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!
FAQs
-
What is Hajj?
Hajj is the annual pilgrimage to Mecca and one of the Furu al-Deen (Branches of Religion). It is obligatory once in a lifetime for every adult Muslim who is physically and financially able to perform it.
The pilgrimage takes place during Dhul Hijjah and includes rites such as tawaf around the Ka’bah, standing at Arafat, travelling between the holy sites, and other acts of worship.
-
When is Hajj?
Hajj takes place each year from the 8th to the 13th of Dhul Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic calendar. Because the Islamic calendar follows the lunar cycle, Hajj falls at a different time of the Gregorian calendar each year.
-
How much does Hajj cost?
The cost of Hajj varies depending on where you travel from, your accommodation, flights, transport and the package you choose. Pilgrims should compare approved Hajj providers and check what is included before booking.
-
Who is required to perform Hajj?
Hajj is obligatory once in a lifetime for Muslims who are physically and financially able to make the journey. They must also be able to travel safely and meet the conditions required for Hajj.
-
What are the main rites of Hajj?
The main rites of Hajj include entering ihram, performing tawaf around the Ka’bah, completing sa’i between Safa and Marwah, standing at Arafat, spending time at Muzdalifah and Mina, and performing the required sacrifice and other rites.
-
What is the difference between Hajj and Umrah?
Hajj is an obligatory pilgrimage that takes place during specific days of Dhul Hijjah. Umrah is a pilgrimage that can be performed at other times of the year and is generally shorter, with fewer rites.
More from blog
Education in Crisis: When Conflict Steals the Classroom
For millions of children, conflict steals far more than their homes. It takes away the familiar classroom, the comfort of routine, and…
Imam Jafar al-Sadiq (as): Inspiring generations of scholars
Knowledge has always occupied a central place in Islam. The Quran repeatedly encourages believers to reflect, learn and seek understanding, while Prophet…
From Revelation to Scholarship: The Legacy of the Prophet (saww) & Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq (as)
Discover how the Prophet Muhammad (saww) and Imam Ja'far al-Sadiq (as) established a lasting legacy of knowledge in Islam. Learn why seeking…