Hajj & Umrah Guide

Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam and one of the most profound spiritual journeys a Muslim can undertake. It is obligatory once in a lifetime for every adult Muslim who is physically and financially able to perform it. Each year, millions of Muslims from every corner of the world converge on the holy city of Makkah during the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah to fulfil this divine command.

This guide walks you through every stage of Hajj — from the spiritual preparation at home to the final farewell tawaf — in plain, practical language. Whether you are performing Hajj for the first time or refreshing your knowledge, we hope this serves as a useful companion.

The Three Types of Hajj

Before booking and preparing, it is important to understand which type of Hajj you intend to perform, as each has different requirements.

Hajj al-Tamattu’ (المتمتع)

This is the most common type and the one recommended by most scholars for pilgrims travelling from outside the Arabian Peninsula. In Tamattu’, you first perform Umrah (entering ihram, performing tawaf and sa’i, then shaving or cutting your hair), exit ihram, and then re-enter ihram specifically for Hajj on the 8th of Dhul Hijjah. The word “tamattu'” means to benefit or enjoy — referring to the period between Umrah and Hajj when you are released from ihram restrictions.

Hajj al-Ifrad (الإفراد)

In Ifrad, you enter ihram solely for Hajj and do not perform Umrah during the same trip. You remain in ihram from your miqat until the completion of Hajj. No dam (sacrificial animal) is required for this type.

Hajj al-Qiran (القران)

In Qiran, you make one intention for both Hajj and Umrah together and remain in ihram throughout. Like Tamattu’, a dam is required. This was the type performed by the Prophet ﷺ according to some narrations.

Step-by-Step Guide to Hajj al-Tamattu’

Before You Travel: Spiritual Preparation

Hajj begins long before you board the plane. The scholars emphasise that sincere intention (niyyah) and spiritual readiness are the foundation of an accepted Hajj. Use the weeks before your departure to:

Settle any outstanding debts or financial obligations
Seek forgiveness from anyone you may have wronged
Write or update your will (wasiyyah)
Learn the duas and rituals thoroughly — do not rely solely on a group leader
Increase your salah, Quran recitation, and dhikr to arrive in a state of heightened spiritual awareness

The Miqat — Entering Ihram

The miqat are designated boundary points around Makkah beyond which no pilgrim may pass without being in the state of ihram. There are five main miqat stations, each serving pilgrims arriving from a specific direction:

Dhul Hulayfah (Abyar Ali): For pilgrims from Madinah and those passing through it
Al-Juhfah (Rabigh): For pilgrims from the Levant, Egypt, Morocco, and most European and American countries
Qarn al-Manazil (As-Sayl al-Kabir): For pilgrims from Najd and those arriving from the east
Yalamlam: For pilgrims from Yemen, India, Pakistan, and those flying from the south
Dhat Irq: For pilgrims from Iraq and those coming from the northeast

If you are flying directly to Jeddah, you will reach the miqat airspace while still on the plane. The crew will announce it. Ensure you are already in ihram before crossing this point.

To enter ihram: perform ghusl (full ritual bath) if possible, trim nails, apply perfume to your body (not your ihram garments), put on the two white unstitched garments (for men), and make your intention (niyyah) for Umrah: Labbayka Allahumma ‘umratan. Then begin reciting the Talbiyah:

Labbayka Allahumma labbayk, labbayka laa shareeka laka labbayk, innal hamda wan-ni’mata laka wal-mulk, laa shareeka lak.

Continue reciting the Talbiyah frequently until you begin the tawaf.

Umrah: Tawaf and Sa’i

Upon arriving in Makkah, head to Masjid al-Haram. Begin your tawaf (circumambulation of the Ka’bah) at the Black Stone (al-Hajar al-Aswad), making the intention: Bismillahi Allahu Akbar. Perform seven circuits anti-clockwise around the Ka’bah. Make du’a, dhikr, and recite Quran throughout. Try to touch or kiss the Black Stone if possible without harming others; if not, simply point to it as you pass.

After tawaf, pray two rak’ahs behind Maqam Ibrahim if possible, then proceed to Zamzam to drink. Next, perform sa’i — walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwa, beginning at Safa. This commemorates Hajar’s (RA) search for water for her son Ismail (AS).

After completing sa’i, men shave their heads (halq) or shorten their hair (taqsir). Women cut a fingertip’s length from their hair. You have now completed Umrah and may exit ihram.

8th Dhul Hijjah — Yawm al-Tarwiyah

Re-enter ihram at your place of residence in Makkah, making the intention for Hajj: Labbayka Allahumma hajjan. Resume the Talbiyah. Travel to Mina before Dhuhr and spend the day and night there. Pray Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, Isha, and Fajr in Mina, shortening the four-rak’ah prayers to two (qasr) without combining them.

9th Dhul Hijjah — Yawm al-Arafah (The Day of Arafah)

This is the most important day of Hajj. The Prophet ﷺ said: “Hajj is Arafah.” After sunrise, move from Mina to the plain of Arafah. Ensure you are within the boundaries of Arafah — not merely near it. Spend the afternoon in sincere du’a, dhikr, and contemplation. This is one of the greatest opportunities for supplication in a Muslim’s life.

Combine Dhuhr and Asr at Dhuhr time (jam’ taqdim) and shorten both to two rak’ahs. Remain at Arafah until after sunset — leaving before Maghrib without a valid excuse is a serious violation of Hajj. Continue reciting the Talbiyah throughout.

After sunset, depart calmly and with dignity for Muzdalifah.

Night at Muzdalifah

Arrive at Muzdalifah and pray Maghrib and Isha combined at Isha time (jam’ ta’khir), each shortened to two rak’ahs. Spend the night here under the open sky. Collect 49 or 70 pebbles (each approximately the size of a chickpea) for the stoning ritual. Pray Fajr here, then make du’a facing the Qibla until it becomes well lit.

Vulnerable pilgrims (the elderly, ill, or those with weak companions) may be permitted to leave Muzdalifah after midnight to reach Mina before the crowds. Check with your qualified Hajj guide.

10th Dhul Hijjah — Yawm al-Nahr (Eid al-Adha)

This is the busiest and most physically demanding day. The order of acts on this day is:

Stone the Jamarat al-Aqabah (the large pillar) — throw seven pebbles one by one, saying Allahu Akbar with each throw
Hady (sacrifice) — arrange for the slaughter of your sacrificial animal (most pilgrims use the official coupon system)
Shave or cut hair — men preferably shave; women cut a fingertip’s length
Tawaf al-Ifadah — return to Masjid al-Haram and perform seven circuits of the Ka’bah
Sa’i — walk seven times between Safa and Marwa (if not done after the initial tawaf al-qudum)

After the third step (shaving), the first level of tahallul (partial release from ihram) is achieved — most ihram restrictions are lifted except sexual relations with one’s spouse. After tawaf and sa’i, full tahallul is achieved.

11th–13th Dhul Hijjah — The Days of Tashreeq

Spend these nights in Mina. Each day (after Dhuhr on the 11th and 12th, and before Dhuhr on the 13th), stone all three jamarat in order — Jamarat al-Sughra (small), Jamarat al-Wusta (middle), and Jamarat al-Aqabah (large) — seven pebbles each, with takbeer.

Pilgrims performing Hajj al-Tamattu’ or Hajj al-Qiran must stone on all three days. Those who wish to avail themselves of the concession may leave after the 12th (before sunset), having stoned that day. Leaving after the 13th is better and more complete.

Tawaf al-Wada’ — Farewell Tawaf

Before departing Makkah, perform the farewell tawaf (tawaf al-wada’) of seven circuits. This is obligatory according to the majority of scholars. It should be the last thing you do before leaving the city. Women who are menstruating at the time of departure are exempt from this tawaf according to the established ruling.

Essential Duas for Hajj

When seeing the Ka’bah for the first time: Raise your hands and make any sincere du’a. This is a moment of great acceptance.

At Arafah: The Prophet ﷺ said the best du’a is that of the day of Arafah, and the best thing he and the prophets before him said was: Laa ilaaha ill-Allah wahdahu laa shareeka lah, lahul mulku wa lahul hamdu wa huwa ‘alaa kulli shay’in qadeer.

Between the two green markers during Sa’i (men):Rabbi-ghfir warham wa anta al-a’azzu al-akram.

Practical Tips for a Successful Hajj

Physical preparation: Hajj involves many kilometres of walking. Begin a walking routine months in advance. Wear well-fitted, comfortable sandals you have already broken in.
Crowd management: Patience is not optional — it is an act of worship during Hajj. Move with the crowd, not against it. Avoid peak times for tawaf if your schedule allows.
Hydration: The heat in Makkah can be extreme. Drink Zamzam and water frequently. Carry a small water bottle in ihram.
Documentation: Keep your passport, Hajj permit, and accommodation details on your person at all times. Register with your country’s consulate if possible.
Ihram care: Men should bring two sets of ihram garments. Wear a money belt beneath your ihram. Unscented wet wipes are helpful throughout.
Spiritual focus: Put away your phone during key moments — especially at Arafah. This opportunity may not come again in your lifetime.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Leaving Arafah before sunset on the 9th
Crossing the miqat without ihram
Performing acts out of order on the 10th
Throwing all pebbles at once rather than one by one
Forgetting tawaf al-wada’ before departure
Arguing or quarrelling — the Quran explicitly forbids this during Hajj (2:197)

Hajj for Women

Women perform the same rites as men with some differences. Women do not shout the Talbiyah aloud but recite it quietly. Women do not do ramal (brisk walking) in tawaf or sa’i. Women do not shave their heads but cut a fingertip’s length of hair. A woman must travel with a mahram (husband or male relative within the prohibited degrees). Some scholarly opinions permit women of mature age to travel in a trusted, organised group — consult your local scholar for guidance specific to your situation.

After Hajj

The Prophet ﷺ said: “Whoever performs Hajj and does not commit any obscenity or sin will return (free of sins) as on the day his mother gave birth to him.” (Bukhari & Muslim). An accepted Hajj (Hajj Mabrur) carries this immense reward — but it demands that we guard the heart, tongue, and limbs throughout.

After returning home, strive to maintain the spiritual elevation of Hajj. Keep up your prayers, preserve the brotherhood and sisterhood you felt among millions of fellow Muslims, and let the experience renew your purpose. May Allah accept from all of us. Ameen.