Hajj

Hajj

Hajj is a sacred pilgrimage that Muslims perform at the holy mosque of Masjid al-Haram in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. It is one of the five pillars of Islam, which means it is obligatory for every Muslim at least once in their lifetime, so long as he has the means. Hajj takes on an enormous spiritual and emotional value for Muslims in Australia, connecting them deeply to their faith and the Islamic culture worldwide.

The period of the Hajj ceremony takes place yearly, that is, during the month of Dhul Hijjah, the twelfth in the Islamic calendar. It starts on the 8th of Dhul Hijjah and continues until the 13th of Dhul Hijjah.
“You will enter the Sacred Masjid, God willing, perfectly secure, and you will cut your hair or shorten it there as you fulfill the pilgrimage rituals; you will not have any fear.” Since He knew what you did not know, He has coupled this with an immediate victory.”  Qur’an | 48:27

Brief History of the Hajj:

In 628 CE, the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) and the Muslims set off on the first Islamic pilgrimage (Hajj), repeating the traditions initiated by the Prophet Hazrat Ibrahim (AS), who had begun the tradition of Hajj long ago. It starts with the story of Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) and the commandment Allah puts upon him to travel to this desert in Makkah, leaving his wife Hazrat Hajara (RA) and infant son Hazrat Ismail (AS) by following the commandment of Allah.

Hazrat Hajara (RA) and Hazrat Ismail (AS) soon ran out of resources, and in the final desperate attempt to find some water, Hajar began running between the two neighboring hills of Safa and Marwa looking for someone to assist or nearby water. She did this seven times and returned to a weeping Hazrat Ismail (AS) without anything.

As the crying infant cried, Hazrat Ismail (AS) struck the ground with his leg, and a stream of water burst forth at the command of Allah (SWT). This stream of water relieved the pair of their wish and became a resource with which they traded for provisions of all kinds with traveling merchants. This stream of water is known today as the Well of Zam Zam.

Construction Of The Kaa’ba

It was at the well of Zam Zam that Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) was commanded to build the Kaa’ba. Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) and his son, Hazrat Ismail (AS), worked together to build a small stone structure called the Kaa’bah. It was built to mark a space for the sacred gathering of Muslims—all those who believed in the one God, Allah (SWT).

The Inception of Hajj (The Sacred Pilgrimage)

As time passed, the location of the miracle well of ZamZam and the Kaa’bah would provide the tools for Makkah to become a prosperous settlement. Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) returned each year to the location to make his pilgrimage to Allah (SWT), and years later, when Hazrat Ismail (AS) was granted his prophethood, he continued the tradition to the beginning of the Hajj.

A Step-By-Step Guide To Performing Hajj

SubhanAllah, majority of  Muslims from the Australia make their way to the holy cities of Makkah every year to perform the Hajj in unity with Muslims all over the world. So, if you are one of those pilgrims leaving for Saudi Arabia to perform this holy pillar, read on! We have prepared this helpful step-by-step Hajj guide to help you in this sacred journey!

The 19 Steps of Hajj at a Glance:

  • Preparation and Intention
  • Enter state of Ihram
  • Tawaf x7
  • Safa and Marwa
  • Clip/Shave Hair (Umrah ends)
  • Resting and Praying
  • Enter state of Ihram
  • Arrive at Mina
  • Day of ‘Arafah
  • Muzdalifah (under the night sky)
  • Rami (stoning of the devil)
  • Hady
  • Shaving of the Head
  • Tawaf al-Ifadha
  • Saai’
  • Rami (stoning of the devil)
  • Spend the night at Mina
  • Rami (stoning of the devi
  • Farewell Tawaf al-Wida

A Step-By-Step Guide To Performing Hajj

SubhanAllah, nearly 25,000 Muslims from the UK make their way to the holy cities of Makkah every year to perform the Hajj in unity with Muslims all over the world. So, if you are one of those pilgrims leaving for Saudi Arabia to perform this holy pillar, read on! We have prepared this helpful step-by-step Hajj guide to help you in this sacred journey!

The 19 Steps of Hajj at a Glance:

  • Preparation and Intention
  • Enter state of Ihram
  • Tawaf x7
  • Safa and Marwa
  • Clip/Shave Hair (Umrah ends)
  • Resting and Praying
  • Enter state of Ihram
  • Arrive at Mina
  • Day of ‘Arafah
  • Muzdalifah (under the night sky)
  • Rami (stoning of the devil)
  • Hady
  • Shaving of the Head
  • Tawaf al-Ifadha
  • Saai’
  • Rami (stoning of the devil)
  • Spend the night at Mina
  • Rami (stoning of the devi
  • Farewell Tawaf al-Wida

Important Dates and Schedule for Hajj 2025

For Hajj 2025, the projected days of Hajj would fall on June 6 to June 11, 2025, corresponding to the 8th to the 13th of Dhul-Hijjah in the Hijri calendar. But check closer to the date since Lunar Calendar may have variations that slightly alter the timeline. Here are some key dates to look out for: June 6, 2025 (8th Dhul-Hijjah): Arrival in Mina June 7, 2025 (9th Dhul-Hijjah): Day of Arafah (the most significant day of Hajj) June 8, 2025 (10th Dhul-Hijjah): Eid al-Adha and the start of Tawaf al-Ifadah June 9-10, 2025 (11th and 12th Dhul-Hijjah): Days of Tashreeq June 11, 2025 (13th Dhul-Hijjah): Departure from Mina

The Steps of Hajj: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ihram: The State of Purification

Ihram represents the initiation of Hajj. The pilgrims don a special dress: white unstitched clothes for males and modest clothing for women to represent equality and breaking the worldly status. Certain acts, such as trimming of nails and raising one’s voice in disputes, are restricted in Ihram so as to create a mind-body discipline.

Tawaf and Sai

The journey starts with Tawaf, where people go round the Kaaba seven times, showing their love for Allah. The following is Sai, fast walking between Safa and Marwah hills in remembrance of Hajar searching for water to give her son.

Arafah: The Day of Forgiveness

The Day of Arafah is the peak of the spirituality that Hajj has, which is Mount Arafah. There, it congregates with other Muslims in prayer and reflection toward God for mercy. This is an unmatched day for its merits, as sins are forgiven while praying is fulfilled. After Arafah, they proceed to Muzdalifah to spend their night there in prayer and to pick pebbles. On the following day, they perform Rami, the symbolic stoning of the devil at Mina, mimicking Ibrahim’s rejection of temptation.