A Complete Guide to the Recommended and Mandatory Acts of Hajj

Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam, an act of worship that requires not only physical and mental preparation but also a solid understanding of its rituals. To perform Hajj properly, one must fulfill its core pillars (rukun), as well as the mandatory (wajib) and recommended (sunnah) practices that enhance the spiritual depth and reward of this sacred journey.

By observing these rituals, especially the sunnah and wajib acts, pilgrims can experience greater blessings and spiritual presence throughout the pilgrimage. Below is a detailed guide to the recommended and mandatory acts during Hajj, based on insights from credible Islamic sources.

Recommended (Sunnah) Acts During Hajj

According to NU Online, several sunnah practices are highly encouraged during Hajj. While they are not compulsory, performing them brings added reward and spiritual benefits.

1. Ifrad: Prioritizing Hajj Over Umrah

Ifrad refers to performing Hajj first, completely separate from Umrah. In this method, the pilgrim completes all the rituals of Hajj before performing Umrah, if time and conditions allow. This approach helps maintain a clear focus on the obligations of Hajj.

2. Reciting the Talbiyah

The Talbiyah is a declaration of devotion to Allah, and it is one of the most important sunnah practices in Hajj. Men are encouraged to recite it aloud, while women should do so softly. The recitation goes:

لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ لَبَّيْكَ لاَ شَرِيكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ إِنَّ الْحَمْدَ وَالنِّعْمَةَ لَكَ وَالْمُلْكَ لاَ شَرِيكَ لَكَ

Here I am, O Allah, here I am. You have no partner. Here I am. Indeed, all praise, blessings, and sovereignty belong to You. You have no partner.

3. Thawaf Qudum (Arrival Tawaf)

Performed upon arriving at Masjid al-Haram in Mecca, Thawaf Qudum is a form of greeting to the Holy Kaaba. It is highly recommended for pilgrims who are not residents of Mecca to perform this tawaf as soon as they reach the holy city.

4. Mabit (Overnight Stay) in Muzdalifah

After standing in Arafah (wuquf), pilgrims are encouraged to spend the night in Muzdalifah, from midnight until dawn. During this time, pilgrims also collect pebbles for the stoning ritual (ramy al-jamarat) in Mina.

5. Sunnah Prayer After Thawaf

After completing any tawaf, it is sunnah to pray two rak’ahs. Although this prayer can be performed anywhere within the sacred mosque, it is most virtuous to pray behind Maqam Ibrahim, if possible.

6. Mabit in Mina During the Days of Tashreeq

During the Days of Tashreeq (11th, 12th, and 13th of Dhul Hijjah), it is recommended to stay overnight in Mina. While pilgrims may leave on the 12th (early departure or nafar awal), staying until the 13th (nafar thani) is more rewarding.

7. Thawaf Wada’ (Farewell Tawaf)

Before departing Mecca, pilgrims should perform Thawaf Wada’—the farewell tawaf. Though considered a sunnah by many, some scholars, including those from the Shafi’i school, regard it as a wajib act. It signifies a respectful and heartfelt goodbye to the sacred city.

Mandatory (Wajib) Acts of Hajj

While skipping a wajib act does not invalidate the Hajj, it does require a compensatory sacrifice (dam). These acts are obligatory unless there’s a valid excuse recognized by Islamic law.

Based on guidelines from the Ministry of Religious Affairs of Indonesia, the following are considered wajib acts in Hajj:

Entering Ihram from a Designated Miqat
Mabit in Muzdalifah
Mabit in Mina During Tashreeq Days
Stoning the Three Jamarat
Performing the Farewell Tawaf (Thawaf Wada’)

Understanding and performing the pillars, mandatory acts, and sunnah rituals of Hajj ensures a more complete and spiritually fulfilling experience. With sincerity and proper preparation, may every pilgrim be granted ease and blessings in fulfilling this profound obligation of Islam.

Start Preparing for Your Hajj Journey Today

If you haven’t had the chance to perform Hajj this year, now is the perfect time to take your first step with Tabungan iB Hijrah Haji from Bank Muamalat.

This Sharia-compliant savings plan is specially designed to help you plan and prepare for Hajj securely and seamlessly. It’s fully integrated with SISKOHAT, the Hajj registration system by the Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs. With proper financial planning, your spiritual journey to the Holy Land can become a reality, inshaAllah.

A Complete Guide to the Recommended and Mandatory Acts of Hajj

Recommended (Sunnah) Acts During Hajj

Mandatory (Wajib) Acts of Hajj

Start Preparing for Your Hajj Journey Today

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