Your Hajj journey, step by step

Prepare your intention, learn the main rites and build stamina for sustained walking. Pack suitable Ihram clothing, comfortable footwear and unscented toiletries. Check personal health needs with a clinician and your group before travel.

Tamattu combines Umrah and Hajj in separate states of Ihram; Qiran combines them in one Ihram; Ifrad is Hajj without Umrah. The exact rites and Hady obligation differ, so confirm your chosen type with your authorised operator and a qualified scholar.

Enter Ihram before the applicable miqat with the intention for your pilgrimage. Observe its clothing and conduct rules. The Talbiyah begins “Labbayk Allahumma labbayk”; ask your guide when to recite it for your Hajj type.

Tawaf consists of seven circuits around the Kaaba. Sa’i is seven passages between Safa and Marwah, starting at Safa and ending at Marwah. In Tamattu, the Umrah rites are completed before entering Ihram again for Hajj.

The Day of Tarwiyah: pilgrims travel to Mina, pray and spend the night there. Stay with your assigned group and follow its transport and accommodation instructions.

Pilgrims proceed to Arafat for the standing (wuquf), supplication and prayer until sunset. This is a central rite of Hajj; follow your group’s guidance on location and timings.

After sunset at Arafat, pilgrims travel to Muzdalifah, pray and rest. Your group will explain the plan for pebbles and departure to Mina, including any adjustments needed for health or accessibility.

Return to Mina and stone Jamrat al-Aqabah with seven pebbles at your allocated time, saying “Allahu Akbar” with each throw. Hady is required for Tamattu and Qiran; confirm that an authorised arrangement is included or booked. Follow your guide on shaving or trimming and the order of rites.

Return to Makkah for Tawaf al-Ifadah, seven circuits around the Kaaba. Sa’i may also be due according to your Hajj type and what you have already performed. Your guide should confirm your individual sequence.

On the days of Tashriq, pilgrims stay in Mina and stone the three Jamarat on the relevant days. Departure may be after the 12th or 13th; follow official crowd schedules and your group leader.

Before leaving Makkah, perform Tawaf al-Wada where applicable. Ask your scholar or group leader about individual exemptions and how to time it with departure.

Visiting Madinah and praying in Masjid an-Nabawi is a cherished journey, but it is separate from the required rites of Hajj.

Ask for the official booking route, visa arrangements, flight and baggage details, exact Makkah and Madinah hotels, room sharing, meals, transport, Mina and Arafat services, group guidance, Hady arrangements, exclusions, cancellation terms and total price. Request written confirmation of each item.

Check your passport, authorised Hajj documents and current vaccination rules well before travel. The required route varies by nationality and residence; use official Saudi and home-country guidance for your season.