Hajj — The Journey of a Lifetime
Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam — a once-in-a-lifetime obligation for every Muslim who is physically and financially able. It is the largest annual gathering of humanity, where millions stand equal before Allah on the plain of Arafah.
"And complete the Hajj and Umrah for Allah." — Quran 2:196
Are You Heading Straight to the Ka'bah for Tawaf?
If you have already entered Ihram and are ready to begin Tawaf, skip ahead directly to the ritual. If this is your first time or you want to review the full Hajj guide, continue below.
Gate 97
Direct Ka'bah Entrance
Gate 79
King Abdulaziz Gate
Bab al-Salam
Gate of Peace — Bab al-Umrah
Gate 97 is the closest entrance directly to the Ka'bah and the Mataf area. Enter through any of these gates and proceed to the Tawaf starting point at the Black Stone.
What is Hajj?
Hajj is the pilgrimage to Makkah during the sacred month of Dhul Hijjah. It is a series of rituals that commemorate the trials of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), his wife Hajar (AS), and their son Ismail (AS). Every act of Hajj echoes their complete submission to Allah.
When is Hajj?
Hajj takes place during the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah. The main rituals occur from the 8th through the 13th.
Who Must Go?
Every adult Muslim who is financially able, physically healthy, and whose family can manage without them during their absence.
"Whoever performs Hajj for the sake of Allah and does not utter any obscene speech or do any evil deed, will go back (free of sin) as his mother bore him."
— Prophet Muhammad ﷺ (Bukhari & Muslim)
Types of Hajj
Choose the form of Hajj that best suits your situation.
Hajj al-Tamattu (Recommended)
حج التمتعYou perform Umrah first during the months of Hajj, then exit Ihram. On the 8th of Dhul Hijjah, you enter Ihram again for Hajj. This is the method the Prophet ﷺ recommended for his companions and is the most common form for international pilgrims.
Requires offering a sacrifice (hady).
Hajj al-Qiran (Combined)
حج القرانYou enter Ihram once with the intention of performing both Umrah and Hajj together. You remain in Ihram throughout — from Umrah until the completion of Hajj. This is common for those with limited time in Makkah.
Also requires a sacrifice (hady).
Hajj al-Ifrad (Hajj Only)
حج الإفرادYou enter Ihram with the intention of Hajj only. You do not perform Umrah during the Hajj journey. This is most common for residents of Makkah and nearby areas.
No sacrifice required.
The Days of Hajj
Follow the journey of millions from the 8th through the 13th of Dhul Hijjah.
Yawm at-Tarwiyah: Enter Ihram & Proceed to Mina
Enter Ihram from your location in Makkah (or hotel) — make niyyah for Hajj
Recite Talbiyah: 'Labbayka Allahumma labbayk...'
Travel to Mina (the Tent City) — about 8 km from Makkah
Pray Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, and Isha in Mina — shortened (qasr) but not combined
Stay overnight in Mina, spending the day in worship and reflection
لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ حَجًّا
Labbayka Allahumma Hajjan
Here I am, O Allah, for Hajj.
Yawm Arafah: The Greatest Day
After Fajr in Mina, proceed to the plain of Arafah
Stand (wuquf) at Arafah from Dhuhr until sunset — THIS IS THE PILLAR OF HAJJ
The Prophet ﷺ said: 'Hajj is Arafah.' Missing this invalidates Hajj
Make endless du'a — this is the best day of the year for supplication
After sunset, leave Arafah calmly for Muzdalifah
At Muzdalifah: pray Maghrib and Isha combined (jam'), collect pebbles for stoning
Sleep under the open sky — a unique spiritual experience
لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ، لَهُ الْمُلْكُ وَلَهُ الْحَمْدُ وَهُوَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ
La ilaha illallahu wahdahu la sharika lah, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamdu wa huwa 'ala kulli shay'in qadeer.
There is no god but Allah, alone, without partner. His is the dominion and His is all praise, and He is over all things competent.
Yawm an-Nahr: Eid al-Adha — The Busiest Day
After Fajr at Muzdalifah, return to Mina
Stone Jamrat al-Aqabah (the largest pillar) with 7 pebbles — say 'Allahu Akbar' with each
Sacrifice (hady) — an animal is slaughtered and the meat distributed to the poor
Shave (halq) or trim (taqseer) your hair — you are now partially released from Ihram
Perform Tawaf al-Ifadah — circling the Ka'bah 7 times (a pillar of Hajj)
Perform Sa'i between Safa and Marwah if not already done
You are now fully released from Ihram — all restrictions lifted
اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ، اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ، لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَاللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ، اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ وَلِلَّهِ الْحَمْدُ
Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La ilaha illallah, Wallahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar wa lillahil-hamd.
Allah is the Greatest. There is no god but Allah. Allah is the Greatest, and to Allah belongs all praise.
Ayyam at-Tashreeq: Days of Remembrance
Stay in Mina for 2 or 3 days (minimum 2 days required)
Each day after Dhuhr: stone all three Jamarat (Small, Middle, Large) — 7 pebbles each
After stoning the Small and Middle pillars, step aside and make du'a facing the Qiblah
Spend these days in worship, remembrance, and celebration of Hajj
You may leave Mina on the 12th after stoning (if you depart before sunset) or stay until the 13th
رَبَّنَا تَقَبَّلْ مِنَّا ۖ إِنَّكَ أَنْتَ السَّمِيعُ الْعَلِيمُ
Rabbana taqabbal minna innaka antas-samee'ul aleem.
Our Lord, accept this from us. Indeed, You are the Hearing, the Knowing.
Tawaf al-Wida' — The Farewell
Before leaving Makkah, perform Tawaf al-Wida' (Farewell Tawaf) — 7 circuits
This is the final act of Hajj — sunnah, not obligatory, but deeply recommended
Make your farewell du'a at the Ka'bah: ask Allah to invite you back
Pray two rak'ahs, drink Zamzam, and leave with a heart full of gratitude
اللَّهُمَّ لَا تَجْعَلْ هَذَا آخِرَ الْعَهْدِ بِبَيْتِكَ الْحَرَامِ
Allahumma la taj'al hadha akhiral-'ahdi bibaytikal-haram.
O Allah, do not make this my last visit to Your Sacred House.
Spiritual Preparation for Hajj
Hajj is not just a physical journey — it is a journey of the soul. Prepare your heart before your body departs.
Make Sincere Tawbah
Repent for all sins before leaving. Resolve disputes. Return anything you owe. Enter Hajj with a clean slate.
Learn the Rituals
Study the rites before you go. When you stand at Arafah, you should know what you're doing and why.
Learn the Du'as
Memorize a few key supplications — especially the du'a of Arafah. But remember: personal du'a in any language is accepted.
Set Your Intention
Renew your niyyah daily — 'I am here for Allah alone.' Avoid turning Hajj into a vacation or status symbol.
Ready to Plan Your Hajj?
Let PilgrimIQ guide you through every step of your sacred journey — with clarity, confidence, and spiritual companionship. May Allah grant you an accepted Hajj.
Hajj Mabrur! May your pilgrimage be accepted, your sins forgiven, and your return home blessed. Ameen.