Follow the pilgrimage in order: photos, short video clips, and Qur'an & hadith proof for each major rite. This guide follows the common tamattu‘ pattern (‘Umrah first, then Hajj).
Always confirm details with your group leader and a qualified scholar — local schedules, madhhab, and health rules may differ.
Start here — full Hajj overview (day by day)
1
Before travel
Prepare your heart, paperwork, and intention
Home → journey to Makkah
Learn the rites, pack ihram clothing, arrange travel, and make a sincere intention that this Hajj is only for Allah.
Full Hajj overview — day-by-day guide
What to do
Study the order of rituals before you fly.
Pack two white seamless cloths (men) or modest dress (women).
Make du‘a that Allah accepts your Hajj.
And [due] to Allah from the people is a pilgrimage to the House — for whoever is able to find thereto a way.Qur’an 3:97
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “O people, Hajj has been ordained for you, so perform Hajj.”Sahih Muslim
Before crossing the miqat, bathe, wear ihram, pray two rak‘ah, and enter the state of ihram with talbiyah. In ihram: no perfume, stitched garments (men), cutting nails/hair, or marital relations.
How to wear ihram properly
What to do
Make ghusl and wear ihram before the miqat.
Say your intention for Hajj (or ‘Umrah then Hajj for tamattu‘).
Begin talbiyah: “Labbayk Allahumma labbayk…”
And complete the Hajj and ‘Umrah for Allah…Qur’an 2:196
The Prophet (ﷺ) made talbiyah for Hajj saying: “Labbayk Allahumma labbayk, labbayk la sharika laka labbayk…”Sahih al-Bukhari
3
In Makkah (tamattu‘)
Tawaf and Sa‘i (if performing tamattu‘)
Masjid al-Haram — Kaaba & Safa–Marwah
Walk seven circuits around the Kaaba (tawaf), starting at the Black Stone, keeping the Kaaba on your left. Then perform sa‘i: seven walks between Safa and Marwah. After sa‘i, men shave or trim hair — this completes the ‘umrah portion before Hajj days begin.
Tawaf, Sa‘i, and core Hajj pillars explained
What to do
Tawaf: 7 circuits, du‘a at Hijr Isma‘il and Multazam if possible.
Pray 2 rak‘ah behind Maqam Ibrahim when able.
Sa‘i: Safa → Marwah = 1; seven trips total; jog between green lights (men).
Trim/shave hair to leave ‘umrah ihram.
Then let them complete their prescribed duties and fulfil their vows, and circumambulate the ancient House.Qur’an 22:29
The Prophet (ﷺ) performed tawaf and sa‘i, showing the ummah how to worship at the Sacred House.Sahih al-Bukhari & Muslim
4
8 Dhul-Hijjah
Yawm al-Tarwiyah — enter ihram for Hajj & stay in Mina
Mina (≈5 km from Makkah)
On the 8th, put on ihram again for Hajj, then go to Mina. Pray Dhuhr, ‘Asr, Maghrib, and ‘Isha (shortened, not combined). Spend the night in Mina preparing for the greatest day — ‘Arafah.
First day in Mina — tents and facilities
What to do
Renew ihram and talbiyah for Hajj.
Travel to Mina after Fajr or as your group schedules.
Pray the four prayers in Mina; rest and make du‘a.
And remember Allah during [specific] numbered days…Qur’an 2:203
The Prophet (ﷺ) on the 8th went to Mina and prayed Dhuhr, ‘Asr, Maghrib, ‘Isha, and Fajr there.Sahih al-Bukhari
5
9 Dhul-Hijjah
Yawm ‘Arafah — standing at ‘Arafah (rukn al-Hajj)
Plain of ‘Arafah
This is the pillar of Hajj. After Fajr in Mina, proceed to ‘Arafah before Dhuhr. Combine Dhuhr and ‘Asr (shortened). Stand in du‘a from noon until sunset — the greatest hour of forgiveness.
Wuquf at ‘Arafah and the Hajj khutbah
What to do
Reach ‘Arafah before Dhuhr; listen to the khutbah at Namirah if with the imam.
Combine Dhuhr + ‘Asr (2 rak‘ah each, shortened).
Make du‘a, dhikr, and istighfar until Maghrib — do not leave before sunset.
There is no blame upon you for seeking bounty from your Lord [during Hajj]. But when you depart from ‘Arafat, remember Allah at al-Mash‘ar al-Haram…Qur’an 2:198
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “Hajj is ‘Arafah. Whoever catches ‘Arafah before Fajr on the night of Jam‘, his Hajj is complete.”Sunan al-Tirmidhi (hasan sahih)
6
Night of 10 Dhul-Hijjah
Muzdalifah — night under the sky
Muzdalifah (between ‘Arafah and Mina)
After sunset on the 9th, leave ‘Arafah calmly for Muzdalifah. Pray Maghrib and ‘Isha combined, rest, collect 49–70 pebbles for stoning, and spend the night in open prayer.
Night in Muzdalifah and collecting pebbles
What to do
Leave ‘Arafah with calmness after Maghrib adhan.
Pray Maghrib + ‘Isha combined at Muzdalifah.
Collect pebbles (about chickpea size) for the next days.
Women, elderly, or weak may leave after midnight.
And remember Allah during [specific] numbered days. Then whoever hastens [his departure] in two days — there is no sin upon him; and whoever delays — there is no sin upon him — for whoever fears Allah.Qur’an 2:203
The Prophet (ﷺ) permitted weak riders to move from Muzdalifah after half the night.Sahih Muslim
7
10 Dhul-Hijjah (Eid)
Yawm al-Nahr — stoning, sacrifice, hair, tawaf
Jamarat → Makkah → Mina
Stone Jamrat al-‘Aqabah with seven pebbles, one at a time, saying “Allahu Akbar.” Offer hady (sacrifice) if required, shave or trim hair (first tahallul), then go to Makkah for tawaf al-ifadah and sa‘i. Most ihram restrictions are now lifted.
Stoning, qurbani, halq, and tawaf al-ifadah
What to do
Rami: 7 pebbles at the large pillar only (Jamrat al-‘Aqabah).
Sacrifice (hady/qurbani) if on tamattu‘ or qiran.
Shave head (men) or trim ends of hair (women).
Tawaf al-ifadah + sa‘i in Makkah — pillar of Hajj.
And the camels and cattle We have appointed for you among the symbols of Allah; for you therein is good…Qur’an 22:36
On the day of sacrifice at Mina, the Prophet (ﷺ) stoned the Jamrah, offered sacrifice, shaved his head, and then performed tawaf.Sahih al-Bukhari
8
11–13 Dhul-Hijjah
Ayyam al-Tashreeq — stoning all three Jamarat
Mina
Stay in Mina and, after Dhuhr each day, stone all three Jamarat (small → middle → large), seven pebbles each, saying “Allahu Akbar” with each throw. Most pilgrims leave after the 12th if they depart before Maghrib.
Days of tashreeq — stoning all Jamarat
What to do
11th & 12th (and 13th if staying): stone all 3 pillars after Dhuhr.
Spend nights in Mina; keep dhikr and Qur’an.
Leave Mina before Maghrib on the 12th unless staying for 13th.
And remember Allah during [specific] numbered days…Qur’an 2:203
The Prophet (ﷺ) stoned the three Jamarat on the days of tashreeq, beginning with the smallest, then the middle, then Jamrat al-‘Aqabah.Sahih al-Bukhari
9
Before leaving Makkah
Tawaf al-Wada‘ (farewell tawaf)
Masjid al-Haram
Before leaving Makkah, perform a final seven-circuit tawaf. There is no sa‘i after this tawaf. Women in menstruation are excused according to many scholars.
Farewell tawaf — final rite before departure
What to do
Complete 7 circuits around the Kaaba.
Make du‘a for acceptance and safe return.
Depart Makkah — your Hajj rites are complete.
Indeed, Safa and Marwah are among the symbols of Allah. So whoever makes Hajj to the House or performs ‘umrah — there is no blame upon him for walking between them.Qur’an 2:158
The people were commanded that the last thing they should do is tawaf of the House, except that a concession was given to menstruating women.Sunan Ibn Majah (sahih)
Eid al-Adha
The 10th of Dhul-Hijjah celebrates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice for Allah. Pilgrims and Muslims worldwide offer qurbani, pray Eid salah, and share meat with family and the poor.
And We ransomed him with a great sacrifice.Qur’an 37:107
The Prophet (ﷺ) said on the day of sacrifice at Mina: “This is the day of sacrifice, the first day of tashreeq.”Sunan Abi Dawud
Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, la ilaha illallah, wallahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, wa lillahil-hamd.
Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest. There is no god but Allah. Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, and to Allah belongs all praise.
Commonly recited on the way to Eid prayer and after the congregational prayer until the khutbah.
Reported from Ibn Mas‘ud, Ibn ‘Abbas, and others — see Ibn Abi Shaybah, al-Bayhaqi
Same as the Eid formula — recited after each obligatory prayer from Fajr on the Day of ‘Arafah through the days of Tashriq (commonly through ‘Asr on the 13th of Dhul Hijjah).
The same takbir formula is emphasized after the five daily prayers during the days of Tashriq following Eid al-Adha.
Men often say it aloud after congregational prayers; women softly. Follow your local scholars on exact days and wording.
Sahih al-Bukhari 970; Sahih Muslim 1145
Full takbir — Eid & Tashriq
Extra takbirs — first rak‘ah (common practice)
اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ (×7 after opening takbir, before Al-Fatihah)
Say “Allahu Akbar” seven times with hands raised (in addition to the opening takbir), then recite Al-Fatihah and a surah.
In the first rak‘ah: opening takbir, then six or seven additional takbirs (scholars differ: 3, 5, 7, or 9), then recitation, ruku‘, and sujud as usual.
Hanafi: 3 extra in first rak‘ah, 3 in second. Shafi‘i/Maliki/Hanbali often teach 7 in the first and 5 in the second. Follow your imam.
See al-Bukhari & Muslim on the Prophet’s ﷺ Eid prayer
Eid salah step-by-step
Extra takbirs — second rak‘ah (common practice)
اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ (×5 after standing for second rak‘ah, before Al-Fatihah)
Say “Allahu Akbar” five times with hands raised, then recite Al-Fatihah and a surah.
In the second rak‘ah: stand, say opening takbir for the rak‘ah, then additional takbirs before recitation (number varies by madhhab).
Do not rush — pause briefly between takbirs. If you join late, follow the imam’s count.
Consensus on extra takbirs in Eid; number differs by school
Eid salah step-by-step
Qurban (Udhiyah) — sacrifice for Allah
Qurban (also called udhiyah) is slaughtering a halal animal for Allah on Eid al-Adha. It follows the way of Prophet Ibrahim (عليه السلام) and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). It is separate from hady (the Hajj sacrifice), though pilgrims on tamattu‘ or qiran offer both.
Qur'an proof
And the camels and cattle We have appointed for you among the symbols of Allah; for you therein is good. So mention the name of Allah upon them when lined up [for sacrifice]; and when they are down on their sides, eat from them and feed the needy and the beggar…Qur’an 22:36
Their meat will not reach Allah, nor will their blood, but what reaches Him is piety from you. Thus have We subjected them to you that you may glorify Allah for that [to] which He has guided you; and give good tidings to the doers of good.Qur’an 22:37
So pray to your Lord and sacrifice [to Him alone].Qur’an 108:2
…and do not shave your heads until the offering reaches its place of sacrifice…Qur’an 2:196
Hadith proof
The Prophet (ﷺ) sacrificed with his own hand two horned rams, saying “In the Name of Allah — Allah is the Greatest” and placing his foot on their sides.Sahih al-Bukhari & Sahih Muslim
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “Whoever can afford to offer a sacrifice but does not, let him not come near our prayer place.”Sunan al-Tirmidhi (hasan)
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “The first thing we do on this day is pray, then return and slaughter. Whoever does that has followed our Sunnah; whoever slaughters before the prayer, it is only meat he offered early for his family.”Sunan Abi Dawud
The Prophet (ﷺ) said to the daughter of al-Zubayr: “Give some in charity, for it is the time of your sacrifice.”Sahih Muslim
Rules of qurban
Who should offer qurban?
Every free Muslim who owns enough wealth beyond basic needs on the days of Eid — the majority of scholars hold it is sunnah mu’akkadah (strongly emphasized Sunnah).
In the Hanafi school, it is wajib (obligatory) on anyone who owns nisab (wealth above the zakat threshold) on the morning of 10 Dhul-Hijjah, excluding basic home and personal needs.
One sheep or goat suffices for one person and their household according to many scholars; a cow or camel may be shared by up to seven people.
Hady is a separate sacrifice required for Hajj tamattu‘ or qiran; Eid qurban is still offered by pilgrims who are not required to give hady (e.g. ifran).
When to slaughter
From after the Eid prayer on 10 Dhul-Hijjah until before sunset on 13 Dhul-Hijjah (the days of tashreeq).
Best time: after Eid salah on the 10th, following the Prophet’s (ﷺ) order — not before the prayer.
If delayed by necessity, it remains valid within the four days; many scholars prefer completing it on the 10th or 11th.
Which animals are valid
Sheep or goat — at least one year old (six months may suffice for some sheep if clearly mature, per some scholars).
Cow or buffalo — at least two years old.
Camel — at least five years old.
The animal must be healthy, free of major defects (blindness, lameness, severe illness, broken horns, etc.), and slaughtered in a halal manner.
How to slaughter
Make the intention for qurban/udhiyah for the sake of Allah.
Say “Bismillah, Allahu Akbar” and use a sharp knife; do not sharpen it in front of the animal or slaughter one while another watches.
Slaughter at the throat, cutting the windpipe and blood vessels; let the blood flow out.
You may slaughter yourself or appoint a trustworthy Muslim; many give to charity organizations that distribute meat to the poor.
Using and sharing the meat
Eat from the meat, gift to relatives and neighbours, and give to the poor — the Prophet (ﷺ) encouraged all three.
Many scholars recommend at least one-third for the poor; nothing forbids keeping more for family if the needy are not neglected.
The hide/skins may be kept for personal use or given in charity; selling the hide and giving the price in charity is also reported from the Companions.
Do not sell any of the meat itself — it is for eating and giving, not for trade.
Common mistakes to avoid
Slaughtering before Eid prayer on the 10th (for Eid qurban, not hady at Mina).
Choosing a sick, injured, or too-young animal.
Naming the sacrifice after people (e.g. “this is for my dead father”) — the intention is solely for Allah.
Assuming qurban replaces zakat or hady when you are obligated for those separately.
Photos from Wikimedia Commons. Video clips are educational overviews — verify rulings with your scholar and official Hajj authorities.
