Islamic Events Hajj Begins 2025

When is Hajj 2025?

Rituals of Hajj 2025 will commence from the evening of Friday, 14th of June 2025, and will continue till the evening of Wednesday, 19th June, 2025. This is the tentative date as the actual date is contingent on the sighting of the moon of Dhul Hijjah, 1446, the 12th and last month of Islamic Calendar.

What is Hajj?

“And complete the Hajj and Umrah for Allah.”

(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:196)

Learn about “Step by Step Umrah Guide”

Hajj (حَجّ‎) is an Arabic word which means ‘Aim’ or ‘Destination’ or ‘Purpose’. Hajj is the ultimate journey to the House of Allah (Kaaba).

Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam. Hajj is a duty on every adult, sane, free Muslim who is capable of performing it once in a lifetime. A capable person is the one who can afford the trip both financially and health-wise.

This obligation of Hajj is also evident from the following Hadith:

'Prophet (S.A.W.) addressed his companions and said: “O people, Allah has made Hajj obligatory for you; so perform Hajj.”'

(Sahih Muslim: 1337)

Hajj rituals are performed between the 8th and 13th day of the month of Dhul Hijjah.

Benefits of Hajj

Hajj involves travel and it requires more effort than other kinds of worship. This is the reason that Allah Has only made it mandatory for His servants to perform it only once in a lifetime with the stipulation that one must be able to do it both financially and physically. The benefits and hidden wisdom of Hajj are many and some of these (according to Hadith) are given below:

1- Hajj is one of the Five Pillars of Islam

Messenger of Allah (S.A.W.) said:

“Islam is based on five (principles) and performing Hajj is one of them.”

(Sahih Bukhari: 8)

Since Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam, only this fact indicates its importance and it also shows how much Allah loves it.

2- All Previous Sins will be forgiven

As narrated by Abu Hurairah (R.A.), Prophet (S.A.W.) said:

“Whoever performs Hajj for Allah's pleasure and does not have sexual relations with his wife, and does not do evil or sins then he will return (after Hajj free from all sins) as if he were born anew.”

(Sahih Bukhari: 1521)

According to the Hadith, if Hajj is performed according to Sunnah and just to please Allah then it will purify all the sins and pilgrims will become sinless as a newborn child.

3- Paradise is the Reward

Narrated by Abu Hurairah (R.A.) that Prophet (S.A.W.) said:

"And the reward of Hajj Mabrur (the one accepted by Allah) is nothing except Paradise."

(Sahih Bukhari: 1773)

Hadith is self-explanatory and clearly states that if Hajj is performed with the right intention and according to Sunnah, then Allah will definitely accept the Hajj, and the reward of Hajj accepted by Allah is nothing but Jannah (Paradise).

4- Pilgrims of Hajj are Guests of Allah

In Islam, guests are treated with utmost respect, love and dignity. This fact is also evident from the following Hadith:

“Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, should serve his guest generously.”

(Sahih Bukhari: 6135)

In this hadith, Prophet (S.A.W.) has directed us that how we should treat our guests. Then just think about how the guest will be treated when hosted by Allah, The Creator of All Worlds.

Following hadith clearly shows that Pilgrims of Hajj and Umrah are guests of Allah.

“The pilgrims performing Hajj and ‘Umrah are a delegation to Allah. If they call upon Him, He will answer them; and if they ask for His forgiveness, He will forgive them.”

(Ibn Majah: 2892)

So perform Hajj and become a guest of Allah and ask Him whatever you want in this world and the hereafter.

5- For Women, Hajj is equal to Jihad

Narrated by Aisha (R.A.):

‘I said, "O Allah's Messenger (S.A.W.)! We consider Jihad as the best deed." The Prophet (S.A.W.) said, "The best Jihad (for women) is Hajj Mabrur."’

(Sahih Bukhari: 1520)

According to the hadith, Hajj is the best Jihad for a woman (as women are not required to actively participate in hand-to-hand combats).

How Hajj is Performed?

Hajj begins on the 8th day of Dhul-Hijjah and ends on the 13th day of the same Islamic month. Many rituals are performed during Hajj and these may be completed over the course of the 5 days. Every year, millions of Muslims around the world participate in this Holy Pilgrimage to the city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia.

Complete Hajj comprises of many rituals which include Type of Hajj, Fundamentals (Faraidh), Obligations (Wajibaat) and Sunnah of Hajj, donning Ihraam, what should be done on each day of Hajj, etc. All these steps cannot be covered in this short article. Please visit our ‘How Hajj is Performed – A step by step guide to know all about Hajj.​

Eid Al Adha

On the 10th of Dhul Hijja, Eid al Adha is celebrated. It is the day when Muslims slaughter an animal, generally a sheep, a goat, a cow, or a camel; remembering the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim (A.S.). Prophet Ibrahim (A.S.) intended to slaughter his son Prophet Ismail (A.S.) on Allah’s orders, but Allah replaced Prophet Ismail (A.S.) with a sheep just when Prophet Ibrahim (A.S.) was about to go ahead with the sacrifice.

This submissive act of faith by Prophet Ibrahim (RA) is an integral part of Hajj as it signifies trust and total surrender to the will of the Almighty Allah. Stoning the wall of Satan (Jamarat) is the reminder of faith that one should have in Allah, as shown by Prophet Ibrahim (A.S.) and Prophet Ismael (A.S.).



Conclusion

After completing all the rituals of Hajj, many people go to the Prophet's Mosque (Masjid-e-Nabawi) in Madinah but remember one thing that this is optional and not part of Hajj / Umrah.

Hajj not only removes our sins but also gives us a chance to unite with our Muslim brothers and sisters from all over the world.

May Allah accept the Hajj of all our Muslim brothers and sisters and grant them the greatest reward. Also, May Allah give us the chance to offer this great ritual at least once in our lifetime.
Ameen​

How Hajj is performed?

“And complete the Hajj and Umrah for Allah.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:196)

Importance / Virtues of Hajj:

1- Hajj is one of the best acts of worship and is one of the Pillars of Islam.

(Sahih Bukhari: 8)

2- Hajj purifies the sins and pilgrim becomes sinless as a newborn child.

(Sahih Bukhari: 1521)

3- Reward of Hajj Mabroor (the one accepted by Allah) is Paradise.

(Sahih Bukhari: 1773)

4- The pilgrims performing Hajj are guests of Allah.

(Ibn Majah: 2892)

5- For women, Hajj equals (in reward) observing Jihad for the sake of Allah.

(Sahih Bukhari: 1520)

Conditions that make Hajj obligatory upon a Muslim:

1- Has to be a Muslim.

2- Has to be Sane and of Sound Mind.

(Abu Dawud: 4403)

3- Has to be an Adult.

(Abu Dawud: 4403)

4- Being Free (Hajj is not obligatory for a slave).

5- One who has the ability to do it (both Bodily and Monetarily).

(Surah Al-Imran 3:97)

The Etiquette of Hajj:

Following points should be observed by a pilgrim for Hajj (these are not obligatory):

1- All expenses of the Hajj should be arranged from Halal earnings.

2- Intention of Hajj should remain sincere i-e there should be no thought of trade or business or any other intention other than performance of Hajj.

3- During your entire journey of Hajj, don’t talk harshly with anyone, be gentle and loving with everyone.

4- You should not involve yourself in quarrels, indecent talks and conversations about the matters of this world. Instead, you should busy yourself in recitation of the Holy Quran and Dhikr of Allah.

5- Do as much good deeds as possible during this blessed journey.

Essential (Fraidh) and obligatory actions (Wajibaat) of Hajj:

The essential parts (Fraidh) of Hajj are three:

1- Entering Ihraam with the intention to start the rituals of Hajj.

2- Standing / Staying in Arafat (also called Wuquf at Arafat).

(Tirmidhi: 2975)

3- Tawaf Al-Ifadah, also called Tawaf Al-Ziyaarah.

(Surah Hajj 22:29)

Obligatory acts (Wajibaat) of Hajj are six:

1- Staying at Muzdalifah.

2- Sa’yee between Safa and Marwah (This can be performed with Tawaf Al-Ifadah).

3- Stoning / Pelting of Jamarah (Rami).

4- Sacrifice of an Animal (only for pilgrims performing Hajj-e-Tamattu & Hajj-e-Qiran).

5- Shaving the head or cutting the hair.

6- Tawaf-ul-Wada of Kaaba (Farewell Tawaf).

Remember that Hajj becomes invalid if any essential parts (Faraidh) is omitted, whereas if an obligatory act (Wajibaat) is omitted, Hajj is still valid, but the one who omits it must offer a compensatory sacrifice called “Dam” (a sheep) for each omission of obligatory act.​

Ihraam & Talbiyah:

Ihraam is the state of purity and holiness. It is basically an intention to perform either Hajj or Umrah or both. Intention is an important element for Ihraam.

Hajj-e-Tamattu:

Those living in Makkah and its vicinity cannot perform Hajj-e-Tamattu.
Before the Fajar prayer of eighth Dhul-Hijjah, pilgrims will put on Ihraam for Hajj only and carries out all of its requirements. There is no need for the pilgrims to go to Meeqat to enter Ihraam for Hajj and pilgrims can enter Ihraam from the place where they are staying in Makkah after completing Umrah.

After entering state of Ihraam, pilgrim will proceed to Mina and must reach there before Zawal (Dhuhr Prayer) of 8th Dhul Hijjah. Don’t forget to recite Talbiyah on your way to Mina.
Rest of the rituals of Hajj are same (please go to Day-1 mentioned below).

Hajj-e-Qiran:

Before 8th Dhul-Hijjah (on 7th Dhul-Hijjah or before Fajar Prayer of 8th Dhul-Hijjah), enter the state of Ihraam from Meeqat with the intention of Umrah for Hajj-e-Qiran (first Umrah and second Hajj).
Start reciting Talbiyah. Then leave for Masjid Al-Haram (The Sacred Mosque).

Then complete all rituals of Umrah i-e Tawaf and Sa’yee but do not shave the head or trim the hair and remain in the state of Ihraam till completion of Hajj.
It is Sunnah and not mandatory for the one performing Hajj-e-Qiran to perform Tawaf Al-Qudoom (Tawaf of arrival) after performing Umrah. This can be performed anytime after completion of Umrah.
Then, pilgrim will proceed to Mina and must reach there before Zawal (Dhuhr Prayer) of 8th Dhul Hijjah. Don’t forget to recite Talbiyah on your way to Mina.
Rest of the rituals of Hajj are same (please go to Day-1 mentioned below).

Hajj-e-Ifraad:

Before 8th Dhul-Hijjah (on 7th Dhul-Hijjah or before Fajar Prayer of 8th Dhul-Hijjah), enter the state of Ihraam from Meeqat with the intention of Hajj only.
Start reciting Talbiyah. Then leave for Masjid Al-Haram (The Sacred Mosque)

Upon reaching Masjid Al-Haram, stop reciting Talbiyah and start Tawaf Al-Qudoom (Tawaf of arrival). This is Sunnah.
After completing Tawaf, perform Sa’yee of Safa and Marwa. This is also Sunnah. This is not mandatory and pilgrim can leave for Mina without performing Sa’yee but most scholars recommend to do both Tawaf and Sa’yee before leaving for Mina.

After completing Sa’yee, do not Cut or Trim the hair and remain in the state of Ihraam (no matter how long the period between pilgrim’s Umrah and Hajj may be.)
Pilgrim will proceed to Mina and must reach there before Zawal (Dhuhr Prayer) of 8th Dhul Hijjah. Don’t forget to recite Talbiyah on your way to Mina.
Rest of the rituals of Hajj are same (please go to Day-1 mentioned below).​

1st Day of Hajj
Tarwiyah Day (8th Dhul Hijjah)

1- Proceed to Mina after offering Fajr Prayer in Makkah and reach Mina before Dhuhr Prayer. During travel, recite Talbiyah frequently.
[Sahih Muslim: 1218 (a)]

‏ لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ لَبَّيْكَ لاَ شَرِيكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ إِنَّ الْحَمْدَ وَالنِّعْمَةَ لَكَ وَالْمُلْكَ لاَ شَرِيكَ لَكَ ‏

(Labbayk, Allahumma Labbayk. Labbayk La shareeka laka Labbayk. Innal-hamda wan-n'imata laka wal-mulk, La shareeka lak.)
Translation: “Ever at Your service, O Allah, every at Your service. Ever at Your Service, You have no partner, ever at Your service. Verily all praise, blessings and dominions are Yours. You have no partner.”

2- After reaching Mina, offer Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib and Isha prayers of the 8th day of Dhul Hijjah and Fajr prayer of the 9th day of Dhul Hijjah. Dhuhr, Asr and Isha Prayer are each shortened to two Rakaat only (Qasr). All these Prayer to be offered in their respective times.
3- Stay overnight in Mina.
4- First day of Hajj is completed.

2nd Day of Hajj
Day of Arafah (9th Dhul Hijjah):
1- Offer Fajr Prayer in Mina and remain in Mina until sunrise of the 9th day of Dhul Hijjah.

2- After Sunrise, leave for Arafat. During your journey, keep reciting Talbiyah and Takbir (Allahu Akbar). You should also glorifying Allah by reciting following dua during your journey and after reaching Arafat:

لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ لَهُ الْمُلْكُ وَلَهُ الْحَمْدُ وَهُوَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٍ
(Laa ilaaha ill-allaahu, waḥdahu laa shareeka lah, lahul-mulku wa lahul-ḥamdu, wa huwa ‛alaa kulli shay’in qadeer)
Translation: "There is none worthy of worship besides Allah, He is all by Himself, He has no partner, His is the Kingdom, for Him is all praise, He has power over all things."

3- You must reach plains of Arafat before Zawaal.

4- After Zawaal (starting time of Dhuhr Prayer), the Imam will deliver the Sermon (Khutbah) in Masjid-e-Namirah. After the sermon, Zuhr and Asar prayer will be offered combined (Zuhrain prayer).
5- Make sure that you stay within the boundaries of Arafat till the sunset. Keep remembering and glorifying Allah and supplication for forgiveness, etc.

6- Do not offer Maghirb Prayer.

7- After sunset, leave for Muzdalifah quietly and reverently but keep reciting the Talbiyah, glorifying and remembering Allah.

8- Upon reaching Muzdalifah, Maghrib and Isha Prayers will be offered combined at Isha time.

9- Pick 7, 49 or 70 pebbles (preferably 7 Pebbles) for Jamaarat next day. The size of the pebbles should not be more than that of a chick-pea. You can also pick the pebbles after Fajr Prayer next day.

10- Stay overnight in Muzdalifah. You should supplicate Allah as much as you can by facing Kaaba till the dawn (before sunrise). Following is one of the dua you can recite during your stay in Muzdalifah:

أَللّهُ أَكْبَرُ (Allaahu 'Akbar)
أَللّهُ أَحَدٌ (Allaahu 'Ahad )
لاَإِلَهَ إِلاَّ اللهُ (Laa 'ilaaha 'illallaah)

11- Second day of Hajj is completed.​

3rd Day of Hajj
First day of Eid (10th Dhul Hijjah):

1- In Muzdalifah, offer Fajr Prayer at its time.

2- Continue with Takbeer, Tasbeeh, Talbiyah and engage yourself in duas.

3- Remain in Muzdalifah till sunrise.

4- After sunrise, depart for Mina. Keep reciting Talbiyah.

5- After reaching Mina, go to Jamarah Al-Aqabah (Jamarah Al-Aqabah is the last and biggest pillar of the three stoning sites) with seven stones.

6- Stop reciting Talbiyah before throwing the first stone.

7- Now do Rami by throwing seven stones at Jamarah Al-Aqabah, reciting 'Allah u Akbar' with every throw.

الله اكبر
(Allahu Akbar)
(Allah is Greatest)

8- On this day, only this Jamarah i-e Jamarah Al-Aqabah will be pelted/stoned.

9- After the Rami, pilgrims will now proceed to sacrifice animal. (Slaughter your sacrifice either personally or through the appointment of someone who will do it on your behalf). This is not mandatory for pilgrims performing Hajj-e-Ifraad. When sacrificing an animal, recite the following dua:

بِسْمِ اللهِ واللهُ أَكْبَرُ اللَّهُمَّ مِنْكَ ولَكَ اللَّهُمَّ تَقَبَّلْ مِنِّي

(Bismillaahi wallaahu 'Akbar [Allaahumma minka wa laka] Allaahumma taqabbal minnee)

10- After sacrifice of animal, shave your head or trim some hair. Shaving, however, is preferable. Women will cut only a bit of their hair.

11- After shaving or trimming of the hair, you are partly come out from the state of Ihraam. Now you can put on usual dress. However, intimacy between spouses is not allowed.

12- Now go to Masjid Al-Haram in Makkah to perform Tawaf Al-Ifadah of Kaaba (Tawaf will be performed as usual i-e 7 circles of Kaaba). Prophet (S.A.W.) also prayed Dhuhr prayer in Makkah/Kaaba.

13- After Tawaf, offer two Rakats of Tawaf (Wajib) behind the Maqam-e-Ibrahim or wherever in Masjid Al-Haram.

14- Now perform usual Sa’yee of Safa and Marwa.

15- After performing Sa’yee, drink plenty of Zam-Zam water.

16- Now go back to Mina and spent the night in Mina. Don’t stay in Makkah overnight.

17- Third day of Hajj is complete.​

4th Day of Hajj
Second day of Eid (11th Dhul Hijjah):

1- Stay in Mina till Zawal time. Offer Dhuhr prayer and go all three Jamarah for stoning (Rami).

2- First, go to small Jamarah (Jamarat-ul-Oola), throw seven pebbles reciting Takbir الله اكبر (Allah u Akbar) for each pebble.

3- After stoning small Jamarah, go to middle Jamarah (Jamarat-ul-Wusta), throw seven pebbles reciting Takbir الله اكبر (Allah u Akbar) for each pebble.

4- Finally, go to last and biggest Jamarah (Jamarah Al-Aqabah) and throw seven pebbles reciting Takbir الله اكبر (Allah u Akbar) for each pebble.

5- After completing the Rami (stoning), you must stay in Mina.

6- Fourth day of Hajj is complete.

5th Day of Hajj
Third day of Eid (12th Dhul Hijjah):

1- As of previous day, stay in Mina till Zawal time. Offer Dhuhr prayer and go all three Jamarah for stoning (Rami).

2- First, go to small Jamarah (Jamarat-ul-Oola), throw seven pebbles reciting Takbir (Allah u Akbar) for each pebble.

3- After stoning small Jamarah, go to middle Jamarah (Jamarat-ul-Wusta), throw seven pebbles reciting Takbir (Allah u Akbar) for each pebble.

4- Finally, go to last and biggest Jamarah (Jamarah Al-Aqabah) and throw seven pebbles reciting Takbir (Allah u Akbar) for each pebble.

5- After completing the Rami (stoning), you may leave Mina for Makkah before sunset on the 12th of Dhul Hijjah. If you are still in Mina at the time of sunset of 12th Dhul Hijjah, then you should remain in Mina till the next day.

6- If you have leave Mina on 12th Dhul Hijjah, perform Tawaf-ul-Wada of Kaaba in Makkah. There is not need to wear Ihraam to perform this Tawaf. Also, NO SAY’EE is required. This is the last ritual of Hajj and at this stage, all the obligatory rituals of Hajj are completed. Females who are in their menses are excused from performing it.

7- Offer two Rakats of Tawaf behind the Maqam-e-Ibrahim or wherever in Masjid Al-Haram.

8 - Congratulations, you have completed the Hajj.

For people who decided to stay in Mina, fifth day of Hajj is complete.

NOTE: The time for Rami (stoning) the Jamarah on the 11th and 12th of Dhul Hijjah is from after Zawaal to Dawn (Starting time of Fajr Prayer). Although it is Sunnah to do it before sunset.​

6th Day of Hajj – Optional
(13th Dhul Hijjah) (Only for those who are still in Mina):

1- If you are still in Mina after sunset of 12th Dhul Hijjah, then you are bound to hit pebbles (Rami) to Satan on 13th Dhul Hijjah as well. Procedure of stoning (Rami) will remain the same as mentioned above. After stoning (Rami), you can leave for Makkah.



2- After reaching Makkah, perform Tawaf-ul-Wada of Kaaba in Masjid Al-Haram. There is not need to wear Ihraam to perform this Tawaf. Also, NO SAY’EE is required. This is the last ritual of Hajj and at this stage, all the obligatory rituals of Hajj are completed. Females who are in their menses are excused from performing it.

3- Offer two Rakats of Tawaf behind the Maqam-e-Ibrahim or wherever in Masjid Al-Haram.

4- Congratulations, you have completed the Hajj.​

Hajj: A Guide on the Muslim Pilgrimage
As one of the five pillars of Islam, Hajj is the Islamic Pilgrimage to the holy city of Makkah. It is mandatory for Muslims who are financially and physically able to make the journey.
But what is the significance and meaning of Hajj?



Every pilgrim performing the Hajj would know more of its magnitude. When even some permissible things are not permitted in the sacred state of Ihram, it prompts the person to be even more vigilant against transgressions throughout the whole journey of Hajj.

Through these steps (manasik) involving not just the required movements but also the overall experience of witnessing sacred places such as Makkah, Mina, Arafah, and Muzdalifah, it allows the pilgrim to absorb the lessons and significance even better.

Perhaps through this momentous journey, we’ll be able to learn more about ourselves, discover spiritual enlightenment and know Allah s.w.t. better.

May Allah s.w.t. grant ease, facilitation and acceptance for the pilgrims and may Allah grant us to perform the Hajj one day. Amin​