All Steps of the Hajj Pilgrimage (Complete Guide)

The Hajj unfolds over Dhul-Hijjah, beginning with Ihram (8 Dhul-Hijjah) and ending with Farewell Tawaf after 13 Dhul-Hijjah.

Along the way you perform circles around the Kaaba, the walk between Safa–Marwah, camps at Mina and Muzdalifah, Arafat standing, stoning rituals, sacrifice, hair-cutting, then the final Main and Farewell Tawafs.

Below is a detailed, step-by-step breakdown—with checklists, recommended recitations, and practical tips.

1. Entering Ihram

Islamic Date: 8 Dhul-Hijjah

Before the Miqat (boundary), pilgrims must:

• For both men & women:
  • Perform Ghusl (full ritual bath)
  • Trim nails; remove unwanted hair
  • Clip moustache (men) and avoid makeup, jewelry (women)
  • Pack only permissible items (Ihram garments, unscented soap)
• Additional for men:
  • Wear two unstitched white sheets (one wrapped around waist, one over shoulder)
• Additional for women:
  • Wear any modest, loose clothing covering body (face/hands optional per local custom)
• After donning Ihram:
  1. Make niyyah (intention): “O Allah, I intend to perform Hajj…”
  2. Recite the Talbiyah continuously: “Labbayka Allahumma labbayk… Labbayka la shareeka laka labbayk…”
• Prohibitions until sacrificial slaughter and hair-cutting:
  • No cutting hair or nails
  • No perfumed soaps or scents
  • No marital relations
  • No hunting or uprooting plants

Learn more: How To Wear Ihram

2. Tawaf al-Qudum (Arrival Tawaf)

Islamic Date: 8 Dhul-Hijjah

Upon entering Masjid al-Haram:

1. Begin at the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad):
   • Raise right hand, say “Bismillah, Allahu Akbar,” kiss or point at it.
2. Circle seven times counter-clockwise, keeping Kaaba on your left.
3. Recommended recitations between circuits:
   • Surah Al-Hamd (Al-Fatihah) followed by a short du’a: “Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanatan …”
   • Or personal supplications in any language.
4. Complete with two rak’ahs of prayer behind Maqam Ibrahim if possible.

Learn more: Five Types Of Tawaf

3. Sa’i (Walking between Safa and Marwah)

Islamic Date: 8 Dhul-Hijjah

After Tawaf al-Qudum:

1. Ascend Safa facing the Kaaba, recite: “Inna as-Safa wal-Marwah min sha‘airillah…” (Qur’an 2:158)
2. Descend to Marwah, walking briskly in the green-striped section (men only).
3. Repeat seven times (Safa→Marwah counts as one).
4. During each leg, recite:
   • “Rabbighfir warham wa anta khayrur-rahimeen.”
   • Or any heartfelt dhikr and du’a.

Learn more: Sa’i Between Safa and Marwah

4. Overnight Stay in Mina

Islamic Date: Night of 8 Dhul-Hijjah

Pilgrims travel to Mina’s tent city, where they should:

• Settle into assigned tent
• Perform Isha and Fajr (optional early) prayers
• Engage in dhikr (“Subhanallah,” “Alhamdulillah,” “Allahu Akbar”)
• Recite portions of the Qur’an or listen to brief reminders
• Rest early to prepare for Arafat

Learn more: Places to Rest During Hajj

5. Standing at Arafat (Wuquf)

Islamic Date: 9 Dhul-Hijjah

From Zuhr to Maghrib at the Plain of Arafat:

• Stand facing the Qiblah, recite “La ilaha illa Allah…”
• Make du’a especially between Duha and Asr
• Read Quran, seek forgiveness, give heartfelt supplications

Learn more: The Pillars of Hajj

6. Overnight Stay in Muzdalifah

Islamic Date: Night of 9 Dhul-Hijjah

After Maghrib and Isha (combined and shortened):

• Collect 49 or 70 pebbles in the designated stone-collection area—stones wrist-size or smaller.
• Spend the night under the open sky in quiet reflection.
• Pray Tahajjud if able; make du’a for yourself and others.

7. Rami al-Jamarah al-Aqabah

Islamic Date: 10 Dhul-Hijjah (Day of Sacrifice)

At sunrise in Mina:

• Throw seven pebbles at the largest (southern) jamrah while saying: “Allahu Akbar”
• Reflect on Ibrahim’s rejection of Satan’s temptations

8. Sacrificial Slaughter (Qurbani)

Islamic Date: 10 Dhul-Hijjah

To fulfill the sacrifice:

1. Purchase a voucher through approved Hajj operators or at on-site windows in Makkah
2. Vouchers are redeemed at distribution centers—meat is processed and sent to the needy, both locally and abroad
3. Ensure your name and ID number are correct on the receipt

Learn more: Qurbani Guidelines

9. Shaving or Trimming Hair

Islamic Date: 10 Dhul-Hijjah

• Men: Shave entire head or trim hair all around
• Women: Cut a lock of hair (about a fingertip’s length)
• Symbolizes renewal, humility, and completion of rituals

10. Tawaf al-Ifadah (Main Tawaf)

Islamic Date: 10 Dhul-Hijjah onward

This essential tawaf (and repeat Sa’i) can be performed any time before leaving Makkah, signifying full entry into the state of Hajj.

11. Rami al-Jamarat (11–13 Dhul-Hijjah)

Islamic Dates: 11, 12, and optional 13 Dhul-Hijjah

• Each day at sunrise, throw seven pebbles at each of the three pillars (southern, middle, northern)
• Continue until the final jamrah is stoned

12. Tawaf al-Wada (Farewell Tawaf)

Islamic Date: After 13 Dhul-Hijjah

Before departing, perform seven circuits around the Kaaba one last time, praying that Allah accepts your pilgrimage and grants return in peace.

May Allah accept every Hajj, forgive our shortcomings, and grant us all ease and safety on this journey. Ameen.

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