Hajj, whether Al-Ifrad, Al-Qiran, or Al-Tamattu, begins on the 8th of Zil-Hijjah and ends on the 13th of Zil-Hijjah. Every Muslim yearns to perform Hajj, and they await this opportunity all their life. While we have general know-how of the Hajj, making conscious preparations to learn the procedures and rituals of Hajj is essential when you are leaving for this sacred journey.
The first day of Hajj is called the "Day of Quenching Thirst." Traditionally, the pilgrims were advised to drink water to their fill and store a reasonable quantity for the day to come, as it involved a lot of traveling. Hence, this day was named "Yawm-e-Tarwiyah," the day of quenching thirst. Although the mode of traveling has become quite comfortable over time, the tradition of drinking and keeping water for the journey is still practiced.
In this comprehensive guide, you will find all the steps you need to perform on the first day of Hajj. The steps have been explained in the order they must be performed.
The date 8 Zil Hijjah starts after the Maghrib prayer of 7 Zil Hijjah. Complete all the Hajj preparations during these night hours.
The first requirement for the performance of Hajj is the state of Ihram. One has to assume the state of Ihram while entering the Meeqat points. For people traveling from different parts of the world, wearing Ihram while taking the flight to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia is better. In most pilgrims' flights to Jeddah, an announcement is made about half an hour before reaching the Meeqat Point so the pilgrims can prepare accordingly. Remember, Jeddah Airport falls within the Meeqat boundaries.
Comb your hair, shape the beard, trim your mustache, cut your nails, and remove unwanted body hair.
Take a bath with the intention of Ihram otherwise do wudu.
Men should wear a sheet of white cloth around the waist and cover the upper body with the other sheet. Women' s ordinary clothes are their Ihram. Both should wear the flip-flops (hawai chappal) so that the middle bones of the upper part of the feet are not covered.
If it is not makruh (undesirable) time, men offer two rakahs of nafl for Ihram in the Haram Sharif by covering their heads. Women can offer these nafls at home.
Now uncover your head and declare your intention saying:
اَللَّهُمَّ اِنِّيْ أُرِيْدُ الْحَجَّ فَيَسْرِهُ لِيْ وَ تَقَبَّلْهُ مِنِّيْ
" Allahumma Inni Ureedul Haj fayassirhu lee wa taqabbalhu minni"
(O Allah! I intend to perform Hajj. Please make it easy for me and accept it from me.)
It is obligatory to say the Labbayk during Ihram with correct Arabic accent and it should be as follows:
لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ، لَبَّيْكَ لاَ شَرِيْكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ، إِنَّ الْحَمْدَ وَالنِّعْمَةَ لَكَ وَالْمُلْكَ لاَشَرِيْكَ لَكَ
“ Labbayk, Allahumma labbayk, labbayka la sharika laka labbayk, Innal Hamda wan nimata laka wal mulk, la sharika lak.”
(Here I am, O Lord, here I am, you indeed have no partner, here I am. No Doubt, all praise and bounties are yours, and so is the absolute Domain. You indeed have no partners, here I am)
It is obligatory to say Labbayk during Ihram only once but sunnah is to recite it thrice. After that it is Mustahab to repeat that in different conditions as much as possible. E.g. while getting in and leaving a car, passing low and high lands, after awakening and after prayers. Men should recite Labbayk with a loud voice, while women should recite it in low voice.
Now the prohibitions of Ihram start. Recall their detail and follow the rules. From this point on men cannot cover their heads for the duration of Ihram.
After the sunrise proceed towards Mina. On the way, pronounce Talbiyah as often as you can and also utter other supplications. But it is ok to follow the procedure of your Mu' allim who usually arranges for hajis to leave for Mina during the night after Isha prayers.
In Mina offer Zuhar, Asr, Maghrib and Isha prayers. Spend that night in Mina and on 9 Zil Hijjah, offer Fajr prayer there.