How to Perform Hajj
Hajj is a prescribed pilgrimage rooted in the system established through Abraham and mandated for those who can afford it. It occurs during the sacred months and involves entering a state of sanctity, performing both Umrah components and the extended Hajj components, and observing proper conduct throughout. This page describes how to perform Hajj based on the Qur’an alone.
Preconditions
Before beginning Hajj, the Qur’an establishes foundational criteria:
• It is obligatory only for those who are able to undertake it (3:97).
• It is not required annually; once in a lifetime suffices.
• It must be observed during specified months (2:197).
• It commemorates Abraham and the rites established through him (22:26–29).
Timing of Hajj
The Qur’an states that Hajj occurs in specified months (2:197). It is therefore not confined to only a few days, but to a season within the year.
The Qur’an also states that there are four sacred months (9:36). These months include the period in which Hajj is to be observed. The historically inferred Qur’an-only model places the sacred months consecutively beginning with the month in which Hajj rites occur.
Entering the State of Sanctity (Ihram)
Hajj begins by entering the state of sanctity, known as ihram. This involves:
• Purification such as bathing or washing.
• Wearing simple garments.
• Abstaining from acts prohibited during sanctity.
According to 2:196–197, during this period the pilgrim must refrain from sexual intercourse, misconduct, arguments, and other forms of inappropriate behavior. Cutting hair is also prohibited during this period until the proper time.
Conduct During Hajj
The Qur’an emphasizes moral and behavioral restraint during Hajj:
• No lewdness or sexual relations (2:197).
• No disputes or arguments (2:197).
• Maintain awareness of God and righteousness (2:197).
The focus is on moral discipline, reflection, remembrance, and devotion rather than ceremony for its own sake.
Umrah Within Hajj
The opening portion of Hajj includes the components associated with Umrah. Umrah consists of four steps which may be performed at any time of the year and also form the initial phase of Hajj:
Entering the state of sanctity (ihram).
Observing prohibitions and abstentions during sanctity.
Tawaf, which is walking around the Kaaba.
Sa’i, which is walking between Safa and Marwah.
Tawaf is mentioned in 2:125 and 22:26–29. Sa’i between Safa and Marwah is mentioned in 2:158.
The Stand at Arafat
After completing Umrah components, the pilgrim proceeds to Arafat and spends time there in worship, meditation, and remembrance. This corresponds to the Qur’anic reference to remembering God at Arafat and the sacred monument (2:198).
This period lasts from daytime until sunset.
From Arafat to Muzdalifah
After sunset, the pilgrim moves from Arafat to Muzdalifah. During the night, prayer is observed and pebbles may be collected for later symbolic use, in accordance with traditional commemoration of the rejection of Satan. The Qur’an refers to passing from Arafat and remembering God at the sacred monument (2:198).
Mina and the Days of Tashreeq
From Muzdalifah, the pilgrim proceeds to Mina. The Qur’an instructs spending two or three days in Mina (2:203). During these days:
• Remember God frequently and with gratitude.
• Avoid misconduct and argument.
• Maintain the state of sanctity until completion.
Symbolic rejection of Satan is commemorated during this period by casting stones, reflecting the rejection of disbelief and defiance of Satan.
Animal Sacrifice
Animal sacrifice occurs during the days in Mina. The Qur’an makes clear that neither the meat nor the blood reaches God, but righteousness and reverence do (22:37). The primary purpose is feeding the needy, not ritual slaughter for its own sake.
Completion of Hajj
Upon completion of the required observances:
• Tawaf around the Kaaba may be performed as a farewell circumambulation.
• Cutting hair becomes permitted after sacrifice and during the completion of rites (2:196).
• The state of sanctity ends once the acts of Hajj are fulfilled.
The Qur’an encourages remembering God after completing the rites (2:200).
Prohibitions and Restrictions During Sanctity
During the state of sanctity, the following are prohibited until the proper time:
• Sexual relations
• Cutting hair
• Hunting land animals
• Argument, quarrel, or misconduct
These are grounded in 2:196–197 and other contextual verses.
Difference Between Hajj and Umrah
According to the Qur’an:
• Umrah can be performed any time (2:196).
• Hajj must be performed during specified months (2:197).
• Umrah consists of entering sanctity, tawaf, and sa’i.
• Hajj includes Umrah plus Arafat, Muzdalifah, Mina, sacrifice, and extended days.
Thus, Umrah is part of Hajj, but Hajj is not limited to Umrah.
Qur’anic References
• 2:125 — Designation of the Kaaba as a place of worship and circumambulation
• 2:158 — Sa’i between Safa and Marwah
• 2:196 — Sanctity, hair restrictions, Umrah, and sacrifice
• 2:197 — Specified months, conduct, moral restraint
• 2:198 — Arafat and remembrance
• 2:200–203 — Completion, remembrance, days in Mina
• 3:97 — Obligation limited to those who can afford it
• 22:26–29 — Abrahamic foundation and rites
(Using Rashad Khalifa’s translation)