Hajj Step by Step – Complete Guide for First-Time Pilgrims

What Is Hajj and Why Is It Important in Islam?

Hajj is the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Makkah, performed during the sacred month of Dhul-Hijjah.

It is one of the five pillars of Islam and an obligation for Muslims who meet the necessary religious conditions, including the ability to undertake the journey.

Allah states in the Quran:

وَلِلَّهِ عَلَى النَّاسِ حِجُّ الْبَيْتِ مَنِ اسْتَطَاعَ إِلَيْهِ سَبِيلًا

Meaning: Pilgrimage to the House is a duty owed to Allah by those who are able to undertake the journey.

Reference: Surah Aal-e-Imran (3:97)

Hajj is a journey of worship, humility and remembrance of Allah.

It reminds Muslims of the obedience of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), the trust of Hajar (AS) and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

The Spiritual Importance of Hajj

Performing Hajj teaches several important lessons:

• Submission to Allah: Following the prescribed rituals with sincerity and obedience.
• Unity: Muslims from different countries and backgrounds gather in worship.
• Patience: Managing physical challenges, crowds and unfamiliar surroundings.
• Humility: Leaving worldly distinctions behind and focusing on faith.
• Reflection: Seeking forgiveness and considering how to improve one's life.

Understanding why Hajj is important helps pilgrims focus on the purpose of the journey rather than simply completing its physical stages.

What Are the Three Types of Hajj?

Before learning how to perform Hajj step by step, it's important to understand the three recognised forms of pilgrimage.

The sequence of some rituals depends on the type of Hajj being performed.

1. Hajj Tamattu

Hajj Tamattu involves performing Umrah first, exiting Ihram, and entering Ihram again for Hajj when the pilgrimage days begin.

This is a commonly chosen option for pilgrims travelling from overseas.

Pilgrims performing Tamattu must arrange the prescribed Hady sacrifice.

2. Hajj Qiran

Hajj Qiran involves entering Ihram with the intention of performing Hajj and Umrah together.

The pilgrim remains in Ihram until the appropriate stage of the pilgrimage.

A prescribed Hady sacrifice is required for this type.

3. Hajj Ifrad

Hajj Ifrad involves entering Ihram for Hajj alone.

Unlike Tamattu and Qiran, a prescribed Hady sacrifice is not generally required solely because of choosing Ifrad.

The timing of Tawaf, Sa'i and other arrangements can vary between the three types.

This guide explains the main Hajj journey in chronological order, with particular reference to Hajj Tamattu. Pilgrims should follow the detailed instructions applicable to their chosen type and school of Islamic jurisprudence.

Steps of Hajj – Complete Checklist

The rituals of Hajj take place across several days, with different activities in Makkah, Mina, Arafah and Muzdalifah.

Use this checklist to understand the main steps of Hajj:

1. Enter Ihram with the intention of Hajj at the appropriate location.
2. Perform the relevant arrival rituals in Makkah, according to your type of Hajj.
3. Travel to Mina on 8 Dhul-Hijjah.
4. Stand at Arafah on 9 Dhul-Hijjah.
5. Travel to Muzdalifah after sunset.
6. Stone Jamrat al-Aqabah on 10 Dhul-Hijjah.
7. Complete the required Hady sacrifice, where applicable.
8. Shave or shorten the hair.
9. Perform Tawaf al-Ifadah and the required Sa'i.
10. Complete the stoning of the three Jamarat on 11 and 12 Dhul-Hijjah, and on the 13th if staying.
11. Perform Tawaf al-Wada before leaving Makkah, where required.

These stages provide an overview. The detailed obligations, permitted sequence and exceptions differ in some respects according to Hajj type and Islamic jurisprudence.

Hajj Step by Step – How to Perform Hajj in the Correct Order

The main Hajj rituals begin on 8 Dhul-Hijjah and continue until 12 or 13 Dhul-Hijjah.

Below is a day-by-day explanation for first-time pilgrims.

Before Hajj – Enter Ihram and Make Niyyah

Ihram is the sacred state entered with the intention of performing Hajj or Umrah.

For pilgrims travelling from outside Makkah, the appropriate Miqat must be observed when entering Ihram.

Men wear the prescribed Ihram garments, while women wear permissible modest clothing that meets the requirements of Ihram.

Pilgrims make the intention for the relevant type of Hajj and begin reciting the Talbiyah.

Talbiyah in Arabic:

لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ، لَبَّيْكَ لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ، إِنَّ الْحَمْدَ وَالنِّعْمَةَ لَكَ وَالْمُلْكَ، لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ

Transliteration:

Labbayka Allahumma labbayk, labbayka la sharika laka labbayk, innal-hamda wan-ni'mata laka wal-mulk, la sharika lak.

Meaning:

"Here I am, O Allah, here I am. You have no partner. All praise, blessings and sovereignty belong to You. You have no partner."

Once in Ihram, pilgrims observe the applicable restrictions, including those relating to perfume, cutting hair and nails, and other prohibited actions.

Arrival in Makkah – Tawaf and Sa'i

The arrival rituals depend on the type of Hajj.

Pilgrims performing Hajj Tamattu normally complete their Umrah before the Hajj days, including Tawaf, Sa'i and hair trimming, and then leave Ihram.

Pilgrims performing Ifrad or Qiran may perform Tawaf al-Qudum, the arrival Tawaf, according to the relevant rules.

Tawaf consists of seven complete anticlockwise circuits around the Kaaba.

Sa'i consists of seven one-way journeys between Safa and Marwah, beginning at Safa and ending at Marwah.

The timing of Sa'i and whether another Sa'i is required later depend on the chosen form of Hajj and the guidance followed.

For a detailed explanation of these rituals, read our Umrah Guide Step by Step.

Day 1 – 8 Dhul-Hijjah: Travelling to Mina

The 8th of Dhul-Hijjah is known as Yawm at-Tarwiyah.

Pilgrims preparing for Hajj enter Ihram or continue in Ihram, depending on their type of pilgrimage.

Those performing Tamattu enter Ihram again for Hajj before beginning the Hajj journey.

Pilgrims then travel to Mina, an area near Makkah where they spend time in prayer and remembrance of Allah.

What Do Pilgrims Do in Mina?

During their stay, pilgrims:

• Perform the prescribed daily prayers.
• Recite the Talbiyah.
• Remember Allah and make dua.
• Prepare for the Day of Arafah.
• Spend the night in Mina according to the pilgrimage arrangements.

Follow your authorised Hajj group's instructions regarding accommodation, movement and prayer arrangements.

Day 2 – 9 Dhul-Hijjah: The Day of Arafah

The Day of Arafah is one of the most important stages of Hajj.

On the morning of 9 Dhul-Hijjah, pilgrims travel from Mina to Arafah.

The standing at Arafah, known as Wuquf al-Arafah, is an essential pillar of Hajj.

What Happens at Arafah?

Pilgrims spend their time in worship, supplication and remembrance of Allah.

They should:

• Follow the prescribed prayer arrangements.
• Make sincere dua.
• Seek Allah's forgiveness.
• Recite Quran and remember Allah.
• Remain within the recognised boundaries of Arafah for the required period.

Pilgrims generally remain at Arafah until sunset before departing for Muzdalifah.

Arafah is not simply a sightseeing destination. Being in the correct area during the required period is fundamental to the validity of Hajj.

Why Is the Day of Arafah Important?

The Day of Arafah is a time of prayer, repentance and seeking Allah's mercy.

Pilgrims gather in worship, reflecting on their actions and asking for guidance and forgiveness.

Because the standing at Arafah is essential, pilgrims should pay particular attention to official movement instructions and the boundaries of the site.

Night of 9 Dhul-Hijjah – Muzdalifah

After sunset at Arafah, pilgrims travel to Muzdalifah.

Muzdalifah lies between Arafah and Mina and is an important part of the Hajj journey.

What Do Pilgrims Do in Muzdalifah?

Pilgrims generally:

• Perform Maghrib and Isha according to the prescribed arrangements.
• Spend the required part of the night in Muzdalifah.
• Remember Allah and make supplication.
• Prepare pebbles for the Jamarat ritual.
• Follow the permitted departure arrangements.

Some pilgrims with recognised needs may be eligible for different arrangements under applicable religious guidance.

The exact requirements for staying in Muzdalifah and departing vary according to individual circumstances and the school of jurisprudence followed.

Day 3 – 10 Dhul-Hijjah: Eid al-Adha and the Main Hajj Rituals

The 10th of Dhul-Hijjah is known as Yawm an-Nahr, the Day of Sacrifice.

It is also Eid al-Adha.

Several important Hajj rituals take place on this day.

Step 1 – Stone Jamrat al-Aqabah

Pilgrims return towards Mina and perform the stoning of Jamrat al-Aqabah, the largest Jamarah.

Seven small pebbles are thrown individually at the designated target area.

Pilgrims say Allahu Akbar with each throw.

Important: On 10 Dhul-Hijjah, the stoning is performed at Jamrat al-Aqabah, not all three Jamarat.

Follow the designated access routes and crowd-management instructions.

Step 2 – Perform Qurbani or Hady

The prescribed Hady sacrifice is required for pilgrims performing Hajj Tamattu or Qiran.

The sacrifice commemorates obedience to Allah and is an important aspect of these forms of pilgrimage.

Pilgrims should arrange their Hady through the authorised services associated with their official Hajj arrangements.

Hady is not generally obligatory for a pilgrim performing Ifrad solely because of that Hajj type.

Step 3 – Halq or Qasr: Shaving or Trimming Hair

After completing the relevant rituals, pilgrims shave or shorten their hair.

For men: Shaving the head is preferable, although shortening the hair is permitted.

For women: A small portion of hair is trimmed. Women do not shave their heads for Hajj.

Hair removal contributes to the first stage of release from the restrictions of Ihram, according to the applicable religious rules.

Pilgrims should not assume that every Ihram restriction ends immediately after trimming their hair.

Step 4 – Perform Tawaf al-Ifadah

Pilgrims return to Masjid al-Haram to perform Tawaf al-Ifadah.

This Tawaf consists of seven anticlockwise circuits around the Kaaba and is an essential pillar of Hajj.

Depending on the type of Hajj and the earlier rituals performed, the required Sa'i is also completed at the appropriate stage.

Tawaf al-Ifadah must not be confused with Tawaf al-Wada, the farewell Tawaf.

The exact order of some acts on the 10th and the timing of Tawaf al-Ifadah may be subject to permitted variations. Follow qualified religious guidance and your authorised group's schedule.

Days 4 and 5 – 11 and 12 Dhul-Hijjah: Stoning the Three Jamarat

The 11th and 12th of Dhul-Hijjah are among the Days of Tashreeq.

Pilgrims generally remain in Mina and continue their prescribed rituals.

How to Perform the Three Jamarat Stoning Ritual

Pilgrims stone the three Jamarat in the prescribed order:

1. Jamrat al-Sughra – the small Jamarah
2. Jamrat al-Wusta – the middle Jamarah
3. Jamrat al-Aqabah – the large Jamarah

Seven pebbles are thrown individually at each designated target.

This makes a total of 21 pebbles for the day's three Jamarat, when completing the ordinary sequence.

The ritual is performed during the permitted time according to current religious and operational guidance.

Crowd safety is especially important at the Jamarat complex.

Do not push, rush or attempt to move against the designated flow of pilgrims.

Can Pilgrims Leave Mina on 12 Dhul-Hijjah?

Pilgrims may be able to complete the relevant rituals and depart Mina on the 12th, provided the applicable conditions are met.

Those remaining for the following day complete the additional stoning on 13 Dhul-Hijjah.

Follow your authorised group's timetable and the applicable religious requirements.

Day 6 – 13 Dhul-Hijjah: Final Stoning for Those Who Remain

The 13th of Dhul-Hijjah is the additional day for pilgrims who remain in Mina.

These pilgrims perform the prescribed stoning of all three Jamarat before departing.

This is why Hajj is commonly described as taking five or six days.

Some pilgrims complete the relevant Mina rituals on the 12th, while others remain until the 13th.

Tawaf al-Wada – The Farewell Tawaf

Before leaving Makkah, pilgrims who are required to do so perform Tawaf al-Wada.

This is the farewell Tawaf and is separate from Tawaf al-Ifadah.

It involves seven anticlockwise circuits around the Kaaba.

Tawaf al-Wada is generally performed near the end of the pilgrim's stay in Makkah, before final departure.

Certain religious exemptions apply, including those relevant to menstruating women. Pilgrims should follow the applicable rulings and the guidance of qualified scholars.

With the necessary rituals completed, the pilgrim concludes the Hajj journey.

Hajj 2027 Dates – Expected Schedule for UK Pilgrims

Hajj takes place during Dhul-Hijjah, the twelfth month of the Islamic calendar.

Because the Islamic calendar is lunar, its dates move approximately 10–11 days earlier each year relative to the Gregorian calendar.

Hajj 2027 corresponds to 1448 AH.

The expected dates are:

Important: These dates are estimates based on the Islamic calendar. Exact dates are subject to the official Saudi announcement and moon sighting.

For more information about the pilgrimage calendar, explore our Hajj Dates Guide.

How Long Is Hajj?

The main Hajj rituals take approximately five to six days, beginning on 8 Dhul-Hijjah and ending on 12 or 13 Dhul-Hijjah.

However, the complete journey from the UK often includes additional days for arrival, accommodation, travel preparations and return flights.

The total length of a Hajj package depends on the itinerary selected through the official booking platform.

Some pilgrims also visit Madinah before or after Hajj, although visiting Madinah is not itself one of the required Hajj rituals.

Hajj Guidelines for UK Pilgrims Before Travelling

Preparing for Hajj requires attention to religious knowledge, official booking procedures, personal documentation and health requirements.

Book Hajj Through the Official Nusuk Hajj Platform

UK pilgrims must use the official Nusuk Hajj platform for Hajj package booking.

The platform is supervised by Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and provides access to authorised Hajj service providers.

Travellers should check eligibility, complete the required registration and follow the official process for selecting and paying for an available package.

Creating an account or registering interest does not guarantee Hajj acceptance.

Fast Gateway provides general Hajj planning information, but official Hajj bookings and Hajj visas must follow the authorised Nusuk process.

Visit the official Nusuk Hajj website or explore our Hajj Packages UK information page.

Prepare Your Documents

Before departure, check your requirements and keep copies of important documents, including:

• Valid passport
• Official Hajj visa and booking confirmation
• Flight itinerary
• Accommodation and transport details
• Required vaccination certificates
• Travel insurance information
• Emergency contact numbers
• Other documents required by the Saudi authorities

Store digital copies securely and keep important details accessible without internet access.

Check Vaccination and Health Requirements

Hajj involves large crowds, substantial walking and potentially high temperatures.

UK pilgrims should check current Saudi health requirements well before travelling.

Current UK government guidance requires a valid meningococcal ACWY vaccination certificate, with vaccination at least 10 days before arrival.

Other vaccination or medical requirements may apply according to individual circumstances and countries visited.

Seek professional medical advice before travelling if you have a health condition, take regular medication or need mobility assistance.

Prepare for Walking and Heat

Hajj can be physically demanding.

Pilgrims may spend extended periods walking or waiting while moving between the holy sites.

Prepare by choosing suitable footwear, following relevant health advice and understanding your physical limits.

Carry water when permitted, rest when necessary and follow official heat-safety guidance.

Pack Your Hajj Essentials

Bring only what you need for your journey and the days spent at the pilgrimage sites.

Consider appropriate Ihram clothing, comfortable footwear, medication, personal hygiene items and a lightweight day bag.

For a more detailed guide, read our Hajj Packing List and Essentials Checklist.

Common Mistakes to Avoid During Hajj

Even well-prepared pilgrims can become confused by the number of rituals and their timing.

Understanding common mistakes can help reduce unnecessary difficulties.

Confusing the Three Types of Hajj

Tamattu, Qiran and Ifrad have different requirements.

Understand your chosen type and which rituals apply to you.

Missing the Required Standing at Arafah

Being present at Arafah during the required period is essential.

Always follow your authorised group's movement instructions.

Confusing the Jamarat Schedule

On 10 Dhul-Hijjah, pilgrims stone Jamrat al-Aqabah.

On the following prescribed days, the stoning involves all three Jamarat.

Confusing Tawaf al-Ifadah with Tawaf al-Wada

Tawaf al-Ifadah is an essential Hajj ritual.

Tawaf al-Wada is the farewell Tawaf, performed before leaving Makkah when required.

Ignoring Official Crowd Instructions

Crowds are a serious consideration during Hajj.

Follow designated routes, time allocations and security guidance, even if the route seems longer.

Depending on Unauthorised Hajj Booking Offers

UK pilgrims should use the official Nusuk Hajj platform rather than relying on unofficial offers of guaranteed Hajj places or visas.

Always verify the provider and booking process.

Practical Advice for First-Time Hajj Pilgrims

For first-time pilgrims, the experience can feel overwhelming because several rituals take place within a relatively short period.

Learn the sequence beforehand, keep a simple checklist and follow your authorised group's practical instructions.

Make time for rest when possible, remain patient in crowded areas and treat fellow pilgrims respectfully.

If you are unsure about a religious ruling, ask a qualified scholar or an authorised religious guide rather than relying on unverified information.

The goal is not to rush through Hajj, but to complete the prescribed worship with sincerity, care and understanding.