What is Hajj? 5 Things to Know Before Going on Pilgrimage  

Hajj is a sacred obligation required of every Muslim at least once in their lifetime – if they are physically and financially able. 

But do you know everything you need to know about this important journey? 

Here are five key things to know about Hajj in 2025. 

When Is Hajj in 2025? 

Hajj takes place every year during the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah. 

For 2025, Hajj is expected to fall between June 4th and June 9th (subject to moon sighting). 

What Is Hajj? 

Hajj is the annual pilgrimage to the Kaaba in Mecca and one of the Five Pillars of Islam. 

It is a deeply spiritual experience that unites Muslims from around the world, people of every nationality, ethnicity, background, profession, and age, on a journey of devotion and submission to Allah (swt). 

What Does “Hajj” Mean? 

The Arabic word Hajj (or Hijj) literally means proof, demonstration, or an intention to undertake something important. 

Spiritually, it represents much more – a profound act of worship and a powerful declaration of love and commitment to Allah (SWT). 

What Are the Steps of Hajj? 

The pilgrimage involves a series of specific rituals, known as the rites of Hajj, performed in a particular sequence: 

  1. Ihram – (Entering a state of purity) 
  1. Staying in Arafat – (Staying in the plains of Arafat to ask for forgiveness from Allah) 
  1. Staying in Al-Mashar Al-Haram – (The region between Arafat and Mina where pilgrims can collect stones for Ramy Al-Jamarat) 
  1. Staying in Mina over the night of the 11th, 12th, and (for some people) the 13th of Dhul Hijjah to perform the following practices: Ramy Al-Jamarat; slaughtering a sacrifice; halq (which is the shaving the head for men) or taqsir (cutting a wisp of hair or clipping nails) 
  1. Tawaf Al-Ziyarah – (Seven turns around the Kaaba) 
  1. Prayer of Tawaf Al-Ziyarah   
  1. Sa’y between Safa and Marwa – (The act of walking and running seven times between two hills, Al-Safa and Al-Marwa)  
  1. Tawaf Al-Nisa- (Performed after the Sa’y of Safa and Marwa and only differs with Tawaf Al-Ziyara in intention. After sa’y, all prohibition of ihram except using perfume and sexual activities are lifted) 
  1. Prayer of Tawaf Al-Nisa – (This prayer has two rak’as, and should be said after the tawaf behind Maqam Ibrahim) 

Where Is Hajj Mentioned in the Quran? 

Hajj is mentioned 12 times directly in the Quran, and 27 times in total when referring to the pilgrimage experience. 

“And proclaim to the people the Hajj [pilgrimage]; they will come to you on foot and on every lean camel; they will come from every distant pass.” 
— Quran 22:27 

Hajj and Eid al-Adha 

Hajj concludes with Eid al-Adha, one of the most sacred celebrations in Islam. It marks a time of sacrifice, gratitude, and reflection, whether you’ve completed the pilgrimage or are observing from home. 

How Can You Participate If You’re Not Going to Hajj? 

If you’re unable to perform Hajj this year, there are still meaningful ways to engage in its spirit. 

When you give Qurbani through The Zahra Trust USA, you’re doing more than fulfilling a religious duty – you’re spreading joy and providing vital support to families facing hardship. 

Click here to learn how you can give Qurbani this Eid Al-Adha, and may Allah (swt)bless you and your loved ones this Dhul-Hijjah and always.