Hajj Guide: How to Perform Hajj, Types, Steps, and Rituals Explained
Hajj — the annual pilgrimage to Makkah — is the fifth pillar of Islam and one of the most profound spiritual journeys a Muslim can undertake. Performed during the month of Dhul Hijjah, Hajj brings together millions of Muslims from every corner of the world, united in devotion, wearing the same simple white garments, and calling out to the same Creator. This guide covers the three types of Hajj, step-by-step rituals for each day, key supplications, and the spiritual meaning behind each act of worship.
When Is It?
Hajj is performed during Dhul Hijjah, the 12th month of the Islamic lunar calendar. The core rituals span the 8th–13th of Dhul Hijjah.
The Fifth Pillar
Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam, obligatory once in a lifetime for every Muslim who is physically and financially able to perform it.
Three Types of Hajj
Hajj al-Tamattu (most common), Hajj al-Qiran, and Hajj al-Ifrad — differing in how Umrah and Hajj are combined.
What Is Hajj?
Hajj is the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Makkah, Saudi Arabia. It is obligatory once in a lifetime for every Muslim who is physically and financially able to perform it. Hajj takes place during the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah, with the main rituals occurring between the 8th and 13th days of the month.
The pilgrimage commemorates the trials of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), his son Ismail (AS), and Hajar — and retraces their acts of devotion and submission to Allah. Every ritual of Hajj carries deep historical and spiritual significance.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: "Whoever performs Hajj for Allah's sake and does not commit any obscenity or transgression, he will emerge as sinless as the day his mother gave birth to him." (Bukhari & Muslim)
Three Types of Hajj
There are three accepted ways of performing Hajj, differing in how a pilgrim combines Umrah and Hajj. Each is valid, though scholars consider Hajj al-Tamattu the most recommended for pilgrims coming from outside Makkah.
Hajj al-Tamattu (Interrupted)
Umrah first, then Hajj with a new Ihram. Considered the best of the three forms and recommended by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Most commonly performed by pilgrims from overseas.
Hajj al-Qiran (Combined)
Umrah and Hajj are performed under a single continuous Ihram. Pilgrims performing Qiran are called Qaarin.
Hajj al-Ifrad (Single)
Hajj only, without any Umrah. Pilgrims performing Ifrad are called Mufrid.
Entering the State of Ihram
Before beginning Hajj, every pilgrim must enter a sacred state called Ihram. This is done by making a sincere intention (niyyah), wearing the Ihram garments, and reciting the Talbiyah. For men, Ihram consists of two white unstitched sheets; women wear modest clothing that covers the body, leaving the face and hands uncovered.
Once in Ihram, pilgrims must avoid cutting hair or nails, using perfume, sexual relations, and other restricted acts until the Ihram is properly concluded.
The Talbiyah
لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ، لَبَّيْكَ لاَ شَرِيْكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ، إِنَّ الْحَمْدَ وَالنِّعْمَةَ لَكَ وَالْمُلْكَ لاَشَرِيْكَ لَكَ
Labbayk Allahumma Labbayk, Labbayk la sharika laka Labbayk, Innal hamda wanni'mata laka walmulk La sharika lak
"Here I am O Allah, (in response to Your call), here I am. Here I am, You have no partner, here I am. Indeed all the Praise, Grace and Sovereignty belong to You. You have no partner."
Day-by-Day Hajj Rituals
Hajj follows a precise sequence of rituals across five to six days. Each day carries its own spiritual significance, and performing them correctly is essential to a valid Hajj.
8th Dhul-Hijjah
Yawmut-Tarwiyah — Enter Ihram & Travel to Mina
- Make intention for Hajj. Standing, face the Qiblah and recite the Talbiyah.
- Travel to Mina between after Fajr and before Dhuhr (preferably in the morning).
- Pray Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, and Isha at Mina.
9th Dhul-Hijjah
Yawmu Arafah — The Day of Standing
Recommended dhikr at Arafah:
لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ لَهُ الْمُلْكُ وَلَهُ الْحَمْدُ وَهُوَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٍ
Allaahu akbar, allaahu akbar, allaahu akbar. Laa ilaaha ill-allaahu waḥdahu laa shareeka lah, lahul-mulku wa lahul-ḥamdu wa huwa ‛alaa kulli shay'in qadeer…
"Allah is the greatest, Allah is the greatest, Allah is the greatest. None has the right to be worshipped except Allah, alone, without partner. To Him belongs all sovereignty and praise and He is over all things omnipotent."
- Pray Fajr in Mina.
- Travel to Arafat after sunrise. Stop at Namirah if possible and listen to the khutbah.
- Stand at the Mount of Mercy (Jabal al-Rahmah), face the Qiblah with raised hands, and supplicate.
- Pray Dhuhr and Asr combined at Arafah.
- Perform Wuquf — stand in prayer and supplication until sunset.
- After sunset, travel to Muzdalifah.
- Pray Maghrib and Isha together at Muzdalifah.
- Collect 70 pebbles in Muzdalifah or Mina for stoning the Jamarat.
- Spend the night in worship or sleep until Fajr.
10th Dhul-Hijjah
Yawmun-Nahr — Day of Sacrifice
- Pray Fajr in Muzdalifah.
- Proceed calmly to Jamarat al-Aqabah al-Kubra after sunrise. Throw 7 stones, reciting 'Allahu Akbar' with each throw.
- Perform the Udhiya (Sacrifice) — slaughter at the slaughterhouse in Mina or use a sacrificial ticket.
- Shave or trim hair: men shave the head (preferred) or cut equally all over; women cut one-third of a finger's length.
- Remove Ihram — all restrictions are now lifted.
- Go to Makkah and perform Tawaf al-Ifadhah (can be performed up to sunset of the 12th).
- Offer 2 rakaats behind the Station of Ibrahim (Maqam Ibrahim), or anywhere in the Haram.
- Drink Zamzam water and make du'a.
- Perform Sa'ee (walking between Safa and Marwa).
- Return to Mina.
Recite "Allahu Akbar" — الله أكبر — with each stone thrown at the Jamarat.
11th Dhul-Hijjah
Stoning All Three Jamarat
- If Tawaf al-Ifadhah was not performed on the 10th, go to Makkah and complete it. Return to Mina.
- After Zawaal (midday), stone all three Jamarat — 7 pebbles each (21 total), reciting 'Allahu Akbar' with each throw.
- After the first Jamarah, face the Qiblah with the Jamarah to your right and supplicate.
- After the second Jamarah, face the Qiblah with the Jamarah to your right and supplicate.
- After stoning the third Jamarah (al-Aqabah al-Kubra), move on without supplicating.
Recite "Allahu Akbar" — الله أكبر — with each stone thrown at the Jamarat.
12th Dhul-Hijjah
Stoning & Departing Mina
- If Tawaf al-Ifadhah has still not been performed, go to Makkah and complete it with Sa'ee. Return to Mina.
- After Zawaal, stone all three Jamarat with 7 pebbles each.
- Depart Mina for Makkah before sunset if possible. If unable to leave before sunset, remain in Mina.
Recite "Allahu Akbar" — الله أكبر — with each stone thrown at the Jamarat.
13th Dhul-Hijjah
Final Stoning & Departure
- If you remained in Mina, stone all three Jamarat after Fajr with 7 pebbles each.
- Depart for Makkah.
- Before your final departure from Makkah, perform Tawaf al-Wada (Farewell Tawaf) as your very last act.
Recite "Allahu Akbar" — الله أكبر — with each stone thrown at the Jamarat.
Key Locations of Hajj
Understanding the sacred sites of Hajj deepens the spiritual connection to each ritual. Each location holds profound significance in Islamic history and worship.
Mina
The tent city where pilgrims stay on the 8th, and from the 10th–13th of Dhul Hijjah. Home to the three Jamarat (stoning pillars).
Arafah
The vast plain where the essential Wuquf (standing) takes place on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah — the spiritual heart of Hajj.
Muzdalifah
Where pilgrims spend the night of the 9th–10th under the open sky, collect pebbles for stoning, and pray Maghrib and Isha.
Makkah
The holiest city in Islam, home to al-Masjid al-Haram and the Ka'bah, where Tawaf, Sa'ee, and the Farewell Tawaf are performed.
Spiritual Meaning of Hajj
Hajj is far more than a physical journey — it is the ultimate expression of a Muslim's submission, gratitude, and love for Allah. Every ritual strip away the distractions of worldly life and brings the pilgrim face to face with their Creator.
The white Ihram garments are a reminder of the shroud — that all people are equal before Allah, and that this life is temporary. The Wuquf at Arafah, when millions stand together in prayer and tears, is described as a glimpse of the Day of Judgment. And the stoning of the Jamarat symbolizes the rejection of Shaytan and the renewal of one's commitment to Allah.
Surrender to Allah
Every step of Hajj is an act of submission to Allah's command, following in the footsteps of Prophets Ibrahim and Muhammad ﷺ.
Unity of the Ummah
Pilgrims from every nation, race, and background stand together as equals — wearing the same Ihram and worshipping the same Creator.
Spiritual Purification
The Prophet ﷺ said that an accepted Hajj brings no reward but Jannah. It wipes away sins and spiritually transforms the pilgrim.
Gratitude and Renewal
Hajj renews the pilgrim's covenant with Allah and inspires a lifelong commitment to living according to Islamic values.
May Allah Accept Your Hajj
Hajj is among the greatest acts of worship a Muslim can perform. Each step — from the first recitation of the Talbiyah to the Farewell Tawaf — is an opportunity to draw closer to Allah, seek forgiveness, and renew one's faith. The lessons of patience, unity, humility, sacrifice, and devotion to Allah learned during Hajj are meant to be carried home and lived every day. Taqabbal Allahu minna wa minkum — may Allah accept from us and from you.
Note: The duas and supplications included in this guide are widely accepted across Islamic schools of thought. However, the exact wording, sequence, and inclusion of additional supplications may vary among different madhabs. For specific practices or variations, you may seek guidance from your local scholar.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the three types of Hajj?
The three types of Hajj are: (1) Hajj al-Tamattu — Umrah first, then Hajj with a new Ihram, considered the best form and recommended by the Prophet ﷺ; (2) Hajj al-Qiran — Umrah and Hajj performed together under a single Ihram; and (3) Hajj al-Ifrad — Hajj only, without Umrah.
What is Ihram and how do you enter it?
Ihram is the sacred state a pilgrim enters before performing Hajj or Umrah. To enter Ihram, the pilgrim makes a sincere intention (niyyah), wears the Ihram garments (two white unstitched sheets for men; modest clothing for women), and recites the Talbiyah: 'Labbayk Allahumma Labbayk…'
What happens on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah (Day of Arafah)?
The Day of Arafah is the most important day of Hajj. Pilgrims travel to the plain of Arafah, stand in prayer and supplication (Wuquf) facing the Qiblah, listen to the khutbah at Namirah, and pray Dhuhr and Asr. They remain there until sunset, then proceed to Muzdalifah.
What is Zakat al-Fitr and when must it be paid?
Though separate from Hajj, Zakat al-Fitr is obligatory charity paid before Eid al-Fitr prayer. During Hajj, pilgrims must also pay a Hadi (sacrificial animal) as part of Hajj al-Tamattu and Hajj al-Qiran, offered on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah.
What is Tawaf al-Ifadhah and when is it performed?
Tawaf al-Ifadhah (also called Tawaf al-Ziyarah) is a mandatory circumambulation of the Ka'bah performed on or after the 10th of Dhul Hijjah, after the sacrifice and shaving/cutting of hair. It can be performed anytime up to sunset of the 12th of Dhul Hijjah.
How many pebbles are needed for stoning the Jamarat?
A total of 70 pebbles are needed: 7 for the 10th (at Jamarat al-Aqabah al-Kubra only), 21 for the 11th (7 per Jamarah × 3), 21 for the 12th, and 21 more if staying through the 13th.
What is Tawaf al-Wada and is it compulsory?
Tawaf al-Wada (Farewell Tawaf) is the final act of Hajj, performed before departing Makkah. According to the majority of scholars it is obligatory (wajib). It consists of seven circuits around the Ka'bah and is the pilgrim's last act before leaving the holy city.
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