Introduction to types of pilgrimage
Islamic pilgrimage mainly takes two forms: Umrah (the lesser pilgrimage, performable at any time of year) and Hajj (the major pilgrimage, fifth pillar of Islam). Hajj itself can be performed in three ways:
Hajj Tamattu'
حج التمتع
Perform Umrah then Hajj separately during the same trip. This is the most common form for foreign pilgrims.
Hajj Ifrad
حج الإفراد
Perform only Hajj, without Umrah in the same trip. The state of Ihram is maintained from the Miqat until the Hajj rites.
Hajj Qiran
حج القران
Combine Umrah and Hajj in a single continuous Ihram. The pilgrim performs the rites of both pilgrimages without exiting the sacred state between them.
What is Umrah?
Umrah is an act of worship that consists of going to Mecca to perform specific rites. Unlike Hajj, it is not obligatory but highly recommended. It can be performed at any time of year.
The Prophet ﷺ said: 'From one Umrah to the next is expiation for what comes between them, and an accepted Hajj has no reward except Paradise.' (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
The 4 acts of Umrah:
Ihram
Tawaf (7 rounds)
Sa'i (7 back and forth)
Tahallul (shaving)
Umrah rituals
Preparation for consecration (Ihram)
Before entering Ihram, it is recommended to purify oneself: purification bath (Ghusl), trimming nails, removing excess hair. For men, it is advised to apply perfume before donning the Ihram garments.
Consecration garments
For men: two pieces of unsewn white cloth — the Izar (lower piece wrapped around the waist) and the Rida (upper piece draped over the shoulders). Sandals are permitted. For women: usual covering garments, without covering the face or hands.
Departure to Mecca — the Miqat
The Miqat is the mandatory crossing point to enter Ihram. For pilgrims from Medina, the Miqat is Dhu al-Hulayfah. There one formulates the intention for Umrah and pronounces the Talbiyah.
The Talbiyah
After the intention, one pronounces: 'Labbayk Allahumma labbayk, labbayk la sharika laka labbayk, innal hamda wan ni'mata laka wal mulk, la sharika lak.' (Here I am, O Allah, here I am!)
Prohibitions during Ihram
For all: cutting hair or nails, using perfume, getting married, conjugal relations, hunting. Additionally for men: covering the head, wearing sewn clothes. For women: covering the face.
Arrival in Mecca — First sight of the Ka'bah
Upon seeing the Ka'bah for the first time, it is recommended to raise one's hands and make supplications. Some scholars advise saying: 'Allahumma zid hadhâl bayta tashrifan wa ta'dhiman wa takriman wa mahâbatan.'
The Tawaf
Circumambulation around the Ka'bah 7 times counterclockwise, starting and ending at the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad). Begin with Istilam (touching or greeting the Black Stone), then complete 7 circuits reciting supplications.
The Sa'i between Safa and Marwa
Seven back-and-forth walks between the hills of Safa and Marwa, commemorating the run of Hajar (Hagar), wife of Ibrahim (Abraham), in search of water for her son Ismail. Begin at Safa and end at Marwa.
End of Umrah — Tahallul
After Sa'i, one exits Ihram by completely shaving the head (Halq) or shortening the hair (Taqsir). Shaving is preferable for men. After this, all Ihram prohibitions are lifted.
What is Hajj?
Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam. It is obligatory once in a lifetime for every adult Muslim who is of sound mind and has the physical and financial means. It takes place from the 8th to 13th of Dhu al-Hijjah.
Every year, millions of pilgrims from around the world converge on Mecca to perform this fundamental rite. Allah says in the Quran:
« وَلِلَّهِ عَلَى النَّاسِ حِجُّ الْبَيْتِ مَنِ اسْتَطَاعَ إِلَيْهِ سَبِيلًا »
'And [due] to Allah from the people is a pilgrimage to the House — for whoever is able to find thereto a way.' (Surah Al-Imran, 3:97)
8 Dhul Hijja
Mina
9 Dhul Hijja
Arafat
Night
Muzdalifa
10-13 Dhul Hijja
Mina + Mecca
Hajj rites
8 Dhu al-Hijjah
Yawm al-Tarwiyah — Departure to Mina
On the morning of the 8th, the pilgrim enters Ihram from their place of residence in Mecca. They then depart to Mina to spend the day and night, performing Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, Isha and Fajr prayers (each at their proper time, shortened but not combined).
9 Dhu al-Hijjah
Yawm Arafah — The pillar of Hajj
This is the most important day of Hajj. After Fajr prayer, pilgrims head to Arafat. They combine and shorten Dhuhr and Asr prayers, then stand at Arafat until sunset, supplicating Allah. 'Hajj is Arafat.'
Night in Muzdalifah
Collecting pebbles
After sunset, pilgrims head to Muzdalifah where they combine Maghrib and Isha prayers. They spend the night and collect pebbles for the stoning the next day (minimum 49 pebbles the size of a chickpea).
10 Dhu al-Hijjah
Yawm al-Nahr — Day of sacrifice
This day involves 4 acts in order: 1) Stoning the large Jamarat with 7 pebbles. 2) Sacrificing an animal. 3) Shaving or shortening hair (first partial desacralization). 4) Tawaf al-Ifadah and Sa'i (complete desacralization).
11-13 Dhu al-Hijjah
Days of Tashriq — Mina
Pilgrims return to Mina to spend the nights. Each day after Dhuhr, they stone the three Jamarats (small, medium, large) with 7 pebbles each. It is permitted to leave Mina after the 12th stoning before sunset (early departure).
Before departure
Tawaf al-Wada' — The farewell
Before leaving Mecca, each pilgrim must perform the farewell Tawaf (7 circumambulations around the Ka'bah). This is the last act of Hajj. Women in their menstrual period are exempt.
Du'as & Supplications
Essential supplications for the pilgrim, step by step — in Arabic, phonetics and translation.
Conclusion
Thus end the rites of Hajj. May Allah accept the pilgrimage of all the faithful and grant them His mercy. All praise belongs to Allah, Lord of the Worlds.
Good physical, mental and spiritual preparation is essential. The Hajj & Umrah ZAM team is here to accompany you at every step and allow you to experience this sacred moment in complete serenity.
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