What to do after Hajj and sacrifice

JEDDAH — Allah (SWT) has commanded all Muslims to perform Hajj and sacrifice if able. For those who have completed these rites, the Quran outlines necessary steps to perfect their worship. Surah Al-Hajj, verse 29 states: ‘Then let them remove their impurities, fulfill their vows, and circumambulate the Ancient House (the Sacred Mosque).’

According to the Ministry of Religious Affairs’ (Kemenag) tafsir, three actions must follow Hajj and sacrifice: cleansing impurities such as trimming facial hair, cutting hair, and clipping nails; fulfilling any vows made; and performing tawaf around the Kaaba seven times. The three types of tawaf are al-Qudum (on arrival in Makkah), al-Wada’ (before departing Makkah), and al-Ifadah (part of Hajj rites). The Kaaba is referred to as Baitul Atiq, meaning ‘ancient house’, as it was first built by Prophet Ibrahim and his son Ismail, followed by the construction of Al-Aqsa Mosque in Palestine by Prophets Dawud and Sulaiman.