Hajj FAQ'S

Hajj is a pillar of Islam required once in a lifetime by all Muslims who are:

• Sane adults (baligh)
• Physically able (can cope with travel and rituals)
• Financially able (can afford the journey, cover debts, and leave enough for dependents during absence)

Children or those unable (due to health, finances, etc.) are exempt. If circumstances change and you become able, Hajj becomes obligatory.

Hajj occurs every year in the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah (the 12th lunar month). The essential rituals happen between 8th–13th Dhul Hijjah, with the main rites (Arafat, Muzdalifah, and Stoning) centered around the 9th-13th.

Here’s a breakdown:

• Ihram: Enter the sacred state before crossing into Miqat; recite the intention and Talbiyah.
• Tawaf: Circulate seven times around the Kaaba counterclockwise, starting from the Black Stone.
• Sa’i: Walk seven times between Safa and Marwah hills (near the Kaaba—commemorates Hajar’s search for water for Ismail).
• Standing at Arafat (Wuquf): Spend the afternoon on the plain of Arafat in prayer and reflection; this is Hajj’s most essential component.
• Muzdalifah: Collect pebbles, spend the night under the open sky, pray Maghrib and Isha together.
• Ramy al-Jamarat: Over three days at Mina, stone the three marked pillars (Jamarat) that represent the devil.
• Sacrifice (Qurbani): An animal is slaughtered in remembrance of Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son.
• Hair removal: Men shave/trim hair; women clip a small portion, symbolizing renewal.
• Final Tawaf (Tawaf al-Wada): Farewell circumambulation before leaving Makkah.

• Hajj: Obligatory, fixed time (Dhul Hijjah), involves more rituals and days, specific crowd regulations.
• Umrah: Voluntary (not compulsory), can be performed any time, is shorter with fewer rites (mainly Ihram, Tawaf, Sa’i, and shaving/trimming hair).

• Hajj al-Tamattu’: Umrah first, exit Ihram, start Hajj in a new Ihram (most common for international pilgrims).
• Hajj al-Qiran: Perform Umrah and Hajj without breaking Ihram.
• Hajj al-Ifrad: Perform only Hajj, not Umrah (mostly done by residents of Saudi Arabia).

• Passport (with 6+ months validity)
• Hajj visa (from Saudi consulate or authorized agents)
• Vaccination certificates (meningitis, COVID-19, yellow fever if from a risk area, etc.)
• Proof of Mahram for women under 45
• Travel permits, flight tickets, and confirmation of accommodation
• Pilgrim identification badge, issued by Hajj organizers for safety and identification

• Under Saudi regulations and most scholars, women under age 45 should travel with a mahram (close male relative). Women over 45 can join official groups with written, notarized permission from their mahram.

• Meningococcal ACWY (mandatory for entry)
• COVID-19 (check current Saudi rules)
• Yellow fever, polio for some African and Asian countries
• Seasonal influenza (strongly recommended)
• Bring original certificates—copies often not accepted.

Ihram is both a state (niyyah, or intention, and ritual purity) and specific clothing:

• Men: Two unstitched white cloths (one as a waist wrap, the other draped over shoulders)
• Women: Regular modest dress; face must remain uncovered, hands often bare (gloves optional) In Ihram, you refrain from certain actions to preserve its sanctity (no perfume, hunting, intimacy, haircutting, etc.).

Miqat are geographical boundary points around Makkah. Pilgrims must don Ihram and make pilgrimage intention before passing these points. There are different Miqats for pilgrims coming from different countries—travel agents will guide you, but it’s good to learn yours.

• Cutting nails or hair
• Applying perfume or scented products
• Engaging in intimate relations
• Arguing, fighting, bad language
• Wearing stitched (tailored) clothes (men only)
• Covering the head (men) or face (women)

Hunting, cutting plants in Haram area Deliberate violations require dam (sacrifice). For mistakes, seek guidance from a scholar.

• Ihram clothing (2 sets if possible, plus a lightweight bag)
• Unscented soap, shampoo, wipes, lotion
• Sunglasses, cap/umbrella, face mask
• Small pouch or bag (to keep documents/money)
• Comfortable sandals (slippers preferred)
• Water bottle, snacks, basic first aid/medicines
• Travel-size prayer mat, pocket Quran/dua book

Yes, by Saudi standards, tap water is potable. Most pilgrims rely on bottled or Zamzam water (abundant in mosques and camps), which is extremely safe and revered.

Standing at Arafat on 9th Dhul Hijjah is the absolute pillar of Hajj—“Hajj is Arafat.” It commemorates the final sermon of the Prophet Muhammad. Pilgrims spend the day praying, repenting, making dua. Missing Arafat invalidates Hajj and cannot be compensated.

The sacrifice is a symbolic act marking Prophet Ibrahim’s obedience to Allah. Meat is distributed to the poor. You can arrange it through official Hajj agencies or coupons, no need for personal slaughtering.

Ask your group leader or consult a qualified Islamic scholar. Minor issues often have prescribed penalties (sadaqah, sacrifice), but major rites (like Arafat) are not “fixable” and Hajj would need to be repeated.

There are on-site clinics and hospitals for every group! Seek help immediately. Also, let your group leader know—organizers are equipped to handle medical emergencies and medication needs.

• Memorize the name/address of your hotel or camp
• Always wear your Hajj badge and keep ID
• Use a lanyard for important items
• Save guides’ phone numbers in your phone
• Designate meeting points with your group

• Keep calm during “peak” times (Tawaf, Stoning)
• Avoid rushing—follow crowd flow, watch your step
• Hold group’s hand if you’re with family
• Security officers are present everywhere—ask if lost

Cost varies a lot:

• By country (some subsidize, some don’t)
• By package: basic (economy) or VIP (private tent, shorter walk distances)
• Average internationally: USD $3,000–$15,000 depending on options

• Learn about Hajj (watch lectures, read a guidebook)
• Repent, seek forgiveness, settle debts
• Make a plan for daily duas and dhikr
• Strengthen your patience—Hajj is transformative but also physically/mentally demanding

Phones are allowed. Saudi networks offer special Hajj SIM cards and data plans. Be mindful—photography in Masjid al-Haram is discouraged during rituals. Always respect privacy and rules.

Most services are friendly to non-Arabic speakers. Urdu, Indonesian, Turkish, Malay, Bengali, English, and others are widely used. Learn basic Arabic phrases—it helps

Yes, it’s mandatory for those leaving Makkah after Hajj (except women on menstruation). It should be your last rite before departing the city.

Yes, major debts (if immediate repayment is due) must be covered before Hajj, unless you have clear arrangements.

Yes, but plan extra care for special needs (wheelchairs, extra supplies, simple clothing, etc.). Saudi Hajj authorities and camp organizers assist with elderly or disabled pilgrims.

Hajj is not just a physical journey—it’s deeply spiritual and, at times, very challenging. Mentally prepare by reading stories of patience, forgiveness, and unity. Build stamina and patience, and set realistic expectations for hardships.

The main rites span 5 or 6 days, but the whole trip (including arrival, preparation, and ziyarah in Madinah) is often 2–3 weeks.

Yes! Many add a trip to Madinah to visit the Prophet’s Mosque. While not part of Hajj, it’s highly recommended (mustahabb).

Yes. The Saudi authorities assign guides and volunteers for groups, including help for the disabled, elderly, and those with language barriers.