Hajj Guide

Perform ghusl, apply no perfume, wear the two white sheets (izaar and rida) for men, modest clothing for women. Make the intention: 'Labbayka Hajjan' and recite the Talbiyah continuously.

Spend the day and night of 8th in Mina (Sunnah). Shorten and combine prayers — Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, Isha, and Fajr on 9th.

After sunrise, move to the plain of Arafah. This is the pinnacle of Hajj. The Prophet ﷺ said: "Hajj is Arafah." Stay within the boundaries until after sunset.

Occupy yourself with dua, dhikr, Quran, and istighfar from noon until sunset. This is the most powerful day for supplication. Fasting is not recommended on this day for pilgrims.

Combine and shorten Dhuhr and Asr at Dhuhr time (Jam' taqdim) in Masjid al-Nimrah if possible.

After sunset, move immediately to Muzdalifah. Combine Maghrib and Isha there. Collect 49-70 pebbles (size of chickpeas). Spend the night.

Pray Fajr early, make dua at Mash'ar al-Haram facing Qibla until it lightens up.

Before sunrise (or after for the weak/elderly), stone the Jamarat al-Aqabah (the large pillar) with 7 pebbles, saying Allahu Akbar with each throw.

Slaughter a sacrifice — a sheep per person or 1/7 of a cow/camel shared among 7. This commemorates Ibrahim's sacrifice. You may arrange for slaughter through an authorised agency.

Men: shave the head completely (preferred) or shorten hair. Women: cut a fingertip-length from hair. After this, most Ihram restrictions are lifted (except relations until Tawaf al-Ifadah).

Travel to Masjid al-Haram in Makkah and perform 7 circuits around the Kaaba. This is a pillar of Hajj and cannot be left.

Walk 7 times between Safa and Marwa. All Ihram restrictions are now lifted.

Return and spend the Tashreeq nights in Mina (11th and 12th, or 13th for those who stay).

Stone all three pillars (Jamarat al-Ula, al-Wusta, al-Aqabah) in order, 7 pebbles each, after Dhuhr time each day. Make dua after the first two pillars.

Those who wish extra virtue stay a third night and stone on 13th. Those who leave Mina before sunset on 12th may do so (Quran 2:203).

Before leaving Makkah, perform 7 final circuits around the Kaaba as a farewell. This is Wajib (obligatory) according to the majority. Women in menses are excused.