The sacred pilgrimage of Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam, and is required of every Muslim at least once in their lifetime. Each year, millions of Muslims from across the world travel to Makkah, in Saudi Arabia, to perform Hajj.
Hajj takes place during the same time each year, in the sacred month of Dhul Hijjah – the twelfth month in the Islamic Calendar. Hajj begins on the 8th of Dhul Hijjah and lasts approximately five to six days, depending on the sighting of the moon. This year, these dates are expected to correspond with the 4th to the 9th of June 2025. When the new crescent moon is sighted, Muslims around the world welcome in the four-day festival of Eid al-Adha.
Muslims are commanded by Allah (SWT) to fulfil the sacred pilgrimage of Hajj as relayed in the Holy Qur’an:
You will enter the Sacred Masjid, God willing, perfectly secure, and you will cut your hair or shorten it (as you fulfil the pilgrimage rituals) there. You will not have any fear. Since He knew what you did not know, He has coupled this with an immediate victory.
Qur’an | Surah Al-Fath | 48:27
Muslims who perform the sacred pilgrimage of Hajj are required to undergo a series of rites and rituals which each offer their own unique purpose and wisdom.
The 18 steps of Hajj at a glance
- Preparation and intention
- Enter state of Ihram
- Tawaf (x7)
- Safa and Marwa
- Clip/Shave hair (Umrah ends)
- Resting and prayer
- Enter state of Ihram
- Arrive at Mina
- Day of ‘Arafah
- Muzdalifah (under the night sky)
- Rami (stoning of the devil)
- Qurbani
- Shave head
- Tawaf al-Ifadha
- Rami (stoning of the devil)
- Spend night at Mina
- Rami (stoning of the devil)
- Farewell Tawaf al-Wida