Pillars of Islam
What are Hajj and Umrah? Who must go?
Hajj is the pilgrimage to Makkah and is required once in a lifetime for Muslims who are physically and financially able. Umrah is a shorter visit that can be made at any time of year.
Hajj is the pilgrimage to Makkah, the fifth pillar of Islam. It is required once in a lifetime for Muslims who are physically and financially able. It takes place from 8 to 13 Dhul Hijjah, and Hajj 2027 is expected around mid-May. Umrah is a shorter, voluntary visit that can be done at any time of the year.
What is Hajj?
Hajj is the yearly pilgrimage to the Kaaba in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. It is the fifth of the five pillars of Islam. Millions of Muslims from many countries gather in the same simple clothes and perform the same acts of worship, which reminds them that all people are equal before Allah.
Many of the acts follow the footsteps of the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), his wife Hajar and their son Ismail, and the practice of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Who must perform Hajj?
Hajj is required once in a lifetime for an adult Muslim who is able. “Able” means two things: being physically fit enough for the trip, and having enough money to pay for the trip and to leave the family provided for while away.
- A person who is too ill or too poor is not required to go.
- Debts and family needs should be settled first.
- Scholars differ on some details for women, such as travelling with a mahram (a close male relative). Ask your scholar about the details.
When is Hajj and what are the days of Dhul Hijjah?
Hajj takes place on fixed days in Dhul Hijjah, the twelfth month of the Islamic calendar. The main rites run from the 8th to the 13th. Here is a high-level view:
| Day | Name | Main acts (high level) |
|---|---|---|
| 8 Dhul Hijjah | Day of Tarwiyah | Pilgrims enter ihram and travel to Mina, where they pray and stay the day and night |
| 9 Dhul Hijjah | Day of Arafah | Pilgrims stand at Arafah from midday to sunset in prayer and dua, then go to Muzdalifah |
| 10 Dhul Hijjah | Eid al-Adha | Stoning at Jamarat, sacrifice, shaving or trimming the hair, Tawaf al-Ifadah, and Sa’i |
| 11 to 13 Dhul Hijjah | Days of Tashreeq | Stoning the three pillars at Mina each day, then farewell Tawaf before leaving Makkah |
In 2027, the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah are expected to begin about 7 May. The Day of Arafah is expected about 15 May 2027 and Eid al-Adha about Sunday 16 May 2027. These are expected dates only. Moon sighting decides the final dates. See the Islamic calendar 2027.
What is Umrah and how is it different from Hajj?
Umrah is a shorter pilgrimage to Makkah. It can be done at any time of the year and has fewer rites. It does not replace Hajj.
| Hajj | Umrah | |
|---|---|---|
| Is it required? | Required once in a lifetime for those able | Highly recommended; many scholars call it a Sunnah, and some say required once |
| When? | Only on set days in Dhul Hijjah | Any time of the year |
| Main acts | Ihram, Arafah, Muzdalifah, Mina, Tawaf and Sa’i | Ihram, Tawaf and Sa’i, then shaving or trimming |
| How long? | About five to six days of rites | A few hours to a day for the rites |
Scholars differ on whether Umrah is required or recommended. Ask your local scholar.
How can Kenyan Muslims prepare for Hajj?
Hajj needs planning, often years ahead. People in Nairobi, Mombasa, Garissa and across Kenya are advised to take these steps:
- Use a registered operator. Book only with a Hajj operator that is properly registered in Kenya. Avoid anyone who asks you to pay into a personal account.
- Check requirements. Check the current Hajj requirements and rules with the relevant Kenyan authority, as they change from year to year.
- Keep your documents ready. Make sure your passport and health requirements are in order in good time.
- Ask for written terms. Get everything agreed in writing, and keep receipts.
- Learn the rites. Many mosques run Hajj classes before the season.
This page does not list prices, since costs change each year and differ by operator.
What should a pilgrim keep in mind?
Hajj is physically hard. Pilgrims walk long distances in heat and large crowds, so patience and good manners are important. Pilgrims also avoid arguing and harming others while in the state of ihram. The money for Hajj should come from lawful income. Pilgrims often make dua for family, friends and the whole Muslim community.
How does Hajj connect to Eid al-Adha and giving?
The 10th of Dhul Hijjah is Eid al-Adha, celebrated by Muslims everywhere. Those who can afford it offer a Qurbani (sacrifice) and share the meat with family, neighbours and the poor. Read about Eid al-Adha and Qurbani in Kenya.
Muslims who cannot perform Hajj can still share in the season by fasting on the Day of Arafah, remembering Allah and giving charity. Islamic Relief Kenya is registered with the Kenya NGO Board (Reg. No. 218/051/204/0374/3386). You can give at donate.islamic-relief.or.ke.
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Support families in KenyaFrequently asked questions
What is Hajj?
Hajj is the yearly Islamic pilgrimage to the Kaaba in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, during Dhul Hijjah. It is the fifth pillar of Islam and brings Muslims from all over the world together to perform the same acts of worship.
Who must perform Hajj?
Hajj is required once in a lifetime for adult Muslims who are physically able and have enough money for the trip, after meeting their debts and family needs. Those who are too ill or cannot afford it are not required.
When is Hajj 2027?
Hajj 2027 is expected around mid-May. The first ten days of Dhul Hijjah begin about 7 May, the Day of Arafah is about 15 May and Eid al-Adha about 16 May 2027. Moon sighting decides the exact dates.
What are the days of Hajj?
The main rites run from 8 to 13 Dhul Hijjah. Pilgrims go to Mina on the 8th, stand at Arafah on the 9th, and on the 10th perform stoning, sacrifice and Tawaf. On the 11th to 13th they continue stoning at Mina.
What is the difference between Hajj and Umrah?
Hajj is required once in a lifetime for those able and takes place on set days in Dhul Hijjah. Umrah is a shorter pilgrimage that can be done at any time of the year. Umrah does not replace Hajj.
Is Umrah compulsory?
Scholars differ. Many view Umrah as highly recommended, and some view it as required once. Hajj, in contrast, is clearly required once in a lifetime for those able. Ask a local scholar for guidance.
How should Kenyan Muslims book Hajj?
Kenyan Muslims should book only through registered Hajj operators and check the current Hajj requirements with the relevant Kenyan authority. Get all terms in writing, keep receipts, and avoid paying into personal accounts.
Can someone perform Hajj for another person?
Scholars have rules for Hajj on behalf of someone who cannot go because of old age or serious illness, and the person doing it usually should have performed their own Hajj. Details differ, so ask a qualified scholar.
Dates on this page are expected dates and depend on moon sighting. Last reviewed 2 October 2026.
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