Hajj is a sacred pilgrimage that is mandatory for all able-bodied and financially capable Muslims to undertake at least once in their lifetime. It is a journey to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia and comprises a series of rituals and practices that have deep religious significance. If you are planning to go on Hajj, here is a detailed guide on what to expect during this spiritual journey.

Preparing for Hajj

Before embarking on your journey, you need to prepare yourself mentally, physically, and spiritually for Hajj. This includes obtaining the necessary documents, booking your travel and accommodation, and getting vaccinations. It is also essential to familiarize yourself with the rituals of Hajj, understand their significance, and learn how to perform them correctly. You can do this by attending Hajj seminars or seeking guidance from knowledgeable scholars.

Ihram

Upon reaching Mecca, you will enter into a state of ihram, which involves wearing simple, white garments (for men, it consists of two seamless white sheets) and observing specific restrictions. These restrictions include refraining from cutting hair or nails, using fragrance, engaging in marital relations, and other acts that may violate the state of purity and devotion.

Tawaf

The first ritual you will perform is Tawaf, which involves circumambulating the Kaaba, the black cubic structure at the center of the Masjid al-Haram, seven times in a counterclockwise direction. Pilgrims also strive to touch or kiss the Black Stone, known as the Hajar al-Aswad, embedded in one corner of the Kaaba.

Sa’i

After Tawaf, you will proceed to perform Sa’i, which involves walking or running between the hills of Safa and Marwa, following the footsteps of Hajar (Hagar), the wife of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham). This commemorates her search for water for her son Ismail (Ishmael) in the desert.

Arafat

The most crucial day of Hajj is spent in Arafat, a vast plain located outside Mecca. Pilgrims gather here from the afternoon until sunset, engage in supplication, listen to sermons, and seek forgiveness from Allah. Standing in Arafat is considered the essence of Hajj, and it is believed that supplications made on this day are answered by Allah.

Muzdalifah

After sunset in Arafat, pilgrims proceed to Muzdalifah, where they spend the night in the open. They collect pebbles here that will be used in the stoning ritual.

Stoning of the Devil

Pilgrims return to Mecca and perform the ritual known as “Ramy al-Jamarat.” This involves stoning three pillars that represent Satan. It is a symbolic act of rejecting evil and temptation. The stoning is done by throwing seven pebbles at each of the pillars.

Sacrifice (Qurbani)

Following the stoning ritual, pilgrims perform the Qurbani, or sacrifice, to commemorate the willingness of Ibrahim to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to Allah. An animal, usually a sheep or a goat, is sacrificed, and the meat is distributed to the needy.

Tawaf al-Ifadah

After the sacrifice, pilgrims return to the Kaaba in Mecca and perform Tawaf al-Ifadah. This is similar to the initial Tawaf, but with fewer circuits (usually seven) and without touching the Black Stone.

Farewell Tawaf

Before leaving Mecca, pilgrims perform a final Tawaf known as the Farewell Tawaf (Tawaf al-Wida). This is a farewell gesture to the Kaaba, symbolizing the end of the