How to Complete a Hajj
Hajj consists of a specific series of rituals performed in and around Mecca during the first 10 days of Dhul-Hijja, the twelfth month of the Islamic calendar. It is mandatory for all Muslims capable of making the journey, and Muslims who have completed the hajj acquire the title "Al-Hajj." The most common form of the hajj includes rites performed during 'umrah, the minor pilgrimage rite, and acts that are only performed during hajj.
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Instructions
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Preparation and 'Umrah
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Take a class on hajj to learn the rites and regulations. These are offered by local mosques and through agencies that arrange hajj groups. You will learn about the prayers to make at each step, preparations that you will need before leaving (such as completing your will) and required vaccinations. You will also meet your hajj guide and your roommate if you are sharing a hotel room.
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Change into the clothes for the pilgrimage rites (ihram) at the station specified for your entrance to Mecca. These stations are determined by the direction from which you arrive, and your hajj guide will indicate when your group has arrived at the station. Some pilgrims arriving by plane change just before landing.
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Enter Mecca and go to the Masjid al-Haram, the mosque that surrounds the Ka'bah. Perform the tawaf, the series of laps walked around the Ka'bah. If you can, approach the side of the Ka'bah known as Multazam and pray for anything you desire.
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Perform the sa'i, the running between the hills Safa and Marwah. An enclosed walkway has been constructed to make this easier.
Hajj and Eid al-Adha
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Go with your hajj group to Mina on the first day of hajj, an area about three miles away from Mecca. Your group will spend the day praying and chanting praises to Allah.
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Go to Arafat on the second day of hajj. Your group will spend this day standing and making supplications to Allah. Go to Muzdalifah just after sunset on the second day of hajj. Pray, and then collect 21 pebbles. Each should be no larger than a chickpea.
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Return to Mina before daybreak on the third day of hajj. Perform the jamarat, the stoning of three pillars, which represents the rejection of evil. Throw the stones one at a time.
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Perform the animal sacrifice. The third day of hajj is Eid al-Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice, and the sacrifice is obligatory for the pilgrim. There are professional butchers on hand to slaughter the animals if you prefer. Have your hair cut if you are a woman or your head shaved if you are a man. You may now remove ihram, and most of the restrictions of ihram are now lifted.
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Perform the tawaf again. After this tawaf, all restrictions of ihram are lifted. Perform the sa'i again. Return to Mina. Perform the jamarat again. Stay in Mina until the fourth or fifth day of hajj. Return to Mecca to perform a final tawaf. Your hajj is complete, and you may proceed to Medina or return home, depending on your hajj group plan.
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Tips & Warnings
When you are in ihram, certain acts are prohibited, such as trimming the nails and wearing scented products.
Before leaving for hajj, it is traditional for pilgrims to ask loved ones if there is anything they would like the pilgrim to pray for while on hajj.
Stay with your hajj group. Your hajj guide will provide instructions about what to do if you become separated from the group.
The Embassy of Saudi Arabia does not issue hajj visas to solitary travelers. You will need to join a hajj group to enter Saudi Arabia for hajj.
Nearly every act required for hajj and 'umrah is preceded by stating one's intentions to perform the act, and prayers and statements are made during the act. If you miss these, you may need to perform the act again.
References
Resources
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