How to Perform Hajj — Step by Step Guide
Hajj consists of 10 main steps performed over 5-6 days. This guide covers each step in order.
الإحرام—Ihram
Day 1 — 8 Dhul Hijjah
Miqat (entry points to Mecca)
Enter the state of Ihram by wearing white garments and making the intention for Hajj. Recite the Talbiyah. Prohibited acts begin.
Recommended Dua
لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ
Labbayk Allahumma labbayk
Here I am O Allah, here I am
طواف القدوم—Tawaf al-Qudum
Day 1 — 8 Dhul Hijjah
Masjid al-Haram, Mecca
Perform the arrival Tawaf — 7 circuits around the Kaaba counterclockwise. Kiss or point to the Black Stone each circuit.
السعي—Sa'i
Day 1 — 8 Dhul Hijjah
Between Safa and Marwa, Mecca
Walk 7 times between the hills of Safa and Marwa, commemorating Hajar's search for water for her son Ismail.
الوقوف بعرفة—Wuquf at Arafat
Day 2 — 9 Dhul Hijjah (MOST IMPORTANT)
Plain of Arafat
The most essential pillar of Hajj. Stand on the Plain of Arafat from noon until sunset making dua and seeking forgiveness. "Hajj is Arafat" — Prophet Muhammad ﷺ
Recommended Dua
لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ
La ilaha illallah wahdahu la sharika lah
There is no god but Allah alone, with no partner
المزدلفة—Muzdalifah
Night of Day 2 — 9-10 Dhul Hijjah
Muzdalifah (between Arafat and Mina)
After sunset at Arafat, travel to Muzdalifah. Pray Maghrib and Isha combined. Collect 49 pebbles for stoning the Jamarat. Spend the night here.
رمي الجمرات—Rami al-Jamarat
Day 3 — 10 Dhul Hijjah (Eid al-Adha)
Mina — Jamarat Bridge
Stone the large Jamarat pillar 7 times. Represents rejection of Satan. Also performed on Days 11, 12, 13.
الهدي—Hady (Sacrifice)
Day 3 — 10 Dhul Hijjah
Mina
Sacrifice an animal (or arrange for one to be sacrificed). This commemorates Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son.
الحلق أو التقصير—Halq or Taqsir
Day 3 — 10 Dhul Hijjah
Mina
Men shave their heads (Halq) or cut their hair short (Taqsir). Women cut a fingertip length of hair. This marks partial exit from Ihram.
طواف الإفاضة—Tawaf al-Ifadah
Day 3 — 10 Dhul Hijjah
Masjid al-Haram, Mecca
Return to Mecca for the obligatory Tawaf al-Ifadah — 7 circuits around the Kaaba. This is a pillar of Hajj.
طواف الوداع—Tawaf al-Wada
Final day before leaving Mecca
Masjid al-Haram, Mecca
The farewell Tawaf — 7 final circuits around the Kaaba before departing from Mecca. Last act of Hajj.
Important Notes About Hajj
- 1.Hajj is Fard (obligatory) once in a lifetime for every Muslim who is able to perform it.
- 2.It is only obligatory for those who are physically and financially able to undertake the journey.
- 3.Women must have a Mahram (male guardian) to accompany them for the pilgrimage.
- 4.Ihram rules: no cutting nails or hair, no perfume, no covering the head (men), no face or hand covering (women in some schools of thought).
Related Guides
This guide covers all 10 steps of Hajj, the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca. From entering the state of Ihram to the farewell Tawaf al-Wada, each step is explained with its Arabic name, location, day, and recommended duas. Hajj takes place during 8-13 Dhul Hijjah and is one of the five pillars of Islam.