SubhanAllah, over 25,000 Muslims from NIGERIA make the journey to Makkah each year to perform Hajj, uniting with millions from across the globe. If you’re blessed with this sacred opportunity, this guide will walk you through the steps clearly, following the Tamattu method of Hajj — the one most recommended by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).
HAJJ TIMELINE AT A GLANCE
Preparation & Intention (Niyyah)
Enter State of Ihram
Tawaf (7 Circuits)
Sa’i (Safa to Marwa x7)
Clip/Shave Hair (Umrah Ends)
Rest and Worship in Makkah
Re-enter Ihram (8th Dhul Hijjah)
Travel to Mina
Day of ‘Arafah (9th Dhul Hijjah)
Muzdalifah (overnight stay)
Rami al-Jamarat (10th Dhul Hijjah)
Hady (Animal Sacrifice)
Shaving Head
Tawaf al-Ifadah
Sa’i
Rami (11th Dhul Hijjah)
Rami (12th Dhul Hijjah)
Spend Nights in Mina
Tawaf al-Wida (Farewell Tawaf)
Before Hajj: Umrah (Tamattu Hajj)
1. Preparation & Intention
Make your niyyah sincerely for Allah alone.
Avoid showing off or seeking praise.
2. Enter Ihram
Men: Two white unstitched cloths (Rida’ & Izar).
Women: Any modest clothing; no face covering or gloves.
Avoid perfume, shaving, cutting nails, and arguing.
Begin reciting Talbiyah:
“Labbayka Allahumma labbayk…”
3. Tawaf x7
Perform 7 anticlockwise circuits around the Ka’bah.
Begin and end each circuit at the Black Stone (Hajr al-Aswad).
4. Sa’i Between Safa and Marwa
Walk from Safa to Marwa (1 lap).
7 laps total, ending at Marwa.
Symbolises Hajar’s (AS) search for water for her son.
5. Shaving/Trimming Hair
Men: Shave or trim hair.
Women: Trim fingertip-length from hair.
This marks the end of Umrah. You may exit Ihram.
The Days of Hajj Begin
6. Rest in Makkah Until 8th Dhul Hijjah
7. Enter Ihram Again (8th Dhul Hijjah)
Perform ghusl, wear Ihram.
Recite Talbiyah.
Travel to Mina with your group.
8. Arrive at Mina
Pray 5 daily prayers shortened (not combined).
Rest and engage in worship
.
Day of Arafah (9th Dhul Hijjah)
9. Journey to ‘Arafah
Combine Dhuhr & Asr (2 raka’ah each) at Arafah.
Spend the day in dua, repentance, and reflection.
Listen to the Khutbah at Masjid al-Nimrah.
This is the most important day of Hajj — make dua earnestly!
🌌 Muzdalifah (Night of 9th Dhul Hijjah)
10. Travel to Muzdalifah
Pray Maghrib and Isha together (Isha shortened to 2 raka’ah).
Sleep under the open sky.
Collect 70 pebbles (size of a date seed) for Rami.
🪨 Eid al-Adha & Rites of Hajj
11. Rami al-Jamarat (10th Dhul Hijjah)
Throw 7 pebbles at Jamarat al-Aqaba (largest pillar).
Say: “Allahu Akbar” with each throw.
12. Hady (Animal Sacrifice)
Your Hajj group or sponsor will usually arrange this.
Commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) obedience.
13. Shave or Trim Hair
Men: Shave head (preferable).
Women: Clip fingertip-length.
You can now exit Ihram except for marital relations.
🕋 Tawaf al-Ifadah & Final Rites
14. Tawaf al-Ifadah
7 circuits around the Ka’bah.
Required for Hajj to be complete.
15. Sa’i
Perform 7 laps between Safa and Marwa again.
Once done, you may resume all normal activities including marital relations.
🪨 Final Rami and Completion
16. Rami on 11th Dhul Hijjah
Throw 7 pebbles at each of the 3 Jamarat (21 total).
17. Rami on 12th Dhul Hijjah
Repeat as above. You may now leave Mina before sunset.
If staying for 13th Dhul Hijjah (Sunnah): perform Rami again (total of 3 days).
🏁 Farewell Tawaf
18. Tawaf al-Wida
7 final circuits around the Ka’bah.
The Farewell Tawaf before leaving Makkah.
Must be the last act before departure (unless menstruating women are excused).
Tips for Hajj Success
Stay hydrated and protect from sun with unscented products.
Carry Zamzam water, snacks, spare Ihram, and wet wipes.
Be patient and respectful — Hajj is a test of endurance and unity.
