There are three types of acts in Hajj:
- Rukns (Essential Pillars): (If missed, cannot be compensated with expiation—hence mandatory and irreplaceable)
- Wajibat (Compulsory Acts): (If missed, they can be compensated with expiation)
- Sunnahs (Voluntary Acts)
Rukns (Essential Pillars)
There are five Rukns of Hajj:
- Entering into the state of Ihram
- Standing at Arafah
- Performing the Tawaf al-Ifadah (obligatory circumambulation of the Kaaba)
- Performing Sa’i (the walk between the hills of Safa and Marwah)
- Shaving or trimming the hair
If any of these five are missed, they cannot be compensated with expiation, and the Hajj remains incomplete. Those who have entered into Ihram cannot exit from it without completing these. Among these, Ihram, standing at Arafah, and Tawaf must be performed in the correct sequence; otherwise, it will not be valid.
Wajibat (Compulsory Acts)
There are five Wajibat in Hajj:
- Entering into Ihram before crossing the Miqat boundary
- Stoning the Jamarat (pillars representing Satan)
- Staying overnight at Mina
- Staying overnight at Muzdalifah
- Farewell Tawaf (Tawaf al-Wadaʿ)
These acts are mandatory. Avoiding them without reason is blameworthy, but if missed, they can be compensated with expiation.
Sunnahs
All other acts in Hajj that are not part of the Rukns or Wajibat are classified as Sunnah. Omitting Sunnahs is not sinful, and no expiation is necessary, but the completeness of Hajj depends on observing them.
Optional Acts (Mustahabb/Recommended)
Several optional practices are recommended at various stages. Some key ones are:
- Consulting righteous individuals while deciding to perform Hajj, and preparing oneself spiritually by seeking forgiveness.
- Carrying a sacrificial animal (Hady) from one’s homeland, en route, or from Makkah itself to be sacrificed at Mina on the day of Eid.
- Bathing at specific recommended times: before entering Ihram, upon entering Makkah, before standing at Arafah, and before stoning the Jamarat.
- Raising both hands in supplication upon first sight of the Kaaba.
- Frequently reciting Talbiyah.
- Increasing recitation of dhikr, salawat (blessings upon the Prophet ﷺ), and prayers.
- On the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah, remain in Arafah during the last part of the day and the beginning of the night.
Timeline of Hajj Days
From 1st Shawwal onwards:
The period from 1st Shawwal to the dawn of 10th Dhul-Hijjah is the time frame in which one can enter Ihram for Hajj.
- If Ihram is for Hajj, upon reaching Makkah, perform the arrival Tawaf and then Sa’i.
- If Ihram is for Umrah, complete all rituals of Umrah first.
8th Dhul-Hijjah:
Travel to Mina and stay there.
9th Dhul-Hijjah:
From noon, standing at Arafah begins.
Night of 9th Dhul-Hijjah:
Depart to Muzdalifah, stay there until midnight, and collect pebbles for stoning.
10th Dhul-Hijjah:
At dawn, reach Mina. First, stone the Jamrat al-Aqabah, then shave or trim the hair.
Sacrifice the animal if applicable.
Proceed to Makkah, perform Tawaf al-Ifadah. If Sa’i was not done earlier, do it now.
Return to Mina afterward.
11th Dhul-Hijjah:
After noon, stone all three Jamarat: Jamrat al-Ula, Jamrat al-Wusta, and Jamrat al-Aqabah, with seven pebbles each. Stay overnight at Mina.
12th Dhul-Hijjah:
After noon, repeat stoning of all three Jamarat. Stay overnight again.
13th Dhul-Hijjah:
After noon, perform the stoning at all three Jamarat, and depart from Mina.Before leaving Makkah, perform the Farewell Tawaf (Tawaf al-Wadaʿ).
