What is Hajj? Ultimate Guide to 5 Days of Holy Pilgrimage
By Mohammad Mamun, Islamic Info Center | Updated 31 October 2026 | 10 minute read
What is Hajj? Hajj is the sacred pilgrimage to Makkah that every adult Muslim who is able must perform once in a lifetime. Millions of believers travel to Saudi Arabia each year in the month of Dhul Hijjah, and in 2027 the main days are expected from 14 to 19 May. This guide explains the meaning, history, rules and every step of Hajj in simple language, with references from the Quran and authentic hadith.
- Hajj is the fifth Pillar of Islam and a pilgrimage to Makkah.
- It is required once in a lifetime for those who are physically and financially able.
- It takes place from 8 to 12 or 13 Dhul Hijjah, the 12th Islamic month.
- Main sites: the Kaaba, Mina, Arafah and Muzdalifah.
- Expected in 2027: Day of Arafah on Saturday, 15 May.
What is Hajj in Islam?
If you are asking what is Hajj in simple words, it starts with the meaning of the word. The word Hajj means to set out toward a place of great importance. In Islam, it means travelling to the Sacred Mosque in Makkah at the appointed time to perform a fixed set of acts of worship. These acts follow the way of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) and the example of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Hajj is not tourism or a social event. It is a journey of obedience in which the believer leaves home, comfort and status behind to answer the call of Allah.
What is Hajj for? Who must perform it?
Hajj is obligatory on a person who meets these conditions:
- Is a Muslim and has reached adulthood
- Is of sound mind
- Is physically able to make the journey
- Has enough money for travel and for the family left behind, beyond essential debts
Those who cannot afford it or are not healthy enough are not blamed. Scholars also discuss travel conditions for women, so seek advice from a trusted scholar and follow current Saudi regulations.
What is Hajj in the Five Pillars of Islam?
To see what is Hajj in context, note that it is the fifth of the Five Pillars of Islam, together with the declaration of faith, prayer, Zakat and fasting in Ramadan. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said that Islam is built on five things, and Hajj is among them (Sahih al Bukhari 8).
When a man asked whether Hajj must be done every year, the Prophet (peace be upon him) explained that it is required once, and anything more is voluntary (Sahih Muslim 1337). Allah also commanded Ibrahim to call people to the pilgrimage, and they would come on foot and on every kind of transport (Quran 22:27).
What is Hajj? The History Behind the Pilgrimage
Ibrahim, Hajar and Ismail
According to Islamic tradition, Ibrahim left his wife Hajar and infant son Ismail in the dry valley of Makkah by the command of Allah. When their water ran out, Hajar ran seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwa searching for help. Water then gushed out beside Ismail, and this is the well of Zamzam, which still flows today.
Building the Kaaba
Ibrahim and Ismail later raised the foundations of the Kaaba and asked Allah to accept their work (Quran 2:127). The Quran describes it as the first house established for people to worship Allah (Quran 3:96).
The Farewell Hajj
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) performed his only Hajj in the 10th year after Hijrah, known as the Farewell Hajj. He taught the rituals by example and said, “Take your rites from me.” Muslims perform Hajj today by following that example. Learn more about the Prophet Muhammad on our site.
Three Types of Hajj
Part of what is Hajj in practice is choosing its form. Pilgrims choose one of three forms, depending on how they combine Umrah and Hajj.
| Type | How it works |
|---|---|
| Tamattu | Perform Umrah first, leave Ihram, then enter Ihram again for Hajj on 8 Dhul Hijjah. A sacrifice is required. Most pilgrims choose this type. |
| Qiran | Enter Ihram for Umrah and Hajj together and stay in Ihram until 10 Dhul Hijjah. A sacrifice is required. |
| Ifrad | Enter Ihram for Hajj only, without Umrah. A sacrifice is not required. |
This is a general summary, and details can vary by school of thought. Your Hajj group leader and a qualified scholar can guide your exact plan.
Ihram and Its Rules
A key part of what is Hajj is Ihram. It is the sacred state a pilgrim enters at the miqat, the boundary points around Makkah. It begins with a clean body, the intention for Hajj and the Talbiyah, the call of the pilgrim.
لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ، لَبَّيْكَ لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ، إِنَّ الْحَمْدَ وَالنِّعْمَةَ لَكَ وَالْمُلْكَ، لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ
Meaning: Here I am, O Allah, here I am. Here I am, You have no partner, here I am. All praise, favour and sovereignty belong to You. You have no partner (Sahih al Bukhari 1549).
What do pilgrims wear?
Men wear two pieces of unstitched white cloth and leave the head uncovered. Women wear modest everyday clothing, covering the body while leaving the face and hands uncovered. The simple clothing removes signs of wealth and rank.
What is forbidden in Ihram?
- Cutting hair or trimming nails
- Using perfume
- Intimate relations
- Hunting or harming animals
- Arguing and bad speech
The Quran reminds pilgrims to avoid obscenity, wrongdoing and quarrelling during Hajj (Quran 2:197).
What is Hajj Step by Step? The 5 Days
The main rituals take place over five days in Dhul Hijjah. Dates below show the expected 2027 calendar.
Tarwiyah: Ihram and Mina
Pilgrims enter Ihram, make the intention for Hajj and travel to Mina. They pray Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, Isha and Fajr there, shortening the four rakat prayers without combining them, and spend the day in worship and rest.
Arafah and Muzdalifah
After sunrise, pilgrims go to Arafah and stand there in prayer and repentance until sunset. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said that Hajj is Arafah (Jami at Tirmidhi 889). After sunset they move to Muzdalifah, pray Maghrib and Isha together, rest under the open sky and may collect pebbles for the stoning.
Eid day: Jamarat, sacrifice and Tawaf
Pilgrims throw seven pebbles at the large Jamarah, offer the sacrifice, shave or trim the hair and go to Makkah for Tawaf al Ifadah, an essential pillar of Hajj. Sai between Safa and Marwa follows if it was not already done. Muslims everywhere celebrate Eid al Adha on this day.
Days of Tashreeq in Mina
Pilgrims stay in Mina and stone all three Jamarat after midday each day, starting with the smallest. Those who wish to leave early may do so on the 12th before sunset, and those who stay on the 13th gain extra reward (Quran 2:203).
Farewell Tawaf
The final act is Tawaf al Wada, a farewell circuit of the Kaaba before returning home. Pilgrims then travel back, hopefully with a renewed heart.
The Spiritual Meaning of Hajj
The deeper answer to what is Hajj is spiritual renewal. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said that whoever performs Hajj for Allah and avoids obscenity and wrongdoing returns as sinless as the day his mother bore him (Sahih al Bukhari 1521). He also said that an accepted Hajj has no reward except Paradise (Sahih al Bukhari 1773).
What is Hajj teaching about equality?
Kings and labourers wear the same white cloth and stand on the same plain. Language, colour and wealth lose their weight. This shared experience builds humility and brotherhood across the global Muslim community.
Patience and sacrifice
Crowds, heat and long walking teach patience. The sacrifice recalls the obedience of Ibrahim and Ismail and feeds people in need.
What is Hajj Compared with Umrah?
Many readers ask how Hajj differs from Umrah. This table shows what is Hajj compared with Umrah.
| Point | Hajj | Umrah |
|---|---|---|
| Ruling | Obligatory once in a lifetime | Recommended and rewarded |
| Time | 8 to 13 Dhul Hijjah only | Any time of the year |
| Duration | Five to six days of rituals | A few hours |
| Places | Makkah, Mina, Arafah, Muzdalifah | Makkah only |
| Key acts | Arafah, stoning, sacrifice, Tawaf, Sai | Ihram, Tawaf, Sai, hair cutting |
What is Hajj 2027? Expected Dates
Hajj takes place in Dhul Hijjah, the 12th Islamic month. Read more in our guide to the month of Dhul Hijjah. Because the Islamic year is lunar, Hajj moves about 10 to 11 days earlier each year in the Gregorian calendar.
| Event | Hijri date | Expected date 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| Dhul Hijjah begins | 1 Dhul Hijjah 1448 | Friday, 7 May |
| Day of Tarwiyah, Hajj begins | 8 Dhul Hijjah | Friday, 14 May |
| Day of Arafah | 9 Dhul Hijjah | Saturday, 15 May |
| Eid al Adha | 10 Dhul Hijjah | Sunday, 16 May |
| Days of Tashreeq | 11 to 13 Dhul Hijjah | 17 to 19 May |
You can also check today’s Hijri date on our Islamic date today page.
How to Prepare for Hajj
Prepare your intention and knowledge
Knowing what is Hajj makes preparation easier. Make your intention sincere and learn the rituals before you travel. Attend a Hajj course, read a trusted guide and practise the Talbiyah and key duas. Repay debts and write down any trusts you hold.
Prepare your body
Hajj involves long walking in heat and crowds. Build up your stamina with daily walks, check your health with a doctor and carry needed medicines. Confirm the required vaccinations on the official Saudi health pages before booking.
Prepare your paperwork
Apply for your permit only through official channels such as the Nusuk platform. Keep copies of your passport, permit and group details, and avoid anyone offering Hajj without an official permit.
Pack light and stay patient
Bring comfortable footwear, unscented toiletries, an umbrella for shade and a small bag for pebbles. Remember that patience, kindness and good manners are part of Hajj itself. For daily worship at home and abroad, see our prayer times page and guide to how to pray Namaz.
New to the Five Pillars? Continue your learning with our complete guide.
Explore the Five Pillars of IslamWhat is Hajj? Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hajj and why is it important?
Hajj is the sacred annual pilgrimage to Makkah in Saudi Arabia. It is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and is required once in a lifetime for every adult Muslim who is physically and financially able. It purifies the believer, builds humility and unites Muslims from every nation.
When is Hajj 2027?
Hajj 1448 AH is expected to begin on Friday, 14 May 2027 (8 Dhul Hijjah), with the Day of Arafah on Saturday, 15 May and Eid al Adha on Sunday, 16 May 2027. These dates follow the Umm Al Qura calendar and are confirmed by the Saudi moon sighting announcement.
Is Hajj required every year?
No. Hajj is obligatory once in a lifetime for those who are able. Performing it again is voluntary and rewarded, but a person who has already fulfilled the obligation is not required to go every year.
What is the difference between Hajj and Umrah?
Hajj is obligatory and can only be performed on fixed days in Dhul Hijjah, with rituals at Mina, Arafah and Muzdalifah. Umrah is a shorter voluntary pilgrimage that can be performed at any time of the year and includes only Ihram, Tawaf, Sai and cutting the hair.
What is Ihram and what do pilgrims wear?
Ihram is the sacred state a pilgrim enters at the miqat with the intention for Hajj. Men wear two unstitched white sheets. Women wear modest everyday clothing that covers the body, leaving the face and hands uncovered. Certain actions such as cutting hair, using perfume and arguing are forbidden while in Ihram.
What is Tawaf and why is it performed?
Tawaf is walking around the Kaaba seven times counter clockwise. It expresses that the believer’s life and worship revolve around Allah alone. Hajj includes several types of Tawaf, including the essential Tawaf al Ifadah and the Farewell Tawaf.
Do I need a permit to perform Hajj?
Yes. Saudi authorities require an official Hajj permit, and pilgrims should apply only through official channels such as the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and the Nusuk platform. Avoid unofficial offers, because Hajj fraud is a known risk.
How long does Hajj last?
The main rituals take place from 8 to 12 Dhul Hijjah, and many pilgrims stay until the 13th. Most travellers spend two to four weeks in Saudi Arabia including arrival, Hajj and departure.
Conclusion
So, what is Hajj? It is the lifetime journey of faith that completes a Muslim’s worship, built on sincerity, sacrifice and unity. If you are able, begin preparing early, learn the rituals and use only official channels. If you are not yet able, keep the intention alive and make dua for the guests of Allah. For more guidance, read about the land of the two holy mosques and explore our full library at Islamic Info Center.
Sources and further reading
- Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, Saudi Arabia
- Nusuk official pilgrim platform
- Quran 2:196 on completing Hajj and Umrah
- Sahih al Bukhari 1521 on a sinless Hajj
- Wego Dhul Hijjah 2027 dates
- Hajj overview on Wikipedia
This guide is for general education. Hajj dates are calculated estimates, and rulings can differ by school of thought. Consult a qualified scholar and official Saudi sources before you travel.