Hajj & Umrah

Where Would You Like to Begin?

Choose the journey you are preparing for, or start with the foundations.

Your Hajj & Umrah Learning Journey

A structured path from first principles through to returning home and continuing your worship.

Understanding the Foundations

Learn the key terms before you go. These are general, widely accepted definitions — always confirm specific rulings for your situation with a qualified scholar.

Hajj

The annual pilgrimage to Makkah performed during a set period in Dhul-Hijjah, obligatory once in a lifetime for those who are able.

Umrah

A pilgrimage to Makkah that can be performed at any time of year. It is not obligatory but is highly encouraged.

Ihram

The sacred state a pilgrim enters before performing Hajj or Umrah, along with the simple garments worn during this state.

Miqat

The designated boundary points around Makkah where pilgrims must enter the state of ihram.

Tawaf

Circumambulating the Ka’bah seven times.

Sa’i

Walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah.

Mina

A valley near Makkah where pilgrims stay during the days of Hajj.

Arafah

A plain outside Makkah where pilgrims gather on the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah — central to the Hajj.

Muzdalifah

An area between Arafah and Mina where pilgrims stop after leaving Arafah.

Jamarat

The three stone pillars in Mina where pilgrims perform the symbolic stoning.

Umrah Step by Step

A general overview of the sequence. Scholars differ on some details of this practice — follow a qualified teacher or guide for your own circumstances.

1. 1
   Before Miqat

   Prepare — bathe, wear the ihram garments, and form your intention before reaching the miqat.

2. 2
   Ihram

   Enter the sacred state of ihram at or before the miqat, with the intention for Umrah.

3. 3
   Talbiyah

   Recite the talbiyah, the traditional response of the pilgrim, repeatedly on the way to Makkah.

4. 4
   Entering Makkah

   Proceed to Masjid al-Haram to begin the rites of Umrah.

5. 5
   Tawaf

   Circumambulate the Ka’bah seven times.

6. 6
   Prayer After Tawaf

   Pray two rak’ahs, traditionally near Maqam Ibrahim where possible. Scholars differ on some details of this practice.

7. 7
   Sa’i

   Walk seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah.

8. 8
   Completing Umrah

   Shave or trim the hair to exit the state of ihram, completing the Umrah.

Note: This is a general overview, not a substitute for a detailed guide or qualified teacher.

Hajj Step by Step

Hajj has different recognised forms, and the exact sequence and obligations can vary depending on the type of Hajj and scholarly guidance. This is a high-level overview only.

1. 1
   Before Hajj

   Complete practical and spiritual preparation before the days of Hajj begin.

2. 2
   Ihram & Miqat

   Enter ihram with the intention for Hajj, at or before the miqat.

3. 3
   Mina

   Pilgrims stay in Mina on the 8th of Dhul-Hijjah.

4. 4
   Arafah

   Stand at Arafah on the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah — the central pillar of Hajj.

5. 5
   Muzdalifah

   Stop at Muzdalifah after leaving Arafah, before continuing to Mina.

6. 6
   Jamarat

   Perform the symbolic stoning at the Jamarat in Mina over the following days.

7. 7
   Tawaf al-Ifadah

   Perform the tawaf that is a core part of completing Hajj.

8. 8
   Sa’i

   Perform sa’i where applicable to your type of Hajj.

9. 9
   Final Tawaf

   Perform the farewell tawaf before departing Makkah.

Note: Please follow a qualified scholar or an accredited Hajj guide for the specific rulings and sequence that apply to your group and type of Hajj.

Understanding the Types of Hajj

There are three recognised ways of combining Hajj and Umrah. Consult a qualified scholar to decide which applies to your situation.

Scholars differ on some details between these forms. This page does not state that one form is universally preferred — ask a qualified scholar for guidance specific to you.

Places You Will Encounter

A brief introduction to the sacred places connected to Hajj and Umrah.

🤲 Duas for the Journey

Explore authentic supplications and remembrance relevant to travel, worship and the pilgrimage. We are not publishing dua text here until it has been properly sourced and checked — see our Daily Duas guide in the meantime for everyday supplications.

Travel →
• Ihram — Planned
Talbiyah → Tawaf →
• Sa’i — Planned
Arafah → General worship → Forgiveness →
• Gratitude — Planned

Not every dua associated with a particular place or moment is obligatory. Where a practice is an established Sunnah we will say so directly; otherwise it is presented as permissible personal dua.

Before You Go: What to Learn

Track what you have learned so far. This checklist is saved in this browser only — it is not linked to your HikmahBridge account.

• Basic Hajj/Umrah terminology
• How to make wudu
• Salah basics
• Essential duas
• Talbiyah
• Basic tawaf procedure
• Basic sa’i procedure
• Travel duas
• Relevant Hajj/Umrah rites
• Emergency/help phrases where useful

0 of 10 steps checked off. Progress is saved in this browser.

Hajj & Umrah Preparation Checklist

Islamic Preparation

• Learn the rites
• Review salah
• Learn relevant duas
• Understand ihram
• Ask qualified scholars about your personal circumstances

Travel Preparation

• Passport
• Required documents
• Visa/permit requirements — check official current guidance
• Accommodation
• Transport
• Emergency contacts
• Currency/payment arrangements

Personal Preparation

• Medication and personal necessities
• Comfortable, appropriate clothing
• Footwear
• Communication arrangements
• Accessibility needs

No document or travel item listed here is universally required for everyone. Check official current guidance before departure.

Check Current Official Requirements

Travel rules, visa requirements, permits and health requirements can change. HikmahBridge will not treat time-sensitive information as permanent.

Requirements can change. Verify current requirements with the relevant official authorities before travelling. HikmahBridge is an educational resource, not a travel agency or visa service.

Hajj & Umrah Questions

Guidance for Women

Hajj and Umrah involve some questions specific to women, including matters where scholars hold different positions. Scholars differ on some details — consult a qualified scholar for guidance specific to your circumstances.

General preparation → Ihram-related considerations → Prayer considerations → Menstruation-related questions → Travel preparation → Family/travel considerations →

Taking Your Family

Preparing children for the journey is its own kind of preparation.

• Preparing children for what they will see and experience
• Explaining the pilgrimage in age-appropriate language
• Family routines during the journey
• Keeping children engaged and comfortable
• Age-appropriate expectations
• Practical preparation for travelling with a family

Visit the Family Hub →

New to Hajj & Umrah?

Start with the essentials and build from there.

1. 01
   Understand Hajj & Umrah
   Available
2. 02
   Learn Ihram
   Available
3. 03
   Learn the Rites
   Available
4. 04
   Learn the Duas
   In development
5. 05
   Prepare Practically
   Available
6. 06
   Verify Current Travel Requirements
   Time-Sensitive
7. 07
   Travel Prepared
   Available

Featured Hajj & Umrah Guides

Step-by-step guides for Hajj and Umrah are now available. A few more dedicated resources below are still being prepared.

Complete Umrah Guide → Complete Hajj Guide →
• Hajj Preparation Guide
• Umrah Preparation Guide
Hajj & Umrah Duas →
• Printable Hajj Checklist
• Printable Umrah Checklist
Women’s Hajj & Umrah Guide →
• Family Hajj & Umrah Guide

Learn With Evidence

HikmahBridge aims to present pilgrimage guidance clearly while keeping Qur’an and Sunnah references identifiable and acknowledging legitimate scholarly differences.

• Qur’an — Relevant verses are clearly identified.
• Hadith — Hadith references identify their collection and relevant source information.
• Fiqh — Scholarly positions are clearly identified where relevant, and differences are acknowledged rather than hidden.
• Official Travel Information — Official sources are used for changing logistical requirements, never assumptions.

Continue Your Learning

Stay Connected With HikmahBridge

Receive new Islamic learning resources, practical guides and important HikmahBridge updates. Planned: a subscription option is not yet available — in the meantime, use the contact page to get in touch — see our Privacy Policy.