How to Perform Hajj: Introduction
Learning how to perform Hajj is a duty upon every Muslim who has the physical and financial ability to undertake this sacred journey. Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam and one of the greatest acts of worship. Every year, millions of Muslims from around the world gather in Makkah to fulfill this obligation, following the footsteps of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) عليه السلام and Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
وَلِلَّهِ عَلَى النَّاسِ حِجُّ الْبَيْتِ مَنِ اسْتَطَاعَ إِلَيْهِ سَبِيلًا
"And [due] to Allah from the people is a pilgrimage to the House — for whoever is able to find thereto a way." (Quran 3:97)
This comprehensive guide explains how to perform Hajj step by step, covering every ritual from the moment you enter Ihram until the completion of all rites. Use our Hajj Guide Tool for an interactive day-by-day companion during your pilgrimage.
How to Perform Hajj: Prerequisites and Preparation
Conditions That Make Hajj Obligatory
- Islam — Must be a Muslim
- Sanity — Must be of sound mind
- Puberty — Must have reached the age of maturity
- Freedom — Must be free (not enslaved)
- Physical ability — Must be physically capable of the journey
- Financial ability — Must have sufficient funds beyond basic needs and debts
- Safety of the route — The journey must be reasonably safe
- Mahram for women — A woman must have a mahram (male guardian) according to most scholars
Types of Hajj
- Hajj al-Tamattu' — Performing Umrah first, then Hajj (most recommended for non-residents of Makkah)
- Hajj al-Qiran — Combining Umrah and Hajj in one Ihram
- Hajj al-Ifrad — Performing Hajj only without Umrah
Step 1: Entering Ihram (8th Dhul-Hijjah)
The first step in how to perform Hajj is entering the state of Ihram. This is both a physical and spiritual state of consecration.
How to Enter Ihram
- Take a full bath (ghusl) and perform wudu
- Men wear two white unstitched cloths (izar and rida); women wear modest regular clothing
- Apply perfume before making the intention (not after)
- Pray two rak'ahs of Sunnah prayer
- Make the intention (niyyah) for Hajj at the Miqat (designated boundary)
- Begin reciting the Talbiyah
لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ، لَبَّيْكَ لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ، إِنَّ الْحَمْدَ وَالنِّعْمَةَ لَكَ وَالْمُلْكَ، لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ
Talbiyah: "Labbayk 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. Here I am, You have no partner, here I am. Verily all praise, grace, and sovereignty belong to You. You have no partner."
Prohibitions During Ihram
- Cutting hair or nails
- Using perfume or scented products
- Hunting or killing animals
- Sexual relations or marriage contracts
- Men: covering the head or wearing stitched clothing
- Women: covering the face with a niqab or wearing gloves (according to some scholars)
- Arguing, fighting, or committing sins
Step 2: Day of Tarwiyah — Going to Mina (8th Dhul-Hijjah)
On the 8th of Dhul-Hijjah, pilgrims proceed to Mina after Fajr prayer. This is the day of preparation (Yawm al-Tarwiyah).
- Pray Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, Isha, and Fajr in Mina (shortened but not combined)
- Spend the night in Mina
- Continue reciting the Talbiyah
- Engage in dhikr, dua, and Quran recitation
Step 3: Standing at Arafah (9th Dhul-Hijjah) — The Pillar of Hajj
The Day of Arafah is the most important day of Hajj. The Prophet ﷺ said: "Hajj is Arafah." (Ahmad, Abu Dawud). Without standing at Arafah, the Hajj is invalid.
- Proceed to Arafah after Fajr prayer on the 9th
- Combine and shorten Dhuhr and Asr prayers at the time of Dhuhr
- Stand (wuquf) at Arafah from after Dhuhr until sunset — this is the pillar of Hajj
- Make abundant dua — this is the best day for supplication
- The Prophet ﷺ said: "The best dua is the dua of the Day of Arafah"
خَيْرُ الدُّعَاءِ دُعَاءُ يَوْمِ عَرَفَةَ وَخَيْرُ مَا قُلْتُ أَنَا وَالنَّبِيُّونَ مِنْ قَبْلِي لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ لَهُ الْمُلْكُ وَلَهُ الْحَمْدُ وَهُوَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ
Step 4: Night at Muzdalifah (9th-10th Dhul-Hijjah)
- After sunset on Arafah, proceed to Muzdalifah
- Combine and shorten Maghrib and Isha prayers at the time of Isha
- Spend the night under the open sky in worship and rest
- Collect 7 pebbles (or more for all three days) for the stoning ritual
- Depart after Fajr prayer (the weak and elderly may leave after midnight)
Step 5: Stoning, Sacrifice, and Shaving (10th Dhul-Hijjah — Eid al-Adha)
The 10th of Dhul-Hijjah is the busiest day of Hajj with multiple rituals:
A. Stoning of Jamarat al-Aqabah (the Large Pillar)
- Throw 7 pebbles at the large pillar (Jamarat al-Aqabah) only
- Say "Allahu Akbar" with each throw
- Stop reciting the Talbiyah after the first pebble
B. Animal Sacrifice (Hady)
- Obligatory for those performing Tamattu' or Qiran
- Sacrifice a sheep, goat, or share in a cow/camel
- Can be done on the 10th, 11th, 12th, or 13th
C. Shaving or Trimming Hair
- Men: Shaving the head completely (preferred) or trimming
- Women: Cutting a fingertip's length from the ends of their hair
- This marks the first partial release from Ihram (tahallul al-asghar)
Step 6: Tawaf al-Ifadah and Sa'i (10th Dhul-Hijjah)
Tawaf al-Ifadah (The Essential Tawaf)
- Proceed to Masjid al-Haram in Makkah
- Perform 7 circuits around the Ka'bah starting from the Black Stone
- This is a pillar (rukn) of Hajj — without it, Hajj is incomplete
- Pray 2 rak'ahs behind Maqam Ibrahim after completing Tawaf
Sa'i Between Safa and Marwah
- Walk 7 times between the hills of Safa and Marwah
- Start at Safa and end at Marwah
- Men jog lightly between the green markers
- Make dua at each hill
- This commemorates Hajar's search for water for baby Ismail
After Tawaf al-Ifadah and Sa'i, all Ihram restrictions are lifted (tahallul al-akbar).
Step 7: Days of Tashreeq in Mina (11th-13th Dhul-Hijjah)
- Return to Mina and spend the nights of the 11th and 12th (and optionally 13th)
- Stone all three Jamarat each day after Dhuhr (7 pebbles each = 21 per day)
- Order: Small pillar → Medium pillar → Large pillar
- Make dua after stoning the small and medium pillars
- If leaving on the 12th, depart before sunset; otherwise stay for the 13th
Step 8: Tawaf al-Wada (Farewell Tawaf)
The final step in how to perform Hajj is the Farewell Tawaf:
- Perform 7 circuits around the Ka'bah as your last act before leaving Makkah
- This is obligatory (wajib) according to the majority of scholars
- Menstruating women are exempted from this Tawaf
- Make dua and ask Allah to accept your Hajj
Use Our Interactive Hajj Guide →
Frequently Asked Questions About How to Perform Hajj
How many days does it take to perform Hajj?
The core rituals of Hajj take 5-6 days (8th to 12th or 13th of Dhul-Hijjah). However, most pilgrims spend 2-3 weeks in total, including travel, Umrah (for Tamattu'), visiting Madinah, and preparation time. The minimum required days for the rituals are from the 8th to the 12th of Dhul-Hijjah.
What happens if I miss standing at Arafah?
Standing at Arafah is the essential pillar of Hajj. The Prophet ﷺ said: "Hajj is Arafah." If you miss standing at Arafah (even for a moment between Dhuhr on the 9th and Fajr on the 10th), your Hajj is invalid and you must perform it again the following year. This is why it is crucial to be at Arafah on time.
Can women perform Hajj during menstruation?
Yes, women can perform all Hajj rituals during menstruation except Tawaf (circling the Ka'bah). They should enter Ihram, go to Arafah, Muzdalifah, stone the Jamarat, and perform all other rites. They must delay Tawaf al-Ifadah until they are pure. They are also exempted from Tawaf al-Wada (Farewell Tawaf).
What is the difference between Hajj and Umrah?
Umrah is the "lesser pilgrimage" that can be performed at any time of year and consists of Ihram, Tawaf, Sa'i, and shaving/trimming. Hajj is the "greater pilgrimage" performed only during specific days of Dhul-Hijjah and includes additional rituals: standing at Arafah, staying at Muzdalifah, stoning the Jamarat, animal sacrifice, and staying in Mina. Hajj is obligatory once in a lifetime; Umrah is highly recommended.
How much does Hajj cost in 2026?
Hajj costs vary significantly depending on your country of origin, package type, and accommodation level. In 2026, costs typically range from $5,000-$15,000 USD for standard packages from Western countries. This includes flights, accommodation, transportation, visa fees, and sacrifice. Budget packages may be less, while luxury packages can exceed $20,000. Start saving early and consider Hajj savings plans.
What are the signs of an accepted Hajj (Hajj Mabroor)?
Scholars mention several signs of an accepted Hajj: (1) The person returns better than they left — more God-conscious and righteous, (2) They abandon sins they used to commit, (3) They increase in good deeds and worship, (4) They feel a sense of spiritual renewal and closeness to Allah, (5) They are more patient, grateful, and kind to others. The Prophet ﷺ said: "An accepted Hajj has no reward except Paradise." (Bukhari & Muslim)
May Allah grant every Muslim the opportunity to perform Hajj and accept it from those who have completed this blessed journey. Ameen.