Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam and one of the most beautiful forms of worship for Muslims.
It’s a journey not only to Makkah but also to purification spiritually as well as closeness to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).
This guide will help you learn exactly how to perform Hajj with step-by-step instructions, including what to do each day from the 8th to the 13th of Dhul Hijjah, what to say, wear, and avoid.
Millions of Muslims dream of performing Hajj in their lifetime.
Whether you are in the process of preparing for your first pilgrimage or studying it to teach others, this guide covers every ritual, dua, and essential practice based on authentic sources from the Qur’an and Sunnah.
What is Hajj in Islam?
Hajj (Arabic: الحج) is the annual pilgrimage to the Kaaba in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
It is a religious obligation for every adult Muslim who has the financial means and physical strength to undertake the journey.
Hajj is performed within a very specific period in the Islamic calendar, i.e., from the 8th to the 13th of Dhul Hijjah.
It is not only a collection of rituals but also a symbol of complete submission to the command of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), following in the footsteps of the Prophets Ibrahim (عليه السلام), Isma’il (عليه السلام), and Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم).
Does Performing Hajj Remove All Sins?
Yes. The Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said:
“Whoever performs Hajj for Allah's pleasure and does not commit any obscenity or wrongdoing, he will return as sinless as the day his mother gave birth to him.” (Sahih al-Bukhari 1521)
If performed sincerely, the Hajj washes away past sins and grants believers a fresh beginning.
However, to achieve complete forgiveness, one must avoid sinful behaviour during the rites.
What Is the Importance of Performing Hajj?
Performing Hajj is one of the most incredible forms of devotion in Islam.
Hajj has several purposes for Muslims:
- Fulfilment of a Pillar: Hajj is a central pillar of Islam, as described in authentic hadiths and the Qur’an (Surah Al-Imran 3:97).
- Unity: Hajj unites Muslims from every corner of the earth, all dressed the same, performing the same rites, standing as equals before Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).
- Forgiveness: As mentioned above, the Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) acknowledged that a person will return home sinless if they perform Hajj accurately.
Hajj renews faith, inspires humility, as well as reminds us of our purpose as Muslims.
Does Performing Hajj Remove All Sins?
Yes, when Hajj is performed properly as well as sincerely, with no intention other than to seek Allah’s pleasure, it removes all previous sins. It is a true rebirth of the soul.
“An accepted Hajj has no reward except Paradise.” (Sahih al-Bukhari 1773)
However, this requires sincerity, avoiding disobedience, and being mindful and grounded all throughout the rituals.
Hajj, while being a physical act, is actually a spiritual transformation.
When Do You Perform Hajj?
Hajj is only performed from the 8th to the 13th of Dhul Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic calendar.
These dates are fixed and one cannot substitute them.
The five days are broken down as follows:
- 8th Dhul Hijjah (Yawm at-Tarwiyah): Go to Mina and spend the day in prayer.
- 9th Dhul Hijjah (Day of Arafah): The heart of Hajj; standing at Arafat.
- 10th Dhul Hijjah (Eid al-Adha): Sacrifice, stoning, Tawaf, and Sa’i.
- 11th & 12th Dhul Hijjah: Stoning of the Jamarat and optional Nafr (departure).
- 13th Dhul Hijjah: Optional for those who remain in Mina another day.
How To Perform Hajj: A Step-By-Step Guide With Islamic Dates
The following is a complete guide to the steps to follow each day. Hajj is structured as well as meaningful.
Each ritual serves to humble, cleanse, and bring the pilgrim closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).
Before entering the days of Hajj, the pilgrim prepares spiritually, mentally, and physically.
Before Hajj Begins: Preparation and Intention
Getting Ready Mentally, Physically, and Spiritually
Hajj, while being a physical journey, has some deep acts of devotion that you must prepare for:
- Making sincere repentance (tawbah) from sins
- Settling debts as well as any financial obligations
- Learning essential duas and rituals
- Practising patience & gratitude
- Consulting scholars or reliable guides
Many people also prepare physically, as Hajj involves long walks, waiting in large crowds, and withstanding hot weather.
Making Niyyah (Intention) For Hajj
Niyyah must come from the heart. It’s the invisible but very important part of worship.
It can be said:
"Labbayk Allahumma Hajjan"
Meaning: O Allah, here I am intending to perform Hajj for Your sake.
Once the niyyah is made and Ihram is worn at Miqat, the rules of Ihram take effect.
Ihram Clothing and Entry at the Miqat
Men wear two unstitched white sheets, one around the waist and the other over the shoulders.
Women wear simple, modest dresses without adornment. Niqab and gloves are not worn.
The five Miqat points include:
- Dhul Hulayfah (for people from Madinah)
- Juhfah (for people from Egypt/Syria)
- Yalamlam (for people from Yemen)
- Qarn al-Manazil (for people from Najd)
- Dhat Irq (for people from Iraq)
Prohibited Acts While in the State of Ihram
While in Ihram, the following are not allowed:
- Cutting nails or hair
- Wearing perfume or scented items
- Sexual relations
- Hunting
- Smoking or fighting
- Men cannot wear stitched clothing.
Avoiding these shows self-restraint and reminds the pilgrim of their devotion.
Reciting the Talbiyah
As soon as Ihram is worn, begin saying:
"Labbayka Allahumma labbayk, labbayka la shareeka laka labbayk. Innal-hamda wan-ni’mata laka wal-mulk, laa shareeka lak."
This chant continues throughout the journey until the end of the 10th or 13th Dhul Hijjah, depending on the Hajj type.
Day 1 - 8th Dhul Hijjah (Yawm at-Tarwiyah)
This is the official first day of Hajj.
Pilgrims leave their accommodation in Makkah and head toward Mina, a tent city located about 8 kilometres from the Kaaba.
Departing for Mina and Spending the Night in Worship
Once in Mina, pilgrims perform Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, Isha, and Fajr prayers at their proper times, but shortened to two rakats without combining.
They stay overnight in Mina in obedience to the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم).
During this time, one should constantly make dhikr, duas, and recite Talbiyah because this time marks the start of the sacred rites of Hajj.
It's also a moment for you to mentally and spiritually prepare for the most important day to come: Arafah.
Day 2 - 9th Dhul Hijjah (Day of Arafah)
This is the most important day of Hajj. The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said:
"Hajj is Arafah." (Jami at-Tirmidhi 2975)
Missing the standing at Arafah invalidates Hajj.
Standing at Arafah (Wuquf): The Heart of Hajj
Pilgrims leave Mina after Fajr and proceed to the plain of Arafah. Between Dhuhr and Maghrib, they must perform Wuquf, standing in devotion, making sincere dua, and thinking about their lives.
No formal ritual is required except being present, grounded, as well as engaged in prayer and remembrance.
It’s a time to cry, ask for forgiveness, and make heartfelt supplications.
"There is no day on which Allah frees more people from the Fire than the Day of Arafah." (Riyadh as-Salihin 1277)
Listening to the Khutbah and Performing Combined Prayers
A sermon is delivered at Masjid Namirah, and pilgrims perform Dhuhr and Asr prayers combined and shortened (2 rakats each) behind the Imam.
Even people who are not in the mosque should combine the prayers at their location in Arafah.
Departing for Muzdalifah After Sunset
After Maghrib, pilgrims leave Arafah without praying Maghrib there.
They head toward Muzdalifah, another sacred place, and combine Maghrib and Isha prayers upon arrival.
Collecting Pebbles and Spending the Night Under the Open Sky
After prayers, pilgrims rest under the open sky. Here, they collect 49 or 70 small pebbles for the stoning rituals.
It’s Sunnah to sleep at Muzdalifah and wake early to pray Fajr before heading to Mina.
This night teaches simplicity and surrender to Allah.
Day 3 - 10th Dhul Hijjah (Eid al-Adha)
This day combines sacrifice, celebration, and obedience. It’s also known as Yawm al-Nahr (Day of Sacrifice).
Stoning Jamarah al-Aqabah (The Largest Pillar)
Pilgrims proceed to Jamarat al-Aqabah, the largest of the three stone pillars. They throw seven pebbles, saying:
"Allahu Akbar" with each throw.
This act commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s (عليه السلام) rejection of Shaytan.
Offering the Qurbani (Sacrificial Animal)
After stoning, pilgrims offer a sacrifice, which is obligatory for those performing Hajj Tamattu’ or Qiran.
This act follows Prophet Ibrahim’s (عليه السلام) obedience in being willing to sacrifice his son, Isma’il (عليه السلام).
Many agencies and groups organise the Qurbani on behalf of pilgrims.
The meat is distributed to the poor.
Shaving the Head (Halq) or Trimming the Hair (Taqsir)
Men should shave (Halq) or shorten (Taqsir) their hair. Shaving is preferred.
Women should cut a fingertip-length from their hair.
This completes the partial release from Ihram. Regular clothes may be worn again, though intimacy remains prohibited until after Tawaf al-Ifadah.
Tawaf al-Ifadah (Main Tawaf of Hajj)
Pilgrims return to Makkah to perform Tawaf al-Ifadah, a pillar of Hajj. It must be done for Hajj to be valid.
- Perform seven rounds around the Kaaba.
- Pray two rakats behind Maqam Ibrahim.
- Drink Zamzam water.
Sa’i Between Safa and Marwah (If Not Done Earlier)
If not already completed after Tawaf of Umrah, perform Sa’i now, i.e., seven circuits between Safa and Marwah.
You are now completely out of Ihram. All restrictions are lifted.
Day 4 - 11th Dhul Hijjah
Return to Mina.
Stoning All Three Jamarat in Mina
Pilgrims now stone all three pillars: the small, middle, and large Jamarat, using seven pebbles for each, again saying “Allahu Akbar” with each throw.
It’s important to follow the order: small → middle → large.
Spending Another Night in Mina
After the stoning, pilgrims return to Mina to spend the night in prayer, reflection, as well as rest. Staying the night is mandatory.
Day 5 - 12th Dhul Hijjah
Second Day of Stoning All Three Jamarat
The same stoning procedure is repeated at all three pillars.
After completion, those who wish may perform Nafr al-Awwal, the early departure from Mina.
Option to Leave Mina Before Sunset (Nafr al-Awwal)
Pilgrims who leave before sunset on the 12th are excused from the 13th-day rituals.
However, staying longer is also a valid Sunnah.
It is allowed and even recommended for pilgrims to stay an extra night.
Day 6 - 13th Dhul Hijjah (Only for Those Who Stay in Mina After Sunset)
Final Day of Rami (Stoning) for Those Who Stayed
The stoning of all three Jamarat is repeated a final time.
Leaving Mina for Good
After this, pilgrims return to Makkah. Their physical Hajj journey is nearly complete.
Final Ritual - Farewell Tawaf (Tawaf al-Wida)
Once all the Hajj rituals are complete and the pilgrim is preparing to return home, Tawaf al-Wida, the farewell circumambulation around the Kaaba, becomes very important, or even necessary.
Tawaf al-Wida is a spiritual goodbye, symbolising that the pilgrim is leaving the holy sanctuary of Makkah but not severing the connection between you and Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).
Performing the Final Tawaf Before Leaving Makkah
Like other types of Tawaf, Tawaf al-Wida consists of 7 rounds around the Kaaba. There is no Sa’i afterwards unless it was missed earlier.
- It must be the last act performed in Makkah.
- Pilgrims should not shop or do any other activities after this Tawaf unless it is absolutely necessary.
- No shaving/trimming of hair is required.
- Wudu is obligatory.
Women in their menstrual period are exempted from Tawaf al-Wida, as per authentic Hadith.
Ibn Abbas (رضي الله عنه) reported: “The people were commanded that the last thing they do is Tawaf of the House, but an exception was made for menstruating women.” (Sahih al-Bukhari 1755)
What to Say and Do Before Departing
As you complete your final circuit and offer two rakats behind Maqam Ibrahim, make heartfelt dua for yourself, your family, the Ummah, and for your Hajj to be accepted.
You may say:
“O Allah, accept my Hajj. Forgive me. Let me return home purified and with an increased love for Your worship.”
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days does Hajj take?
Hajj spans five to six days, from the 8th to the 12th (or 13th) of Dhul Hijjah. Some choose to leave Mina on the 12th, while others remain until the 13th.
How much does Hajj cost in the UK?
Hajj packages from the UK usually fall between £6,000 & £12,000, depending on the duration, level of accommodation, as well as other included services.
Costs have increased due to logistics, flights, and Saudi regulations.
What happens during the days of Hajj?
Here's a breakdown:
8th Dhul Hijjah: Travel to Mina, prayers
9th Dhul Hijjah: Arafah, Khutbah, prayers, depart to Muzdalifah
10th Dhul Hijjah: Eid al-Adha: stoning, sacrifice, shaving, Tawaf al-Ifadah, Sa’i
11th Dhul Hijjah: Stone all three Jamarat
12th Dhul Hijjah: Second day of stoning; leave if desired
13th Dhul Hijjah (optional): Final stoning for those who stayed
Can you do Tawaf without Umrah?
Yes. You can perform a voluntary Tawaf anytime in Makkah, even without Umrah or Hajj. This is called Tawaf al-Nafl.
Where is the Tawaf starting point?
Tawaf begins in line with the Hajar al-Aswad (Black Stone). A green light on the wall opposite helps pilgrims locate the correct point to start.
What to do if you get periods during Umrah or Hajj?
A woman who gets her period:
Cannot perform Tawaf (all types)
Should continue with other rituals like standing in Arafah, stoning, and staying in Mina
Can delay Tawaf until purification
Exempted from Tawaf al-Wida if still menstruating
This ruling is based on authentic hadith and scholarly consensus.
Do you need Wudu for Tawaf?
Yes, having wudu is a condition for the validity of Tawaf, as per the practice of the Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم). Touching the Qur'an also requires wudu.
Can I take a break in Tawaf?
Yes, for any reasons that are valid, such as illness, prayer time, or other urgent needs. You may resume from where you left off if the break wasn’t too long. However, non-essential breaks should be avoided.
Can you do Tawaf without Ihram?
Yes. Ihram is required only for the Tawaf of Umrah or Hajj. Voluntary Tawaf inside Masjid al-Haram does not need Ihram, and it can be done in regular clothing.
Summary - How to perform Hajj
To summarise:
- Begin with sincere Niyyah and wear Ihram at Miqat
- Recite the Talbiyah constantly
- On the 8th Dhul Hijjah, go to Mina for prayers and rest
- On the 9th, spend the day at Arafah, then rest in Muzdalifah
- On the 10th, stone Jamarah al-Aqabah, offer Qurbani, shave/trim hair, perform Tawaf al-Ifadah, and Sa’i
- Continue stoning 11th to 13th, then exit Mina
- Perform Tawaf al-Wida before leaving Makkah
Hajj reminds us of the Day of Judgment, i.e., standing in plain clothing, humbled, as well as accountable. It teaches equality, sacrifice, and trust in Allah.
May your Hajj be accepted. May your sins be forgiven. May your heart return with light, ready to live as a better servant of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).
