FAQ About Hajj

The pillars of Hajj are the essential and fundamental acts that must be performed in order for the pilgrimage to be considered valid and complete. There are three pillars of Hajj:

• Ihram: Ihram is the state of ritual consecration that pilgrims enter before embarking on the Hajj journey. It involves specific actions and restrictions. When in the state of Ihram, pilgrims wear simple white garments (for men, it consists of two unstitched pieces of white cloth) and abstain from certain activities, such as cutting hair or nails, using perfume, engaging in sexual relations, hunting, and arguing or engaging in negative behavior. Entering and maintaining the state of Ihram is a fundamental aspect of Hajj.
• Standing at Arafah: The standing at Arafah is the most important ritual of Hajj. On the 9th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, pilgrims gather in the vast plain of Arafah, located outside Mecca, from dawn until sunset. They engage in supplication, remembrance of Allah, and seek forgiveness for their sins. Standing at Arafah is considered a pivotal moment of Hajj, where pilgrims experience a profound sense of devotion and closeness to Allah.
• Tawaf al-Ifadah: Tawaf al-Ifadah, also known as the Tawaf of Hajj, is performed after the day of Arafah. It involves circumambulating the Kaaba, the sacred structure located in the center of the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca. Pilgrims perform seven rounds of Tawaf in a counterclockwise direction, expressing their devotion and unity with the Muslim community. Tawaf al-Ifadah is a crucial pillar of Hajj and signifies the completion of the main Hajj rituals.