Performing Hajj is one of the most profound and spiritual journeys in Islam. UK Muslims, going for Hajj in 2027, must book through a Saudi Ministry-approved operator, which has also been registered on the official Nusuk Hajj portal. The pilgrims must secure a Hajj visa and complete the required vaccinations before travelling to Makkah for the Hajj pilgrimage. 

Most of the first-time pilgrims are extremely concerned about the rituals, but preparation before leaving is the trickiest part of them all. Consulting with the best Umrah travel agency UK, such as Islamic Travel Agency, which also assists with Hajj visas, Nusuk registration, and vaccination timing, will make the preparation a lot easier for first-time pilgrims. The following guide describes every detail regarding the registration and preparation for Hajj for first-time pilgrims.

Step-by-step guide to performing Hajj

Every year, around 25,000 Muslims from the UK travel to the holy city of Makkah to perform Hajj. Many first-time pilgrims are quite confused about the rituals of Hajj and the supplications and duas they must recite during each ritual. The following guide describes all the rituals of Hajj in the order that they must be performed. 

Preparation and Intention

Pilgrims must make their intentions in their hearts before arriving at Makkah for Hajj. The intentions of the pilgrims must be to perform Hajj for the sake of Allah Almighty. They must constantly remind themselves that they are not doing this to be seen by others for worldly gain. 

Enter the state of Ihram

The next step for the pilgrims is to enter the state of Ihram. Men must wear the designated white cloth with one piece wrapped around their shoulder, and the other around their waist. Ladies are allowed to wear any clothing of their choice as long as they ensure that they observe the rules of Ihram. Covering the face, however, is not permitted for women. The footwear must be comfortable sandals or walking shoes. Pilgrims are not allowed to wear any fragrance or use scented products while they are in the state of Ihram. 

Tawaf seven times

Tawaf is one of the principal rites of the pilgrimage and refers to walking in circles around the holy Ka’aba in an anti-clockwise motion. One Tawaf is made up of seven complete circuits, and each one of the circuits starts and ends at the black stone, which is in one corner of the holy Ka’aba. 

Safa and Marwa

After Tawaf, pilgrims will perform Sa’i, which requires walking and running between the two hills of Safa and Marwa. The pilgrims will start at the hill of Safa and complete seven laps. This ritual reminds us of the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) wife, Hajar, and her struggle in the desert in search of water for her son, Prophet Isma’il (AS).

Cut | Shave hair

After the Sa’i has been completed, men will have their hair trimmed or shaved, while women clip their hair to the length of their fingertips. This ritual marks the completion of the Umrah and allows the pilgrims to leave the state of Ihram. 

Rest and pray

After completing one part of Hajj, pilgrims must rest before starting the second part. Pilgrims must take plenty of rest and keep themselves busy praying to Allah Almighty. 

Re-enter the state of Ihram

After the pilgrims have fulfilled their sacred obligations of Hajj, they must re-enter the state of Ihram to perform the remaining rituals.

Arrive at Mina

After arriving at Mina, pilgrims must settle into their allocated tents and devote their time to daily prayer and dhikr. The pilgrims who choose the luxury Hajj packages from UK can avail additional services such as medical assistance and special meals during their stay in Mina.

Day of ‘Arafah

Pilgrims start their journey to the plains of Arafat and offer their prayers, along with attending the Khutbah.

Muzdalifah

As a next step, pilgrims must head towards Muzdalifah and offer their Isha prayer. They must collect the pebbles at this point to perform Rami.

Rami

On this day, the pilgrims must throw stones at the three big pillars, which signify the refusal of the Muslims to follow the path of the devil and remain truthful to their creator. 

Spend the night at Mina

The pilgrims return to the Mina and stay one night before heading back to the Haram for their final Tawaf.

Tawaf al-Wida

The pilgrims must complete the seven laps and perform the last Tawaf. Pilgrims do not have to perform Sa’i or shave their heads after this Tawaf. After this, the Hajj is completed. 

Registering on the Nusuk Hajj Portal

Pilgrims who are planning on performing Hajj must register for Hajj via the Nusuk platform. The pilgrims must keep in mind that the Hajj can only be performed by the Nusuk.sa, which is the website. The Hajj pilgrims must follow these steps to book via the Nusuk Hajj app.

• Create your account on nusuk.sa by using your passport details.
• Choose your Hajj category and book the package accordingly. Pilgrims may choose from economy, standard, or premium Hajj packages.
• Upload your documents and complete the payment through the portal.
• Receive your Hajj permit, which is checked at every entry point around Makkah during the Hajj season. 

Planning early and learning about the rituals in advance will help the pilgrims approach this blessed and sacred journey with clarity, sincerity, and devotion.