Complete Step-by-Step Guide to Hajj: According to Hanafi, Shafi’i, Maliki & Hanbali Madhab

Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, is a sacred pilgrimage to the holy city of Makkah that every Muslim must perform once in their lifetime if they are physically and financially able. Hajj occurs annually from the 8th to the 13th of Dhul Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic calendar. While the main rituals are similar, slight variations exist among the four Madhab of thought: Hanafi, Shafi’i, Maliki, and Hanbali.

🕌 What to Do Before Starting Hajj

Preparations Before Leaving

• Repent sincerely and seek forgiveness from Allah ﷻ.
• Clear debts and resolve disputes with others.
• Make a will if needed and ensure your wealth is halal.
• Study Hajj rituals, ideally from authentic scholars or organizations like Dawat-e-Islami.
• Join a reputable group, preferably with a Sunni background, such as Dawat-e-Islami’s Hajj group.
• Ensure you have all travel documents, vaccines, Ihram garments, and essentials ready.

What to Avoid During Hajj

• Arguing or fighting.
• Using perfumes or scented products.
• Cutting nails or shaving any body hair during Ihram.
• Engaging in sexual relations or indecent talk.
• Killing insects or animals unnecessarily.
• Boasting or showing off.

🕋 Step-by-Step Hajj Guide (As per Hanafi / Dawat-e-Islami)

1. 8th Dhul Hijjah – Yaum al-Tarwiyah

Actions:

• Don Ihram at Miqat with intention (niyyah) of Hajj.
• Recite Talbiyah loudly: “Labbayk Allahumma Labbayk…”
• Travel to Mina.
• Perform five prayers in Mina: Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, Isha, Fajr.
• Rest and prepare for Arafat.

2. 9th Dhul Hijjah – Day of Arafah

Actions:

• After Fajr, proceed to Arafat.
• Perform Dhuhr and Asr combined and shortened.
• Stay in Wuquf (standing) in Arafah from Zawal till sunset.
• Engage in dua, Quran, tasbih — this is the main pillar of Hajj.
• After sunset, head to Muzdalifah (without praying Maghrib).
• In Muzdalifah, pray Maghrib and Isha together, collect pebbles (70 total).

3. 10th Dhul Hijjah – Eid al-Adha

Actions:

• Head to Jamrat al-Aqabah, pelt it with 7 stones.
• Perform Qurbani (sacrifice of animal).
• Shave your head (Halq) or trim hair (Taqsir).
• Exit Ihram – First Tahallul.
• Travel to Makkah and perform Tawaf al-Ziyarah and Sa’i (walk between Safa & Marwah).
• After this, complete Second Tahallul (full exit from Ihram).

4. 11th Dhul Hijjah

Actions:

• Stay in Mina.
• Perform Rami (stoning) of all three Jamarat (small, middle, large) – 7 stones each.

5. 12th Dhul Hijjah

Actions:

• Repeat stoning of 3 Jamarat.
• If leaving Mina, do so before sunset.
• If staying, prepare for an extra day.

6. 13th Dhul Hijjah (Optional)

Actions:

• Again, perform Rami of 3 Jamarat.
• Leave for Makkah after stoning.

7. Tawaf al-Wida (Farewell Tawaf)

Actions:

• Before leaving Makkah, perform Tawaf al-Wida.
• It is wajib (mandatory) according to most Madhab.

Differences Among the Four Imam, Imam Hanafi, Imam Shafi’i, Imam Maliki & Imam Hanbali

🟡 Dawat-e-Islami’s Unique Hajj Guidance

Dawat-e-Islami has simplified the Hajj experience for millions of Muslims globally by offering:

• Free booklets in multiple languages.
• Hajj & Umrah mobile app.
• Online training sessions and practical workshops.
• Scholars’ guidance on proper method (as per Imam Abu Hanifa).
• Sunnah-friendly group travel.

📘 Book to Refer: “Hajj Ka Tariqa“/ A Brief Method of Hajj” by Dawat-e-Islami Download eBook
📲 App: Hajj and Umrah Guide – Dawat-e-Islami

🤲 Sunnahs and Spiritual Practices During Hajj

• Offer Tahajjud, Nawafil prayers.
• Stay in Wudhu as much as possible.
• Do Zikr, Istighfar, Durud Sharif.
• Help fellow pilgrims and maintain humility.
• Feed the poor and avoid waste.
• Visit the Rawdah of the Prophet ﷺ in Madinah if possible.

Conclusion

Hajj is not just a journey of physical endurance, but a spiritual transformation and deep connection with Allah ﷻ. Whether you’re following the Hanafi madhab under guidance from Dawat-e-Islami, or belong to another Sunni school, understanding the rituals, differences, and spiritual meaning is essential. Prepare well, seek knowledge, and go with sincere intention.