The Saudi Guides

Hajj: A Complete Guide to the Annual Pilgrimage

· 3 min read Pilgrimage
Millions of pilgrims performing Tawaf around the Kaaba at Al-Masjid al-Haram during Hajj

Contents

  1. When Hajj Occurs
  2. The Rituals of Hajj
  3. Hajj Visa and Quota System
  4. Physical Preparation

Mecca is accessible to Muslims only. Non-Muslims are prohibited from entering the city — this is enforced at all checkpoints on roads into Mecca.

Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam — the annual pilgrimage to Mecca that every Muslim who is physically and financially able must perform at least once in their lifetime. Approximately two million Muslims from across the world converge on Mecca each year during the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah, making Hajj one of the largest annual gatherings of people on Earth.

When Hajj Occurs

Hajj takes place on specific days of the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah — the 12th month of the lunar Islamic calendar. The key ritual dates are the 8th through the 13th of Dhul Hijjah. Because the Islamic lunar calendar is 354 days (approximately 11 days shorter than the Gregorian year), the Hajj date shifts earlier each year. In 2026, Hajj is expected to fall in late May or early June. In 2027, approximately 11 days earlier than in 2026.

Confirm exact dates with the official Saudi Hajj authority or an authorised Hajj operator — the start of Dhul Hijjah is determined by the lunar moon sighting and can vary by a day from projections.

The Rituals of Hajj

Hajj consists of a specific sequence of rituals performed over five days. The core acts:

1. Entering Ihram (Day 8 — Dhul Hijjah 8) Pilgrims enter the state of ihram before crossing the miqat (designated boundary points outside Mecca). Men wear two white seamless cloths (izar and rida). Women wear modest clothing covering everything except face and hands. The pilgrim declares the talbiyah: Labbayk Allahumma Labbayk (Here I am, O Allah, here I am).

2. Standing at Arafat (Day 9 — Dhul Hijjah 9) The core of Hajj. Pilgrims travel to the plain of Arafat (15 kilometres from Mecca) and stand in prayer and supplication from noon to sunset. The Prophet Muhammad said: “Hajj is Arafat.” Missing the standing at Arafat invalidates the Hajj.

3. Muzdalifah (Night of Dhul Hijjah 9–10) After Arafat, pilgrims travel to Muzdalifah, where they pray Maghrib and Isha combined, sleep briefly, and collect pebbles for the stoning ritual.

4. Stoning the Devil — Rami al-Jamarat (Days 10–13) Pilgrims throw pebbles at three stone pillars (Jamarat) in Mina, representing the rejection of Satan’s temptations. Rami al-Jamarat is performed over 3–4 days with varying numbers of pebbles per pillar.

5. Eid al-Adha Sacrifice and Halq/Taqsir (Day 10 — Dhul Hijjah 10) On the day of Eid al-Adha, pilgrims sacrifice an animal (or pay for one to be sacrificed on their behalf) and shave or cut their hair (halq for men, taqsir trimming for women), exiting a portion of ihram.

6. Tawaf al-Ifadah and Sa’i Pilgrims travel to Al-Masjid al-Haram to perform Tawaf (seven circumambulations of the Kaaba) and Sa’i (seven walks between the hills of Safa and Marwah, commemorating Hagar’s search for water).

7. Tawaf al-Wada (Farewell Tawaf) Before leaving Mecca, pilgrims perform a final Tawaf as a farewell to the Kaaba.

Hajj Visa and Quota System

Hajj visas are issued through a Saudi-managed quota system. Each Muslim-majority country receives a quota of approximately 1,000 visas per million Muslims in the population. In practice, this means waiting lists in many countries — applications submitted years in advance.

How to apply:

  • Contact your country’s Hajj mission or Ministry of Religious Affairs
  • Register with an authorised Hajj operator
  • Submit documentation: passport, proof of Islam (conversion certificate or affidavit where required), mahram documentation (where applicable), health certifications
  • Meningococcal vaccination is mandatory for Hajj
  • Pay in full well in advance

Physical Preparation

Hajj is physically demanding. Pilgrims walk many kilometres daily across multiple days, often in intense heat (Hajj has fallen in summer in recent years). Prepare by:

  • Building cardiovascular fitness in the months before
  • Acclimatising to heat if your climate is cool
  • Packing supportive footwear appropriate for long walking on stone and sand
  • Consulting a physician about any health conditions that may be affected by heat and exertion

See the Umrah guide if you are planning a non-Hajj pilgrimage visit.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who is required to perform Hajj?
Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and is obligatory (fard) for every Muslim who is physically and financially able to undertake it, once in their lifetime. The condition of ability (istita'ah) includes physical health, financial means to cover costs, and safety of the route.
When does Hajj take place?
Hajj takes place in the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah — specifically on the 8th through 13th of Dhul Hijjah. Because the Islamic calendar is lunar (354 days per year), the Hajj date shifts approximately 10–11 days earlier each year in the Gregorian calendar. In 2026, Hajj is expected to occur in late May or early June — verify with the official Saudi Hajj authority for exact dates.
How do I get a Hajj visa?
Hajj visas are not applied for individually — they are issued through a quota system managed by the Saudi government and distributed to each Muslim-majority country. Apply through your country's official Hajj mission, ministry of religious affairs, or an authorised Hajj tour operator. Quotas fill months in advance. Saudi Arabia also issues a small number of Hajj visas through private tour operators for pilgrims from non-Muslim-majority countries.
What does Hajj cost?
Hajj costs vary significantly by country of origin and package type. Government-organised Hajj from most Muslim-majority countries runs USD 3,000–8,000 per person, covering flights, accommodation in Mecca and Medina, transport between sites, and meals. Private packages can cost USD 10,000–30,000+. The cost from Western countries (UK, USA, Australia) is typically higher due to flight distances and private operator fees.
Can women perform Hajj without a mahram?
Traditionally, women were required to be accompanied by a mahram (a male guardian — husband, father, son, or brother). Saudi Arabia has updated its regulations — women over 45 travelling with an organised group no longer strictly require an individual mahram. Check current Saudi Ministry of Hajj regulations as these rules continue to evolve.