A step-by-step guide on how Muslims perform the rituals of the Haj pilgrimage to Makkah

Hajj road map. (AN graphic)
Updated 09 August 2019
Follow

A step-by-step guide on how Muslims perform the rituals of the Haj pilgrimage to Makkah

  • The rites and rituals of the Hajj pilgrimage offer a unique opportunity for worship and spiritual renewal

MAKKAH: All Muslims dream of making Hajj at least once in their life. Saudi authorities are getting ready to host nearly 2 million pilgrims who have received their Hajj permits and are about to make their dreams come true. Each year the Saudi government provides facilities and services to enable pilgrims to perform their rituals with ease and tranquility.

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman, recently inaugurated the Guests of God Service Program, which features more than 130 initiatives, including management of Saudi archaeological and cultural sites to enrich pilgrims’ experience. Over 100,00 security personnel are expected to oversee this year’s Hajj to ensure pilgrims safe access to the holy sites.

More than 32,000 health specialists will provide health care services to this year’s Guests of God. Pilgrims will receive necessary vaccines at entry checkpoints to ensure their well-being. The Health Ministry delivered more than 360,000 polio vaccine doses and 480,000 influenza and meningitis vaccine doses to domestic pilgrims and residents of Makkah and Madinah last Hajj season. The ministry has made 180 hospital and medical centers ready to serve pilgrims.

 

1. MIQAT

Hajj begins with Ihram (state of ritual purity) for all pilgrims. Pilgrims start their Hajj at a Miqat. There are five Mawaqeet (plural of Miqat) before they can reach Makkah. There they wash, wear their white clothes (Ihram), pray and make the intention to make their Hajj (niyyah), before getting to Makkah. They start making Talbiah (saying: ‘Labbaika Allahuma Labbaik’) .

Allah made Makkah a sacred and hallowed city that hosts His house, so it shouldn’t be entered except in a specific manner which implies glorifying God and surrendering to Him. Therefore, the Almighty ruled that anyone wanting to visit His glorified House for Hajj or Umrah must enter the state of Ihram from specific places that he is not permitted to pass without Ihram.

The Mawaqeet surround the boundaries of Makkah from north, south, east and west, and are on the path of pilgrims who come from all over the world.

 

 

2. GRAND MOSQUE

When pilgrims reach Makkah, they head to the Holy Mosque and circle Kaaba seven times (Tawaf), starting with the Black Stone. They walk counter-clockwise so that the Kaaba stays on their left. This is the Tawaf of Umrah for those performing the Tamattu Hajj (rites of Hajj and Umrah), and the tawaf of the arrival for those performing the Ifraad type (only performing the rites of Hajj) or Qiran type (performing the rites of Hajj and Umrah, also known as minor Hajj; this type doesn’t require animal sacrifice). Pilgrims are then required to pray next to the Ibrahim site when they complete seven circles.

Afterwards, they undertake Sa’e, which means “seeking” or “ritual walking.” This rite consists of walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah, which are to the south and north of the Kaaba, respectively. Originally, this was done outdoors, but today the path is enclosed in a gallery. Pilgrims recite prayers, including:
“O Allah! I intend to perform seven rounds of Sa’e between Safa and Marwah to please You. Make it easy for me and accept it from me.” All rituals performed in the Grand Mosque are done barefoot.

After completing Sa’e, those performing the Tamattu type of Hajj shave their heads twice — once after the previous rites and again after the animal-sacrifice ritual. Men have their hair either completely shaved or trimmed, though shaving is preferred. However, a man may not want to have his head shaved completely during the Umrah if he plans to complete the Hajj rites in the next few days, which also include shaving. Women do not have their heads shaved, but instead cut a lock of hair or have their hair trimmed. After hair-cutting, Umrah is complete and the restrictions of Ihram are lifted. 

Pilgrims can return to their normal activities. However, if a pilgrim is performing the second and third type of Hajj; Ifraad or Qiran, then the hair-cutting ritual is delayed after the animal-sacrifice part.

 

3. MINA

On the first day of Hajj (eighth day of Dhu’l-Hijjah), pilgrims head to Mina, near Makkah, where they spend the rest of the day, which is known as the Day of Tarawiyyah. Here, the Saudi government provides amenities, including thousands of air-conditioned tents offering temporary housing for pilgrims. On the first night, no major rituals take place, so pilgrims spend their time praying and reflecting with other pilgrims. In Mina, men and women stay in separate tents, which are located adjacent to each other.

 

4. ARAFAT

On the second day of Hajj (ninth day of Dul Hijjah), pilgrims travel to nearby Mount Arafat. Pilgrims complete Dhuhr (noon prayer) and Asr (afternoon prayer), and stay there supplicating the Almighty and asking Him for forgiveness and mercy until the sun sets.

 It was narrated that the Prophet said: “Hajj is Arafa.” It is the day of Dua’a (supplication) and Dhikr (remembrance of Allah), on which Allah prides His Angels on His pilgrims and forgive them.

The Prophet is reported to have said: “When the day of Arafa comes, Allah descends to the heavens and prides the angels on His servants. He says: ‘Look at my servants; they came to Me from every valley, unwashed and uncombed. Be witness that I have forgiven them.”

 

5. MUZDALIFAH

After sundown, pilgrims head quietly to Muzdalifah, between Mina and Arafat. There, they offer an evening prayer to God (Maghrib and Isha) and spend the night sleeping on the ground beneath the open sky. In the morning, pilgrims gather pebbles, which they will use in the stoning ritual later in the day. They spend the night in Muzdalifah as the Prophet — peace be upon
him — did until dawn. However, it is permissible to leave Muzdalifah after midnight.

 

6. MINA AGAIN

Before the sun rises, pilgrims head back to Mina to take part in a ceremony meant to symbolize stoning the devil. Pilgrims throw seven consecutive pebbles at a special stone monument called the Jamrat Al-Aqabah. This ceremony can be crowded, tense and emotional. The elderly, children, sick and injured are discouraged from taking part. Instead, they may perform this later in the evening, or have a friend or confidant perform the ritual on their behalf. After stoning, men shave their heads while woman cut some of their hair. This is called the minor (Tahallul), which removes all the limitations of Ihram, except sexual intercourse.

After the stoning ritual, it is necessary to offer an animal sacrifice to God. In the past, each pilgrim did this individually; however, today, it is much more common for pilgrims to simply purchase a sacrifice voucher. After selling vouchers, qualified personnel will sacrifice a lamb for each pilgrim (or a camel for every seven pilgrims), butcher the animals, package the meat, and ship it to Muslim communities worldwide to feed the poor.

Animal sacrifice can be done at any point on the 10th, 11th, or 12th day of Dhul-Hijjah. This ritual commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s readiness to sacrifice his son, before he was replaced by a lamb, and symbolizes the believers’ submission to God. The meat is shared out, especially among the needy.

 

7. GRAND MOSQUE

Pilgrims then go to the Haram to make Ifadah Tawaf, followed by Sa'e if they have not made the Sa’e after the Arrival Tawaf.

Worshippers return to Mina to spend the three nights of Tashreeq and throw the pebbles. It is recorded that the Prophet slept all three nights in Mina and did not rush into leaving. However, if someone wishes to leave early, he should throw the pebbles on the 12th day and leave Mina before sunset. If the sun sets before he leaves, he must sleep the third night in Mina. But if he proceeds to leave Mina and the sun sets on his way out, but he has not left Mina yet, he does not have to stay the night.

Just as in the Umrah, the Hajj requires pilgrims to perform the Tawaf and Sa’e rituals at the Kaaba and the nearby hills. The rituals are performed essentially identically to the way they are performed during the Umrah, but it is strongly recommended that these ceremonies be done only after the stoning, sacrifice, and hair-cutting rituals. After completing the Tawaf and Sa’e, pilgrims are released from their state of Ihram and may resume the activities that were previously prohibited. At the end of their third day, pilgrims return to Mina and spend the night there in prayer.

 


Saudi Arabia to support education for Yemeni children

Updated 7 sec ago
Follow

Saudi Arabia to support education for Yemeni children

RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief has signed a cooperation agreement to support education for children affected by conflict in the Al-Hawtah and Tuban districts of Yemen’s Lahij governorate, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

The project, in partnership with a local civil society organization, will directly benefit 6,833 people and indirectly reach 16,000 others, according to the report.

The agreement was signed via video conference by Ahmed Al-Baiz, KSrelief’s assistant supervisor-general for operations and programs.

The project will include awareness campaigns promoting education — with a particular focus on encouraging school attendance among girls; the distribution of school bags, uniforms, and hygiene kits; the provision of psychological and social support, child protection services, and referral mechanisms; teacher training for volunteers; and the provision of materials for classrooms.

Selected classrooms will also be refurbished “to improve the learning environment,” the SPA stated.

The initiative is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader humanitarian efforts through KSrelief, with the aim of supporting education and protecting children in crisis areas, ensuring access to a safe and sustainable learning environment.


Saudi Arabia suspends seven Umrah companies for housing pilgrims in unlicensed accommodations

Updated 19 July 2025
Follow

Saudi Arabia suspends seven Umrah companies for housing pilgrims in unlicensed accommodations

  • The violations came as part of the Hajj and Umrah ministry’s oversight efforts to improve quality of services
  • The ministry called on all Umrah companies, institutions to fully comply with approved regulations, instructions

ISLAMABAD: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has suspended seven Umrah companies over violations of regulatory controls, including housing pilgrims in unlicensed accommodations, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported this week.

The violations were identified as part of the ministry’s ongoing oversight efforts to improve the quality of services provided to the ‘Guests of God,’ according to the SPA report.

“The Ministry explained that these violations constitute serious transgressions that affect the safety and comfort of pilgrims,” it said.

The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah said it had immediately begun taking legal measures against the violating companies in preparation for the implementation of the penalties stipulated by the law, according to the report.

“The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah affirmed its keenness to ensure that pilgrims receive their full rights, in accordance with the highest standards of quality and efficiency, stressing that it will not be lenient with any party that fails to fulfill its contractual obligations or endangers the safety of pilgrims,” the report read further.

The ministry called on all Umrah companies and institutions to fully comply with the approved regulations and instructions, and to ensure the provision of agreed-upon services within the specified timetables to contribute to enhancing the experience of pilgrims and achieving their satisfaction during their stay in the Kingdom.


Human Rights Commission, King Khalid Foundation sign cooperation agreement

Updated 18 July 2025
Follow

Human Rights Commission, King Khalid Foundation sign cooperation agreement

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Human Rights Commission and the King Khalid Foundation struck a strategic partnership through a cooperation agreement signed in Riyadh on Thursday, marking a significant step toward advancing human rights protection in the Kingdom.

The agreement was signed by Hala Al-Tuwaijri, president of the Saudi Human Rights Commission, and Princess Nouf bint Mohammed bin Abdullah, CEO of the King Khalid Foundation, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The partnership is designed to strengthen coordination between the two organizations while making the most of their combined expertise to promote human rights initiatives throughout Saudi Arabia.

Under the terms of the agreement, the organizations will collaborate on joint research projects focusing on human rights issues, launch public awareness campaigns to foster a culture of human rights understanding, and develop community-based initiatives that align with their shared mission.

The partnership also aims to highlight Saudi Arabia’s growing commitment to human rights and sustainable development on both the domestic and international stages.

The partnership comes as Saudi Arabia continues to prioritize human rights advancement through legislative reforms, public education programs, and enhanced community engagement.

The Kingdom has been actively working to elevate the profile of its civil society organizations and their contributions to human rights progress through joint community initiatives and collaborative projects.


Solo but not sad: Young Saudis embrace freedom of living alone

Updated 18 July 2025
Follow

Solo but not sad: Young Saudis embrace freedom of living alone

  • Young Saudis embrace freedom of living alone as it gives them the sense of empowerment

ALKHOBAR: For decades, the idea of a young Saudi living alone, by choice, was seen as rebellious and met with skepticism and rejection. But today, a new generation is embracing solo life with pride and a sense of personal power.

Across major cities like Riyadh, Jeddah and Alkhobar, young Saudis in their 20s are carving out homes of their own — not out of necessity but out of a desire for independence, comfort and self-growth. From students to young professionals, both women and men are stepping into their own apartments, styling their own spaces and redefining what it means to build a life.

Sarah Al-Ahmadi, 27, moved into her own apartment in Riyadh two years ago. At first, the silence was unbearable.

A glimpse into the personal space of a Saudi home designed and styled for solo living, which is gaining traction in Saudi Arabia. (Supplied)

“I’ve lived alone for two years now. At the beginning, I was depressed — I didn’t like the lifestyle, especially in Riyadh,” she said. “I couldn’t make friends, and I didn’t like the city. But over time, I started to build a life. Now, I can’t imagine living any other way.”

What once felt isolating became empowering. Al-Ahmadi discovered joy in being the sole decision-maker in her home: What she ate, how she decorated and who she invited, and when.

“It’s amazing to be fully independent and responsible for everything in my home,” she said. “I don’t need anyone. It’s beautiful when I invite my friends to a space that reflects my personality. Back at my parents’ house, I had to host them in the family living room. But here, we can cook together, have sleepovers and enjoy ourselves without a single worry.”

HIGHLIGHTS

• From students to young professionals, both women and men are stepping into their own apartments, styling their own spaces and redefining what it means to build a life.

• Waad Al-Marzouq’s family lives in the same city, and she sees them often. But the freedom of having her own space has changed how she views.

Mohammed Al-Dossari, 26, made the decision to live alone after returning from years of studying abroad.

“After coming back from my scholarship abroad, I decided not to move back in with my family,” he said. “I had already gotten used to being responsible for myself, for everything — and I liked that lifestyle. I wanted to keep it going.”

For Al-Dossari, solo living is not just about space, it is also about ownership: Of time, of priorities and of life itself.

Today, he manages his work schedule, home maintenance and meals on his own. He described his home as peaceful, personalized and reflective of who he is — not just as a son, but as a man finding his rhythm.

In Jeddah, Waad Al-Marzouq, 19, faced resistance from almost everyone she knew after floating the idea of living alone.

“Everyone was against it. My dad was especially worried about me living alone at such a young age,” she said. “But I’ve always been stable and independent in my own room, so I thought — why not? I got myself a studio apartment near my university and moved in.”

Al-Marzouq’s family lives in the same city, and she sees them often. But the freedom of having her own space has changed how she views adulthood.

“There’s nothing scary about it. My parents are nearby. I still see them. But now I have space to focus, to grow. It’s not a rebellion — it’s a choice.”

Al-Marzouq said living alone is important for design: Designing her days, her goals and even designing her tiny studio with candles, plants and her favorite throw pillows.

Social shifts have helped normalize solo living. More women are entering the workforce. Young Saudis are studying abroad. New real estate developments are offering studio and one-bedroom units in urban areas. Platforms like Airbnb and online property apps have also made it easier to search, rent and furnish without needing a family member to step in.

Psychologist Abeer Al-Shammari told Arab News that the rise in solo living reflects both emotional maturity and social evolution.

“Choosing to live alone can signal a strong sense of self,” she said. “These young adults are setting boundaries, creating their own routines and building self-reliance. It’s not just a lifestyle — it’s part of their identity development.”

But she warned that solo living also requires emotional preparation.

“The early phase can trigger anxiety or loneliness, especially for those coming from tightly-knit families,” she said. “But with time and proper coping strategies, many experience a deep sense of fulfillment and confidence.”

Interestingly, many solo dwellers say their relationships with family have improved since moving out.

“They don’t take me for granted anymore,” Al-Ahmadi said with a laugh. “When I visit now, it feels special. I’m not just ‘around.’ I’m someone they wait for.”

Al-Marzouq agreed: “My parents respect my independence now. We talk more meaningfully. There’s more mutual understanding.”

And for Al-Dossari, solo living has not resulted in isolation. He has become more intentional about friendships — hosting friends for dinner, going out when he wants and setting healthy boundaries.

“It taught me balance,” he said. “And it taught me how to enjoy my own company.”

 


Aseer’s blooming bounty: How rare flowers turn southern region into a year-round honey hub

Updated 18 July 2025
Follow

Aseer’s blooming bounty: How rare flowers turn southern region into a year-round honey hub

  • Botanical diversity sets region apart

RIYADH: Each summer, as Aseer’s highland peaks erupt in fragrant blossoms, local beekeepers begin harvesting some of Saudi Arabia’s most coveted honey. Each variety is tied to a rare native plant and a fleeting blooming season.

According to the Saudi Press Agency, this botanical diversity is what sets the region apart. Aseer accounts for 20 percent of the Kingdom’s total honey production, according to the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, and is home to more than 5,000 active beekeepers. Backed by SR54 million ($14.4 million) in government support, the sector has become a cornerstone of Aseer’s ecotourism and agricultural economy.

From mountains to valleys, each bloom supports not just bees, but families, farmers, and the region’s growing reputation as a hub for nature-based industries. (SPA)

At the heart of this flourishing industry lies a simple equation: flower plus season equals flavor. In his book “Honey Atlas,” researcher Dr. Ibrahim Al-Arifi documents the region’s key varieties, from thick white Majra honey harvested off the slopes to golden Katad from valley-floor Acacia trees. Each one tells a story of soil, altitude, and survival.

Majra honey, extracted from the blooms of Teucrium polium in late summer, is among the rarest in the Kingdom. It is prized for its immediate crystallization, pale color, and intense sweetness, all traits linked to the plant’s short blooming cycle and climate sensitivity. It grows only in the upper elevations of Aseer.

FASTFACT

Majra honey, extracted from the blooms of Teucrium polium in late summer, is among the rarest in the Kingdom.

Katad honey, gleaned from Acacia hamulosa flowers between June and August, is known for its golden shine and moderate density. The drought-resistant thorny plant thrives in the region’s valleys and produces honey credited with boosting immunity and energy.

From mountains to valleys, each bloom supports not just bees, but families, farmers, and the region’s growing reputation as a hub for nature-based industries. (SPA)

By early fall, another Aseer staple makes its appearance. Salam honey is dark red and comes from bees feeding on the golden blooms of the Acacia ehrenbergiana tree, which grows in rocky, arid environments.

The famed Sidr honey, widely known across the Kingdom, is extracted between August and October. Its source, the Sidr tree, blooms in the valleys and plains of Tihama, Rijal Almaa, and Sarat Abidah. Dark golden, highly nutritious, and medicinal, Sidr is among the most expensive types of honey in the Saudi market due to its limited supply and high quality.

The drought-resistant thorny plant thrives in the region’s valleys and produces honey credited with boosting immunity and energy. (Supplied)

Further west, along the banks of valley streams, the bright yellow blossoms of the seyal tree produce a fall honey noted for its spicy aroma and dark amber color. Even some winter-blooming trees, like Al-Samar, begin flowering early in warm parts of Aseer. This allows early harvests of a rich, red honey with a deep, earthy flavor.

This steady cycle of flowering, foraging, and flavor has made Aseer a year-round producer of artisanal honey. From mountains to valleys, each bloom supports not just bees, but families, farmers, and the region’s growing reputation as a hub for nature-based industries.

As demand rises for rare and organic honey, Aseer’s deep-rooted knowledge and climate-resilient crops are helping to secure the future of beekeeping in the Kingdom, one blossom at a time.