Hajj Rituals: Step-By-Step Guide

Performing Hajj Rituals involves observing specific acts of worship and adhering to rulings derived from the Hanbali school of thought. Below is a step-by-step guide:

1. Preparation Before Hajj

1. Sincerity: Intend to perform Hajj solely for Allah.
2. Knowledge: Learn the rulings and rites of Hajj.
3. Repentance and Settling Debts: Clear all debts, seek forgiveness, and mend relationships.
4. Provision: Ensure halal earnings for the journey and leave sufficient provision for dependents.

2. Types of Hajj

Decide on the type of Hajj you will perform:

• Tamattu’: Performing Umrah followed by Hajj in the same season.
• Qiran: Performing Umrah and Hajj together without coming out of Ihram.
• Ifrad: Performing only Hajj without Umrah.

3. Entering Ihram

• Timing: Enter Ihram at one of the designated Miqats.
• Ghusl and Clothing: Perform Ghusl, apply perfume, and wear Ihram (two white sheets for men; modest, unstitched clothing for women).
• Niyyah (Intention): Intend for the specific type of Hajj and say the Talbiyah: Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik, Labbaik La Sharika Laka Labbaik, Innal Hamda Wanni’mata Laka Wal Mulk, La Sharika Lak.

4. Performing the Rites

A. Arrival in Makkah

1. Tawaf al-Qudum: Perform the arrival Tawaf (seven circuits around the Kaaba).
2. Sa’i: If performing Tamattu’ or Qiran, perform Sa’i between Safa and Marwah.

B. Mina (8th Dhul-Hijjah)

• Travel to Mina and pray Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, Isha, and Fajr in shortened form without combining.

C. Arafat (9th Dhul-Hijjah)

• Travel to Arafat after Fajr.
• Stand in Wuquf from Dhuhr to Maghrib, making Dua, Dhikr, and seeking forgiveness.
• Combine and shorten Dhuhr and Asr at Arafat.

D. Muzdalifah

• After sunset, go to Muzdalifah, pray Maghrib and Isha combined, and rest.
• Collect pebbles (7 + 21 for later rituals).

E. Mina (10th Dhul-Hijjah)

1. Rami al-Jamarat: Throw 7 pebbles at Jamrat al-Aqaba.
2. Sacrifice: Offer an animal sacrifice if performing Tamattu’ or Qiran.
3. Tawaf al-Ifadah: Perform the obligatory Tawaf of Hajj.
4. Shaving/Cutting Hair: Shave (men) or trim hair (women).

F. Days of Tashreeq (11th–13th Dhul-Hijjah)

• Spend the nights in Mina.
• Perform Rami al-Jamarat daily (7 pebbles for each of the three Jamarat).
• Engage in Dhikr, prayer, and reflection.

G. Farewell Tawaf

• Before leaving Makkah, perform Tawaf al-Wada as a final act.

Additional Considerations

1. Women in Menstruation: Perform all rites except Tawaf until they are pure.
2. Mistakes in Rites: Offer expiation (Fidya) as required by Quran and Sunnah.
3. Combining Acts: Hanbali scholars allow combining Dhuhr-Asr and Maghrib-Isha in specific circumstances during Hajj.

Summary

Perform the Hajj with sincere intention, follow the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), and abide by Hanbali rulings on the rites, ensuring mindfulness and devotion throughout the journey. If unsure about any aspect, consult a knowledgeable Hanbali scholar. For a pictorial guide to the Hajj Rituals, click here.

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