The rites of Hajj, explained step by step
Hajj unfolds over roughly five days, each with its own sacred rite. Follow this ordered timeline — from entering Ihram to the farewell Tawaf — to perform every step with knowledge and confidence.
Perform Hajj as the Prophet ﷺ did
In his Farewell Hajj the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said, “Take your rites of Hajj from me.” Every Bangla-speaking muallim who travels with Inter Gulf is trained to walk you through these rites exactly, moment by moment. The timeline below shows what to expect on each day so you arrive prepared in heart and mind — and our pre-Hajj workshop in Dhaka covers it all in person before you fly.
Your day-by-day Hajj journey
Ten clearly explained steps, in the sequence you will perform them.
- 8th Dhul-Hijjah — Yawm at-TarwiyahStep 01
Enter the state of Ihram
At the appointed Miqat, the pilgrim performs ghusl, dons the two white unstitched cloths (men) or modest dress (women), makes the intention (niyyah) for Hajj and begins the Talbiyah: “Labbaik Allahumma labbaik…”. From this moment the rules of Ihram apply — no cutting hair or nails, no perfume, no marital relations, no arguing or harming any living thing.
- 8th Dhul-HijjahStep 02
Travel to Mina
Pilgrims proceed to the tent city of Mina and remain there, praying Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, Isha and the next day’s Fajr — each prayer shortened (qasr) but at its own time. The day is spent in worship, supplication and rest in preparation for the great day of Arafah.
- 9th Dhul-Hijjah — Yawm al-ArafahStep 03
The Standing at Arafah (Wuquf)
This is the pillar and essence of Hajj — “Hajj is Arafah,” said the Prophet ﷺ. After sunrise the pilgrims move to the plain of Arafah and remain from midday until sunset in earnest dua, dhikr and repentance. Dhuhr and Asr are combined and shortened. It is the day Allah descends His mercy and frees the most souls from the Fire — no pilgrim should let it pass without sincere supplication.
- 9th Dhul-Hijjah — after sunsetStep 04
Muzdalifah & gathering pebbles
After sunset, without praying Maghrib at Arafah, pilgrims travel to Muzdalifah where Maghrib and Isha are combined. They rest under the open sky, perform Fajr, make dua, and collect small pebbles for the stoning ritual to come.
- 10th Dhul-Hijjah — Yawm an-Nahr (Eid)Step 05
Rami of Jamrat al-Aqabah
On the morning of Eid al-Adha, pilgrims return to Mina and stone the largest pillar, Jamrat al-Aqabah, with seven pebbles, saying “Allahu Akbar” with each throw. This re-enacts Ibrahim عليه السلام rejecting Shaytan and symbolises the believer’s own struggle against evil.
- 10th Dhul-HijjahStep 06
Qurbani — the sacrifice
The pilgrim offers an animal sacrifice (or arranges it through an authorised service), commemorating Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah, and Allah’s ransom of him with a great sacrifice. The meat is distributed to the poor.
- 10th Dhul-HijjahStep 07
Halq or Taqsir
Men shave the head (halq) — the most rewarded — or trim it (taqsir); women trim a fingertip’s length of hair. With this, the first level of release from Ihram (tahallul) is complete: most restrictions are lifted, and the pilgrim may change into ordinary clothes.
- 10th–11th Dhul-HijjahStep 08
Tawaf al-Ifadah & Sa‘i
The pilgrim returns to Makkah to perform Tawaf al-Ifadah — seven circuits around the Kaaba — a pillar of Hajj, followed by the Sa‘i between Safa and Marwah (seven trips) if not already done. After this, all restrictions of Ihram, including marital relations, are fully lifted.
- 11th–13th Dhul-Hijjah — Ayyam at-TashreeqStep 09
Return to Mina & complete the Rami
Pilgrims spend the days of Tashreeq in Mina, and on each day after Dhuhr stone all three Jamarat (small, middle, then large) with seven pebbles each. Those who wish to leave early may depart after the 12th before sunset; the rest complete the 13th — both are permitted in the Sunnah.
- Before leaving MakkahStep 10
Tawaf al-Wada — the farewell
The final rite of Hajj is the farewell Tawaf: seven last circuits of the Kaaba before departing Makkah. The Prophet ﷺ commanded that no one leave until their last act is at the House. Pilgrims make their parting duas, hearts full, asking Allah to accept their Hajj and invite them back.
A note on the types of Hajj
Most Bangladeshi pilgrims perform Hajj at-Tamattu‘ — performing Umrah first on arrival, releasing from Ihram, then re-entering Ihram for Hajj on the 8th of Dhul-Hijjah (this requires a Qurbani). The other forms are Hajj al-Qiran (Umrah and Hajj in a single Ihram, with Qurbani) and Hajj al-Ifrad (Hajj alone, without Qurbani). Your muallim will confirm the correct intention for your group and guide you precisely — there is no need to worry about getting it wrong.
Travel with a guide who knows every rite
Our experienced muallims and pre-Hajj training make sure you perform each step correctly and with peace of mind.
Or call us directly: 01711 358939