🕌 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.