Hajj & Umrah

Your pilgrimage companion

Rites in order, with sources. Rulings on missed rites, compensation and travel concessions vary — ask your group's scholar on site.

Umrah, step by step

1
Ihram
Enter ihram at or before the miqat: two unstitched garments for men, ordinary modest dress for women. Make your intention and begin the talbiyah.
Sahih al-Bukhari 1549
2
Talbiyah
“Labbayk Allahumma labbayk…” — recite it aloud and often until you begin tawaf.
Sahih al-Bukhari 1549
3
Tawaf
Seven circuits of the Ka'bah beginning at the Black Stone, keeping it on your left. There is no fixed required dua per circuit — supplicate freely.
Quran 2:125
4
Sa'i
Seven passages between Safa and Marwah, beginning at Safa and ending at Marwah.
Quran 2:158
5
Halq or taqsir
Men shave or shorten the hair; women trim a fingertip length. Umrah is then complete and ihram restrictions end.
Quran 48:27

1
8 Dhul Hijjah — Mina
Enter ihram, travel to Mina, and pray Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, Isha and Fajr there.
Sahih Muslim 1218
2
9 Dhul Hijjah — Arafah
The essential day of Hajj: stand in Arafah from midday until sunset in supplication. Missing Arafah invalidates the Hajj.
Jami' at-Tirmidhi 889
3
9-10 — Muzdalifah
Travel after sunset without praying Maghrib until you arrive, pray Maghrib and Isha together, rest, and gather pebbles.
Sahih Muslim 1218
4
10 Dhul Hijjah — Jamarat, sacrifice, tawaf
Stone the large pillar, offer the sacrifice, shave or shorten, then perform tawaf al-ifadah.
Sahih al-Bukhari 1751
5
11-13 — Days of Tashreeq
Stay in Mina, stone all three pillars each afternoon, and leave after the 12th or 13th.
Quran 2:203
6
Tawaf al-wida
A farewell tawaf before leaving Makkah, waived for menstruating women.
Sahih al-Bukhari 1755

Unscented soap, unscented sunblock, a refillable bottle, ORS sachets and comfortable sandals.
Vaccinations required by Saudi authorities for your country, plus routine medication in original packaging.
Train your walking stamina for weeks beforehand — pilgrims routinely walk 15km a day.
Write your group leader's number on paper, not only in your phone.
Settle debts and ask forgiveness of people before you travel.

Questions specific to your circumstances belong with a scholar — ask one here.