How to Perform Hajj: Complete Step-by-Step Guide (2026)

How to Perform Hajj: Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam and an obligation upon every Muslim who is physically and financially able to perform it at least once in their lifetime. It takes place annually during the month of Dhul Hijjah (the 12th month of the Islamic calendar) and involves a series of rituals performed over five to six days in and around the holy city of Makkah.

Hajj is the largest annual gathering of people on Earth, with over two million pilgrims converging on Makkah each year. It is a journey that traces the footsteps of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), his wife Hajar, and his son Ismail — peace be upon them all. The rituals of Hajj embody themes of sacrifice, submission, equality, and unity that are at the very core of Islam.

This guide covers all 13 steps of Hajj in sequence, giving you a clear roadmap of what to expect and what to do at each stage. While this is a comprehensive overview, we strongly recommend studying each step in detail and consulting with a knowledgeable scholar or guide before and during your Hajj.

The 13 Steps of Hajj

Step 1: Enter Ihram and Make Your Intention (8th Dhul Hijjah)

Before crossing the Miqat (the boundary point), bathe, put on your Ihram garments, and make your intention. For Hajj Tamattu (the most common type), you would have already completed an Umrah and exited Ihram. On the 8th of Dhul Hijjah (Yawm al-Tarwiyah), re-enter Ihram from your hotel in Makkah and declare:

"Labbayk Allahumma Hajjan" (Here I am, O Allah, for Hajj).

Begin reciting the Talbiyah and continue throughout your Hajj.

Step 2: Travel to Mina (8th Dhul Hijjah)

After entering Ihram, travel to the tent city of Mina, about 8 km east of Makkah. You will spend the day and night here. Pray Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, Isha, and Fajr at Mina, shortening the four-rakat prayers to two (qasr) but praying each at its own time (no combining). Use this time for worship, dua, and reflection — you are preparing for the most important day of Hajj.

Step 3: Stand at Arafah (9th Dhul Hijjah — The Day of Arafah)

This is the single most important day and ritual of Hajj. The Prophet (PBUH) said: "Hajj is Arafah." After Fajr prayer at Mina, travel to the plain of Arafah. You must be present within the boundaries of Arafah from after Dhuhr until sunset.

Combine and shorten Dhuhr and Asr prayers. Then dedicate the rest of the day entirely to dua and supplication. This is considered the best day of the year — Allah descends to the lowest heaven and boasts to the angels about the pilgrims. Ask for everything. Cry, beg, implore. There is no day on which more people are freed from the Hellfire than the Day of Arafah.

Step 4: Spend the Night at Muzdalifah (9th-10th Dhul Hijjah)

After sunset at Arafah, travel to Muzdalifah (between Arafah and Mina). Pray Maghrib and Isha combined and shortened upon arrival. Spend the night under the open sky — this is a Sunnah. Collect 7 pebbles (chickpea-sized) for the next day's stoning ritual. Some pilgrims collect all 49 or 70 pebbles needed for all the stoning days. Pray Fajr at Muzdalifah and make dua until just before sunrise, then depart for Mina.

Step 5: Stone the Large Jamrah (10th Dhul Hijjah — Eid al-Adha)

Return to Mina and proceed to the Jamarat area. On the 10th, you only stone the **large pillar (Jamrat al-Aqabah)**. Throw 7 pebbles one by one, saying "Allahu Akbar" with each throw. Stop reciting the Talbiyah before you begin stoning. This ritual symbolizes Prophet Ibrahim's rejection of Shaytan's temptations.

Step 6: Sacrifice an Animal (10th Dhul Hijjah)

After stoning, an animal sacrifice (Hady) is required for those performing Hajj Tamattu or Qiran. You can arrange this through official Saudi channels — they handle the slaughter and distribute the meat to the needy. This commemorates Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail in obedience to Allah, and Allah's mercy in substituting a ram.

Step 7: Shave or Trim Your Hair (10th Dhul Hijjah)

After the sacrifice, men shave their heads (halq, which is preferred) or trim their hair (taqseer). Women cut approximately a fingertip's length from the ends of their hair. After this step, you enter a **partial state of de-consecration** — most Ihram restrictions are lifted except for marital relations.

Step 8: Perform Tawaf al-Ifadah (10th Dhul Hijjah or after)

Travel to Makkah and perform Tawaf al-Ifadah — the Tawaf of Hajj. This is a pillar (rukn) of Hajj and cannot be omitted. Perform 7 circuits around the Kaaba, then pray 2 rakats at Maqam Ibrahim. This Tawaf can be done on the 10th, 11th, or 12th, but the 10th is preferred.

Step 9: Perform Sa'i (10th Dhul Hijjah or after)

If performing Hajj Tamattu, you must perform Sa'i again (you did one for Umrah already). Walk 7 times between Safa and Marwa. After completing Tawaf al-Ifadah and Sa'i, you are in a **full state of de-consecration** — all Ihram restrictions are lifted, including marital relations.

Step 10: Return to Mina for the Days of Tashreeq (11th-13th Dhul Hijjah)

Return to Mina and spend the nights of the 11th and 12th (and optionally the 13th) of Dhul Hijjah. These are the Days of Tashreeq — days of eating, drinking, and remembrance of Allah. The Prophet (PBUH) said: "The Days of Tashreeq are days of eating, drinking, and remembrance of Allah."

Step 11: Stone All Three Jamarat (11th and 12th Dhul Hijjah)

On each of the 11th and 12th, stone all three pillars in order: 1. **Small Jamrah (al-Ula):** 7 pebbles, then step aside and make dua 2. **Middle Jamrah (al-Wusta):** 7 pebbles, then step aside and make dua 3. **Large Jamrah (al-Aqabah):** 7 pebbles, then leave without making dua

Stoning must be done **after Dhuhr** (noon) on these days, according to the majority of scholars.

Step 12: Optionally Stay for the 13th of Dhul Hijjah

You may leave Mina after stoning on the 12th (before sunset) — this is called "early departure" (an-nafr al-awwal). However, staying to stone on the 13th is more virtuous and highly recommended. If the sun sets on you while you are still in Mina on the 12th, you must stay and stone on the 13th.

Step 13: Perform Tawaf al-Wada (Farewell Tawaf)

Before leaving Makkah, perform the Farewell Tawaf — your final act of Hajj. This is a wajib (obligatory) act. Perform 7 circuits around the Kaaba without Raml or Idtiba, pray 2 rakats, drink Zamzam water, and leave the Haram walking backwards (if you wish, as a sign of love and reluctance to leave).

Women in a state of menstruation are exempted from Tawaf al-Wada according to the hadith of Ibn Abbas (RA).

Types of Hajj

There are three types of Hajj:

1. **Hajj Tamattu** (most common): Perform Umrah first, exit Ihram, then enter Ihram again for Hajj. A sacrifice is required. 2. **Hajj Qiran**: Enter Ihram for both Umrah and Hajj together. Do not exit Ihram between them. A sacrifice is required. 3. **Hajj Ifrad**: Enter Ihram for Hajj only. No Umrah is performed. No sacrifice is required.

The Prophet (PBUH) recommended Hajj Tamattu for those who had not brought a sacrificial animal with them.

Final Advice

Hajj is a life-changing experience that demands patience, endurance, and sincerity. Prepare physically by walking regularly in the weeks before your trip. Prepare spiritually by increasing your worship, learning the rituals thoroughly, and making a heartfelt dua list. And prepare emotionally by understanding that Hajj will test you — the crowds, the heat, the exhaustion — but every hardship is an expiation of sins and an elevation of your rank with Allah.

May Allah accept your Hajj and grant you Hajj Mabrur — a Hajj that is accepted and rewarded with nothing less than Paradise.