FAQs

The main rites take place from 8 to 13 Dhul Hijjah. Pilgrims who meet the conditions for leaving Mina early can finish on the 12th, after stoning all three Jamarat and leaving before sunset.

No. Standing at Arafat on 9 Dhul Hijjah is a pillar of Hajj. The Prophet ﷺ said, “Hajj is Arafat.”

The 8th is the traditional day to travel to Mina and pray there. Details and valid excuses can differ, so follow your group’s official plan and ask a qualified scholar about your own situation.

Yes. Personal dua can be made in any language. There is no fixed dua you must recite for each rite.

Yes, most rites are still possible: Ihram, Talbiyah, Mina, Arafat, Muzdalifah, stoning, dhikr and dua. Tawaf must wait until purity. If it affects Tawaf al-Ifadah or your departure, ask a qualified scholar as soon as possible.

No. Women do not shave. They cut a small portion of hair, about a fingertip’s length, from the ends.

Yes, if you meet the early-departure conditions. This is commonly taught as stoning all three Jamarat on the 12th and leaving Mina before sunset. Schools of thought differ on details, so check with your scholar and group.

No. All of Arafat is a place of standing, and climbing the hill is not required.

Usually 49 for the 10th to the 12th (7 on the 10th, then 21 on each of the 11th and 12th). If you also stone on the 13th, you need 70. Pebbles are small, about chickpea size, and are thrown one at a time.

No. Throw them one at a time, saying “Allahu Akbar” with each. Do not throw shoes or large stones.

No. Menstruating and postnatal women are exempt from the farewell Tawaf under the established ruling.

No. It is generally required for Tamattu and Qiran, and not required solely because of Ifrad. Rules and exemptions apply, and there is a fasting alternative for those unable to offer it. Use official or approved arrangements and confirm that it was done.

No. The consequence depends on the act, whether it was forgotten, forced or deliberate, and the school of thought. Do not guess: ask a qualified scholar.

Men wear two plain, unstitched pieces, and white is the usual colour. Women wear modest, loose, ordinary clothing, and white is not compulsory.

No. Ihram is a sacred state you enter with the intention for Hajj or Umrah, at or before the miqat. The clothing is only part of it.

Usually a few hours, depending on crowds and your pace.

Yes, if you reach Makkah in Ihram, many pilgrims complete it in one day. Allow time to rest, especially after travelling.

Generally yes, unlike Hajj. Saudi regulations and seasonal restrictions can change, so check the official sources before you book.

Hajj has fixed days in Dhul Hijjah and extra rites such as Arafat, Muzdalifah, Mina and stoning. Umrah can be done at other times and consists of Ihram, Tawaf, Sa’i and shaving or trimming the hair.

It is a boundary that a person intending Hajj or Umrah must not cross without entering Ihram. The five well-known miqats are Dhul-Hulayfah, Al-Juhfah, Qarn al-Manazil, Yalamlam and Dhat Irq.

It depends on your flight route. You must be in Ihram before crossing the miqat, and flights usually pass it in the air. Ask your airline, group leader or a qualified scholar about your exact route before you travel.

They may, but it is not required. Women wear ordinary modest clothing.

A woman can enter Ihram, but she should not do Tawaf while menstruating. Situations differ, so ask a qualified scholar before you travel or as soon as it happens.

Seven. Each starts and ends at the Black Stone line, with the Kaaba on your left.

Seven. Start at Safa and finish at Marwah: Safa to Marwah is one, Marwah back to Safa is two, and so on.

No. Men may shave the head or shorten the hair, but shaving is generally considered better.

About a fingertip’s length from the ends. Women do not shave their heads.

Yes. Scholars allow Tawaf and Sa’i in a wheelchair for those who cannot walk. Use official wheelchair services and check current rules with your provider.

Yes. A child’s Umrah is valid, but it does not replace the obligation after puberty. Keep children close, write your contact details on a wristband and plan rest breaks.

Scholars differ on repeating Umrah in one trip. It is not compulsory, so ask a qualified scholar and avoid straining yourself.

Build on the lower number you are sure of. A counter or a companion helps.

Do not panic. Ask a qualified scholar as soon as you can, because the remedy depends on what happened.

No. Visiting Madinah and Masjid an-Nabawi is a separate, recommended visit and is not a rite of Umrah.

No. Neither is part of Umrah. Climbing Jabal al-Noor is hard in the heat. Access to the Rawdah is managed by the authorities and can change, so check the official Nusuk guidance.

Stop and rest, drink water, tell your group leader and ask officials or medical staff for help. Do not push through illness to finish quickly.

The official address is nusuk.sa. Type it into your browser yourself instead of clicking links sent in chats or emails.

No. Guaranteed permits, “limited slots” and pressure to pay now are classic scam signs. Check with the official sources and your country’s authority.

No. A code never guarantees a visa, Hajj permit, booking, reward or special access. Never pay anyone for a code.

No. They are submitted by visitors and are not verified by Nusuk. Check the programme terms on nusuk.sa before you use one.

Never. Not with a group leader, an “agent” or anyone claiming to be official. An OTP is for you only.

On the official government sites such as visa.visitsaudi.com and haj.gov.sa. Rules change by nationality and season, so check again close to your travel date.

Confirm they are authorised by your country’s authority, ask for the licence number and check it yourself. Read the written contract, pay by traceable methods and keep receipts.

Use the official app store links shown on nusuk.sa. Do not install files sent in chats or emails.

Use a long, unique password and turn on extra verification if it is offered. Do not use shared computers, and sign out afterwards.

Not always. They may be out of date or fake. Compare them with the official website.

Only send documents through official channels or to a provider you have verified. Do not send them to strangers.

Change your passwords, tell your bank straight away if you paid, keep the messages as evidence, report it to your local authorities and contact official support.