A Simple Guide to Hajj

Foundation/Level 1
 What is Hajj?
➢ Every year, millions of Muslims from all over the world go on a special trip
to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia. This trip is called Hajj, and
it's one of the most important religious duties for Muslims.

➢ Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam.

➢ Hajj is fardh (obligatory) once in a lifetime.

 Conditions of Hajj
Hajj only becomes fardh on an individual if he;
1. Has the money needed to perform Hajj
2. Is able to travel Makkah

For a woman, she must have her husband or a close male family member
(mahram) to accompany her on Hajj.
 When is Hajj?
• Hajj is in the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah, and it lasts for 5 days.
• Day 1 = 8th of Dhul Hijjah
• Day 2 = 9th of Dhul Hijjah
• Day 3 = 10th of Dhul Hijjah
• Day 4 = 11th of Dhul Hijjah
• Day 5 = 12th of Dhul Hijjah
 Day 1 - Mina
An important part of Hajj is staying overnight in the tent city of Mina, near
Mecca, and throwing pebbles at three pillars that represent Satan. This is a
reminder to stay away from evil and follow the path of Allah.
 Day 2 – Arafah & Muzdalifah 1

• One of the most important places a person visits during Hajj is a place called
Arafah. Arafah is a big, open area near Mecca with a small hill called Jabal
Ar-Rahmah (Mountain of Mercy).
• On the 9th day of the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah, all the pilgrims gather
at Arafah and spend the day there. They pray to Allah, ask for forgiveness,
and try to be the best Muslims they can be. This is because Prophet
Muhammad (peace be upon him) said that the best day of the year is the Day
of Arafah, and Allah forgives the sins of those who sincerely repent on this
day.
 Day 2 – Arafah & Muzdalifah 2

• After spending the day at Arafah, the pilgrims leave for another place called
Muzdalifah. Muzdalifah is a small open area between Arafah and Mina (the tent city
we talked about before).
• At Muzdalifah, the pilgrims collect small pebbles or stones that they will use for a
special ritual called Ramy al-Jamarat (Stoning of the Jamarat). They also spend the
night there under the open sky, praying and remembering Allah.
• So, Arafah and Muzdalifah are two very important places that Muslims visit during
Hajj. They go to Arafah to ask for forgiveness and get closer to Allah, and then they
go to Muzdalifah to collect stones and prepare for the next part of their journey.
 Day 3 1

• On the 3rd day of Hajj, pilgrims wake up early in the morning at Muzdalifah. After praying,
they start their journey back towards Mina, which is the tent city we talked about before.
• On their way to Mina, they stop at a place called Jamarat, which has three tall pillars. These
pillars represent the devil or Shaytan. The pilgrims throw the small pebbles or stones that
they collected at Muzdalifah at these pillars. This is called the "Stoning of the Devil" or
"Ramy al-Jamarat.”
 Day 3 2

• After the stoning, the pilgrims go to Mina and perform a special sacrifice of an
animal, like a lamb or a goat. This is called "Qurbani" or "Udhhiya." The pilgrims
share the meat with their family, friends, and those in need.
• The sacrifice reminds the pilgrims of Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his
son Ismail to obey Allah's command. Allah was pleased with Prophet Ibrahim's
obedience and gave him a ram to sacrifice instead.
• On this day, Muslims all over the world also celebrate Eid al-Adha, which is a
special day of joy, gratitude, and remembrance of Allah's blessings.
• So, on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah, the pilgrims perform the stoning of the devil,
offer a sacrifice, and celebrate Eid al-Adha with their families and loved ones.
 Day 4 - Mina
• On the 4th day of Hajj, the main things the pilgrims do are:
1. Throw seven pebbles at each of the three Jamarat pillars (Stoning of the Devil)
2. Perform the Farewell Tawaf around the Kaaba (if they choose to)
3. Spend the day in Mina, praying and enjoying the company of other pilgrims.

It's a very special day for the pilgrims as they complete these important rituals
and prepare to leave the holy city of Mecca after performing the Hajj.
 Day 5
• On the 12th and last day of Dhul Hijjah, the pilgrims perform the final
stoning of the devil, bid farewell to the holy city of Mecca, and begin their
journey back home, enriched by the spiritual experience of Hajj.
 Tawaaf Around the Ka’bah
One of the most important rituals is going around the Ka’bah, which is a black
cube-shaped building in the center of the Grand Mosque in Makkah.
The Ka’bah is the direction that Muslims face during their daily prayers, and
it's very special because it was built by Prophet Ibrahim and his
son Ismail.
 Sa’ee
During Hajj, Muslims also go to the hills of Safaa and Marwaa and walk back
and forth between them seven times, just like Prophet Ibrahim's wife Hajar did
when she was looking for water for her
baby Ismail.
Hajj is a very special experience for Muslims because it brings people from all over the
world together as one community, united in their faith and devotion to Allah.