Haj Guide
Haj is the fifth pillar of Islam — obligatory once in a lifetime for every adult Muslim who is physically and financially able to undertake the journey. It takes place over five to six days, from the 8th to the 12th (or 13th) of Dhul Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic calendar. This guide walks through each ritual in sequence, so you know what to expect at every stage of the journey.
This guide offers a general overview of the Haj sequence. Specific rulings can vary between schools of thought — always follow the guidance of your Muallim or a qualified scholar for matters of religious detail.
Three Ways to Perform Haj
Your group leader or Muallim will usually confirm which type applies to your package.
Tamattu
Umrah is performed first, followed by a release from Ihram, then a fresh Ihram is taken for Haj alone — the most common method for pilgrims travelling from outside Makkah.
Qiran
Umrah and Haj are combined under a single, continuous Ihram with no release in between. Sa'i is typically performed once.
Ifrad
Haj is performed alone, without a combined Umrah. Unlike Tamattu and Qiran, no animal sacrifice is required for this method.
لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ، لَبَّيْكَ لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ، إِنَّ الْحَمْدَ وَالنِّعْمَةَ لَكَ وَالْمُلْكَ، لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ
Labbayk Allahumma labbayk, labbayk la sharika laka labbayk, inna al-hamda wan-ni'mata laka wal-mulk, la sharika lak.
"Here I am, O Allah, here I am. Here I am, You have no partner, here I am. All praise, grace and sovereignty belong to You; You have no partner." Recited frequently from the moment of entering Ihram until the start of Tawaf.
The Haj Sequence, Step by Step
Before Crossing the Miqat
Ihram — Entering the Sacred State
Pilgrims enter Ihram with a clear intention (niyyah) for Haj before crossing the Miqat boundary. Men wear two unstitched white garments — one wrapped around the waist, one draped over the shoulders — with sandals that leave the heels and toes exposed. Women wear modest, loose-fitting clothing covering the body except the face and hands, in any colour. From this point, the Talbiyah is recited frequently, and the restrictions of Ihram begin: no cutting hair or nails, no perfume, no hunting, and no marital relations, until these are lifted later in the journey.
8 Dhul Hijjah — Day of Tarwiyah
Travelling to Mina
Pilgrims move to Mina and spend the day and night there in prayer and quiet preparation, performing each of the five daily prayers shortened but not combined. Mina, sometimes called the City of Tents, is home for several nights across the Haj journey.
9 Dhul Hijjah
Standing at Arafat (Wuquf)
Pilgrims travel to the plain of Arafat, around 14km from Mina, and stand in remembrance and dua from midday until sunset. This is considered the single most essential rite of Haj — a Haj without time spent at Arafat is not valid. Maghrib is deliberately not prayed here; it is delayed until Muzdalifah.
Evening of 9 Dhul Hijjah
Muzdalifah — A Night Under the Open Sky
After sunset, pilgrims travel to Muzdalifah, where Maghrib and Isha are prayed together as one combined prayer. There is no tented shelter here by tradition — pilgrims rest on open ground beneath the sky and collect pebbles for the stoning ritual ahead.
10 Dhul Hijjah — Eid al-Adha
Rami, Qurbani and Halq — The Busiest Day
This is the most demanding day of Haj, with several rites performed in sequence: pilgrims return to Mina and throw seven pebbles at Jamarat al-Aqabah, the largest of three stone pillars; an animal sacrifice (Qurbani) is then offered, usually arranged through the group or a voucher system; hair is then shaved or trimmed (men typically shave completely). Completing any two of these three acts lifts the first stage of Ihram restrictions.
10 Dhul Hijjah, continued
Tawaf al-Ifadah and Sa'i
Pilgrims travel from Mina back to Makkah to perform Tawaf al-Ifadah — circling the Kaaba seven times — followed by Sa'i between the hills of Safa and Marwah, if not already completed earlier. Once this is done, all restrictions of Ihram are fully lifted.
11–12 (–13) Dhul Hijjah — Ayyam al-Tashreeq
Days of Stoning at Mina
Pilgrims remain in Mina for the Days of Tashreeq, stoning all three Jamarat — small, medium and large — with seven pebbles each, after midday on each day. Many pilgrims depart after the 12th; staying through the 13th is optional.
Before Departure
Tawaf al-Wada — The Farewell Tawaf
Before leaving Makkah, pilgrims perform one final Tawaf as a farewell to the Kaaba. For many, this is the last time in this life they will circle the House of Allah — a quiet, often emotional close to the journey.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Crossing the Miqat without being in the state of Ihram
- Leaving Arafat before sunset without returning before Maghrib
- Performing the stoning ritual incorrectly — pebbles must land inside the Jamarat basin
- Missing the night at Muzdalifah without a valid reason
- Skipping Tawaf al-Ifadah before heading home
- Ignoring hydration and rest — heat exhaustion is a real risk during Haj