What is Hajj?

Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and is obligatory for every Muslim who meets certain conditions at least once in their lifetime. Hajj involves visiting specific sacred locations (the Kaaba and its surroundings) at specific times (the months of Shawwal, Dhu al-Qi'dah, and Dhu al-Hijjah) in a specific manner (in accordance with the rituals of Hajj).

In a linguistic sense, Hajj means "to intend to visit sacred places." In Islam, it refers to "visiting designated places at specified times according to established rules." Hajj holds great significance for Muslims, representing both a spiritual and physical act of worship. Those who are financially able but unable to perform Hajj due to health reasons may send a representative to fulfill this obligation.

Basic Steps of Hajj

1. Entering Ihram: This is the state of consecration for Hajj or Umrah. Men wear two pieces of cloth called ridā and izār, while women wear their regular clothing. Entering Ihram signifies the prohibition of certain lawful things.
2. Standing at Arafat: Being present at Arafat until sunset on the Day of Arafah is one of the pillars of Hajj. The Prophet Muhammad and approximately 120,000 companions performed the Arafat standing in 632 CE at the foot of Jabal al-Rahmah. At this holy mountain, the Prophet prayed for the forgiveness of his community and received divine assurance of their forgiveness. Claiming that one who stands at Arafat is not forgiven is considered a grave sin.
3. Visitation Tawaf: This involves circling the Kaaba seven times, starting from the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad), keeping the Kaaba on the left. Each circuit is called a shawt, and seven shawts complete one Tawaf.
4. Sa'y: This is the act of walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah, commemorating Hagar's search for water for her son, Ishmael.
5. Stoning the Devil in Mina: This involves throwing stones at three pillars (small, medium, and large) in Mina.
6. Sacrificing an Animal: For those performing the Qiran and Tamattu' types of Hajj, sacrificing an animal is obligatory.
7. Shaving or Shortening Hair: Men either shave their heads or shorten their hair. Women only shorten their hair.
8. Farewell Tawaf: This is the final Tawaf performed before leaving Mecca.

Tawaf

Tawaf means circling the Kaaba and is a significant part of both Hajj and Umrah. Tawaf begins at the Black Stone and involves circling the Kaaba seven times with the Kaaba remaining on the left. Each circuit counts as one shawt, and seven shawts complete a Tawaf. During Tawaf, prayers are recited, and takbirs and tahlils are offered. Detailed guidance on how to perform Tawaf is available in various sources.

Types of Hajj

Hajj is categorized into three types: Ifrad, Tamattu', and Qiran. These categories differ in terms of how Hajj is performed and the order of rituals. Detailed instructions for each type of Hajj can be found in various sources.