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Hajj & Umrah

A simple walkthrough of the rites, plus what to prepare before you travel.

Umrah, step by step

  1. 1

    Ihram

    Enter the state of ihram at the miqat, make the intention for Umrah and begin the talbiyah.

  2. 2

    Tawaf

    Perform seven circuits of the Ka'bah starting at the Black Stone, then pray two rak'ahs behind Maqam Ibrahim.

  3. 3

    Sa'i

    Walk seven times between Safa and Marwah, making dua at each turn.

  4. 4

    Halq or Taqsir

    Shave or shorten the hair, which completes the Umrah and exits ihram.

Hajj, day by day

  1. 8 Dhul Hijjah — Mina

    Enter ihram, travel to Mina and pray Dhuhr through Fajr there, shortening the four-rak'ah prayers.

  2. 9 Dhul Hijjah — Arafah

    Stand at Arafah from midday until sunset in dua and dhikr. This standing is the essence of Hajj.

  3. 9 Dhul Hijjah — Muzdalifah

    Travel after sunset, combine Maghrib and Isha, rest, and collect pebbles.

  4. 10 Dhul Hijjah — Jamarat & sacrifice

    Stone Jamratul Aqabah, offer the sacrifice, shave or shorten the hair, then perform Tawaful Ifadah.

  5. 11-13 Dhul Hijjah — Mina

    Stay in Mina and stone the three pillars each day after Dhuhr.

  6. Farewell

    Complete Tawaful Wada before leaving Makkah.

Preparation checklist

  • •Valid passport, visa and vaccination documents
  • •Two white ihram garments (men) or modest loose clothing (women)
  • •Unscented soap, toothbrush and personal medicine
  • •Comfortable sandals and a small drawstring bag
  • •Dua booklet or the NOOR app offline for duas and Qibla
  • •Settle debts, seek forgiveness and make a sincere intention

This guide is a summary for planning. For rulings specific to your situation, consult a qualified scholar or your Hajj group leader.