Begin Your Journey of a Lifetime with Bukhari Tours
Every year, millions of Muslims answer the call of Allah ﷻ by travelling to Makkah to perform Hajj – the fifth pillar of Islam. Among them are thousands of pilgrims from the UK, united in faith with brothers and sisters from across the world. This sacred journey is unlike any other: it is a journey of body, mind, and soul, and a reminder of ultimate submission to Allah.
At Bukhari Tours, we know that preparing for Hajj can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve created this Step by Step Hajj Guide in English, designed to give you complete clarity and confidence. Whether you are preparing for your first Hajj or looking to refresh your knowledge, this guide will walk you through the rites of Hajj in a clear and simple way – exactly as performed by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
With our step-by-step Hajj guide from Bukhari Tours, you can focus on worship while we take care of the details.
Upon entering Masjid al-Haram, pilgrims perform seven circuits around the Kaʿbah. This Sunnah ritual welcomes them into Hajj, symbolizing devotion, unity, and spiritual preparation for the sacred journey.
Pilgrims walk seven times between Safa and Marwa, honoring Hajar’s (RA) struggle. This ritual builds patience, faith, and remembrance of Allah before moving towards Mina.
On 8th Dhul Hijjah, pilgrims camp in Mina, the Tent City. They pray, reflect, and prepare spiritually for the coming days, especially the sacred Day of Arafah.
The 9th of Dhul Hijjah is the heart of Hajj. Pilgrims gather in Arafah for khutbah, prayers, and du‘as, seeking forgiveness and Allah’s immense mercy.
On Eid day, pilgrims throw seven pebbles at Jamarah al-Aqabah, rejecting Shaytan as Prophet Ibrahim (AS) did. This act symbolizes resisting temptation and strengthening faith.
Pilgrims perform Qurbani, commemorating Ibrahim’s (AS) devotion. The sacrifice reflects obedience to Allah, humility, and generosity as meat is shared with the poor.
After sacrifice, men shave or trim their hair, while women cut a fingertip’s length. This act symbolizes renewal, humility, and partial exit from Ihram restrictions.
Pilgrims perform Tawaf az-Ziyarah in Makkah and continue stoning all three Jamarat over two or three days, completing key obligations before concluding with Tawaf al-Wida.
When Does Hajj Take Place?
Hajj is performed each year from the 8th to the 12th of Dhul Hijjah (the final month of the Islamic lunar calendar). These dates vary in the Gregorian calendar because the Islamic calendar is shorter by 10–12 days each year.
If you are travelling from the UK, your journey will usually begin by flying into Jeddah or Madinah. From there, you’ll travel with your Hajj group to Makkah to begin the sacred rites.
Types of Hajj
There are three forms of Hajj:
In this Hajj guide in English, we will explain the Tamattu‘ method of Hajj, as it was the form most encouraged by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
19 Steps of Hajj:
1. Preparation and Intention
Before setting foot in Makkah, purify your heart and make your niyyah (intention) solely for the sake of Allah ﷻ. Remember that Hajj is a journey of obedience, humility, and love for Allah – not for showing off or worldly recognition.
2. Entering the State of Ihram
Ihram is both a spiritual state and a dress code.
While in Ihram, pilgrims must avoid perfume, shaving, clipping nails, sexual relations, arguments, and worldly distractions. This equality in dress reflects the equality of all believers before Allah.
Tip: Carry spare ihram clothes and invest in comfortable sandals. You will be walking long distances.
3. Tawaf (7 Circuits Around the Ka‘bah)
Begin your Hajj by performing Tawaf al-Umrah: seven anti-clockwise circuits of the Ka‘bah, starting at the Black Stone. This powerful act connects you to the center of Islam and symbolizes unity with the entire Ummah.
4. Sa‘i Between Safa and Marwa
After Tawaf, perform Sa‘i, walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwa. This ritual commemorates Hajar’s (RA) struggle for water for her son Isma‘il (AS). It reminds us of perseverance, patience, and reliance upon Allah.
5. Clipping/Shaving Hair (Umrah Ends)
After Sa‘i, men trim or shave their hair, while women cut a fingertip’s length. This completes your Umrah, and you exit Ihram until Hajj begins on the 8th of Dhul Hijjah.
6. Resting and Praying
Spend the time before Hajj in worship, Qur’an recitation, and du‘a. Replenish your energy for the sacred days ahead.
7. Re-Entering Ihram (8th Dhul Hijjah – Day of Tarwiyah)
On the 8th of Dhul Hijjah, re-enter Ihram with the intention of performing Hajj. Recite the Talbiyah aloud:
Labbayk Allahumma Labbayk…
(Here I am, O Allah, here I am).
8. Mina – The Tent City
Travel to Mina, located just outside Makkah. Spend the day and night in prayer, Qur’an recitation, and reflection. Salah is shortened but not combined.
9. Day of ‘Arafah (9th Dhul Hijjah)
This is the most important day of Hajj. Travel to the plains of ‘Arafah, where the Prophet ﷺ delivered his final sermon. Stand in worship, make heartfelt du‘a, and seek forgiveness. The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Hajj is ‘Arafah.” (Hadith – Tirmidhi)
10. Muzdalifah (Night Under the Sky)
After sunset, travel to Muzdalifah. Pray Maghrib and ‘Isha combined, rest under the open sky, and collect pebbles for the stoning ritual.
11. Rami – Stoning of the Devil (10th Dhul Hijjah)
On Eid day, throw seven pebbles at the largest pillar (Jamarat al-Aqaba). This act re-enacts Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) rejection of Shaytan’s whispers.
12. Hady (Sacrifice)
Offer a sacrificial animal (Qurbani), just as Prophet Ibrahim (AS) was willing to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah.
13. Shaving/Trimming the HairMen shave or trim their hair; women trim a fingertip’s length. This marks partial exit from Ihram.
14. Tawaf al-Ifadah
Return to Masjid al-Haram and perform Tawaf al-Ifadah (obligatory Tawaf of Hajj).
15. Sa‘i (Again)
Perform another Sa‘i between Safa and Marwa. After this, you are free from Ihram restrictions, including marital relations.
16. Second Day of Rami (11th Dhul Hijjah)
Pelt all three pillars – small, middle, and large – with seven pebbles each. Pause after the first two to make du‘a.
17. Spend Night in Mina
Stay in Mina overnight, engaging in worship and reflection.
18. Third Day of Rami (12th Dhul Hijjah)
Repeat the stoning at all three pillars. You may leave Mina after this or stay one more day (13th Dhul Hijjah) to repeat.
19. Tawaf al-Wida (Farewell Tawaf)
Before leaving Makkah, perform the Farewell Tawaf, bidding goodbye to the Ka‘bah. This emotional Tawaf marks the completion of your Hajj.
Hajj Mabroor! With these steps completed, your Hajj is accepted, insha’Allah, and you return home purified like a newborn child.
Why Choose Bukhari Tours for Hajj?
At Bukhari Tours, your Hajj is not just a trip – it is a sacred journey of the soul, and we are honored to guide you every step of the way.
This Bukhari Tours Hajj guide provides simple, detailed steps exactly as performed by the Prophet ﷺ.
Hajj is from the 8th–12th of Dhul Hijjah in the Islamic lunar calendar.
The Prophet ﷺ recommended Hajj Tamattu‘, which is the form explained in this guide.
Hajj lasts 5–6 days, though travel and stay in Saudi Arabia may extend to two weeks or more.
It is the most important day of Hajj, when sins are forgiven and du‘as are accepted.
A total of 49 pebbles (or 70 as precaution) are needed for the three days of stoning.
Current Saudi regulations require women under 45 to travel with a Mahram. Women above 45 may be allowed in supervised groups.
No perfume, shaving, nail cutting, arguments, or sexual relations until Ihram is lifted.
Yes, it is wajib (obligatory) for all pilgrims except menstruating women.
Because we combine expertise, authentic guidance, and exceptional service, making your Hajj spiritually fulfilling and stress-free.
Bukhari Tours is a Manchester-based travel agency specializing in budget-friendly, transparent Umrah and Hajj packages, delivering highly competitive prices while maintaining ATOL protection and personalized service.