Wondering how to perform Hajj? This simple step-by-step guide walks you through every rite, in the correct order, so you arrive in Makkah calm and confident. If you are still weighing your options, our guide to the key differences between Hajj and Umrah explains how the two journeys compare.
The Three Types of Hajj
Before you begin, choose your type of Hajj:
- Tamattu – Perform Umrah first, exit Ihram, then enter Ihram again for Hajj. Most common for pilgrims from Sri Lanka. (New to the Umrah rites? See our step-by-step Umrah guide.)
- Qiran – Combine Umrah and Hajj in one Ihram, without exiting.
- Ifrad – Perform Hajj only, with no Umrah.
Tamattu and Qiran require a sacrifice (Hady). Ifrad does not.
Step 1: Ihram and Niyyah
Enter the sacred state of Ihram before crossing the Miqat. Men wear two plain white cloths; women wear modest everyday dress. Make your niyyah (intention) and recite the Talbiyah: Labbayk Allahumma labbayk.
Step 2: Tawaf al-Qudum
On arriving in Makkah, perform Tawaf — seven circuits around the Ka'bah, anti-clockwise, beginning at the Black Stone. For Tamattu pilgrims, this is the Tawaf of your Umrah.
Step 3: Sa'i
Walk seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah. Tamattu pilgrims then trim their hair and exit Ihram until the 8th of Dhul-Hijjah.
Step 4: Mina (8th Dhul-Hijjah)
Re-enter Ihram for Hajj and travel to Mina. Spend the day and night here. Pray Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, Isha and Fajr, shortening the four-rak'ah prayers to two, each at its own time.
Step 5: Arafah (9th Dhul-Hijjah)
This is the heart of Hajj, as detailed in the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah guidance. The Prophet ﷺ said, "Hajj is Arafah." After Fajr, travel to the plain of Arafah. Stand in wuquf — devotion, du'a and repentance — from after Dhuhr until sunset.
Step 6: Muzdalifah
After sunset, move to Muzdalifah. Pray Maghrib and Isha together. Rest under the open sky and gather pebbles for the days ahead.
Step 7: Ramy al-Jamarat (10th Dhul-Hijjah)
Return to Mina and stone the large pillar, Jamrat al-Aqabah, with seven pebbles, saying Allahu Akbar with each throw.
Step 8: Sacrifice and Hair
Offer your Nahr (sacrifice) if performing Tamattu or Qiran. Then:
- Men: shave the head (Halq) or trim (Taqsir). Shaving is better.
- Women: trim a fingertip length from the hair.
You may now remove your Ihram garments.
Step 9: Tawaf al-Ifadah
Return to Makkah for Tawaf al-Ifadah, an essential pillar of Hajj, followed by Sa'i. This completes the major rites.
Step 10: Days of Tashreeq (11th–13th Dhul-Hijjah)
Stay in Mina. Each day, stone all three Jamarat in order — small, middle, then large — with seven pebbles each. These are days of remembrance and gratitude.
Step 11: Tawaf al-Wada
Before leaving Makkah, perform the farewell Tawaf (Tawaf al-Wada) — a final, heartfelt goodbye to the House of Allah.
Quick Sequence at a Glance
| Day | Rite |
|---|---|
| Before Miqat | Ihram and Niyyah |
| Arrival | Tawaf, Sa'i |
| 8 Dhul-Hijjah | Mina |
| 9 Dhul-Hijjah | Arafah, Muzdalifah |
| 10 Dhul-Hijjah | Ramy, Sacrifice, Halq, Tawaf al-Ifadah |
| 11–13 Dhul-Hijjah | Tashreeq (Ramy) |
| Departure | Tawaf al-Wada |
May Allah accept your Hajj and grant you a journey of peace.
Ready to perform Hajj with confidence? Let Farha Travels guide you every step of the way. Contact us today to begin your sacred journey.