Complete Guide to Perform Hajj: Seven Essential Steps Explained.
Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and is considered a mandatory religious duty for Muslims who are physically and financially able to undertake the journey. It is a pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia that takes place during the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah. The Hajj consists of a series of rituals that are to be performed in a specific order, known as the Seven Steps of Hajj. In this blog, we will discuss these seven steps in detail.
Step 1: Ihram:-
The first step of Hajj is the state of Ihram, which marks the beginning of the pilgrimage. It is a state of ritual purity that involves wearing specific clothing for men and women. Men wear two white sheets, while women wear loose, modest clothing. In this state, pilgrims are prohibited from engaging in certain activities, such as cutting their hair or nails, using perfume, or engaging in sexual activity.
Step 2: Tawaf:-
After entering the state of Ihram, pilgrims proceed to the Kaaba, which is a sacred black cube located in the center of the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca. Here, they perform Tawaf, which involves circling the Kaaba seven times in a counterclockwise direction while reciting prayers.
Step 3: Sa’i:-
After Tawaf, pilgrims perform Sa’i, which involves walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwa. This ritual commemorates the story of Hagar, the wife of the prophet Ibrahim, who ran between these two hills in search of water for her son Ishmael A.S.
Step 4: Wuquf:-
at Arafat On the ninth day of Dhu al-Hijjah, pilgrims gather at the plain of Arafat, which is located approximately 20 kilometers east of Mecca. Here, they engage in Wuquf, which involves standing in prayer and supplication from noon until sunset.
Step 5: Muzdalifah :-
After Wuquf, pilgrims spend the night in Muzdalifah, which is a valley located between Arafat and Mina. Here, they gather pebbles that will be used in the next step of the Hajj.
Step 6: Stoning of the Devil:-
On the tenth day of Dhu al-Hijjah, pilgrims proceed to Mina, where they perform the Stoning of the Devil. This involves throwing seven pebbles at three stone pillars that represent Satan, symbolizing the rejection of evil.
Step 7: Tawaf al-Ifadah and Animal Sacrifice After the Stoning of the Devil, pilgrims return to Mecca to perform Tawaf al-Ifadah, which is a second Tawaf around the Kaaba. This is followed by animal sacrifice, which involves slaughtering a sheep, goat, or cow.
In conclusion, the Seven Steps of Hajj represent a profound spiritual journey for Muslims around the world. It is a time of reflection, renewal, and connection with the divine, as pilgrims undertake these rituals to seek forgiveness, mercy, and blessings from Allah.
-A BLOG BY ALI RAZA