Complete Guide to Hajj & Umrah

1. 01

   Introduction to Hajj

   Hajj is the pilgrimage to the Sacred House in Makkah, an act of worship required once in a lifetime for those who are able. It is performed in well-known days of Dhul-Hijjah. This page is educational. For personal rulings, consult a qualified scholar.

2. 02

   Introduction to Umrah

   Umrah is a lesser pilgrimage consisting of Ihram, Tawaf, Sa'i, and Halq or Qasr. It may be performed throughout much of the year, subject to conditions taught by scholars.

3. 03

   Who is required to perform Hajj

   Islamic sources teach that Hajj is a duty upon those who are Muslim, of age, of sound mind, and able to find a way — including safety and sufficient means. Ability and family circumstances should be reviewed with a qualified scholar.

4. 04

   Preparation

   Prepare with sincere intention, lawful provision, needed documents, health planning, and learning the rites. Settle debts where possible, learn essential duas, and travel with good companionship.

5. 05

   Ihram

   Ihram is the sacred state entered with intention and Talbiyah, along with clothing and conduct taught in the books of Fiqh. Men and women have different clothing rules. Details differ in some schools; follow a teacher.

6. 06

   Miqat

   The Miqat is a designated boundary. Pilgrims enter Ihram at or before their Miqat according to the route of travel. Do not delay Ihram past the Miqat without learning the ruling that applies to you.

7. 07

   Talbiyah

   The Talbiyah is the pilgrim's response to Allah's call. It is recited after entering Ihram. Learn the wording from a reliable teacher so it is said correctly.

8. 08

   Entering Makkah

   Enter with humility, remember the sacredness of the city, and proceed to the Sacred Mosque for Tawaf as your program requires.

9. 09

   Tawaf

   Tawaf is circling the Ka'bah seven times. There are different types of Tawaf in Hajj and Umrah. Conditions of purity and the starting point should be learned from a teacher, as details can differ.

10. 10

    Sa'i

    Sa'i is walking between Safa and Marwah seven legs, recalling the struggle of Hajar (peace be upon her). Learn where it begins and ends from a reliable guide.

11. 11

    Halq / Qasr

    After Umrah, or at the relevant stage of Hajj, hair is shaved (Halq) or shortened (Qasr) according to the rite and the person's situation. Women's practice differs from men's. Ask a scholar for your case.

12. 12

    Mina

    Mina is among the Hajj sites where pilgrims stay during key days. It is connected with worship, rest, and later the stoning rite. Follow your group's lawful schedule.

13. 13

    Arafah

    The standing at Arafah is central to Hajj. Pilgrims devote themselves to dua, remembrance, and humility. Exact timing and what constitutes the standing should be learned from qualified teachers.

14. 14

    Muzdalifah

    After Arafah, pilgrims proceed to Muzdalifah for worship and rest according to the Sunnah and the rulings they follow. Collecting pebbles is commonly done here, though practices can vary in detail.

15. 15

    Rami al-Jamarat

    Rami is the stoning of the Jamarat on the appointed days. The number of pebbles, days, and sequence should be studied in advance. Crowd safety is part of responsible worship.

16. 16

    Qurbani / Udhiyah information

    Sacrifice during Hajj is connected to Tamattu' and Qiran in ways taught in Fiqh. Udhiyah in general is a separate but related topic. Do not assume one ruling covers every pilgrim; ask a scholar.

17. 17

    Tawaf al-Ifadah

    Tawaf al-Ifadah is a major Tawaf of Hajj. Its timing relative to other rites is discussed in the schools of jurisprudence. Learn the sequence you will follow before traveling.

18. 18

    Tawaf al-Wada

    The farewell Tawaf is performed when leaving Makkah, with well-known discussions about who is required to do it. Confirm your situation with a teacher.

Important Hajj days

Types of Hajj

Step-by-step Umrah

1. 1Enter Ihram from the Miqat with intention and Talbiyah.
2. 2Proceed to the Sacred Mosque.
3. 3Perform Tawaf of Umrah.
4. 4Pray two rak'ahs in the manner taught by your teacher.
5. 5Perform Sa'i between Safa and Marwah.
6. 6Complete Halq or Qasr, then leave the state of Ihram.

Do / Don't

What to pack

• Valid travel documents and copies
• Ihram clothing as appropriate
• Comfortable walking sandals
• Unscented hygiene items as required in Ihram
• Medications and prescriptions
• A simple dua booklet from a reliable teacher
• Refillable water bottle and modest clothing for Mina and Arafah

FAQs