How to Perform Hajj – Step-by-Step Guide for UK Pilgrims

Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and a once-in-a-lifetime obligation for every Muslim who is physically and financially able to perform it. It takes place annually in the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.

This guide walks you through the entire Hajj journey in simple steps, ideal for those performing Hajj for the first time.

🌍 Step 1: Pre-Hajj Preparation (UK Checklist)

• ✅ Valid passport (at least 6 months)
• ✅ Hajj visa (handled by Hajj agents in the UK)
• ✅ Required vaccinations (e.g., meningitis)
• ✅ Ihram clothing
• ✅ Group booking through licensed Hajj operators in the UK
• ✅ Mental and spiritual preparation through Hajj seminars and guides

🕊️ Step 2: Entering Ihram and Making Intention

Before entering Makkah (at Miqat):

• Wear Ihram garments:
  • Men: Two unstitched white cloths
  • Women: Modest Islamic dress
• Make intention (Niyyah) for Hajj: “Labbayk Allahumma Hajjan”
• Start reciting Talbiyah: “Labbayka Allahumma labbayk, labbayka la sharika laka labbayk…”

🗓️ Step 3: 8th Dhul-Hijjah (Day of Tarwiyah)

• Travel to Mina with your group
• Stay in tents arranged by the Hajj authorities
• Pray Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, Isha, and Fajr (next day) in congregation

🏔️ Step 4: 9th Dhul-Hijjah – Arafah (Day of Hajj)

• Go to Mount Arafat in the morning
• Perform Wuquf (standing) from Dhuhr to Maghrib
• Spend the day in dua, worship, and reflection (this is the most important part of Hajj!)
• After sunset, leave Arafah for Muzdalifah

🌌 Step 5: Night in Muzdalifah (Collecting Pebbles)

• Pray Maghrib and Isha together at Muzdalifah
• Sleep under the open sky
• Collect 49 or 70 small pebbles for the next 3 days of stoning in Mina

🕋 Step 6: 10th Dhul-Hijjah – Eid Day (Yawm an-Nahr)

Four main rituals on this day:

1. Rami al-Jamarat: Throw 7 pebbles at the largest pillar (Jamrat al-Aqabah) in Mina
2. Sacrifice (Qurbani): Your group arranges an animal sacrifice
3. Hair cutting/shaving:
   • Men shave (Halq) or trim (Taqsir)
   • Women cut 1–2 inches of hair
4. Tawaf al-Ifadah: Return to Makkah to perform Tawaf and Sa’i

🔁 After this, you are no longer in full Ihram.

🔁 Step 7: 11th–13th Dhul-Hijjah – Rami (Stoning) Days

• Return to Mina and perform stoning at all 3 Jamarat pillars:
  • Jamrat al-Sughra (small)
  • Jamrat al-Wusta (middle)
  • Jamrat al-Aqabah (large)

👉 Throw 7 stones at each pillar daily (total 21 stones per day)

You can stay for two or three days in Mina (11th & 12th or 11th–13th Dhul-Hijjah)

🕋 Final Step: Farewell Tawaf (Tawaf al-Wada’)

• Before leaving Makkah, perform one last Tawaf around the Kaaba
• This marks the completion of your Hajj

🎉 Congratulations – Your Hajj is Complete!

You have now completed one of the greatest spiritual journeys in Islam. May Allah accept it from you and reward your efforts. Ameen.

🧳 Tips for UK Pilgrims (Professionals & Families)

• Book with licensed UK Hajj operators for full guidance and group support.
• Attend Hajj seminars to understand the rituals clearly.
• Pack light but smart (medicines, slippers, reusable water bottle, unscented toiletries).
• For families: Choose packages with comfortable tents and child assistance.
• For professionals: Plan at least 2–3 weeks off from work.