What are the rituals of Hajj? A step-by-step guide to the annual pilgrimage
Every year, millions of Muslims from around the world gather in Mecca to perform the Islamic ritual of Hajj, one of the most significant spiritual journeys in the religion.
The pilgrimage spans several days and includes a sequence of highly structured rites.
This year, Hajj is expected to take place from June 4 to June 9, pending confirmation from Saudi Arabia’s official moon-sighting committee.
Here is a breakdown of each ritual and its significance:
Entering the state of ‘ihram’
Pilgrims begin Hajj by entering ‘ihram’, a state of physical and spiritual purity.
This involves wearing specific clothing – two white, unstitched sheets for men and simple modest attire for women – and declaring the intention to perform Hajj.
While in ihram, pilgrims must refrain from grooming, using perfume, arguing, or engaging in sexual relations.
Pilgrims also chant the Talbiyah (“Labbayka Allahumma Labbayk”) repeatedly, signaling readiness for the journey.
Tawaf
Upon arriving in Mecca, pilgrims perform ‘Tawaf’, circling the Kaaba seven times counterclockwise.
This symbolizes the unity of believers and their devotion to God.
The ritual begins and ends at the Black Stone, which many pilgrims try to touch or gesture toward.
The Black Stone is an ancient, sacred object set into the eastern corner of the Kaaba.
Muslims believe it dates back to the time of Prophet Ibrahim and his son Ismail, who were commanded by God to build the Kaaba.
The stone is recognized for its religious symbolism, not as an object of worship.
Sa’i between Safa and Marwah
Pilgrims then perform ‘Sa’i’, walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah.
This honors the story of Hajar, who ran between the hills in search of water for her son, Ismail.
The act reflects faith, resilience, and God’s compassion.
The journey to Mina
On the eighth of Dhul-Hijjah, pilgrims travel to Mina, a tent city east of Mecca.
Here, they spend the night in prayer and reflection in preparation for a pivotal day at Arafat.
Standing at Arafat
On the ninth of Dhul-Hijjah, pilgrims gather at the Plain of Arafat for ‘wuquf’, or standing in prayer from noon until sunset.
This is the most critical ritual of Hajj and is believed to be the place where the Prophet Mohammed gave his final sermon.
Missing it invalidates the pilgrimage.
It is considered one of the most important days, not just of Hajj, but of the entire Islamic calendar. Many Muslims around the world choose to fast on this day, even if they’re not taking part in Hajj.
Muzdalifah: Night under the stars
After sunset, pilgrims move to Muzdalifah, where they sleep outdoors and collect 49 or 70 small pebbles for the upcoming stoning ritual. The number of stones depends on whether they will spend two or three days for the stoning.
It considered to be a night of humility and spiritual reflection.
Rami al-Jamarat: Stoning of the devil
In Mina, pilgrims use the collected pebbles to perform ‘Rami al-Jamarat,’ symbolically stoning three pillars that represent Satan.
This act reenacts Prophet Ibrahim’s rejection of temptation and is performed over three days.
Qurban: The sacrifice
After the first stoning, pilgrims perform ‘Qurban’, the ritual slaughter of a sheep, goat, or other animal, in honor of Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son.
The meat is then distributed to those in need.
Hair cuts and shaving
Pilgrims then cut a portion of their hair, with men often shaving their head entirely, signifying spiritual renewal and humility.
This marks a partial exit from the state of ihram.
Tawaf al-ifadah and final sa’i
Pilgrims return to Mecca to perform ‘tawaf al-ifadah’, followed by another ‘sa’i’. This essential step reaffirms commitment to God and marks the completion of the main rites of Hajj.
Farewell tawaf
Before leaving Mecca, pilgrims perform ‘tawaf al-wada’, the farewell circumambulation, bidding goodbye to the holy city with prayers for acceptance and peace.
