The sacred pilgrimage to Makkah is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. Here’s a clear step-by-step guide to how Hajj is performed during Dhul Hijjah, from Ihram to the Farewell Tawaf.
We’re officially in Dhul Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic calendar. The most significant act of worship during this month is Hajj. Hajj is the sacred annual pilgrimage to Makkah, Saudi Arabia, and is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. It is obligatory for Muslims who are physically and financially able to perform it at least once in their lifetime. The pilgrimage takes place over several days in Dhul Hijjah and follows a structured sequence of rituals across holy sites, including Masjid al-Haram, Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah. Below is a step-by-step guide to performing Hajj.
What is Hajj?
Hajj is a spiritual journey that commemorates the devotion of Prophet Ibrahim, his wife Hajar, and their son Ismail. It is an act of worship that emphasises humility, unity, repentance, and submission to Allah. Millions of Muslims gather in Makkah each year, symbolising equality before God.
When is Hajj performed?
Hajj is performed once every year during Dhul Hijjah. The main rituals take place between the 8th and 13th of Dhul Hijjah. The exact Gregorian dates vary each year depending on the lunar calendar, but this year, it falls from 25 to 29 May 2026.
What to do before Hajj?
Before the rituals begin, pilgrims make the niyyah (intention) to perform Hajj solely for Allah. They then enter the state of Ihram at designated miqat boundaries before entering Makkah. This includes purification and wearing the prescribed garments. While in Ihram, pilgrims frequently recite the Talbiyah (“Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik…”), declaring their readiness to respond to Allah’s call. This step formally begins the pilgrimage.
How to perform Hajj?
The first official day of Hajj begins with pilgrims travelling to Mina on 8th Dhul Hijjah (25 May). This is located about 8km from the Holy Kaaba in Makkah. Known as the “city of tents”, they spend the day and night in prayer, Quran recitation, and reflection, marking the beginning of Hajj.
On the second day, pilgrims travel on foot to the plains of Mount Arafat. This is the most important day of Hajj, where worshippers stand in prayer and supplication from midday until sunset. It is considered a moment of forgiveness and mercy, often described as a reminder of the Day of Judgment. After sunset, pilgrims proceed to Muzdalifah, where they combine prayers, rest under the open sky, and collect pebbles for the next ritual.
The 10th of Dhul Hijjah marks the beginning of Eid Al Adha. Pilgrims perform the stoning ritual called Rami Al Jamarat at Mina, throwing seven pebbles at the largest pillar, symbolising rejection of temptation and evil.
They then proceed to Masjid Al Haram to perform Tawaf Al Ifadah — circling the Kaaba seven times — followed by Sai between Safa and Marwah, retracing Hajar’s search for water. Pilgrims then return to Mina and remain here for two more days, continuing the stoning ritual at all three pillars each day.
Before leaving Makkah, pilgrims perform the Farewell Tawaf, known as Tawaf Al Wada. This involves circling the Kaaba for the final time, marking the spiritual conclusion of Hajj. It signifies saying goodbye to the sacred house of Allah and completing the pilgrimage.
Contact: https://haj.gov.sa