How to Perform Hajj

The rites of Hajj explained day by day, with the Quranic verses and duas recited at each stage.

Verification note: Hajj involves detailed fiqh and timing. This guide follows the well-known sequence from 8th to 13th Dhul Hijjah. Please have it reviewed by Mufti Akmal or a qualified scholar before publishing, and follow your group's scholar on the ground. Duas marked recommended are not obligatory.

Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam, obligatory once in a lifetime for those who are able. Its essential pillars (arkan) are: Ihram, standing at Arafah, Tawaf al-Ifadah, and Sa'i. The days below show how the rites are performed in order.

On this page

  1. 8th Dhul Hijjah — Ihram & Mina
  2. 9th Dhul Hijjah — the Day of Arafah
  3. Night at Muzdalifah
  4. 10th Dhul Hijjah — Ramy, Qurbani & Tawaf al-Ifadah
  5. 11th–12th Dhul Hijjah — days of Tashreeq
  6. Tawaf al-Wida — farewell Tawaf

18th Dhul Hijjah (Yawm at-Tarwiyah) — Ihram & Mina

Enter the state of Ihram (if not already in it), make the intention for Hajj, recite the Talbiyah, and travel to Mina. Pray Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, Isha and the next Fajr there, shortening (but not combining) the four-unit prayers.

لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ، لَبَّيْكَ لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ

Labbayka Allahumma labbayk, labbayka la sharika laka labbayk.

"Here I am, O Allah, here I am. Here I am; You have no partner; here I am."

Source: Sahih al-Bukhari 1549; Sahih Muslim 1184

29th Dhul Hijjah — the Day of Arafah

After sunrise, travel to Arafah. Standing at Arafah is the greatest pillar of Hajj — the Prophet ﷺ said: "Hajj is Arafah." (Sunan at-Tirmidhi 889). Remain there until sunset, praying, making dua and seeking forgiveness. Facing the Qiblah, it is recommended to recite the best of dhikr and duas; a well-known Quranic dua for this day:

رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الْآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ

Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanatan wa fil-akhirati hasanatan wa qina 'adhab an-nar.

"Our Lord, give us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and protect us from the punishment of the Fire."

Source: Surah Al-Baqarah 2:201

After sunset, depart for Muzdalifah.

3Night at Muzdalifah

At Muzdalifah, pray Maghrib and Isha together (combined), rest, and pray Fajr. It is recommended to make dua after Fajr until it is light. Collect small pebbles for the stoning of the Jamarat.

410th Dhul Hijjah (Yawm an-Nahr) — Ramy, Qurbani & Tawaf al-Ifadah

On the day of Eid al-Adha, the rites are:

  1. Ramy: Stone Jamrat al-Aqabah (the large pillar) with seven pebbles, saying Allahu Akbar with each throw.
  2. Qurbani: Offer the sacrifice (for those required), if not already arranged.
  3. Halq or Taqsir: Shave or trim the hair, exiting part of the state of Ihram.
  4. Tawaf al-Ifadah & Sa'i: Perform Tawaf of the Ka'bah and Sa'i, completing the major rites.

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ وَاللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ

Bismillah, Allahu Akbar.

"In the name of Allah; Allah is the Greatest." (said with each pebble)

Source: reported in the Prophet's ﷺ stoning; see Sahih al-Bukhari 1746

511th–12th Dhul Hijjah — days of Tashreeq

Stay in Mina and stone all three Jamarat (small, middle, then large) each day after Dhuhr, seven pebbles at each, saying Allahu Akbar. If you wish to leave early, do so on the 12th before sunset; otherwise stay for the 13th.

6Tawaf al-Wida — the farewell Tawaf

Before leaving Makkah, perform the farewell Tawaf. The Prophet ﷺ said: "Let none of you depart until he has made his last act at the House." — Sahih al-Bukhari 1755; Sahih Muslim 1327.

Before you travel: Rules for the sick, elderly, women and those unable to stone in person differ. Confirm the details for your situation with a qualified scholar or your group's Mufti.

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