---
title: "All Steps of the Hajj Pilgrimage (Complete Guide)"
url: "https:\/\/theislamicinformation.com\/hajj\/all-steps-of-the-hajj-pilgrimage-complete-guide\/"
type: "post"
updated: "2025-05-27"
description: "Complete guide on how to perform Hajj step by step."
taxonomies: ["Hajj","Guides"]
---

# All Steps of the Hajj Pilgrimage (Complete Guide)

Source: https://theislamicinformation.com/hajj/all-steps-of-the-hajj-pilgrimage-complete-guide/
Updated: 2025-05-27

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.

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## 1. Entering Ihram

![ihram](https://theislamicinformation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/ihram-984x1256.webp)

> **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](https://theislamicinformation.com/hajj/how-to-wear-ihram/)

---

## 2. Tawaf al-Qudum (Arrival Tawaf)

![hajj 2025](https://theislamicinformation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/hajj-2025-789x1256.webp)

> **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](https://theislamicinformation.com/blogs/five-types-of-tawaf/)

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

![safa marwah](https://theislamicinformation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/safa-marwah-942x1256.webp)

> **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](https://theislamicinformation.com/hajj/sa-i-safa-marwah/)

---

## 4. Overnight Stay in Mina

![mina](https://theislamicinformation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/mina.webp)

> **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](https://theislamicinformation.com/hajj/4-places-to-rest-hajj/)

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## 5. Standing at Arafat (Wuquf)

![arafat mountains](https://theislamicinformation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/arafat-mountains-707x1256.webp)

> **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](https://theislamicinformation.com/hajj/fard-sunnah-wajib-hajj/)

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## 6. Overnight Stay in Muzdalifah

![muzdalifa](https://theislamicinformation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/muzdalifa-942x1256.webp)

> **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.

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## 7. Rami al-Jamarah al-Aqabah

![jamaraat](https://theislamicinformation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/jamaraat-942x1256.webp)

> **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

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## 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](https://theislamicinformation.com/hajj/qurbani-sacrifice/)

---

## 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

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## 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.

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## 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

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## 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.

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

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