Perform Hajj – Step by Step

Step 1. Before assuming Ihram

Congratulations, you are a guest of Allah (swt) for Hajj – the fifth pillar of Islam.

Prepare yourself in the best possible way, as you are about to embark on a journey that Allah (swt) has invited you to, it is highly recommended (Sunnah) to perform Ghusl (Bath/Shower) before wearing Ihram. Additionally, clipping your nails and removing excess body hair is advisable. Since you’ll be on an international flight, it’s best to complete these actions before leaving home.

Make sincere intention (niyyah) to perform Hajj solely for Allah’s pleasure
Settle all debts and resolve any outstanding disputes with others
Seek forgiveness from those you may have wronged
Write a will before traveling
Perform Ghusl (Bath/Shower) before wearing Ihram
Clip your nails and remove excess body hair
Men can apply Attar (perfume) to their heads or beards before Ihram, taking care not to let it come into contact with the Ihram garments

Note: You can put on your Ihram garment beforehand – this does not mean you are in the “state of Ihram” – you only enter the “state of Ihram” when you make the intention at the Miqat point.

Remember once you enter into “State of Ihram” – you must not:

Cut or pluck your
Use perfume or scented items
Wear any stitched clothes (men only)
Cover your head (men only)
Trim your nails
Hunt animals
Smoke or take drugs
Engage in quarrels or fights
Engage in sexual intercourse or propose marriage
Wear shoes covering ankles (men should wear slippers only)

You can use:

A belt to carry personal belongings
An umbrella for shade
Prescription glasses
A wristwatch
A shoulder bag

Step 2. Change into your Ihram.

Men:

Men should wear two white sheets (Ihram): one wrapped around the waist and the other draped over the upper body. Slippers should be worn that do not cover the ankle. Hats, turbans, or any head coverings are not permitted.

Women:

Women may wear their usual modest clothing in any color, but they must avoid wearing gloves or covering their face (unless in front of non-Mahram men if they usually wear niqab).

You must: Ensure you change into your Ihram attire before crossing the Miqat. If traveling by plane to Saudi Arabia, you should change into Ihram either at the airport before departure or during a stopover if applicable.

If you can: Try to combine the wearing of the Ihram with an obligatory or optional prayer.

Step 3. Make the intention for Hajj.

For those flying from abroad, the Miqaat point (geographical boundaries around Makkah) is passed about 20-30

minutes before landing (They usually make an announcement). When passing this point, you must make your intention for Hajj according to the type you are performing:

For Hajj al-Tamattu (most common):

Say:

لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ عُمْرَةً مُتَمَتِّعاً بِهَا إِلَى الْحَج

Transliteration: “Labbayka Allahumma Umratan mutamatti’an biha ilal-Hajj”

Translation: “Here I am O Allah, performing Umrah and then Hajj”

For Hajj al-Qiran:

Say:

لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ حَجّاً وَعُمْرَة

Transliteration: “Labbayka Allahumma Hajjan wa Umrah”

Translation: “Here I am O Allah, performing Hajj and Umrah together”

Note: If performing Hajj al-Tamattu, you will first complete Umrah, then exit Ihram temporarily before entering Ihram again for Hajj on the 8th of Dhul Hijjah. If performing Hajj al-Qiran, you will remain in Ihram until the 10th of Dhul Hijjah.

Footnote:

Hajj al-Tamattuʿ (تَمَتُّع)

Definition:
The pilgrim performs ‘Umrah first, exits the state of Ihram, then later re-enters Ihram for Hajj.

Sequence:

Enter Ihram for ‘Umrah at the Miqāt.
Complete Tawaf, Saʿi, and shaving/trimming → exit Ihram.
On 8th Dhul Hijjah, enter Ihram again for Hajj.
Perform all rites of Hajj from 8th–13th Dhul Hijjah.

Key Points:

You are not in Ihram continuously — you get a break between ‘Umrah and Hajj.
Two separate Ihrams are worn.
You must offer a sacrifice (hady).

Most recommended form of Hajj for non-residents of Makkah

Hajj al-Qirān (قِرَان)

Definition:
The pilgrim performs ‘Umrah and Hajj together in a single Ihram, without exiting Ihram in between.

Sequence:

Enter Ihram with intention for both ‘Umrah and Hajj at the Miqāt.
Perform Tawaf and Saʿi (can be done once for both).
Remain in Ihram continuously — no haircut or break.
On 8th Dhul Hijjah, proceed with Hajj rituals.
After stoning and sacrifice, exit Ihram.

Key Points:

You remain in Ihram from start to near the end.
Only one Ihram is used for both acts.
Sacrifice (hady) is also required.
Less flexibility; may be harder physically.

Step 4. Recite the Talbiyyah from this point onwards.

Men should recite this in a loud voice while women should recite this softly:

لَبَّيْكَ اللهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ – لَبَّيْكَ لاَ شَرِيْكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ

إِنَّ الْحَمْدَ وَالنِّعْمَةَ لَكَ وَالْمُلْكَ – لاَ شَرِيْكَ لَك

Transliteration: “Labbayka llāhumma labbayk(a), labbayka lā sharīka laka labbayk(a), inna l-ḥamda wa n-ni’mata, laka wa l-mulk(a), lā sharīka lak.”

Translation: “At Your service, Allah, at Your service. At Your service, You have no partner, at Your service. Truly all praise, favor and sovereignty are Yours. You have no partner.”

Note: You should continue to recite Talbiyah frequently throughout your Hajj journey until the stoning of Jamarat al-Aqabah on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: “When any pilgrim utters Talbiyah, then all that is to his right and left, whether it be stones, trees, or the earth, joins him in his statement until the end of the land in all directions.” (Sahih Muslim 1184)

Step 5. Entering the Masjid al-Haram

Enter the Masjid Al-Harām (the Sacred Mosque) with your right foot first and recite:‎

اللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَ سَلِّم،

اللَّهُمَّ افْتَحْ لِي أبْوَابَ رَحْمَتِك

Transliteration: “Allāhumma salli ‘alā Muhammadin wa sallim, Allāhumma aftah-lee abwāba rahmatika.”

Translation: “O Allāh, send peace upon Muhammad. O Allāh open the doors of your Mercy for me.”

Avoid distractions from devices and the busy crowds. Rather focus on your Lord and the significance of your journey.

Step 6. Performing Tawaf

Ensure you are in a state of Wudu and proceed to the Mataf area (where people are walking around the Ka’bah).

Men: Uncover your right shoulder by placing the upper sheet (Rida) under your right armpit and over your left shoulder (known as Idtiba). This is done only during Tawaf.

Step 7. Start Tawaf

Start at Al-Hajr Al-Aswad (the Black Stone) – located at the corner with the green-fluorescent light. This is your starting point.

Action: Try touching the Black Stone (or kissing it) if possible—if not, make a sign with your right hand towards it, and say:

‎بِسْمِ ٱللَّٰهِ اللَّه أكْبَر

“Bismillah Allahu Akbar” (In the name of Allah, Allah is the Greatest.)

Note: Complete 7 circuits around the Ka’bah. During the first three circuits, men should perform Raml (walking briskly).

As you walk, make any supplication, recite words of Dhikr or recite Qur’an. You are in the presence of Allah, so talk to Him, pray to Him, and ask for His forgiveness.

Step 8. Yemeni corner

Each time you pass the Yemeni corner (the corner before the Black Stone), recite:

Recite:

رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي

الْآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ

Transliteration: “Rabbanā ātinā fi d-dunyā ḥasanatan wafi l-ākhirati ḥasanatan wa qinā ‘adhāba n-nār.”

Translation: “O our Lord, grant us the good of this world, the good of the Hereafter, and save us from the punishment of the fire.”

Step 9. Complete 7 Circuits

Note: Ensure you complete 7 circuits counting the 1st one after you had completed the tawaf not counting it from the beginning

Men: Cover your right shoulder after completing Tawaf.

10. Pray behind Maqam Ibrahim

After completing Tawaf, proceed to the Maqam Ibrahim (Station of Abraham) and recite:

وَاتَّخِذُوا مِنْ مَقَامِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ مُصَلًّى

Transliteration: “Wattakhidhu min maqāmi Ibrāhīma muṣalla.”

Translation: “And take the Maqam Ibrahim as a place of Salah.”

Pray: Pray 2 Rakahs behind the Maqām of Ibrāhīm if possible, otherwise as close as possible. In the first Rak’ah recite Sūrat Al-Kāfirūn and in the second Rak’ah recite Sūrat Al-Ikhlās.

Step 11. Drink Zamzam

Visit the Zamzam area and drink from its blessed water. Pour some over your head if you can. Make abundant supplication when drinking Zamzam as the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “It is blessed, it is nourishment that satisfies and a cure for sickness.” (Sahih Muslim)

Step 12. Make your way to Mount Safa

As you ascend towards Safā recite the following:

إنَّ الصَّفَا وَالْمَرْوَةَ مِنْ شَعَآئِرِ

اللَّهِ فَمَنْ حَجَّ الْبَيْتَ أوِ اعْتَمَرَ

فَلاَ جُنَاحَ عَلَيْهِ

أنْ يَطَّوَّفَ بِهِمَا وَمَنْ تَطَوَّعَ

خَيْراً فَإنَّ اللَّهَ شَاكِرٌ عَلِيْم ‐

نَبْدَأ بِمَا بَدَأ اللَّهُ بِهِ

Transliteration: “Innas-Safā wal-Marwata min sha’ā’irillāh faman hajjal-baita au wi’tamara falā junāha ‘alaihi an yattawwafa bihimā wa man tatawwa’a khairan fa innallāha shākirun ‘aleem. Nabda’u bimā bada’ Allāhu bihi.”

Translation: “Verily! Safā and Marwah are from the signs of Allāh. So he who performs Hajj or ‘Umrah of the House, there is no harm upon him to walk between them. And whoever does good voluntarily, verily Allāh is Appreciative and Knowing – I begin with what Allah begins with.”

Step 13. Upon reaching Safa

Upon reaching Safa, face the direction of the Ka’bah and say:

اللَّهُ أكْبَرُ، اللَّهُ أكْبَرُ، اللَّهُ أكْبَرُ

“Allāhu akbar, Allāhu akbar, Allāhu akbar.”

Allāh is the Greatest, Allāh is the Greatest, Allāh is the Greatest.

Then recite:

لاَ إلَهَ إلاَّ اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لاَ شَرِيْكَ لَهُ،

لَهُ الْمُلْكُ وَ لَهُ الْحَمْدُ يُحْيِي وَ يُمِيْتُ وَ هُوَ عَلَىكُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيْر؛

لاَ إلَهَ إلاَّ اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لاَ شَرِيْكَ لَه، أنْجَزَ وَعْدَهُ وَ نَصَرَ عَبْدَهُ وَ

هَزَمَ الأحْزَابَ وَ حْدَهُ

Transliteration: “Lā ilāha illallāh wahdahu lā shareekalah, lahul mulk, wa lahul-hamd, yuhyee wa yumeet wa huwa ‘alā kulli shay’in qadeer. Lā ilāha illallāh wahdahu lā shareekalah, anjaza wa’dahu, wa nasara ‘abdahu, wa hazamal ahzāba wahdah.”

Translation: “There is none worthy of worship except Allāh alone, without partner. To Him belongs all sovereignty and all praise. He alone gives life and death—and He is All-Powerful over everything. There is none worthy of worship except Allāh alone, without partner. He has fulfilled His promise, aided His servant, He alone has defeated the confederates.”

Make any personal supplications you wish, then proceed to Marwa.

Step 14. Between the Green Lights

Upon encountering the green lights between the two hills, men only should run from one green light to the next.

Step 15. Complete 7 circuits (sai)

You will walk back and forth between Safa and Marwa 7 times (counting a circuit every time you ascend on either Safa or Marwah – you should end on the 7th circuit on Marwah)

Note: This is a time for prayer and reflection, asking Allah (swt) for what you need. Recite personal duas, Dhikr, or Quranic ayat as you walk.

This is a re-enactment of Hajar’s search for water for her son, Ismail

16. Shaving or Cutting Hair (For Tamattu' only)

If performing Hajj al-Tamattu’: After completing Sa’i, you should either shave/trim their hair in order to end your Ihram state.

For Men: Shaving the head is highly recommended (Sunnah),but trimming is also allowed. The Prophet (ﷺ) prayed for forgiveness three times for those who shave their heads highlighting its greater reward than trimming the hair. Shaving the head is considered more virtuous for men as an act of humility before Allah, symbolizing a fresh start and spiritual renewal.

For Women: Trim a small portion (approximately one inch) of hair from the end.

With this, your Umrah is complete, and you may exit Ihram if doing Hajj al-Tamattu’. You will enter Ihram again on the 8th of Dhul Hijjah.

Step 17. Leaving Makkah - Yawm al-Tarwiyah (8th Dhul Hijjah)

On the 8th day of Dhul Hijjah:

For Hajj al-Tamattu’: Perform Ghusl, Enter Ihram again from your place of residence in Makkah, pray two nafl rak’ahs, it is recommended to recite Surah al-Kafirun [109] in the first rak‘ah and Surah al-Ikhlas [112] in the second rak’ah.

Make the intention for Hajj by saying:

perform Ghusl, and make the intention for Hajj by saying:

اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أُرِيدُ الْحَجَّ فَيَسِّرْهُ لِي وَتَقَبَّلْهُ مِنِّي

“Allahumma inni uridu-l-Hajja fayassirhu li wa taqabbalhu minni.”

Translation: O Allah! Indeed, I intend the Hajj so make it easy for me and accept it from me

Step 18. Arriving in Mina - (8th Dhul Hijjah)

For all pilgrims: It is recommended to leave Makkah after the Fajr prayer, proceed to Mina before Dhuhr and stay there until after Fajr on 9th Dhul-Hijjah. Pray Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib and Isha prayers in Mina, shortening the four-Rak’ah prayers to two Rak’ahs but not combining them.

Throughout the day you will recite the Talbiyyah. Use this day for worship, recitation of the Qur’an, remembrance of Allah, and supplications.

Step 19. Day of Arafah - (9th Dhul Hijjah)

After Fajr prayer in Mina, proceed to the plain of Arafah. The stay at Arafah is the most essential pillar of Hajj.

Stay within the boundaries of Arafah from after the sun’s zenith (midday) until sunset. Pray Dhuhr and Asr prayers combined and shortened at the time of Dhuhr. You can either pray at Masjid Namirah where the Imam of Hajj will deliver his sermon or alternatively in a congregation in your tent.

Spend your time engaged in:

Making abundant supplications with raised hands facing the Qiblah
Reciting the Qur’an
Reciting the Talbiyah
Seeking forgiveness and repentance
Remembrance of Allah

It is recommended to stand(Wuquf) outside your tent facing the Qiblah with your hands raised until sunset. Some pilgrims make their way to the Mount of Mercy (Jabal ar-Rahmah) and perform Wuquf there instead of staying at their tent.

The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “The best of supplications is the supplication on the day of Arafah.”

One of the best supplications to recite is:

لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ، لَهُ الْمُلْكُ وَلَهُ الْحَمْدُ وَهُوَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ

“Lā ilāha illallāhu wahdahu lā sharīka lahu, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamdu wa huwa ‘alā kulli shay’in qadīr.”

Translation: “There is no deity but Allah alone. He has no partner. To Him belongs the dominion, and to Him belongs all praise, and He is over all things competent.”

Step 20. Muzdalifah - (Night of 9th Dhul Hijjah)

After sunset at Arafah (do not pray Maghrib there), proceed to Muzdalifah with tranquility, reciting Talbiyah along the way.

Upon reaching Muzdalifah, pray Maghrib and Isha prayers combined and shortened.

Spend the night in Muzdalifah performing extra prayers, reading the Qur’an, Dhikr and the Talbiyah. Sleep for a while and then wake up to pray Fajr as early as possible.

After Fajr, it is recommended to make du’a standing(Wuquf) and facing the Qiblah, praise Allah, and make abundant supplications until the sky becomes very bright.

Collect 49 or 70 pebbles (the size of chickpeas) for stoning the Jamarat:

– 7 pebbles for 10th Dhul Hijjah (Jamarat al-Aqabah)

– 21 pebbles for 11th Dhul Hijjah (three Jamarat, 7 each)

– 21 pebbles for 12th Dhul Hijjah (three Jamarat, 7 each)

– 21 extra pebbles if staying for 13th Dhul Hijjah

The weak, elderly, women, and children are permitted to leave Muzdalifah after midnight.

Step 21. Stoning (Rami) of Jamrat al Aqabah - (10th Dhul Hijjah)

This is the busiest day of Hajj, involving multiple rituals. We begin by leaving Muzdalifah, then proceed back towards Mina to stone Jamarat al-Aqabah (the largest pillar) with seven pebbles, saying ‘ Allahu Akbar’ with each throw.

It is preferable to pelt the large pillar between the zenith (zawal) and Maghrib time.

The first Jamarah marks when the Devil tried to dissuade Prophet Ibrahim from following Allah’s command to sacri-fice his son, Ismail .

Step 22. Sacrifice an Animal (Hady) - (10th Dhul Hijjah)

After stoning, those performing Hajj al-Tamattu’ they must offer a sacrifice (Dhabh) in their name. Today, this can be arranged through the agencies in advance. You will usually receive a text when your sacrifice is done.

The Hady is a specific sacrifice given by the pilgrim on Hajj and can only be slaughtered in Mina or within the boundaries of Makkah. Pilgrims offer this sacrifice as gratitude to Allah for being able to combine ‘Umrah and Hajj together (Hajj Tamattu‘).

The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said, “A human does no action on the Day of Nahr (sacrifice)

more beloved to Allah than spilling blood. On the Day of Judgement, it will appear with its horns,

hair and hooves. Indeed, the blood will be accepted by Allah from where it is received before it even fallsupon earth, so let your heart delight in it”. – [Tirmidhi]

Step 23. Shave(Halq) or Trim(Qasr) the head - (10th Dhul Hijjah)

After sacrifice(hady), men should shave their heads or trim their hair (shaving is preferred), while women trim a small portion of their hair.

Now you are allowed to leave the state of Ihram and wear comfortable clothing. You are also allowed to resume otherwise Halal activities that were forbidden in the Ihram, except for marital relations.

Step 24. Tawaf al-Ifadah

Proceed to Makkah and perform Tawaf al-Ifadah (also called Tawaf al-Ziyarah), which is an essential pillar of Hajj.

This can be performed on 10th, 11th or 12th Dhul-Hijjah.

Go to Makkah from Mina.
Ensure that you have wudu before you start to perform Tawaf az-Ziyarah – circling the Ka‘bah seven times.
Then pray at Maqam Ibrahim.
Drink Zamzam water from the well of Zamzam.

Step 25. Sai - (10th Dhul Hijjah)

After completing Tawaf al-Ifadah, now head towards Mount Safa and perform Sai just as you did during ‘Umrah.

After completing this step all the prohibitions of Ihram have now been lifted. If you perform this on 10th Dhul-Hijjah, then you should ideally return to Mina before sunset. It is sunnah to spend the night in Mina

Step 26. Rami - Days of Tashriq (11th-13th Dhul Hijjah)

Stay in Mina for these days and stone all three Jamarat each day:

Jamarat al-Sughra (the smallest pillar)
Jamarat al-Wusta (the middle pillar)
Jamarat al-Kubra (Jamarat al-Aqabah)

The time for stoning on these days is from after Dhuhr until sunset (some scholars permit until night).

At each Jamarat, throw seven pebbles one by one, saying “Bismillah, Allahu Akbar” with each throw.

After stoning the first and second Jamarat, stand facing the Qiblah with raised hands and make supplications. No supplications are made after the third Jamarat.

Leaving Early: If you wish, you can leave Mina on the 12th of Dhul Hijjah after stoning, before sunset. If sunset occurs and you are still in Mina, you must stay for the 13th day and complete the stoning for that day as well.

Step 27. Farewell Tawaf (Tawaf al-Wida)

Before leaving Makkah, perform Tawaf al-Wida (Farewell Tawaf) as your final act. This is obligatory for all pilgrims except menstruating women.Perform seven circuits around the Ka’bah in the same manner as previous Tawafs, but without Idtiba (uncovering right shoulder) or Raml (brisk walking).

After completing Tawaf al-Wida, pray two Rak’ahs behind the Maqam Ibrahim if possible.

Make final supplications and leave the Masjid al-Haram with your left foot first, saying:

اللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَىٰ مُحَمَّدٍ وَسَلِّمْ، اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ مِنْ فَضْلِكَ

“Allahumma salli ‘ala Muhammadin wa sallim, Allahumma inni as’aluka min fadlika.”

Translation: “O Allah, send prayers and peace upon Muhammad. O Allah, I ask You for Your favor.”

Your Hajj is now complete – Mubarak! May Allah accept your Hajj and answer all your supplications.