Hajj (الحج) is the fifth and final pillar of Islam — the annual pilgrimage to Makkah, Saudi Arabia, that every Muslim who is physically able and financially capable must undertake at least once in their lifetime. It takes place during the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah (the twelfth month of the Hijri calendar), specifically over five days from the 8th to the 12th (or 13th). Each year around 2–2.5 million pilgrims from every corner of the world gather in Makkah to perform the same rites — one of the largest annual peaceful gatherings in human history.
And Hajj to the House is a duty that mankind owes to Allah — those who can find a way there.
Who must perform Hajj?
Hajj is obligatory (fard) upon every Muslim who meets four conditions: (1) being Muslim, (2) being an adult (having reached puberty), (3) being mentally sound (aqil), and (4) having the istita'ah — physical ability to make the journey and financial means to do so without going into debt or leaving dependants in hardship. Anyone who has the means but delays without excuse bears a grave sin.
The three types of Hajj
- Hajj at-Tamattu' (most common for non-residents): Umrah is performed first (entering and exiting Ihram), then Ihram is re-entered for Hajj on the 8th Dhul Hijjah. A dam (sacrificial animal) is required. Most UK pilgrims perform this type.
- Hajj al-Ifrad: Only Hajj is performed — no Umrah. The pilgrim remains in Ihram from the miqat until the end of Hajj. No dam is required.
- Hajj al-Qiran: Umrah and Hajj are combined in one continuous Ihram. A dam is required. Less common for those travelling from far away.
The five days of Hajj — step by step
Day 1 (8 Dhul Hijjah) — Travel to Mina
After entering Ihram, pilgrims travel to Mina — a valley about 5km east of Masjid al-Haram. This day is called Yawm at-Tarwiyah (Day of Watering). Pilgrims spend the night in Mina, praying Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, Isha and Fajr — each shortened to two rak'ahs (qasr) but not combined.
Day 2 (9 Dhul Hijjah) — Standing at Arafah (the heart of Hajj)
The standing at the Plain of Arafah (Wuquf) is the single most important pillar of Hajj — so much so that the Prophet ﷺ said 'Hajj is Arafah' (Sunan Abi Dawud 1949). Pilgrims gather at the plain from after Dhuhr until sunset, engaged in dhikr, dua, seeking forgiveness, and reciting the Talbiyah. Allah descends to the lowest heaven on this day and is reported to boast to the angels about His pilgrims. Missing Arafah means Hajj is invalid.
لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ، لَهُ الْمُلْكُ وَلَهُ الْحَمْدُ وَهُوَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ
La ilaha illallah wahdahu la sharika lahu, lahul-mulk wa lahul-hamd wa huwa 'ala kulli shay'in qadir.
There is no god but Allah alone, without partner; sovereignty and praise belong to Him and He is powerful over all things.
(The best dua on the Day of Arafah — Sunan at-Tirmidhi 3585)
Night of Day 2 — Muzdalifah
After sunset at Arafah, pilgrims move to Muzdalifah (between Arafah and Mina) where Maghrib and Isha are prayed combined and shortened. The night is spent here in the open, collecting 49 or 70 small pebbles for the Rami (stoning) ritual. Fajr is prayed at Muzdalifah, then pilgrims move back towards Mina after Fajr.
Day 3 (10 Dhul Hijjah) — Eid al-Adha and the four acts
The 10th of Dhul Hijjah is Eid al-Adha for all Muslims worldwide. For pilgrims in Makkah, this is the busiest and most significant day of Hajj. Four acts are performed (preferably in order):
- 1. Rami al-Jamarat: Throw 7 pebbles at the large pillar (Jamrat al-Aqabah) saying 'Allahu akbar' with each throw.
- 2. Hady (sacrifice): A sacrificial animal (camel, cow or sheep) is slaughtered. Most pilgrims now pay a voucher and the sacrifice is performed on their behalf.
- 3. Halq or Taqsir: Men shave the head completely (or shorten hair); women cut a fingertip-length. This ends most Ihram restrictions.
- 4. Tawaf al-Ifadah and Sa'i: Return to Masjid al-Haram, perform Tawaf and Sa'i. This is a pillar (rukn) of Hajj — without it Hajj is incomplete.
Days 4–5 (11–12 Dhul Hijjah) — Days of Tashreeq in Mina
Pilgrims return to Mina for the Days of Tashreeq, spending nights there and performing Rami on each day — throwing 7 pebbles at each of the three Jamarat (small, medium, and large pillar) in order after Dhuhr. Those who wish to leave early (before sunset on the 12th) may do so. Those who remain for the 13th throw pebbles on that day too.
Tawaf al-Wada (Farewell Tawaf)
Before leaving Makkah, pilgrims perform Tawaf al-Wada — a farewell circumambulation of the Kaaba. This is obligatory for all pilgrims except menstruating women. The Prophet ﷺ commanded that no one should leave Makkah without first circumambulating the House.
How much does Hajj cost from the UK?
Hajj packages from the UK are regulated by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, which sets quotas for each country. The UK is allocated approximately 25,000 Hajj visas per year. In 2024, standard UK packages ranged from approximately £5,500 to over £12,000 depending on accommodation grade and services. High-demand packages sell out months in advance — some operators have waiting lists of several years.
Hajj vs Umrah: key differences
- Obligation: Hajj is fard (obligatory) once in a lifetime; Umrah is voluntary (Sunnah mu'akkadah).
- Timing: Hajj is only in Dhul Hijjah; Umrah is any time of year.
- Rites: Hajj requires Arafah, Muzdalifah, Mina stays and Rami — all absent from Umrah.
- Duration: Hajj lasts 5–6 days; Umrah takes 2–4 hours.
- Quota: Saudi Arabia sets country quotas for Hajj visas; Umrah visas are available year-round.
Frequently asked questions about Hajj
Is Hajj compulsory if I cannot afford it?
No. Hajj only becomes obligatory when a person has the istita'ah — the means. If performing Hajj would require you to take out a loan, deprive your family of essentials, or jeopardise your financial stability, it is not yet obligatory for you. However, if the means become available, the obligation arises immediately.
Can I perform Hajj on behalf of a deceased parent?
Yes. If a parent died without performing Hajj despite having the means, a child may perform Hajj on their behalf. This is established in Sahih al-Bukhari (1852) where the Prophet ﷺ confirmed that a daughter could perform Hajj for her deceased mother. The person performing proxy Hajj must have already completed their own obligatory Hajj first.
What is the Hajj quota for the UK?
Saudi Arabia allocates approximately 1,000 Hajj visas per million Muslims to each country. The UK receives around 25,000 places per year, distributed among licensed UK Hajj operators. Demand often exceeds supply, making early registration essential.
What vaccinations are needed for Hajj?
The Saudi Ministry of Health requires proof of meningococcal ACWY vaccination for all Hajj and Umrah pilgrims. Yellow fever vaccination is required if travelling from an endemic country. Additional recommended vaccines include typhoid, hepatitis A, and flu. Consult your GP or an NHS travel clinic well before departure.
What is Hajj Mabrur?
Hajj Mabrur (Hajj accepted by Allah) is the highest aspiration of every pilgrim. The Prophet ﷺ said: 'An accepted Hajj has no reward except Paradise.' (Sahih al-Bukhari 1773). Scholars say Hajj Mabrur is one in which the pilgrim avoids all sin, maintains good character throughout, and whose life is improved after returning home.