A Step-by-Step Guide to Hajj 2019
As we approach the holiest time of the year once more, many of us will be lucky enough to be setting out on the sacred Muslim pilgrimage of Hajj.
Penny Appeal have put together this step-by-step guide to Hajj 2019, so that you can make the most of the blessed Muslim pilgrimage, understanding and appreciating every holy step of the way.
Hajj 2019 Dates
The Hajj 2019 dates are August 9th – 14th, when millions of our brothers and sisters will undertake the journey once made by the Prophet Muhammad (saw).
Day 1 - August 9th
Enter the sacred state of Ihram
The very first rite of Hajj is entering ihram, which is a sacred state of worship and consecration. This is done when crossing the outer boundaries of Makkah, called Miqat.
On the first day of Hajj 2019, pilgrims will enter ihram by wearing plain garments and following sacred rules of behaviour, like resisting anger or frustration. Ihram is essential to cleanse the body and mind as pilgrims begin their transformative Hajj steps.
Head to the Valley of Mina
The next step of the Muslim pilgrimage is to set out from Makkah to the valley of Mina, where you will see beautiful white tents stretching in every direction, and spend the rest of the day praying and honouring Allah (swt).
Day 2 - August 10th
The Day of Arafat
The Prophet (saw) once said, “Hajj is Arafat” [Tirmidhi].
The Day of Arafat is one of the most sacred days of the entire Islamic calendar, as we remember the scene of the Prophet Muhammad’s (saw) first sermon on Mount Mercy of Arafat. After making the 14.4 km journey from Mina, pilgrims will spend the day here in reverent prayer.
Spend the night under the stars at Muzdalifah
After sunset, pilgrims will undertake the 9km trip to Muzdalifah, where you will spend a magical night under the stars. You can also begin collecting pebbles here for tomorrow's rites, before leaving once more just before sunrise.
Day 3 – August 11th
Eid ul-Adha
This day of Hajj 2019 is known as yawm-ul hajj al-akbar (the big hajj day), the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah is also the day of Eid ul-Adha.
You will start your day in Muzhalifah, and travel back to Mina before dawn. Once in Mina, you will perform the first rami, throwing seven pebbles at the largest of three columns known as Jamarat, to symbolically stone the devil.
It was in Mina that Allah (swt) ordered Ibrahim (as) to sacrifice his only son as proof of his faith and obedience. It is believed that at the Jamarat column, the devil appeared at that moment and tried to persuade Ibrahim (as) to disobey the command of Allah (swt). Ibrahim (as) threw stones at the devil at this spot to scare him away.
Millions of pilgrims converge at the Jamarat Bridge, which houses the three columns representing the devil, in order to re-enact the story. After casting their stones, pilgrims must perform the sacrifice of Qurbani, following in the footsteps of Ibrahim (as).
Men will then trim or shave their hair, and all people on the Muslim pilgrimage will remove their ihram clothes. Most pilgrims will then go to Makkah to perform tawaf and sa'ee, first circling the Kaaba seven times, then walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwa.
At dusk, you will return to Mina once more.
Day 4 and 5 - September 12th & 13th
Final days in Mina
On each day, you will again symbolically stone the devil, throwing seven pebbles at each of the three pillars. At the end of these days, you will return to Makkah to circle the Kaaba a final seven times and complete a farewell tawaf.
We hope you’ve found our Hajj steps useful, and that you spend your time over Hajj getting closer to Allah (swt) by following the blessed footsteps of the Prophet Muhammad (saw) and the Sunnah of Ibrahim (as).
Whether you’re completing Hajj or not this year, all Muslims above the Nisab must give their Qurbani before Eid. You can give yours with Penny Appeal for just £29, and help provide 57 meals to a family living in poverty
Keep on reading:
10 Food Ideas for Eid 2018 Get inspired by this compilation of Eid dishes from all around the world
Qurbani Rules Learn about Qurbani's origins, rituals and obligations
FRIDAY 9 AUG 2019
