What is Hajj in Islam? How long does it last, and how is it performed?
Hajj is a holy journey in Islam, where Muslims travel to the holy city of Makkah in Saudi Arabia. Entering Masjid al-Haram. The Grand Mosque marks the beginning of this divine path. It’s one of Islam’s five key pillars. For those asking what Hajj Islam is. It's a once-in-a-lifetime duty for all able Muslims, both physically and financially.
But what exactly is Hajj? It is a deeply divine journey that gathers millions of Muslims worldwide in unity and devotion. Held annually during the Islamic month of DhulHijjah. Hajj consists of several rituals performed over several days, including the Tawaf circling the Kaaba and standing at the plain of Arafat in prayer and review.
More than a physical undertaking. Hajj is a profound act of worship. It is a time for self-reflection, humility, and a renewed connection with faith. For Muslims, responding to the call of Hajj is embracing a divine invitation that resonates for a lifetime.
Cultural and Religious Heritage
In 628 CE, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) led his followers on the first Hajj, renewing a holy journey first well-known by Prophet Ibrahim (AS). Hajj in Islam began when Allah (SWT) commanded Ibrahim to leave Hajar and their son Ismail (AS) in the desert of Makkah, showing deep trust in divine wisdom. Understanding what is Hajj in Islam reveals its roots in devotion, sacrifice, and divine purpose.
Left alone in the harsh desert.Hajar ran between the hills of Safa and Marwa seven times in search of water. Her staunch faith was satisfied when baby Ismail (AS) struck the ground with his foot, and by Allah’s (SWT) command, a spring burst forth. This amazing spring, now known as the Well of Zamzam, became a life-giving source for constant travelers and changed the desolate valley into the thriving settlement of Makkah.
Years later. Prophet Ibrahim (AS) returned and, with Ismail (AS), built the Kaaba on the original foundations laid by Prophet Adam (AS). The Kaaba was never meant as an object of worship, but rather as a symbol of unity for those who believe in one God. Over time. However, idol worship became widespread. It was the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) who restored the Kaaba’s original purpose and re-established the journey now known as Hajj as a journey of faith, devotion, and unity.
Hajj Schedule Length
The blessed Hajj journey, often taking five to six days, begins with the sighting of the new crescent moon and marks the start of Eid al-Adha, a four-day festival of devotion. Wondering how many days to perform Hajj? It’s typically five. Through this blessed time, visitors perform a series of rituals in a specific sequence, many of which are both physically and emotionally demanding. Each day. They may walk between 5 and 15 kilometers across revered sites. But Hajj is more than a test of endurance. It is a powerful journey of the heart and soul. For many. It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to seek mercy, renew their devotion, and draw closer to Allah in deeply meaningful ways.
How to Perform Hajj Step by Step
Day 1 – The Journey Begins
The holy journey of Hajj begins with a pure and heartfelt intention. At the Miqat, visitors enter the state of ihram, marking the official start of their divine path as they cross the boundary into the holy region of Mecca.
Day 2 – Arafat
After a brief journey from Mina, visitors gather at Mount Arafat. Where they spend the day in deep prayer and reflection from noon until sunset. This standing, known as wuquf, is the divine pinnacle of Hajj and carries deep worth.
Day 3 – Eid al-Adha & Rami
On the blessed day of Eid al-Adha, visitors travel to Muzdalifah and then return to Mina before dawn. They perform rami. The symbolic act of casting seven stones at the Jamarat al-Aqaba signified the rejection of evil.
Days 4 & 5 – Continuing the Rami
The ritual stoning continues over the next two days, with visitors throwing seven stones at each of the three pillars: Jamarat al-Ula, Jamarat al-Wusta, and Jamarat al-Aqaba, following the well-known order.
Day 6 – The Completion
Visitors perform halq or taqsir. Men typically shave or trim their hair, while women usually trim a portion of hair that reaches their fingertips. Finally, Thetawaf al-wada is performed in Mecca, marking the completion of a truly holy and transformative journey.
Helpful Tips for Pilgrims
Check Saudi entry requirements with the Saudi Arabian embassy to confirm your travel eligibility.
Pre-book tours through a reliable travel agency. These often include flights and hotel stays.
Review the latest travel guidelines on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website.
Carry local currency (Saudi riyals), a debit card for emergencies, and some pounds for airport use.
Plan your full itinerary, especially around Hajj, including transport and accommodation.
Visit the NHS Fit for Travel website to see if any vaccinations are needed.
Obtain your visa and ensure all entry requirements are completed.
Bring your passport and carry photocopies as a backup.
Pack a few passport-sized photos for unexpected needs.
Keep both cash and a bank card handy for flexibility during your trip.
Conclusion:
Hajj is a blessed Muslim journey and a deeply divine journey that holds immense value in Islam. For those wondering what the Hajj in Islam is. It is a once-in-a-lifetime obligation for Muslims who are physically and financially able. Lasting five to six days, Hajj includes powerful rites like the Tawaf around the Kaaba, standing at Arafat, and symbolic stoning at Mina. Rooted in the story of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and renewed by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Hajj What is it truly? It’s far more than travel. It’s a soul-stirring experience. With sincere preparation, believers walk this holy path with clarity and peace.
What is Hajj in Islam? How long does it last, and how is it performed?
Hajj is a holy journey in Islam, where Muslims travel to the holy city of Makkah in Saudi Arabia. Entering Masjid al-Haram. The Grand Mosque marks the beginning of this divine path. It’s one of Islam’s five key pillars. For those asking what Hajj Islam is. It's a once-in-a-lifetime duty for all able Muslims, both physically and financially.
But what exactly is Hajj? It is a deeply divine journey that gathers millions of Muslims worldwide in unity and devotion. Held annually during the Islamic month of DhulHijjah. Hajj consists of several rituals performed over several days, including the Tawaf circling the Kaaba and standing at the plain of Arafat in prayer and review.
More than a physical undertaking. Hajj is a profound act of worship. It is a time for self-reflection, humility, and a renewed connection with faith. For Muslims, responding to the call of Hajj is embracing a divine invitation that resonates for a lifetime.
Cultural and Religious Heritage
In 628 CE, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) led his followers on the first Hajj, renewing a holy journey first well-known by Prophet Ibrahim (AS). Hajj in Islam began when Allah (SWT) commanded Ibrahim to leave Hajar and their son Ismail (AS) in the desert of Makkah, showing deep trust in divine wisdom. Understanding what is Hajj in Islam reveals its roots in devotion, sacrifice, and divine purpose.
Left alone in the harsh desert.Hajar ran between the hills of Safa and Marwa seven times in search of water. Her staunch faith was satisfied when baby Ismail (AS) struck the ground with his foot, and by Allah’s (SWT) command, a spring burst forth. This amazing spring, now known as the Well of Zamzam, became a life-giving source for constant travelers and changed the desolate valley into the thriving settlement of Makkah.
Years later. Prophet Ibrahim (AS) returned and, with Ismail (AS), built the Kaaba on the original foundations laid by Prophet Adam (AS). The Kaaba was never meant as an object of worship, but rather as a symbol of unity for those who believe in one God. Over time. However, idol worship became widespread. It was the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) who restored the Kaaba’s original purpose and re-established the journey now known as Hajj as a journey of faith, devotion, and unity.
Hajj Schedule Length
The blessed Hajj journey, often taking five to six days, begins with the sighting of the new crescent moon and marks the start of Eid al-Adha, a four-day festival of devotion. Wondering how many days to perform Hajj? It’s typically five. Through this blessed time, visitors perform a series of rituals in a specific sequence, many of which are both physically and emotionally demanding. Each day. They may walk between 5 and 15 kilometers across revered sites. But Hajj is more than a test of endurance. It is a powerful journey of the heart and soul. For many. It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to seek mercy, renew their devotion, and draw closer to Allah in deeply meaningful ways.
How to Perform Hajj Step by Step
Day 1 – The Journey Begins
The holy journey of Hajj begins with a pure and heartfelt intention. At the Miqat, visitors enter the state of ihram, marking the official start of their divine path as they cross the boundary into the holy region of Mecca.
Day 2 – Arafat
After a brief journey from Mina, visitors gather at Mount Arafat. Where they spend the day in deep prayer and reflection from noon until sunset. This standing, known as wuquf, is the divine pinnacle of Hajj and carries deep worth.
Day 3 – Eid al-Adha & Rami
On the blessed day of Eid al-Adha, visitors travel to Muzdalifah and then return to Mina before dawn. They perform rami. The symbolic act of casting seven stones at the Jamarat al-Aqaba signified the rejection of evil.
Days 4 & 5 – Continuing the Rami
The ritual stoning continues over the next two days, with visitors throwing seven stones at each of the three pillars: Jamarat al-Ula, Jamarat al-Wusta, and Jamarat al-Aqaba, following the well-known order.
Day 6 – The Completion
Visitors perform halq or taqsir. Men typically shave or trim their hair, while women usually trim a portion of hair that reaches their fingertips. Finally, Thetawaf al-wada is performed in Mecca, marking the completion of a truly holy and transformative journey.
Helpful Tips for Pilgrims
Conclusion:
Hajj is a blessed Muslim journey and a deeply divine journey that holds immense value in Islam. For those wondering what the Hajj in Islam is. It is a once-in-a-lifetime obligation for Muslims who are physically and financially able. Lasting five to six days, Hajj includes powerful rites like the Tawaf around the Kaaba, standing at Arafat, and symbolic stoning at Mina. Rooted in the story of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and renewed by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Hajj What is it truly? It’s far more than travel. It’s a soul-stirring experience. With sincere preparation, believers walk this holy path with clarity and peace.
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