Hajj Guide 2026
Your Complete Step-by-Step Hajj Guide with United Travel
What is Hajj?
Hajj is the sacred pilgrimage to Makkah, Saudi Arabia, and the fifth pillar of Islam. Every adult Muslim who is physically, financially, and emotionally able must perform Hajj at least once in their lifetime.
Each year, millions of Muslims gather in Makkah during Dhul Hijjah (12th month of the Islamic calendar). Hajj is not just a physical journey but a deep spiritual renewal, allowing Muslims to seek forgiveness, strengthen their faith, and draw closer to Allah (SWT).
As the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“Whoever performs Hajj for the sake of Allah and does not utter any obscene speech or do any evil deed, will return free of sin as the day his mother bore him.” (Bukhari & Muslim)
The Story Behind Hajj
Hajj rituals trace back to Prophet Ibrahim (AS), Hajar, and Prophet Isma’il (AS):
- Hajar’s search for water led to the miracle of Zamzam Well.
- Ibrahim (AS) and Isma’il (AS) built the Kaaba as the House of Allah.
- The stoning ritual (Rami) recalls Ibrahim (AS) rejecting Shaytan’s whispers.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ later re-established Hajj as we know it today, making it one of the most important acts of worship in Islam.
Who Must Perform Hajj?
- Muslim – Only Muslims are obliged.
- Adult – Not required for children.
- Physically able – The sick, frail, or disabled are excused.
- Financially able – Must afford travel and living expenses without neglecting family or debts.
When Does Hajj Take Place?
- Dates: 8th to 12th Dhul Hijjah (lunar calendar).
- The Gregorian date changes yearly.
- For example, Hajj 2024 took place from 14th to 19th June 2024.
Step-by-Step Hajj Guide
1. Preparation & Intention (Niyyah)
- Before leaving for Saudi Arabia, make a sincere intention (niyyah) that you are performing Hajj solely for the sake of Allah (SWT).
- Seek forgiveness from family, clear debts, and write a will if necessary.
- Attend Hajj seminars in the UK to prepare spiritually and practically.
- Pack Ihram, slippers, prayer mat, and essentials.
2. Ihram – Entering the State of Purity
- At the Miqat (designated boundary), pilgrims enter Ihram.
- Men wear two unstitched white cloths; women wear modest Islamic clothing.
- Say Talbiyah: “Labbayk Allahumma Labbayk…”
- From this point, certain acts are forbidden: cutting hair, using perfume, marital relations, hunting, etc.
3. Arrival in Makkah & Tawaf al-Qudum (Welcome Tawaf)
- Upon entering Makkah, head to Masjid al-Haram.
- Perform Tawaf al-Qudum (optional for Tamattu pilgrims):
- Walk seven times around the Kaaba, starting at the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad).
- Men should uncover the right shoulder (Idtiba) during Tawaf.
- Pray two rak‘ahs behind Maqam Ibrahim if possible.
4. Sa’i Between Safa and Marwa
- Perform Sa’i (walking between the hills of Safa and Marwa, 7 times).
- This ritual honours Hajar (AS)’s struggle while searching for water for Isma’il (AS).
- Men walk briskly (Ramal) in the marked green-lit area.
5. Stay in Mina – 8th Dhul Hijjah (Day of Tarwiyah)
- Travel to Mina, a valley 5 km from Makkah.
- Spend the day and night in prayer, Qur’an recitation, and remembrance of Allah.
- Pray Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, Isha, and Fajr shortened but not combined.
6. Day of Arafah – 9th Dhul Hijjah (The Most Important Day)
- Leave Mina after Fajr and head to Mount Arafah.
- Spend the day in Wuquf (standing in supplication).
- This is the essence of Hajj – the Prophet ﷺ said: “Hajj is Arafah” (Tirmidhi).
- Pray Dhuhr and Asr together at midday.
- After sunset, move to Muzdalifah without praying Maghrib in Arafah.
7. Night in Muzdalifah
- Pray Maghrib and Isha combined in Muzdalifah.
- Sleep under the open sky – a unique experience of Hajj.
- Collect 49 pebbles (7 for each of the 3 Jamarat, plus extras).
8. Rami – Stoning the Jamarat (10th Dhul Hijjah)
- After Fajr, return to Mina.
- Perform Rami al-Jamarat: throw 7 pebbles at the largest pillar (Jamarat al-Aqabah).
- This symbolises rejecting Shaytan’s whispers.
- Recite “Allahu Akbar” with each throw.
9. Qurbani (Animal Sacrifice)
- After stoning, pilgrims perform sacrifice (Qurbani) in remembrance of Ibrahim (AS)’s devotion.
- This is usually arranged in advance by travel agents like United Travel.
10. Shaving/Trimming Hair
- Men shave (Halq) or trim (Qasr) their hair.
- Women trim a small portion (about 1 inch) of hair.
- This marks partial exit from Ihram – normal clothes may be worn again.
11. Tawaf al-Ifadah & Sa’i (10th – 12th Dhul Hijjah)
- Return to Makkah to perform Tawaf al-Ifadah (obligatory).
- Repeat Sa’i between Safa and Marwa (for Tamattu pilgrims).
- Now pilgrims are in a complete state of purity.
12. Return to Mina (Days of Tashreeq – 11th, 12th & 13th Dhul Hijjah)
- Spend 2–3 days in Mina.
- Each day, perform Rami by stoning all three Jamarat (small, middle, and large) with 7 pebbles each.
- Pilgrims may leave Mina after the 12th Dhul Hijjah or stay until the 13th.
13. Farewell Tawaf (Tawaf al-Wida)
- Before leaving Makkah, perform Farewell Tawaf.
- This is the final act of worship – bidding farewell to the Kaaba.
- Say duas for forgiveness, family, and the entire Ummah.
Essential Tips for Pilgrims from the UK
- Travel Documents – Ensure your passport and Hajj visa are valid.
- Health & Vaccinations – Saudi requires mandatory vaccines.
- Ihram Clothing – Carry spares for comfort.
- Footwear – Use comfortable sandals, already broken in.
- Hydration – Drink plenty of Zamzam and bottled water.
- Travel with a Trusted Agent – United Travel provides licensed Hajj packages from the UK, including flights, accommodation, guides, and transport.
Why Choose United Travel for Your Hajj?
United Travel is:
- ATOL & IATA protected packages for your peace of mind.
- Expert Hajj guides to assist at every stage of your pilgrimage.
- Convenient departures from major UK airports.
- Affordable packages without compromising comfort.
- Dedicated customer support for UK pilgrims.
FAQs
Can I perform Hajj more than once?
Yes, though it is only obligatory once in a lifetime if you are able.
What is the difference between Hajj and Umrah?
Umrah can be performed anytime of the year, while Hajj is only during Dhul Hijjah and is a pillar of Islam.
Is Hajj physically challenging?
Yes, it involves long walks and patience. Preparing physically and mentally in advance is recommended.
How long does Hajj take?
Hajj lasts 5 to 6 days, though most UK packages include around 2–3 weeks in Saudi Arabia for travel and preparation.
