Fast Facts About Hajj: Key Insights for Pilgrims

Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam, a transformative journey that every Muslim aspires to complete. Here’s what makes this gathering so special and significant.

The History of Hajj: The Oldest Pilgrimage in Islam

Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) Legacy:

Prophet Ibrahim (AS) was the first to perform Hajj. He re-built the Kaaba in Mecca and was commanded by Allah (SWT) to invite others to make the pilgrimage there.

Hajj became an Islamic practice in the 7th century when Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) performed it in 632CE, continuing a long-standing tradition.

‘And ˹remember˺ when We assigned to Abraham the site of the House, ˹saying:˺ “Do not associate anything with Me ˹in worship˺ and purify My House for those who circle ˹the Kaba˺, stand ˹in prayer˺, and bow and prostrate themselves. Call ˹all˺ people to the pilgrimage. They will come to you on foot and on every lean camel from every distant path.”’ (Qur’an 22:26-27)

When is Hajj Performed? Timeline and Schedule

Hajj Dates for 2025:

Hajj takes place over five days during Dhul Hijjah, the 12th and final month of the Islamic calendar. It begins on the 8th day and concludes on the 12th.

Since Hajj follows the lunar calendar, its dates shift each year. In 2025, Dhul Hijjah is expected to begin on May 28th. This means Hajj will take place from the evening of June 4th to the evening of June 9th.

If you’re unable to perform Hajj this year, you can still reap rewards through worship during these blessed days. Fasting on the 9th day, the Day of Arafah, is highly recommended. The Prophet (ﷺ) is reported to have said that fasting on this day:

‘[…] expiates the sins of the past year and the coming year.’ (Muslim)

Hajj Rituals and Practices from Prophet Ibrahim (AS)

Most of the rituals and practices of Hajj come to us from Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his family. This highlights the special honour Allah (SWT) has bestowed upon them.

Here are some of those rituals which Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) revived when he first performed Hajj.

Sai: The Walk Between Safa and Marwa
Sa’i is one of the key rites of Hajj and Umrah. It is inspired by the story of Hajar (AS), who paced between the hills of Safa and Marwa in search of water for her son Ismail (AS). The literal meaning of Sa’i is to walk, strive, or pursue.
Ramy al-Jamarat: The Stoning of the Devil
The stoning of the pillars at Mina symbolises Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) rejection of the devil. When Allah (SWT) commanded him to sacrifice his son, Ismail (AS), the devil tried to distract him. Ibrahim (AS) stoned the devil, showing his unwavering faith and commitment to Allah (SWT).
Arafah: The Day of Mercy and Reflection
The Day of Arafah is one of the most significant days of Hajj. Pilgrims gather at the Plain of Arafat at sunrise and spend the day in worship. Within this plain is Jabal ar-Rahmah, or Mount Arafat, a small granite hill known as the Mountain of Mercy. It is here that Ibrahim (AS) prepared to sacrifice his son. In His mercy, Allah (SWT) sent a ram as a substitute for Ismail (AS). Mount Arafat is also the place where Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) gave his final sermon.
Qurbani: The Sacrifice in Remembrance of Ibrahim (AS)
Offering an animal sacrifice is one of the final acts of Hajj. It honours Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) willingness to make the ultimate sacrifice. Muslims who are not performing Hajj sacrifice an animal during Eid al-Adha in remembrance of this tradition.
Circling the Kaba: A Sacred Ritual
This is probably what most people imagine when they think of Hajj and Umrah. The exact origins of circling the Kaaba are unclear. However, early sources tell us that Prophet Ibrahim (AS) performed this rite during the first Hajj. It remains a key part of the pilgrimage today.

Spiritual and Physical Benefits of Hajj

Hajj is a Fard (obligatory) for every able Muslim who has the means to perform it. Its rewards are immeasurable, bringing countless blessings. Here are some of the most meaningful ones to reflect upon:

A Transformative Journey
Hajj is deeply significant for every believer who makes the journey – an invitation to experience the sacred pilgrimage rites and visit the holiest places on earth.
A Way to Give Thanks
Hajj is both physically and financially demanding. It provides a tangible way for us to demonstrate our gratitude to Allah (SWT) for the health and resources He has blessed us with to undertake it.
Ihram: Dressing in the Pilgrim’s Garb
The first rite of Hajj is Ihram, where men don two white seamless sheets, and women dress in plain, modest garments. These robes symbolise spiritual purity, as pilgrims shed their worldly clothing and possessions. In their state of Ihram, pilgrims must not:

– Harm any living thing
– Have intimate relations with their spouses
– Cut their hair and nails
– Use perfume

Through Ihram, Hajj teaches patience, self-restraint, and endurance, especially as the rites are performed in the challenging Arabian heat.
A Way to Revive the Unity of the Ummah
During Hajj and Umrah, Muslims from every background and region come together in worship at the sacred house of Allah (SWT). These gatherings remind us of the strength and unity of our shared faith.