Hajj & Umrah Step-by-Step Guides

Before crossing the boundary limits (Miqat), perform ghusl (cleanliness bath), wear the clean white sheets of Ihram, perform two rakaah of nafl prayer, and declare your intention (Niyyah) for Umrah. Recite the Talbiyah frequently.

Enter Masjid al-Haram, locate the corner of the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad), and perform seven rounds of circumambulation (Tawaf) counter-clockwise. Perform two Rakaah of prayer at the Station of Ibrahim (Maqam Ibrahim) and drink Zamzam water.

Proceed to the hills of Safa and Marwah inside the Haram extension. Begin at Safa, face the Kaaba, make supplication, and walk to Marwah. Repeat this back-and-forth for a total of 7 legs (ending at Marwah).

After completing Sa'ee, men must either shave their heads completely (Halq) or trim their hair uniformly (Taqsir). Women trim a small amount (equal to a finger-joint) from the ends of their hair.

Pilgrims assume Ihram from Makkah and travel to the tent city of Mina. Spend the day and night in prayer, reciting the five daily prayers starting with Dhuhr and ending with Fajr on the 9th day.

After sunrise, leave Mina for Mount Arafat. Stand in supplication (Wuquf) from noon until sunset; this is the central pillar of Hajj. After sunset, travel silently to Muzdalifah, perform Maghrib and Isha prayers combined, and sleep on the open ground. Collect pebbles for stoning.

Return to Mina. Throw seven pebbles at the Jamrat al-Aqaba (largest pillar). After stoning, perform the animal sacrifice (Qurbani), shave or trim hair (exit Ihram), and travel to Makkah to perform Tawaf al-Ifadah and Sa'ee. Return to Mina.

Stone all three Jamrat pillars (Small, Medium, Large) with seven pebbles each after mid-day on both days. Before leaving Makkah to return home, perform the Farewell Tawaf (Tawaf al-Wadaa) at the Holy Kaaba.