Learn the complete step-by-step rituals of Hajj according to the authentic Sunnah. A comprehensive guide covering Ihram, Mina, Arafah, Muzdalifah, and Tawaf.
Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds, and peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah, his family, and his companions.
To perform Hajj perfectly, a believer must follow the exact guidance of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, who said:
There are three types of Hajj: Tamattu', Qiran, and Ifrad. The best and most highly recommended type is Tamattu' for those who have not brought the sacrificial animal (Hadiy) with them from their home country. This was the command of the Prophet ﷺ to his companions. In Tamattu', the pilgrim performs 'Umrah during the months of Hajj, exits the state of Ihram, and then enters Ihram anew for Hajj on the 8th of Dhul-Hijjah.
Here is the step-by-step breakdown of the Hajj rituals according to the authentic Sunnah:
Entering Ihram: The pilgrim enters Ihram for Hajj from their residence in Makkah (or its limits). It is Sunnah to perform Ghusl, apply perfume (for men, on the body only, not the garments), put on the Ihram garments, and make the intention by saying: "Labbayka Hajjan" (Here I am, O Allah, for Hajj).
Going to Mina: The pilgrim proceeds to Mina and stays there overnight. During this day, you will pray Dhuhr, 'Asr, Maghrib, 'Isha, and Fajr (of the next day) in their proper times. The four-rak'ah prayers are shortened to two (Qasr), but they are not combined.
Standing at 'Arafah: After sunrise, the pilgrim moves from Mina to 'Arafah. This is the greatest pillar of Hajj. The Prophet ﷺ said:
Prayers: You will pray Dhuhr and 'Asr combined and shortened at the time of Dhuhr.
Supplication: Spend the entire afternoon, until the sun completely sets, in earnest supplication (Du'a), remembrance of Allah (Dhikr), and seeking forgiveness. Face the Qiblah and raise your hands in humility.
Moving to Muzdalifah: Immediately after sunset, proceed calmly to Muzdalifah. Do not pray Maghrib at 'Arafah. Upon arriving in Muzdalifah, pray Maghrib and 'Isha combined (shortening 'Isha to two rak'ahs). Sleep there until dawn.
After praying Fajr in Muzdalifah, make abundant supplication until just before sunrise. Then, proceed to Mina to complete the following acts:
Stoning Jamrat al-'Aqabah: Throw seven small pebbles at the largest pillar (closest to Makkah), saying "Allahu Akbar" with each throw.
Slaughtering the Hadiy: Offer the sacrifice (a sheep, or one-seventh of a cow or camel).
Shaving or Cutting the Hair: Men should shave their heads completely (which is highly preferred) or trim their hair evenly. Women gather their hair and cut a small portion (about the length of a fingertip).
Note: After stoning and shaving, the pilgrim undergoes the first exiting of Ihram (Al-Tahallul Al-Awwal). You may wear normal clothes and apply perfume, but marital relations remain forbidden.
Tawaf al-Ifadah: Proceed to Makkah to perform Tawaf around the Ka'bah (seven circuits), followed by the Sa'i between Safa and Marwah for Hajj. Upon completing this, the pilgrim achieves full exit from Ihram (Al-Tahallul Al-Akbar).
Staying in Mina: The pilgrim returns to Mina to spend the nights.
Stoning the Three Pillars: On these days, after the sun passes its zenith (midday), the pilgrim stones all three Jamarat. Start with the smallest (furthest from Makkah), then the middle, and finally Jamrat al-'Aqabah. Throw seven pebbles at each. Make a long Du'a after the first and second pillars, but not after the third.
Hastening vs. Delaying: A pilgrim may leave Mina on the 12th of Dhul-Hijjah before sunset (which is permissible), but staying for the 13th is superior and closer to the action of the Prophet ﷺ.
Once all rituals are complete and the pilgrim is ready to depart Makkah for their home country, they must perform Tawaf al-Wida' (seven circuits around the Ka'bah). Ibn 'Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated:
And Allah the Exalted knows best. May He accept the Hajj of the Muslims.