How to Perform Hajj: A Step-by-Step Guide

Types of Hajj

📖 The Three Types of Hajj

There are three types of Hajj:

1. Hajj Qiraan

The pilgrim enters the state of ihraam with the intention of performing both Umrah and Hajj. A single ihraam is adopted for both. On reaching Makkah, the pilgrim first performs Umrah and thereafter performs Hajj in the same ihraam; hence he remains in the same ihraam till the end of Hajj.

2. Hajj Tamattu'

The pilgrim enters the state of ihraam with the intention of performing Umrah only. After the completion of Umrah, this ihraam is removed and another ihraam is adopted before 8th Zul Hijjah with the intention of performing Hajj.

3. Hajj Ifraad

The pilgrim enters the state of ihraam with the intention of performing Hajj only. He does not combine it with Umrah. After entering the ihraam, the pilgrim remains under the restrictions until the end of Hajj.

Note on Ihraam According to Sharee'ah, ihraam is to enter into a state in which certain halaal (lawful) things become prohibited for a person — e.g. use of perfume, trimming or shaving hair from the body, etc. This is done by wearing two sheets, making niyyah of Hajj/Umrah and reciting talbiyah. Women remain in their normal clothing.

The two sheets worn by the pilgrim are also called ihraam. Some people think that once these sheets are put on, they cannot be taken off — this is not so. A pilgrim can change them whenever required. By taking them off, the pilgrim does not come out of the state of ihraam. He will come out of the state of ihraam only when he completes all the essential rites of Hajj/Umrah.

Whoever performs Hajj for the sake of pleasing Allah and therein utters no word of evil, nor commits any evil deed, shall return from it as free from sin as the day on which his mother gave birth to him. Bukhaari, Muslim — Aboo Hurayrah radhiyallahu anhu

There is no day in which Allah sets free more souls from the fire of Hell than on the day of Arafaat. And on that day Allah draws near to the earth and by way of exhibition His pride remarks to the angels: "What is the desire of these servants of mine?" Muslim — Aa'ishah radhiyallahu anhaa

Instructions by Type of Hajj

📋 Instructions by Type of Hajj

Select your type of Hajj below to see the relevant preparation steps before the five days begin. Where referenced, the How to Perform Umrah guide should be consulted for detailed guidance on ihraam, tawaaf and sa'ee.

If you are performing Hajj Qiraan:

You will enter the state of ihraam with the intention of performing both Umrah and Hajj on or before reaching Meeqaat. Study and follow the section on ihraam in the guide.
How to Perform UmrahHowever, make sure you make intention of both Umrah and Hajj.
On reaching Makkah, make necessary arrangements and go to Al Masjidul Haraam and perform Umrah (i.e. tawaaf and sa'ee). Study and follow the section on tawaaf and sa'ee in the guide How to Perform Umrah.
After completing sa'ee, perform a second tawaaf. This second tawaaf is tawaafe qudoom which is Sunnah.
Now perform sa'ee once again. This is the sa'ee for Hajj.
Now remain in Makkah Mukarramah in the state of ihraam. You will not adopt another ihraam for Hajj.
Turn to Tab 2 — "Before 8th Zul Hijjah" — and follow the guidelines for the five days of Hajj.

Mas'alahDo not shave or trim after sa'ee.

Mas'alahIf you are going to perform sa'ee of Hajj after tawaafe qudoom, then this tawaaf will be performed with idhtibaa in all seven rounds and ramal in the first three rounds only.

Mas'alahSa'ee of Hajj can be performed after tawaafe ziyaarat too, but for those performing Hajj Qiraan, it is more preferable and better to perform it after tawaafe qudoom.

If you are performing Hajj Tamattu':

You will enter the state of ihraam with the intention of performing Umrah only on or before reaching Meeqaat. Study and follow the section on ihraam in the guide How to Perform Umrah.
On reaching Makkah, make necessary arrangements and go to Al Masjidul Haraam and perform Umrah (i.e. tawaaf, sa'ee and halaq/qasr). Study and follow the section on tawaaf, sa'ee and halaq in the guide How to Perform Umrah.
After halaq (shaving), all restrictions of ihraam will end. You will remain in Makkah Mukarramah without ihraam.
Turn to Tab 2 — "Before 8th Zul Hijjah" — and follow the guidelines for the five days of Hajj.

If you are performing Hajj Ifraad:

You will enter the state of ihraam with the intention of performing Hajj on or before reaching Meeqaat. Study and follow the section on ihraam in the guide How to Perform Umrah. Make sure you make intention to perform Hajj and not Umrah.
On reaching Makkah, make necessary arrangements and go to Al Masjidul Haraam and perform tawaafe qudoom which is Sunnah. Thereafter, offer two raka'at behind Maqaame Ibraaheem. Study and follow the section on tawaaf in the guide How to Perform Umrah.
If you intend to perform sa'ee now, then proceed to Safaa. Study and follow the section on sa'ee in the guide How to Perform Umrah.
Now remain in Makkah Mukarramah in the state of ihraam. You will not adopt another ihraam for Hajj.
Turn to Tab 2 — "Before 8th Zul Hijjah" — and follow the guidelines for the five days of Hajj.

Mas'alahIf you are going to perform sa'ee of Hajj after tawaafe qudoom, then perform the tawaaf with idhtibaa in all seven rounds and ramal in the first three rounds.

Mas'alahSa'ee of Hajj is best after tawaafe ziyaarat for those performing Hajj Ifraad.

Preparation — Before 8th Zul Hijjah

★ Entering Ihraam for Hajj

If you are performing Hajj Ifraad and Hajj Qiraan, then you are already in ihraam. You do not need to adopt another ihraam.

If you are performing Hajj Tamattu', you will need to enter the ihraam with the intention of performing Hajj.

On the 8th Zul Hijjah, you will be leaving for Minaa after sunrise; therefore, complete all your preparations by the 7th Zul Hijjah.
If you are performing Hajj Tamattu': cleanse yourself, perform ghusl, etc. before the morning of 8th Zul Hijjah and put on the sheets of ihraam. Women do not put on these sheets.
Go to Al Masjidul Haraam and perform two raka'at with the intention of ihraam with your head covered, and sitting bareheaded make niyyah (intention) of Hajj and recite talbiyah (labbayk). Your ihraam is complete and you must refrain from certain acts which become impermissible.

Mas'alahIf now you wish to perform the sa'ee of Hajj, which is normally performed after tawaafe ziyaarat, you may do so. However, a sa'ee cannot be performed without tawaaf, hence you will first perform a nafl tawaaf and then sa'ee.

Mas'alahThis nafl tawaaf before sa'ee will be performed with idhtibaa in all seven rounds and ramal in the first three rounds only. Remember the rule — "Every tawaaf followed by a sa'ee will be performed with idhtibaa and ramal."

Mas'alahFor those performing Hajj Tamattu', performing sa'ee after tawaafe ziyaarat is more preferable.

Mas'alahA person performing Hajj Tamattu' can enter into the state of ihraam for Hajj anytime before 8th Zul Hijjah.

Mas'alahIt is afdhal and mustahab to make the niyyah of ihraam in Al Masjidul Haraam.

NoteAlthough it is Sunnah to depart for Mina on the 8th of Dhul Hijjah, Hajj organizers may sometimes arrange departure on the preceding night (between the 7th and 8th). Pilgrims should follow the organizers’ instructions, and there is no harm in doing so if these arrangements are made in compliance with official regulations.

NoteCarry as little luggage as possible. A small bag (such as a backpack), a sheet, an extra set of Ihram, an additional pair of footwear suitable for Ihram, one change of clothes, tissues, and a towel should suffice. You may also bring a lightweight water bottle that is easy to carry and refill where water is available. If needed, take your personal medications and some dry fruits for convenience.

First Day — 8th Zul Hijjah

🕌 Going to Minaa

Proceed to Minaa after sunrise with talbiyah flowing from your lips.
Remain in Minaa and perform Zuhr, Asr, Maghrib, 'Eeshaa and Fajr of the following day. Also spend the night in Minaa.

Mas'alahIt is mustahab to perform these five Salaat in Minaa. It is Sunnah to spend the night in Minaa.

Mas'alahThere are no prescribed devotions on this day. Recite talbiyah excessively. Spend every moment in ibaadah, zikr, istighfaar, tilaawat, durood shareef and learning and teaching.

Mas'alahIf your intended continuous stay—including your time in Makkah as well as the days spent in Minaa, Arafah, and Muzdalifah during Hajj—is 15 days or more, you will be considered a muqeem and must perform all five daily prayers in full during the days of Hajj. However, if your stay is less than 15 days, you will be regarded as a musaafir and should perform qasr (i.e., two raka‘at for the fardh of Zuhr, ‘Asr, and ‘Ishaa’), unless you are praying behind a muqeem imam, in which case you will complete the prayer.
Similarly, the sacrifice of ‘Eid al-Adha is wajib upon a muqeem who possesses the nisab of Zakat, but it is not obligatory upon a musaafir. This sacrifice may be performed in any location, and a pilgrim may arrange for it in advance before departing from home.

Mas'alahThe takbiraat of tashreeq should be recited from the Fajr of 9th Zul Hijjah to the Asr of 13th Zul Hijjah, even during Hajj.

SuggestionEat less whilst in Minaa. Try to remain on fruit and liquid. You will find it very helpful.

Du'aa for Arafaat

In one Hadeeth it is stated: when one reads the following after zawaal in Arafaat on the day of Arafah, facing qiblah, Allah says: "O my angels! What is the reward of My servant who glorified Me, praised Me, mentioned My Oneness and Greatness and sent salutations on My Prophet ﷺ? I have forgiven him and accepted his request regarding his needs and if My servant intercedes for all who are in Arafah, I will accept it; and he may ask whatever he wishes."

Recommended 100 times each Fourth Kalimah · Soorah Ikhlaas · Durood Ibraaheem (add wa 'alaynaa ma'ahum at the end of every Durood Shareef)

Second Day — 9th Zul Hijjah

☀ To Arafaat

Leave for Arafaat after sunrise. On the way, recite talbiyah, du'aa, durood, zikr and takbeer in abundance.
On reaching Arafaat, make all necessary preparations before zawaal. Relieve yourself of all necessities.

Mas'alahThe time for wuqoof (stay) in Arafaat starts from zawaal on 9th Zul Hijjah and ends at sub'h saadiq the following morning. It is fardh to spend even a little portion of this time in Arafaat. To remain in Arafaat until sunset is waajib.

🤲 Wuqoof of Arafaat

As soon as the time for Zuhr Salaat begins, perform wudhoo. (Ghusl is more preferable if possible.)
Perform Zuhr Salaat and engage in ibaadah. It is mustahab to read durood shareef, zikr, tasbeeh, praises of Allah, talbiyah. Earnestly make du'aa for yourself, family and friends and the whole Ummah. Whatever zikr you recite, read it thrice each time.
Perform Asr Salaat on its time and thereafter engage in ibaadah once again until sunset.
After sunset, leave for Muzdalifah. Do not perform Maghrib Salaat in Arafaat.

Mas'alah — Combining Zuhr & AsrIt should be clearly understood that during the days of Hajj, if you perform prayer (salah) in the plain of Arafaat behind the imam of Masjid Namirah, you will combine the Zuhr and Asr prayers (i.e., both prayers will be offered at the time of Zuhr). However, if you are praying alone or performing prayer with a jamaat (congregation) in your own tent, then combining the prayers is not allowed. Instead, Zuhr and Asr must each be performed separately at their respective times.
In Muzdalifah, it is necessary in all cases to combine the Maghrib and ‘Isha prayers (i.e., both are offered at the time of ‘Isha), whether you are praying alone or behind an imam.
As for Minaa, all prayers should be performed at their respective times without combining.

Stay in Your TentIt is advisable not to go to Masjid Namirah and instead remain in your tent, offering your prayers there in congregation. At times, pilgrims who go to Masjid Namirah find it difficult to locate their tents upon returning, as thousands of tents look similar. This can cause unnecessary stress and may result in wasting valuable time on this most important and precious day searching for their tent.

Mas'alahIt is mustahab and more virtuous to engage in devotion standing, facing qiblah, with your hands raised as in du'aa. It is also permissible to sit or even lie down. But to lie down without excuse is makrooh. If the pilgrim gets tired, he may sit down and stand up again.

Mas'alahIt is bid'ah to climb Jabale Rahmat during wuqoof.
In between du'aa, recite talbiyah.
It is prohibited for men and women to stand together.
There is no Jumu'ah Salaat in Arafaat — perform Zuhr Salaat even on Friday.

Mas'alahIt is not permissible to depart from Arafaat before sunset.

ImportantDuring wuqoof, keep yourself busy in ibaadah until the evening. Remember Allah ta'aalaa as much as possible and make du'aa sincerely, crying before Him, beseeching Him and asking Him for all your lawful needs of this world and the Hereafter. Let no laxity or negligence come near you. You may not get this opportunity again. Do not involve yourself in disputes or nonsensical talks. Cry, weep and ask for forgiveness for yourself, parents, family and friends and the whole Muslim Ummah. Ask for His Pleasure and Jannah and seek His refuge from His Anger and Hell.

NoteIt is not advisable to go to the Masjid in Arafaat because the plain of Arafaat is too vast and tents are identical; hence it is possible to lose your way back. Similarly, do not venture out to look for Jabale Rahmat even though it is more virtuous to do wuqoof near it.

🌙 To Muzdalifah

After sunset, depart for Muzdalifah reciting talbiyah, takbeer, du'aa, durood shareef, etc.
When the time for 'Eeshaa Salaat commences, perform Maghrib and 'Eeshaa Salaat with one azaan and one iqaamah: (a) call out azaan, (b) say iqaamah, (c) perform fardh of Maghrib Salaat, (d) perform fardh of 'Eeshaa Salaat, (e) perform sunnah of Maghrib Salaat, and (f) perform sunnah of 'Eeshaa Salaat and witr waajib.
After Salaat, look to your other needs such as food, drink, toilet, etc. and spend the rest of the night in ibaadah. This night too is very auspicious and full of blessings.
Collect pebbles (each approximately the size of a pea or a date seed) and put them safely in a bag.

Mas'alahDo not perform Maghrib or 'Eeshaa in Arafaat or on the way to Muzdalifah. It is waajib to perform Maghrib and 'Eeshaa together in Muzdalifah at 'Eeshaa time.

Mas'alahIf you arrive in Muzdalifah before the time of 'Eeshaa, do not perform Maghrib until the time of 'Eeshaa sets in.

Mas'alahIf one is delayed by traffic or any other reason and is unable to reach Muzdalifah before sub'h saadiq, he should perform the two Salaat wherever he may be before sub'h saadiq.

Mas'alahThe two Salaat will be combined whether performed individually or in congregation.

Mas'alahIt is Sunnah Mu'akkadah to remain in Muzdalifah until sub'h saadiq, and to remain awake in tilaawat, du'aa and ibaadah is mustahab.

Mas'alahIt is permissible for women to omit the wuqoof of Muzdalifah due to rush and crowd. Similar will be the case for the sick and disabled.

Mas'alahIt is permissible to collect these pebbles from places other than Muzdalifah too. However, one should not pick them from near the jamaraat or unclean places.

NoteToilet facilities are scarce in Muzdalifah. It is advisable to relieve yourself before departing from Arafaat.

Pebbles Required

710th Zul Hijjah

2111th Zul Hijjah

2112th Zul Hijjah

2113th Zul Hijjah

Total49 pebbles if leaving Minaa after 12th Zul Hijjah · 70 pebbles if staying for 13th Zul Hijjah

Third Day — 10th Zul Hijjah

🌅 Wuqoof of Muzdalifah

Perform Fajr Salaat as soon as its time commences.
If possible, remain engaged in ibaadah in Muzdalifah until just before sunrise. Stand facing the qiblah and engage in reciting talbiyah, tasbeeh and making du'aa.
Two to three minutes before sunrise, leave for Minaa with talbiyah, zikr, etc. on your lips.

Mas'alahWuqoof of Muzdalifah is waajib and its time begins from sub'h saadiq and ends at sunrise. If one spent even a little portion of this time in Muzdalifah, he will be absolved of this obligation. However, it is better to remain until just before sunrise.

Mas'alahIf one left Muzdalifah before sub'h saadiq or arrived after sunrise, he will not be absolved of this obligation.

Mas'alahThere is no 'Eed Salaat upon the pilgrims.

ImportantIt is important to note the time of Fajr Salaat in Makkah the day you leave for Minaa — this is also the Fajr time in Muzdalifah. Many people in their ignorance perform Fajr Salaat in Muzdalifah before its time and leave immediately before sub'h saadiq. In this manner, they miss the wuqoof of Muzdalifah which brings upon them the liability of dam. Follow your own time and do not be persuaded by anyone to leave Muzdalifah before Fajr time.

⚡ The Four Obligations in Minaa

Upon reaching Minaa, fulfil the following obligations. For Hajj Qiraan and Hajj Tamattu', performing the first three in their respective order is waajib. Memorise the code-word PASS:

PPelting (Ramee)

AAnimal Sacrifice (Nahr)

SShaving (Halaq/Qasr)

SSa'ee + Tawaaf Ziyaarat

ImportantFailure to follow this order will result in dam. Do not shave or sacrifice the animal before pelting, and do not shave before sacrificing the animal.

Mas'alah — Hajj IfraadNahr (animal sacrifice) is not waajib — it is mustahab. Therefore, they can have their heads shaved as soon as they have completed the ramee. If they wish to fulfil the mustahab act of nahr, they are at liberty to do so before or after shaving. However, it is mustahab to follow the sequence for them too.

NoteIf sacrifice is arranged through an agent (individual or organisation), fix a time and ensure it is sacrificed at the given time. If it has not been sacrificed at the appointed time and the pilgrim gets his head shaved, dam will become incumbent on him.

🪨 Ramee (Pelting)

Today (10th Zul Hijjah) throw seven pebbles at only the jamarah known as the Jamaratul Uqbaa or large Shaytaan — the one furthest from Masjide Khayf. There are three pillars near Masjide Khayf: the one nearest is the small Shaytaan and the one furthest is the largest.

Mas'alahRamee is waajib. Failure will result in dam. It is bid'ah (innovation) to pelt the middle Shaytaan and the small Shaytaan on 10th Zul Hijjah.

Time for Ramee — 10th Zul Hijjah

Time	Status
Sub'h saadiq to sunrise	Makrooh
Sunrise to zawaal	Masnoon
Zawaal to sunset	Mubaah
Sunset to sub'h saadiq	Makrooh

Mas'alahFor women, sick and disabled fearing the crowds, no time is makrooh. In fact, for women the time of night is more virtuous and better for ramee.

Important AdviceExperience shows that with millions of pilgrims, it is very difficult to fulfil ramee in the masnoon time without causing harm to oneself and other Muslims — sometimes one has to put health and life in danger. It is advised that ramee is done before Maghrib in mubaah time. If the crowd is still very large, women and the sick can wait on one side whilst the healthy complete their obligation, and proceed after Maghrib — whenever convenient before sub'h saadiq. Remember: harming a Muslim is haraam and doing ramee after Maghrib is makrooh.

Method of Ramee

Come to the large Shaytaan and stand approximately two and a half yards or more away from it, such that Masjide Khayf is to your right and Makkah is to your left.
Throw seven pebbles one at a time with the index finger and the thumb of the right hand, reciting bismillaahi allaahu akbar each time.

Mas'alahWith the throwing of the first pebble, stop reciting talbiyah. You may continue other zikr and tasbeeh besides talbiyah.

Mas'alahIf all seven pebbles are thrown together, it will be counted as one pebble only. If the pebbles fall near the pillar (within the surrounding wall), the ramee is valid. If they fall outside the surrounding wall, the ramee is invalid.

Mas'alahThis method of pelting is mustahab. It is permissible to pelt from whichever direction you desire. When throwing the pebbles, raise your hand so high that your armpit becomes visible. There is no du'aa after pelting the large Shaytaan.

Very Important Mas'alahOne who is able to walk to the jamaraat or reach them by transport, wheelchair, etc. — and there is no fear of harm — must pelt personally. It is not permissible to appoint a proxy without a valid Shar'ee excuse. Rush is not a Shar'ee excuse. If one truly cannot walk and has no means of conveyance, someone may pelt on his/her behalf with his/her instruction. The women or weak ones should have no fear — go after 'Eeshaa Salaat and the way will be clear.

🐑 Nahr (Animal Sacrifice)

After completing the ramee, sacrifice an animal. This sacrifice is known as dame shukr and is waajib upon those performing Hajj Qiraan and Hajj Tamattu', and mustahab for those performing Hajj Ifraad.

Time for NahrOne can sacrifice the animal any time after ramee until the sunset of 12th Zul Hijjah. However, those performing Hajj Qiraan and Hajj Tamattu' will not be able to shave their heads until the sacrifice is completed.

Mas'alahThose performing Hajj Qiraan and Hajj Tamattu' must form the niyyah (intention) that the sacrifice is for their type of Hajj; otherwise the sacrifice will not be valid.

Mas'alahIt is more virtuous to slaughter the animal yourself. If unable, it is mustahab to witness the slaughtering. It is also mustahab to eat at least a little from the slaughtered animal's meat.

NoteDo not confuse dame shukr with the annual qurbaani of 'Eedul Adh'haa. Dame shukr is waajib only upon those performing Hajj Qiraan or Hajj Tamattu'. The annual qurbaani is waajib upon every sane, baaligh Muslim upon whom Zakaat is binding and who is not a musaafir.

✂ Halaq/Qasr (Shaving/Trimming)

Now shave or trim your hair. Sit facing the qiblah and start from the right-hand side.
Women will trim slightly more than an inch from the end of their hair plaits. It is haraam for them to shave their heads.
Now all restrictions of ihraam have ended except for the sexual relationship. This will be lifted as soon as one has performed tawaafe ziyaarat.

Mas'alahShaving is more virtuous than trimming. The Prophet ﷺ is reported to have made du'aa thrice for those who shaved and only once for those who trimmed their hair.

Mas'alahIt is waajib to shave or trim a quarter of your head to come out of ihraam, and to shave or trim the whole head is Sunnah. However, to shave or trim only a quarter of the head is makroohe tahreemee (prohibited).

Mas'alahThe term qasr (trim) means to clip at least one inch of each hair. If the size of the hair is smaller than an inch, then shaving will be waajib.

Mas'alahIf the pilgrim has completed all the rites of Hajj he had to perform before halaq, he can himself shave his head. He can also shave another Muslim's hair.

ImportantHalaq or qasr is waajib. One will remain under the restrictions of ihraam until this obligation is fulfilled. Many people clip only a few hairs here and there and think their ihraam has ended — this is incorrect. A person remains in ihraam and under all its restrictions until they shave or trim in the proper manner. If he changed into normal clothing, he could be liable to give dam.

🕋 Tawaafe Ziyaarat

Now proceed to Makkah and perform tawaafe ziyaarat which is fardh in Hajj. After performing tawaafe ziyaarat, the restriction on sexual relationship will be lifted too.

Time for Tawaafe Ziyaarat

The time begins at sub'h saadiq on 10th Zul Hijjah and ends at sunset on 12th Zul Hijjah. It is more virtuous to perform it on the 10th Zul Hijjah.

Perform tawaafe ziyaarat. If sa'ee has already been performed after tawaafe qudoom (by those doing Hajj Qiraan/Ifraad) or after putting on the Hajj ihraam (by those doing Hajj Tamattu'), you need not repeat the sa'ee — the tawaaf will be performed without ramal and idhtibaa. If sa'ee is yet to be performed, do ramal in the first three rounds and (if still wearing ihraam sheets) idhtibaa in all seven rounds.
Offer two raka'at, make du'aa at the Multazam if possible, and go to the well of Zamzam and drink to your fill.
Now perform sa'ee (if sa'ee was performed already, then you need not perform it again).
Now return to Minaa. It is Sunnah to spend the nights in Minaa. To spend the nights elsewhere is makrooh.

Mas'alahIt is waajib to perform tawaafe ziyaarat before sunset of the 12th Zul Hijjah. Delay will result in dam. A woman in the state of menstruation will delay her tawaaf until she becomes pure — in this case there is no dam upon her.

Very Important Mas'alahTawaafe ziyaarat is fardh; Hajj will remain incomplete without it. A woman in the state of menstruation may delay this tawaaf but it will not be waived from her. If she returns home without performing tawaafe ziyaarat, her Hajj will remain incomplete and the sexual relationship will remain unlawful until she returns to Makkah and performs tawaafe ziyaarat, irrespective of the time-limit.

Mas'alahTawaafe ziyaarat may be performed before, after, or in between the ramee, nahr and halaq. However, it is Sunnah to perform it after halaq. If one performed tawaafe ziyaarat before halaq, nothing from the restrictions of ihraam will be lifted until halaq.

NoteIn our times, it is better for women, old people, etc. to delay the tawaaf until the 11th or 12th Zul Hijjah. However, if going for tawaaf on the 12th, make sure you return to Minaa well before Zuhr; otherwise the traffic flow to Makkah will make it difficult to reach Minaa.

NoteMany people take the Sunnah of spending the nights in Minaa very lightly. Just for the sake of a little comfort, do not waste the spiritual benefits of Hajj. The night spent in the grounds of Minaa is far more virtuous than a comfortable night in the hotels of Makkah.

Yes, you can perform Hajj on behalf of your father — in response to a Sahaabiyyah who asked whether she could perform Hajj on behalf of her elderly, infirm father who was unable to remain seated on a camel. Bukhaari, Muslim — Ibne Abbaas radhiyallahu anhumaa

Fourth Day — 11th Zul Hijjah

🪨 Ramee of Three Jamaraat

The only ritual to be performed today is ramee, which is waajib. You will throw seven pebbles separately at each of the three jamaraat known as the small Shaytaan, middle Shaytaan and large Shaytaan.

Mas'alahIt is Sunnah to do ramee of the jamaraat in order. First pelt the small Shaytaan (nearest to Masjide Khayf), then the middle Shaytaan, and lastly the large Shaytaan.

Time for Ramee — 11th Zul Hijjah

Time	Status
Before zawaal	Not Permissible (Invalid)
Zawaal to sunset	Masnoon
Sunset to sub'h saadiq	Makrooh

Mas'alahIt is not permissible to pelt the jamaraat before zawaal on the 11th and 12th Zul Hijjah. It will be invalid and unacceptable.

Method of Ramee

Come to the small Shaytaan (nearest to Masjide Khayf) and stand approximately two and a half yards or more away from it.
Throw seven pebbles one at a time with the index finger and the thumb of the right hand, reciting bismillaahi allaahu akbar each time.
After the seven pebbles, move a little to the side, face qiblah, and make du'aa with your hands raised — praise and glorify Allah ta'aalaa, read durood shareef, and make du'aa for at least the duration of reciting 20 verses from the Qur'aan.
Come to the middle Shaytaan and follow the same method (steps 1–3 above).
Walk to the large Shaytaan and throw seven pebbles. Do not make du'aa after it.
Return to your camp and spend the night in Minaa.

Mas'alahThe du'aa is masnoon only after the ramee of the small and the middle Shaytaan — not after the large Shaytaan.

The expenses incurred during Hajj are like that incurred in Jihaad; rewarded seven hundred times. Ahmad — Buraydah radhiyallahu anhu

Fifth Day — 12th Zul Hijjah

🪨 Ramee — Same as Day 4

Follow the same procedure mentioned in the Fourth Day (11th Zul Hijjah). Pelting before zawaal on this day too is not permissible.

Mas'alahIf one cannot leave Minaa before sunset, then it is makrooh to leave without performing ramee (pelting) of the following day, i.e. 13th Zul Hijjah. It is not waajib to pelt the jamaraat the following day in this case, nor is it impermissible to leave Minaa.

Mas'alahIf one did not leave Minaa before sub'h saadiq of the following morning, i.e. the morning of 13th Zul Hijjah, then it is waajib to perform the ramee of that day. Failure will result in dam.

Common Misunderstanding — ImportantIt is commonly known amongst people that one must leave Minaa before sunset on the 12th Zul Hijjah, otherwise the ramee of the following day will become waajib. This is not so. The ramee of the following day will only become waajib if one delayed his stay in Minaa until sub'h saadiq (dawn) of 13th Zul Hijjah.

Many pilgrims, due to this misunderstanding, either pelt the jamaraat before zawaal (which is invalid altogether) or wait standing in the scorching heat from as early as 10am, bearing great hardships and putting themselves in great danger — and becoming the cause of harming other Muslim brothers, which is haraam. Please practise patience and fulfil this obligation, preferably after Asr. If need be, you may delay until after Maghrib. As long as you leave Minaa before sub'h saadiq, it is fine.

NoteMany people on their way back to Makkah are held up in traffic and do not perform Maghrib Salaat. Take care and perform Maghrib wherever you are, and 'Eeshaa once you have returned to Makkah.

Verily there shall be no reward for a righteous pilgrimage except Jannah. Bukhaari, Muslim — Aboo Hurayrah radhiyallahu anhu

Sixth Day — 13th Zul Hijjah (Optional)

✅ Ramee of 13th Zul Hijjah

The ramee of 13th Zul Hijjah is not waajib. However, it is more virtuous and of greater merit to pelt all three Shaytaan on 13th Zul Hijjah too.

If you have decided to pelt the Shaytaan on the 13th too, then follow the same procedure mentioned in the Fourth Day (11th Zul Hijjah).

Mas'alahFor those pilgrims who have remained in Minaa until sub'h saadiq of 13th Zul Hijjah, to perform ramee on this day is waajib too.

Time for Ramee — 13th Zul Hijjah

Time	Status
Sub'h saadiq to zawaal	Makrooh
Zawaal to sunset	Masnoon

Alhamdulillah — all the rites of Hajj are now complete. May Almighty Allah accept your Hajj and shower His blessings on you and your family. Aameen. Shaykh Muhammad Saleem Dhorat

Your Jihaad is Hajj — said to Aa'ishah radhiyallahu anhaa when she sought permission to go for Jihaad. Bukhaari, Muslim

Tawaafe Widaa — Farewell Tawaaf

🕋 Bidding Farewell to Makkah

For as long as you remain in Makkah, value every second and engage in tawaaf, Umrah, zikr and ibaadah, etc. However, do not perform Umrah until after 13th Zul Hijjah.

Tawaafe widaa can be performed any time after tawaafe ziyaarat but it is better to perform it at the very time of departing.

When you decide to depart from Makkah Mukarramah, perform tawaafe widaa (farewell tawaaf) which is waajib.
Perform two raka'at of tawaaf at Maqaami Ibraaheem and then go to the well of Zamzam and facing qiblah drink its water in three draughts to your fill.
After drinking water, go to Multazam and placing your breast and right cheek against the wall of Ka'bah, cling to the cloth and seek forgiveness in total humility. Shed tears, repent, read durood shareef, praise Allah and make du'aa for as long as possible.
After du'aa, make istilaam of Al Hajarul Aswad and depart with a heart filled with sadness, for you do not know whether you will have the privilege of visiting these holy places again.

Mas'alahIf one has returned home without performing this tawaaf, then he will be liable to give dam.

Mas'alahIf a nafl tawaaf was performed after tawaafe ziyaarat, then this nafl tawaaf will be sufficient in lieu of tawaafe widaa even if no niyyah of tawaafe widaa was made.

Mas'alahTawaafe widaa is waived from a woman who is in the state of haydh (menstruation) or nifaas (period after childbirth) because it is not permissible for her to enter the Masjid in this state.

Mas'alahAfter tawaafe widaa, a pilgrim can enter Al Masjidul Haraam again for Salaat or tawaaf.

When you meet a Haajji (on his way home) then greet him, shake hands with him and ask him to beg forgiveness of Allah on your behalf before he enters his home, for his prayer for forgiveness is accepted since he is forgiven by Allah for his sins. Ahmad — Abdullah Ibne 'Umar radhiyallahu anhumaa

After Hajj

💎 Guidance After Returning

Sincerity of Intention ▼

The sincerity of intention should remain even after the performance of Hajj. There should be no pomp or show. One should not wish to be called or recognised as a Haajji. Many people adopt the habit of talking frequently about their journey in order that people may come to know of their Hajj. This is a deceit from Shaytaan who ruins the ibaadah of the person who is unaware of it. It is therefore of great importance that the pilgrim does not talk about his Hajj without necessity, as it may lead to riyaa (show, insincerity). However, if necessity arises and one must talk about his Hajj, then he is at liberty to do so.

What to Say About Hajj ▼

Many pilgrims return with nothing but sad memories to reflect upon, and this darkness filters through their tongues to the extent that they talk only about the hardships they have encountered during Hajj. Pilgrims should strictly refrain from this. On the contrary, they should talk about the greatness of the sacred places, the spiritual gains, the enjoyment in devotions of Haramayn — Umrah, tawaaf, salaam on the Sacred Grave, Salaat in Al Masjidul Haraam and Masjidun Nabawi, etc. If one looks at his journey of Hajj carefully, he will find that the spiritual benefits far outweigh the physical hardships. Every second spent in these sacred places is incomparable with anything in the world.

The journey of Hajj is a long journey; hence difficulties are certain to arise. When we travel in our own country, do we always travel with comfort and ease? Considering that 2–3 million pilgrims perform the rituals of Hajj at one time, the difficulties encountered are insignificant. Moreover, the pilgrims are rewarded abundantly by Allah ta'aalaa upon every difficulty encountered, whereas the same is not the case during other journeys.

Those who engage in these types of conversation become the cause of discouragement to others who have not yet had the opportunity to perform Hajj. They fall into the category of those "who stop men from the way of Allah, and from the Sacred Masjid" as mentioned in Soorah Hajj. If people are discouraged and postpone their Hajj, those who have discouraged them will be equally responsible.

The Sign of an Accepted Hajj ▼

The sign of a "Mabroor Hajj" or "accepted Hajj" is that upon one's return, his life changes from worst to good. He becomes totally punctual in fulfilling the commands of Allah ta'aalaa. His love and inclination towards the Hereafter increases and love for the worldly pleasures declines. Therefore, it is essential that the pilgrim should endeavour to fulfil the obligations laid down by Allah and avoid all the things forbidden by Him.