Hajj: the five days, day by day.

Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam and the only one that asks for a real journey. The Prophet ﷺ said: "Whoever performs Hajj for the sake of Allah, and does not utter foul speech or commit any wrongdoing, will return as the day his mother bore him." (Sahih al-Bukhari 1521). This is the promise. A Hajj accepted by Allah wipes the slate clean and returns the soul to its first day.

This guide walks through the five days, one at a time, with what to do, where to be, and which prayers to combine. It also covers the three types of Hajj, the prohibitions of ihram, and the things that can go wrong. None of this replaces a trusted scholar or a good Hajj group leader, but it should leave you with a clear map of what is coming.

What Hajj is and why we go

Hajj is the journey to the Sacred House in Mecca for a set of rites that take place across five days in the month of Dhul Hijjah. Allah commanded Ibrahim peace be upon him to call the people to Hajj: "And proclaim to the people the Hajj; they will come to you on foot and on every lean camel, coming from every distant pass." (Quran 22:27). The Kaaba was built by Ibrahim and his son Ismail as the first house of worship for the One God, and every pilgrim is answering that ancient call.

It is obligatory once in a lifetime on every Muslim who has reached puberty, is sane, free, and able. "And due to Allah from the people is a pilgrimage to the House, for whoever is able to find a way." (Quran 3:97). Ability means physical health, financial means after debts, safe travel, and, for women, a mahram according to the majority view. Anyone who cannot afford it or is physically unable is not sinful for not performing it.

The reward, when Allah accepts, is unmatched. The Prophet ﷺ said the accepted Hajj returns the pilgrim to a state like a newborn (Bukhari 1521). He also said: "An accepted Hajj has no reward except Paradise" (Bukhari 1773). For this reason, every step of Hajj is taken with the heart turned toward Allah, not the camera.

Pre-Hajj preparation

Hajj preparation begins months, sometimes years, before the trip. The two most important parts are the inward and the outward. Inwardly, repent sincerely from sins, settle disputes, return what does not belong to you, ask forgiveness from those you may have wronged, and make a clean will. Outwardly, get the paperwork right and the body ready.

Paperwork and logistics

• Passport: valid at least six months past your return date. Saudi visa rules tighten close to season.
• Hajj visa: issued through the Nusuk platform and licensed agencies in your country. Tourist or Umrah visas are not valid for Hajj.
• Travel package: book early. Mina tents, Arafah transport, and Mecca hotels fill up months ahead.
• Vaccinations: meningococcal ACWY is required for entry. Many countries also require seasonal flu and COVID boosters. Polio drops are required for arrivals from certain countries. Check the Saudi Ministry of Health page closer to your travel date.
• Travel insurance: Saudi authorities provide some health cover during Hajj, but private insurance for trip cancellation is wise.

What to pack

• Ihram garments: two pieces of plain white unstitched cloth for men, with a belt for keys. Bring at least two sets. Women wear modest, loose, clean clothing of any colour; white is recommended but not required.
• Footwear: simple sandals that do not cover the top of the foot for men in ihram, plus comfortable walking shoes for outside ihram.
• Unscented toiletries: scented soap, perfume, and lotion are forbidden in ihram. Pack unscented shampoo, soap, and toothpaste.
• Medication: any regular prescription with a doctor's note, paracetamol, oral rehydration salts, anti-diarrhoeal, plasters, sunblock, lip balm.
• Small Quran or app: for du'a and recitation in queues.
• Stoning pouch: a small bag for pebbles.
• Refillable water bottle: Zamzam is everywhere, but a personal bottle helps.

Body and fitness

Hajj demands a lot of walking, often in heat that can pass 45°C. Start walking 5 to 8 km daily in the weeks before. Practice fasting through the day in your local heat. If you have heart, lung, or mobility conditions, see your doctor and discuss whether a wheelchair through the rites would be wiser than risking your health.

Ihram, miqat, and the prohibitions

Ihram is the state a pilgrim enters before crossing into the sacred area. It is sealed by intention (niyyah) and recited aloud by the talbiyah:

Labbayk Allahumma labbayk. Labbayk la sharika laka labbayk. Innal-hamda wan-ni'mata laka wal-mulk. La sharika lak.

("Here I am, O Allah, here I am. Here I am, You have no partner, here I am. Truly all praise, favour, and sovereignty are Yours. You have no partner.")

The five miqats

The Prophet ﷺ designated five fixed points around Mecca beyond which a person heading for Hajj or Umrah must enter ihram (Bukhari 1524):

For air travellers, the pilot usually announces the miqat about 30 minutes before crossing. Many pilgrims now enter ihram on the ground before the flight or at a stop in Madinah or Jeddah. Whatever the case, no one heading to Hajj may cross the miqat without ihram.

What entering ihram requires

1. Trim nails, shave armpit and pubic hair, shorten the moustache, and bathe (ghusl is sunnah).
2. Men: remove all stitched clothing, put on the two white cloths and unstitched sandals.
3. Apply perfume to the body (not the cloth) before, not after, putting on ihram.
4. Pray two rakat with the intention of the Sunnah of ihram if not within a forbidden time.
5. Make the niyyah for Hajj, Umrah, or both, and begin the talbiyah.

The prohibitions of ihram

Once in ihram, until tahallul (release), the pilgrim avoids:

• Cutting any hair or nails from the body.
• Applying perfume to body or clothing.
• Wearing stitched clothing (men only).
• Covering the head (men) or face directly (women, though shading the face without touching is allowed).
• Hunting or directing others to hunt land animals.
• Marriage contract, proposing marriage, or arranging it for others.
• Sexual intercourse or anything that leads to it.
• Arguments, bad language, and sin in general. Allah says: "So whoever has made Hajj obligatory upon himself therein, there is no sexual relations, no disobedience, and no disputing during Hajj." (Quran 2:197)

If a pilgrim breaks one of these by mistake or out of need, there is an expiation (fidya) of feeding six poor people, fasting three days, or slaughtering a sheep, as Allah mentions in Quran 2:196 for the head-shaving case.

Day 1: 8 Dhul Hijjah (Yawm at-Tarwiyah)

The eighth of Dhul Hijjah is called Yawm at-Tarwiyah, the Day of Watering, because pilgrims used to drink and store water there before moving to Arafah. After Fajr, pilgrims in Mecca (Tamattu pilgrims have already exited their Umrah ihram) enter ihram for Hajj again from their hotels and head to Mina.

Mina is a valley about 8 km east of the Kaaba. The whole pilgrim population gathers there in white tents. The day is for prayer, du'a, rest, and quiet reflection on what is about to happen. Hajj does not begin with the rites, it begins with the heart settling.

What to do on 8 Dhul Hijjah

• Pray Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, Isha, and the Fajr of the 9th in Mina. Each is shortened (qasr) to two rakat, but not joined (jam), as the Prophet ﷺ did (Sahih Muslim 1218).
• Keep saying the talbiyah loudly, especially as you walk and ride.
• Recite Quran, make tasbih, read prayers for the day of Arafah ahead.
• Avoid heavy food. The next day is long and hot.
• Sleep early. Many pilgrims set out before Fajr on the 9th.

Day 2: 9 Dhul Hijjah (Arafah, the heart of Hajj)

This is the day. The Prophet ﷺ said: "Hajj is Arafah" (Sunan al-Tirmidhi 889). Whoever stands on the plain of Arafah for any moment between the time Dhuhr enters and the rising of Fajr on the 10th has completed the rukn. Whoever misses it has missed Hajj and must repeat it the following year. There is no rite in Islam quite like it: millions of pilgrims standing under the open sky, all in white, calling out to their Lord.

Morning of the 9th

Pilgrims leave Mina after Fajr and head to the plain of Arafah, which is about 14 km southeast of Mecca. Many groups stop at Namirah, which borders Arafah, until Dhuhr enters. Listen to the khutbah of Arafah if it is broadcast in your tent area. Then pray Dhuhr and Asr combined (jam taqdim) and shortened to two rakat each, with one adhan and two iqamahs, following the sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ (Sahih Muslim 1218).

Standing at Arafah (Wuquf)

After Dhuhr, the wuquf, the standing, begins. Face the qibla, raise your hands, and turn entirely to Allah. The Prophet ﷺ said: "The best du'a is the du'a on the day of Arafah, and the best thing that I and the prophets before me have said is: La ilaha illa Allah, wahdahu la sharika lah, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamdu, wa huwa 'ala kulli shay'in qadir." (Tirmidhi 3585)

This is the hour to ask for everything. Forgiveness for every sin. Mercy for every dead loved one. Healing for the sick. Hidayah for the lost. Children. Income. Patience. The Prophet ﷺ said about this day: "There is no day on which Allah frees more of His slaves from the Fire than the day of Arafah." (Sahih Muslim 1348). Make du'a until your throat hurts, then make more.

You do not have to stand the entire time. You can sit, walk a few steps, eat lightly, drink water. The standing is symbolic, the meaning is presence. Stay in du'a until the sun sets. Do not pray Maghrib at Arafah.

Sunset rush to Muzdalifah

The moment the sun fully sets, pilgrims begin moving toward Muzdalifah, calmly, without shoving. The Prophet ﷺ moved with composure and asked others to do the same: "O people, calm, calm." (Bukhari 1671). The Maghrib prayer is delayed until Muzdalifah, where it is combined with Isha.

Night of Muzdalifah

Muzdalifah lies between Arafah and Mina. When pilgrims reach it after sunset, they pray Maghrib and Isha combined (jam ta'khir), with one adhan and two iqamahs. Maghrib stays at three rakat; Isha is shortened to two.

Spend the night in Muzdalifah in the open. There are no tents here. Sleep on a mat under the sky. The Prophet ﷺ slept until close to Fajr. Pray Fajr early on 10 Dhul Hijjah at Muzdalifah, then make du'a at Mash'ar al-Haram (a small mosque marks the spot). Allah says: "But when you depart from Arafat, remember Allah at al-Mash'ar al-Haram." (Quran 2:198)

Gathering stones

While in Muzdalifah, pick up pebbles for the stoning. The number depends on how long you will stay in Mina:

• 7 pebbles for Jamrat al-Aqabah on 10 Dhul Hijjah.
• 21 pebbles for each of 11 and 12 Dhul Hijjah (7 per jamrah × 3 jamarat = 21).
• 21 more if staying through 13 Dhul Hijjah.
• Total: 49 if leaving after the 12th, 70 if staying through the 13th.

Each pebble should be roughly the size of a chickpea. Some pilgrims gather more than they need in case they drop a few. The Prophet ﷺ took seven pebbles in his hand and threw them one by one (Sahih Muslim 1218).

The elderly, sick, and women may be allowed to leave Muzdalifah for Mina after midnight, as the Prophet ﷺ permitted to his weaker companions (Bukhari 1678). The general pilgrim stays until after Fajr.

Day 3: 10 Dhul Hijjah (Yawm an-Nahr)

The tenth of Dhul Hijjah is the Day of Sacrifice (Yawm an-Nahr), the climax of Hajj and the first day of Eid al-Adha. The Prophet ﷺ said it is "the greatest day in the sight of Allah" (Abu Dawud 1765). It contains four major rites, performed in this order if possible:

1. Stoning Jamrat al-Aqabah

After Fajr at Muzdalifah, pilgrims move to Mina. The first rite is throwing seven pebbles at the largest of the three pillars, Jamrat al-Aqabah, which is closest to Mecca. Each pebble is thrown one at a time, with Allahu Akbar said with each throw. Stop the talbiyah with the first pebble. The pilgrim should be on the ramp facing the pillar, with Mecca to their left if possible.

2. Sacrifice (Qurban)

Next, the qurban is slaughtered. Most pilgrims today pay an agency or charity to slaughter on their behalf in the official Mina or Mecca slaughterhouses, and the meat is distributed to the poor in Mecca and worldwide. The animal must meet the qualifications of an Eid al-Adha sacrifice. This is wajib on Tamattu and Qiran pilgrims; not required for Ifrad. Allah commanded: "He should offer such hadi as can be obtained with ease." (Quran 2:196)

3. Shaving or shortening (Halq or Taqsir)

After the sacrifice is arranged, men either shave the entire head (halq, the preferred sunnah) or shorten the hair evenly (taqsir). The Prophet ﷺ prayed for those who shaved three times before once praying for those who shortened (Bukhari 1727). Women cut a fingertip's length from the ends of their hair only.

After this, the first tahallul takes place. Most prohibitions of ihram are now lifted, except for sexual intercourse. The pilgrim can wear normal clothes, use perfume, and cut nails or hair.

4. Tawaf al-Ifadah (and Sa'i if needed)

The pilgrim returns to Mecca, ideally on the same day, to perform Tawaf al-Ifadah, seven rounds around the Kaaba. This is a pillar (rukn) of Hajj. After it, pilgrims who have not yet performed the Hajj sa'i (Tamattu pilgrims and most Qiran/Ifrad who skipped the optional one at arrival) do seven trips between Safa and Marwa.

After Tawaf al-Ifadah and the sa'i, the second tahallul is complete and all prohibitions of ihram are lifted, including marital relations. The pilgrim then returns to Mina to spend the night.

Days 4 to 6: Days of Tashriq, 11, 12, 13 Dhul Hijjah

The three days after Yawm an-Nahr are called Ayyam at-Tashriq, the days of meat-drying, when Arabs used to dry sacrificial meat in the sun. Allah commands them: "And remember Allah during numbered days." (Quran 2:203). These are days of eating, drinking, takbir, and remembrance. The Prophet ﷺ said: "The days of Tashriq are days of eating, drinking, and remembrance of Allah." (Sahih Muslim 1141)

Daily stoning

Each day of Tashriq, pilgrims stone all three jamarat in order: the smallest (al-sughra), the middle (al-wusta), then the largest (al-aqabah). Seven pebbles at each, said with Allahu Akbar. After the smallest and middle jamrah, the pilgrim moves aside, faces the qibla, and makes long du'a with raised hands. After the largest, the pilgrim leaves without stopping.

The time for stoning on Tashriq days begins after Dhuhr (the zenith of the sun, the same as the time for prayer) and continues until Fajr of the next day. Earlier is preferred, but heat and crowds mean many pilgrims now stone in the late evening or even after Maghrib without issue.

Leaving early or staying full

After stoning on 12 Dhul Hijjah, a pilgrim has a choice. They may leave Mina before sunset, called ta'ajjul (hurrying), and this is permitted by Allah Himself: "And whoever rushes [his departure] in two days, there is no sin upon him; and whoever delays, there is no sin upon him, for the one who fears Allah." (Quran 2:203). If the sun sets while still in Mina, the pilgrim must stay and stone on 13 Dhul Hijjah as well.

The Prophet ﷺ chose to stay all three days. Staying through the 13th is preferred where possible, but both options are valid and rewarded.

Tawaf al-Wada (the farewell tawaf)

Before leaving Mecca, every pilgrim except a menstruating woman must perform Tawaf al-Wada, the farewell tawaf, seven rounds around the Kaaba without sa'i. The Prophet ﷺ said: "No one should leave until the last thing he does is the [tawaf around] the House." (Sahih Muslim 1327)

This should be the last action in Mecca before departure. After it, the pilgrim leaves promptly without lingering. There is no specific du'a, but many pilgrims say a final farewell with tears and a request to be invited back. A menstruating woman is exempted, as the Prophet ﷺ ruled for Safiyya (Bukhari 1757).

Three types of Hajj compared

Pilgrims may perform one of three forms of Hajj, all approved by the Prophet ﷺ (Sahih Muslim 1216). The choice often depends on when you arrive and whether you bring a hadi animal.

The Prophet ﷺ commanded his companions in the Farewell Hajj to switch from Ifrad to Tamattu if they had not brought a hadi animal, saying: "Were it not for my hadi, I would have done what I command you" (Sahih Muslim 1218). For most pilgrims from outside Mecca, Tamattu is the recommended choice.

Common mistakes and prohibited acts in ihram

Even with the best intention, pilgrims make small mistakes. Many are forgivable and need only a fidya (expiation). Avoid these if you can:

• Covering the head in ihram (men): No caps, hats, or shemaghs while in ihram. An umbrella is allowed because it does not touch the head.
• Wearing scented soap or perfume: Unscented only. Check labels before packing.
• Stitched clothing for men: Belts with stitches for keys are typically allowed, but a stitched shirt or trousers is not.
• Forgetting to make niyyah before crossing the miqat: A pilgrim must return to the miqat or sacrifice as expiation.
• Skipping the sa'i: Sa'i between Safa and Marwa is a pillar, not optional.
• Praying Maghrib at Arafah: Maghrib is delayed to Muzdalifah.
• Throwing all seven pebbles at once: Each must be thrown one at a time. The Prophet ﷺ counted them.
• Stoning before Dhuhr on Tashriq days: Time begins at Dhuhr, not Fajr.
• Pushing and harming others to kiss the Black Stone: The Prophet ﷺ said: "It is enough to point to it" if the crowd is heavy. Hurting another Muslim outweighs the sunnah of kissing.
• Arguments and bad temper: Quran 2:197 forbids them in plain words. Patience is half of Hajj.

What invalidates Hajj

Only two things invalidate Hajj entirely:

1. Sexual intercourse with a spouse before the first tahallul. This includes any intercourse from ihram up to after stoning Jamrat al-Aqabah and shaving on 10 Dhul Hijjah. If this happens, the pilgrim must still finish the rites, make qada the following year, and offer a camel as expiation.
2. Missing the standing at Arafah. Even a moment of presence on the plain of Arafah between Dhuhr of the 9th and Fajr of the 10th is enough. If a pilgrim is delayed past Fajr of the 10th and never sets foot on Arafah, the Hajj is invalid and must be repeated.

All other major omissions, like skipping a wajib (the farewell tawaf, gathering pebbles, stoning a day) cost a sacrifice (dam) but do not invalidate the pilgrimage.

FAQ

What are the dates of Hajj 2026?

Hajj 2026 is expected from 25 to 30 May 2026, with the Day of Arafah on 26 May and Eid al-Adha on 27 May. Final confirmation depends on the moon sighting in Saudi Arabia. Book travel at least six months ahead.

How much does Hajj 2026 cost?

Costs vary widely by country and package level. From the US and UK, packages typically run $8,000 to $20,000 per person. From Indonesia, Malaysia, and South Asia, official packages run several thousand dollars. Always book through an officially licensed agency to ensure a valid Hajj visa.

Can I perform Hajj on behalf of a deceased parent?

Yes. Hajj on behalf of a parent who has died, or one who is permanently unable due to age or chronic illness, is valid and rewarded. The Prophet ﷺ confirmed this for a woman whose father had died without performing Hajj (Bukhari 1513). The substitute must have already performed their own Hajj first.

What if I get sick during Hajj?

Islam is a religion of ease. A sick pilgrim may ride a wheelchair through tawaf and sa'i, delegate stoning to a healthy companion, sit during the standing at Arafah, and skip optional sunnahs. The Hajj is still valid. If illness prevents a pillar like the standing at Arafah, the pilgrim must repeat Hajj the following year.

Is Tawaf al-Wada required for everyone?

It is wajib for every pilgrim except a menstruating or post-natal woman, who is exempted by the Prophet's ruling for Safiyya (Bukhari 1757). Skipping it without that excuse requires a sacrifice (dam).

Can I stone the jamarat at night?

Yes. The time for stoning on Tashriq days extends from Dhuhr until Fajr of the next day. Many pilgrims now stone after Maghrib or Isha to avoid the heat and crush. This is permitted by all four schools.