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What is Hajj? 5 Things to Know Before Going on Pilgrimage
Hajj is required of every Muslim once in their lifetime.
But do you know everything you need to know about this sacred journey?
Here are five things you need to know about Hajj in 2025.
When is Hajj 2025?
Hajj happens every year during the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah.
This year, Hajj is predicted to fall from June 4th to June 9th 2025.
What is Hajj?
Hajj is an annual pilgrimage to the Ka’aba in Mecca and is one of the pillars of Islam.
Hajj is required of every able Muslim at least once in their lifetime.
It brings together Muslims from across the world unting people from all of nationalities, ethnicities, backgrounds, professions and ages.
What does Hajj mean?
The literal meaning of the Arabic word “hajj” or “hijj” means proof, demonstration, or an intention of doing something important.
The symbolic and spiritual meaning of Hajj for many Muslims goes beyond this.
Hajj is a powerful testament of one’s devotion and love for Allah (swt).
What are the specific steps that participants must follow during the Hajj pilgrimage?
The Hajj rituals, also referred to as the rites of Hajj, are listed below in sequential order:
- Ihram – (Entering a state of purity)
- Staying in Arafat – (Staying in the plains of Arafat to ask for forgiveness from Allah)
- Staying in Al-Mashar Al-Haram – (The region between Arafat and Mina where pilgrims can collect stones for Ramy Al-Jamarat)
- Staying in Mina over the night of the 11th, 12th, and (for some people) the 13th of Dhul Hijjah to perform the following practices: Ramy Al-Jamarat; slaughtering a sacrifice; halq (which is the shaving the head for men) or taqsir (cutting a wisp of hair or clipping nails)
- Tawaf Al-Ziyarah – (Seven turns around the Kaaba)
- Prayer of Tawaf Al-Ziyarah
- Sa’y between Safa and Marwa – (The act of walking and running seven times between two hills, Al-Safa and Al-Marwa)
- Tawaf Al-Nisa- (Performed after the Sa’y of Safa and Marwa and only differs with Tawaf Al-Ziyara in intention. After sa’y, all prohibition of ihram except using perfume and sexual activities are lifted)
- Prayer of Tawaf Al-Nisa – (This prayer has two rak’as, and should be said after the tawaf behind Maqam Ibrahim)
Where is Hajj mentioned in the Quran?
The word “Hajj” is mentioned 12 times directly in the Qur’an, and the annual pilgrimage is mentioned 27 times, including:
“And proclaim to the people the Hajj [pilgrimage]; they will come to you on foot and on every lean camel; they will come from every distant pass.” [Quran, 22:27]
Hajj and Eid Al-Adha
With the culmination of Hajj comes Eid Al-Adha – one of the most sacred times for Muslims after either completing or witnessing the beauty of Hajj.
What can you do to participate if cannot make it to Hajj?
By giving Qurbani to those who need it most through The Zahra Trust, you are helping not only spread the joy of Eid Al-Adha but aiding those who desperately need your support.
To learn more about how to give this Eid Al-Adha, and to help remember the holy sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim (as), click here – may Allah (swt) continue to bless you and your loved ones this Dhul Hijjah!
