Hajj step by step: the days of Hajj explained
Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam: the pilgrimage to Makkah in Dhul-Hijjah, obligatory once for every Muslim who is able. In 2027 the days of Hajj are expected to begin on Friday, 14 May 2027. Here are the days of Hajj step by step, the three types, and practical notes for UK pilgrims.
Last updated: 4 October 2026
The reward of Hajj
“Whoever performs Hajj and does not commit obscenity or wrongdoing returns like the day his mother bore him” (Sahih al-Bukhari 1521), and “an accepted Hajj has no reward but Paradise” (Sahih al-Bukhari 1773).
The days of Hajj, step by step
| Day | Rites |
|---|---|
| 8 Dhul-Hijjah (Tarwiyah) | Enter ihram (for Hajj tamattu‘, the type most UK pilgrims perform, after completing an Umrah earlier) and go to Mina. Pray Dhuhr to Fajr there, shortening four-rak‘ah prayers. |
| 9 Dhul-Hijjah (‘Arafah) | The heart of Hajj: “Hajj is ‘Arafah” (Jami‘ at-Tirmidhi 889). Stand at ‘Arafah from after midday until sunset in du‘a and dhikr. After sunset, go to Muzdalifah, pray Maghrib and ‘Isha together and spend the night. |
| 10 Dhul-Hijjah (Eid) | Stone the large pillar (Jamrat al-‘Aqabah) with seven pebbles, offer the sacrifice (hady), shave or shorten the hair, and perform Tawaf al-Ifadah and sa‘i. Most ihram restrictions end after stoning and cutting the hair. |
| 11–13 Dhul-Hijjah (Tashriq) | Stay in Mina and stone all three pillars each day after midday, seven pebbles each. Pilgrims may leave on the 12th before sunset. |
| Before leaving Makkah | Perform the farewell tawaf (Tawaf al-Wada‘). |
For the Umrah that comes first in Hajj tamattu‘, see how to perform Umrah.
For those not on Hajj
Muslims at home fast the Day of ‘Arafah, increase in good deeds in the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah, and celebrate Eid al-Adha with qurbani; see Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha and the Islamic calendar. Hajj is the last of the 5 pillars of Islam.
Frequently asked questions
Who must perform Hajj?
Every adult Muslim who is physically and financially able, once in a lifetime: “Pilgrimage to the House is a duty owed to Allah by people who are able to undertake it” (Al ‘Imran 3:97).
How do UK Muslims go on Hajj?
Through Hajj packages from UK operators, booked via the Saudi Nusuk Hajj platform for pilgrims from Europe in recent years. Book early, check ATOL protection and the operator’s licence, and follow official updates.
What are the three types of Hajj?
Tamattu‘ (Umrah first, then Hajj, with a sacrifice), Qiran (Umrah and Hajj in one ihram, with a sacrifice) and Ifrad (Hajj only). Most UK pilgrims perform tamattu‘.
Can women go on Hajj without a mahram?
Scholars traditionally required a mahram; Saudi rules since 2021 allow women over a certain age to travel with an organised group. Ask a scholar about the religious ruling for your situation.
Prepare spiritually for Hajj
Three free one-to-one lessons in UK time: recitation, du‘as and the meaning of the rites.