, and live with kindness. 

Let your Hajj show in your life through tolerance, honesty, and peace. 

Last Word

Hajj isn’t just about walking or rituals. It’s about learning how to surrender to Allah’s will. 

It’s about realizing that nothing in this world lasts and only Faith does. Go with a clean heart if you ever have the chance to perform Hajj.  Forget all the other things. It’s not a luxury trip, but it’s a trip of love and redemption. 

And when you stand in front of the Kaaba, remember that Allah has invited you. That’s the topmost honor anyone can admit. 

Reference Sources

Ministry of Hajj and Umrah – Official Hajj Guide
https://www.haj.gov.sa/en/Guide/Hajj

Islamic Relief – Step-by-Step Guide to Hajj
https://www.islamic-relief.org.uk/islamic-guide/hajj-step-by-step/

Muslim Hands – Complete Guide to Hajj for Beginners
https://muslimhands.org.uk/latest/2022/06/a-complete-guide-to-hajj-for-beginners

 

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