By the Good Hope Enterprises team · Published 5 October 2026 · 9 min read
Hajj is performed on fixed days in the month of Dhul Hijjah and combines worship, patience and remembrance of Allah. Most pilgrims from India perform Hajj in the Tamattu' manner: they perform Umrah first, leave Ihram, and then enter Ihram again for Hajj on the 8th of Dhul Hijjah. This guide gives a simple day-by-day overview for first-time pilgrims. It is a general guide, so please consult a qualified scholar or your group's scholar for rulings specific to your situation.
Before the 8th: Umrah and preparation
On arrival in Makkah, pilgrims in Tamattu' perform Umrah, which includes Ihram, Tawaf, Sa'i and Halq or Taqsir, and then remain in normal clothing until the 8th of Dhul Hijjah. Use these days to rest, pray at the Haram and attend your group's orientation on the rites ahead.
8th Dhul Hijjah: Ihram for Hajj and Mina
On the 8th, pilgrims enter Ihram for Hajj, make the intention and recite the Talbiyah. They travel to Mina, where they spend the day and night in prayer, performing Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, Isha and Fajr there. Mina is a city of tents, so patience and cooperation with others are very important.
9th Dhul Hijjah: Day of Arafat
After sunrise on the 9th, pilgrims move to Arafat. Standing at Arafat is the most important rite of Hajj, and Hajj is not valid without it. Spend the afternoon in dua, dhikr and Quran recitation until sunset. Dhuhr and Asr are combined and shortened at Arafat. Drink plenty of water and stay with your group.
Night of the 9th: Muzdalifah
After sunset, pilgrims leave Arafat for Muzdalifah without praying Maghrib at Arafat. At Muzdalifah, Maghrib and Isha are prayed together, and pilgrims rest in the open and collect pebbles for the Jamarat if they wish. Scholars have given concessions for the elderly, the sick and those who care for them, so ask your group leader about the arrangement.
10th Dhul Hijjah: Eid day rites
On the 10th, pilgrims stone Jamarat al-Aqabah with seven pebbles, offer the sacrifice (this is usually arranged through an authorised system), shave or trim the hair, and leave the main restrictions of Ihram. Then they go to Makkah to perform Tawaf al-Ifadah and Sa'i for Hajj. Many groups arrange these steps across the 10th to 12th depending on crowds.
11th, 12th and 13th: Days of Tashreeq in Mina
On these days pilgrims stay in Mina and stone all three Jamarat in order, starting from the small one, then the middle and then Jamarat al-Aqabah, after the sun passes its zenith. Pilgrims may leave Mina on the 12th before sunset, or stay for the 13th, which is better.
Tawaf al-Wada: the farewell Tawaf
Before leaving Makkah, pilgrims perform the farewell Tawaf. After Hajj, many pilgrims travel to Madinah to pray at Masjid an-Nabawi and visit the historic sites.
Tips for Kerala pilgrims
Attend every orientation class before departure, practise walking daily in the months before Hajj, keep your hotel and Mina camp details with you and stay hydrated. Good Hope Hajj Umrah Service offers demonstration-based orientation for first-time pilgrims in Kerala and Malayalam-speaking guides on the journey. Contact our Hajj team to learn about our Hajj 2027 packages.