How to Perform Hajj Step by Step: A Complete Guide for Pilgrims
Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and one of the greatest acts of worship a Muslim can undertake. Every Muslim who is physically and financially able to make the journey is required to perform Hajj at least once in their lifetime.
For someone preparing for their first Hajj, however, the pilgrimage can seem overwhelming. There are several rituals, specific locations, important dates, Ihram restrictions, and different types of Hajj to understand.
This complete Hajj guide explains how to perform Hajj step by step, with a particular focus on Hajj al-Tamattu', a form of Hajj that combines Umrah and Hajj with a period outside Ihram between them.
The main Hajj rituals take place from the 8th through the 13th of Dhul-Hijjah, including the journey to Mina, standing at Arafah, spending the night at Muzdalifah, stoning the Jamarat, performing Tawaf al-Ifadah, and completing the Farewell Tawaf.
Important: Details of Hajj can differ according to the school of Islamic jurisprudence a pilgrim follows. This guide provides a general practical overview. For questions involving a specific situation, missed ritual, Ihram violation, or compensation (dam/fidyah), consult a qualified scholar or your Hajj group’s religious guide.
What Is Hajj?
Hajj is the annual pilgrimage to Makkah performed during the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah. It commemorates acts of worship associated with Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), his family, and the tradition continued by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
The Qur'an commands Muslims to complete Hajj and Umrah for Allah and describes important principles governing the pilgrimage.
Hajj is more than a physical journey. It is an act of worship involving sacrifice, patience, remembrance of Allah, repentance, prayer, supplication, and obedience.
During Hajj, millions of Muslims gather in the same sacred places, performing the same fundamental rituals and demonstrating their devotion to Allah.
When Is Hajj Performed?
Hajj takes place during the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah, particularly during the well-known days of Hajj.
The main sequence is:
8 Dhul-HijjahMinaBeginning of Hajj and overnight stay
9 Dhul-HijjahArafah → MuzdalifahWuquf at Arafah and night at Muzdalifah
10 Dhul-HijjahMina → MakkahJamarat al-Aqabah, sacrifice, hair cutting, Tawaf al-Ifadah
11 Dhul-HijjahMinaStoning all three Jamarat
12 Dhul-HijjahMinaStoning all three Jamarat; early departure possible
13 Dhul-HijjahMinaStoning all three Jamarat if remaining in Mina
Before departureMakkahTawaf al-Wada (Farewell Tawaf)
The exact Gregorian dates change every year because the Islamic calendar is lunar.
Who Is Required to Perform Hajj?
Hajj becomes obligatory for a Muslim who meets the conditions required by Islamic law, including the ability to undertake the journey.
This generally includes:
Being Muslim
Being an adult according to Islamic law
Being of sound understanding
Having the physical ability to perform the pilgrimage, or making appropriate arrangements where applicable
Having sufficient financial means
Being able to reach the sacred sites safely and lawfully
Specific rulings regarding ability, women, financial responsibilities, travel arrangements, and other circumstances can differ according to Islamic jurisprudence. Pilgrims should seek qualified guidance for personal circumstances.
The Three Types of Hajj
There are three recognized types of Hajj:
Hajj al-Tamattu'
Hajj al-Qiran
Hajj al-Ifrad
The fundamental difference is how the pilgrim combines or separates Umrah and Hajj.
1. Hajj al-Tamattu'
In Tamattu', the pilgrim first enters Ihram for Umrah during the Hajj season.
They perform:
Umrah → exit Ihram → enter Ihram again for Hajj → perform Hajj
After completing Umrah, the pilgrim exits Ihram and remains outside Ihram until entering Ihram again for Hajj.
A pilgrim performing Tamattu' is required to offer a Hady (sacrificial offering), subject to the relevant rules.
This guide primarily explains Hajj through the sequence of Tamattu'.
2. Hajj al-Qiran
In Qiran, the pilgrim enters Ihram with the intention of performing both Umrah and Hajj together and remains in Ihram until completing the relevant Hajj rituals.
A Hady is required for the Qiran pilgrim under the applicable rules.
3. Hajj al-Ifrad
In Ifrad, the pilgrim enters Ihram for Hajj only.
There is no separate Umrah incorporated into the Hajj, and a Hady is not required for Ifrad itself.
Hajj Step by Step
Step 1: Enter Ihram
Ihram refers to the sacred state entered for Hajj or Umrah, along with the rules and restrictions associated with that state.
Before reaching the Miqat, a pilgrim preparing for Hajj should make the necessary preparations and enter Ihram according to their type of Hajj.
What Is the Miqat?
The Miqat is a designated boundary beyond which a person intending to perform Hajj or Umrah should not pass without entering Ihram.
The Miqat used depends on the direction from which the pilgrim is traveling.
For example, pilgrims traveling through Madinah commonly use Dhul-Hulayfah, while other routes have their own designated Miqat locations.
Pilgrims traveling by air should make appropriate arrangements to enter Ihram before crossing the Miqat.
Preparing for Ihram
Before entering Ihram, pilgrims commonly:
Perform Ghusl
Maintain personal cleanliness
Trim nails and remove unwanted hair before entering Ihram
Men wear the appropriate Ihram garments
Women wear modest Islamic clothing
Make the intention for Hajj
Begin reciting the Talbiyah
The Qur'an emphasizes completing Hajj and avoiding prohibited behavior during the pilgrimage.
Talbiyah
A commonly recited Talbiyah is:
Labbayka Allahumma labbayk, labbayka la shareeka laka labbayk. Innal-hamda wan-ni'mata laka wal-mulk, la shareeka lak.
Meaning:
"Here I am, O Allah, here I am. Here I am, You have no partner, here I am. Surely all praise, blessings and dominion belong to You. You have no partner."
Continue reciting the Talbiyah throughout the journey as appropriate until the relevant point in the Hajj rituals.
Step 2: Perform Umrah for Hajj al-Tamattu'
If you are performing Hajj al-Tamattu', your Hajj journey begins with Umrah.
Upon reaching Makkah, perform:
Tawaf around the Kaaba
Two Rak'ahs after Tawaf
Sa'i between Safa and Marwah
Halq or Taqsir
After completing these actions, the pilgrim performing Tamattu' exits Ihram.
The pilgrim may then wear normal clothing and remain outside Ihram until it is time to enter Ihram for Hajj.
Step 3: Enter Ihram Again for Hajj
On the 8th of Dhul-Hijjah, known as the Day of Tarwiyah, the pilgrim performing Tamattu' enters Ihram again with the intention of Hajj.
After entering Ihram and reciting the Talbiyah, pilgrims proceed toward Mina.
The official Nusuk Hajj journey describes the 8th of Dhul-Hijjah as the day pilgrims head to Mina and spend the night there.
Step 4: Mina – 8th Dhul-Hijjah
Mina is a valley located near Makkah and becomes the temporary home of millions of pilgrims during Hajj.
On the 8th of Dhul-Hijjah, pilgrims travel to Mina.
What Do Pilgrims Do in Mina?
Pilgrims generally:
Pray the prescribed prayers
Engage in Dhikr
Recite the Qur'an
Make Dua
Rest and prepare for the Day of Arafah
The purpose of this day is also to prepare physically and spiritually for the most significant stage of Hajj.
The official Nusuk Hajj guide confirms the journey to Mina on the 8th and the overnight stay there.
Step 5: Arafah – The Day of Hajj
The 9th of Dhul-Hijjah is the Day of Arafah, the central day of Hajj.
After Fajr in Mina, pilgrims proceed to Arafah.
The most important ritual of this day is Wuquf, or standing at Arafah.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Hajj is Arafah.”
The statement emphasizes the essential importance of being present at Arafah during the prescribed time.
What Is Wuquf at Arafah?
Wuquf means remaining at Arafah during the required period while engaging in worship, remembrance and supplication.
Pilgrims should:
Make sincere Dua
Seek forgiveness
Recite Dhikr
Read Qur'an
Send blessings upon the Prophet ﷺ
Ask Allah for guidance and mercy
Pray for their families and loved ones
Reflect upon their lives and repentance
The official Nusuk Hajj guide identifies the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah as the Day of Arafah and instructs pilgrims to devote themselves to worship and supplication there until sunset.
Does a Pilgrim Need to Climb Jabal al-Rahmah?
No.
The important requirement is being within the boundaries of Arafah during the required time. Pilgrims do not need to climb Jabal al-Rahmah.
Leaving Arafah
After sunset, pilgrims leave Arafah and proceed toward Muzdalifah.
Step 6: Muzdalifah
After leaving Arafah, pilgrims travel to Muzdalifah.
Muzdalifah is located between Arafah and Mina and is an important stage of the Hajj journey.
The official Nusuk guide describes the movement to Muzdalifah after sunset on the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah and the overnight stay there.
What Do Pilgrims Do in Muzdalifah?
Pilgrims:
Pray Maghrib and Isha according to the applicable Hajj prayer arrangements
Spend the night at Muzdalifah
Remember Allah
Make Dua
Rest
Collect small pebbles for the Jamarat
The exact rulings concerning the duration of the stay at Muzdalifah and valid concessions differ according to circumstances and schools of jurisprudence.
How Many Pebbles Should You Collect?
If you are continuing through all three days of stoning, you will need 49 pebbles in total:
7 for the 10th
21 for the 11th
21 for the 12th
If remaining for the 13th, you will need another 21, making 70 pebbles in total.
It is practical to collect a few extra small pebbles in case some are dropped or missed.
Step 7: The Day of Sacrifice – 10th Dhul-Hijjah
The 10th of Dhul-Hijjah is Yawm al-Nahr, the Day of Sacrifice and the first day of Eid al-Adha.
This is one of the busiest days of Hajj.
The major rituals associated with this day include:
Stoning Jamarat al-Aqabah
Hady (for those required to offer it)
Shaving or trimming the hair
Tawaf al-Ifadah
Sa'i when required
The preferred sequence and the detailed rules can vary in some circumstances, so pilgrims should follow their qualified Hajj guide when managing the order.
Step 9: Hady – The Sacrifice
Pilgrims performing Tamattu' and Qiran are required to offer Hady according to the relevant Islamic rules.
The Qur'an specifically mentions the sacrificial offering associated with Umrah followed by Hajj.
Today, pilgrims commonly arrange their sacrifice through authorized Hajj arrangements rather than personally slaughtering the animal.
If you are unsure whether a sacrifice is required in your particular situation, consult your Hajj scholar or authorized Hajj provider.
Step 10: Halq or Taqsir
After the appropriate stage of the sacrifice and Rami, the pilgrim performs Halq or Taqsir.
For Men
Men may:
Shave the entire head (Halq), or
Trim the hair (Taqsir)
Shaving the head has particular virtue in Islamic teachings.
For Women
Women do not shave their heads. Instead, they trim a portion of their hair according to the guidance they follow.
After completing the applicable actions, the pilgrim begins exiting the restrictions of Ihram according to the applicable rulings.
Because the exact details of Tahallul can involve differences of opinion, follow the guidance provided by your qualified scholar or Hajj group.
Step 11: Tawaf al-Ifadah
One of the major rituals of Hajj is Tawaf al-Ifadah, also known as Tawaf al-Hajj or Tawaf az-Ziyarah.
The pilgrim returns to Masjid al-Haram in Makkah and performs seven circuits around the Kaaba.
How to Perform Tawaf al-Ifadah
Begin at the Black Stone.
Keep the Kaaba on your left.
Complete seven circuits.
Make Dhikr and Dua during Tawaf.
Pray two Rak'ahs after Tawaf where reasonably possible.
Perform Sa'i if required for your type of Hajj.
Tawaf al-Ifadah is an essential part of Hajj, and there are detailed scholarly rulings concerning its timing and validity.
Sa'i After Tawaf al-Ifadah
For a pilgrim performing Tamattu', the Sa'i for Hajj is performed after Tawaf al-Ifadah.
Pilgrims performing Ifrad or Qiran may have already performed their Hajj Sa'i earlier, depending on the sequence they followed.
The timing of Sa'i differs according to the type of Hajj and the sequence of rituals, so pilgrims should follow their school of jurisprudence or qualified Hajj guide.
Step 12: Return to Mina
After completing the required rituals in Makkah, pilgrims return to Mina.
The next stage is the Days of Tashreeq, which are the 11th, 12th and, for those who remain, the 13th of Dhul-Hijjah.
Step 13: Stoning the Three Jamarat
On the 11th and 12th of Dhul-Hijjah, pilgrims stone all three Jamarat.
The three are:
Jamarat al-Sughra – the small Jamarah
Jamarat al-Wusta – the middle Jamarah
Jamarat al-Aqabah – the largest Jamarah
At each Jamarah:
Throw seven pebbles individually.
Say Allahu Akbar with each throw.
Complete seven throws before moving to the next Jamarah.
Therefore, there are:
7 + 7 + 7 = 21 pebbles per day.
The official Nusuk materials identify stoning the Jamarat as one of the central rituals following Muzdalifah.
Step 14: Decide Whether to Leave Mina on the 12th or 13th
Pilgrims may leave Mina earlier or remain for the additional day, according to the applicable Hajj rules.
If departing after completing the required stoning on the 12th of Dhul-Hijjah, the pilgrim should leave Mina within the applicable timeframe.
If the pilgrim remains in Mina for the 13th, they perform the stoning of all three Jamarat again.
Because the detailed rules regarding departure time can be important, follow your Hajj group's schedule and the guidance of your scholar.
Step 15: Tawaf al-Wada – The Farewell Tawaf
Before leaving Makkah, pilgrims perform Tawaf al-Wada, commonly called the Farewell Tawaf.
It consists of seven circuits around the Kaaba.
This is intended to be the final Tawaf before departing Makkah.
Who Is Exempt From Farewell Tawaf?
There are specific rulings concerning women who are menstruating or experiencing post-natal bleeding. Such pilgrims should follow the guidance of a qualified scholar or their Hajj authority regarding departure.
Hajj Timeline: Quick Reference
Here is a simple Hajj step-by-step timeline to help you remember the journey.
Before 8 Dhul-Hijjah
For Tamattu':
Ihram for Umrah → Tawaf → Sa'i → Hair cutting → Exit Ihram
8 Dhul-Hijjah
Enter Ihram for Hajj → Travel to Mina → Worship and spend the night
9 Dhul-Hijjah
Mina → Arafah → Wuquf and Dua → Muzdalifah after sunset
10 Dhul-Hijjah
Muzdalifah → Mina → Jamarat al-Aqabah → Hady → Halq/Taqsir → Makkah → Tawaf al-Ifadah → Sa'i when required → Return to Mina
11 Dhul-Hijjah
Stone all three Jamarat → Stay in Mina
12 Dhul-Hijjah
Stone all three Jamarat → Leave Mina if departing early, according to the applicable rules
13 Dhul-Hijjah
If remaining in Mina → Stone all three Jamarat → Depart Mina
Before Leaving Makkah
Perform Tawaf al-Wada → Depart Makkah
Important Hajj Duas and Dhikr
There is no requirement to memorize a different Dua for every movement of Hajj.
Pilgrims should remember Allah frequently and make sincere supplications.
Talbiyah
Labbayka Allahumma labbayk, labbayka la shareeka laka labbayk. Innal-hamda wan-ni'mata laka wal-mulk, la shareeka lak.
During Tawaf
You may make Dua, Dhikr and recite Qur'an.
Between the Yemeni Corner and the Black Stone, a commonly recited Dua is:
Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanatan wa fil-akhirati hasanatan wa qina 'adhaban-nar.
"Our Lord, give us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and protect us from the punishment of the Fire."
At Arafah
Arafah is an especially important time for Dua.
Ask Allah sincerely for:
Forgiveness
Guidance
Mercy
Protection
A righteous life
Acceptance of worship
Goodness in this world and the Hereafter
Your family's wellbeing
Whatever lawful needs you have
You may make Dua in the language you understand.
At the Jamarat
Say:
Allahu Akbar
with each throw.
What Should You Avoid During Hajj?
The Qur'an specifically warns pilgrims against sexual relations, disobedience and disputes during Hajj.
A pilgrim should therefore focus on:
Patience
Good manners
Dhikr
Dua
Helping others
Avoiding arguments
Avoiding unnecessary disputes
Following official instructions
Protecting fellow pilgrims from harm
Remember that Hajj is not simply about completing a checklist of physical actions. Your behavior toward other people is also part of your worship.
Hajj Preparation Checklist
Preparing properly can make your pilgrimage much easier.
Documents
Passport
Hajj visa or required travel documentation
Hajj permit where applicable
Accommodation information
Transportation information
Emergency contact details
Copies of important documents
Clothing
Ihram garments for men
Appropriate modest clothing for women
Comfortable footwear
Extra clothing
Lightweight bag
Personal Items
Unscented toiletries suitable for Ihram
Medication if required
Reusable water bottle
Phone and charger
Power bank
Small personal bag
Sunglasses
Umbrella where permitted and useful
Worship
Qur'an or Qur'an app
Dua list
Hajj guide
Tasbih if you use one
Notebook for important information
Most importantly, learn the rituals before you travel. Knowing what happens at each stage will help you concentrate on worship rather than trying to understand the sequence while dealing with crowds and travel.