Islamic Association of Raleigh · Hajj 2026
Your Day-by-Day Journey
A complete daily companion for the four Al Rajhi packages — from departure through Hajj to your safe return home, in shā Allāh.
1
Package
2
Camp
3
Itinerary
Which package are you on?
Choose your Al Rajhi package to view your day-by-day itinerary
🕌
Shifting
May 16 – Jun 2 · 17 days
Madinah → Makkah → Azizia
🕌
Express
May 20 – May 31 · 11 days
Madinah → Makkah
🕋
Luxury 1
May 20 – Jun 4 · 15 days
Makkah → Madinah
🕌
Luxury 2
May 17 – Jun 1 · 15 days
Madinah → Makkah
Shifting
May 16 – June 2, 2026
🕌 Madinah → 🕋 Makkah → ⛺ Azizia
18
Days Total
3
Madinah
3
Makkah
8
Azizia (Hajj)
📋
Before You Leave
Reminders, documents, and packing essentials
Documentation
  • Passport (valid 6+ months past return), Hajj visa, Saudi-issued ID/Tasreeh
  • Vaccination card — meningococcal (ACWY) is mandatory; bring proof
  • Medical insurance card and a one-page emergency contact sheet
  • Printed copies of your full itinerary and hotel confirmations
Health & Medication
  • 2-week supply of all prescription medication in carry-on (not checked bag)
  • Doctor's note for any controlled or unusual medication
  • Basic kit: Tylenol, Advil, ORS, anti-diarrheal, throat lozenges, plasters, blister pads
  • Sunscreen SPF 50+, lip balm, eye drops, multivitamin, probiotic
Baggage
  • One checked bag (≤ 23 kg) + one carry-on + personal item per airline rules
  • Pack a separate small backpack inside — used during Mina days
  • Label every bag with name, phone, address, and group number
  • Carry on: medication, ihram set, prayer items, change of clothes, valuables
Cash & Cards
  • Notify your bank of travel; bring two cards from different networks
  • Carry some Saudi Riyals on arrival for tips, water, small purchases
  • Tipping baggage handlers at hotel: 10–15 SAR is appreciated
Mindset: Expect delays, crowds, and the unexpected. The journey itself is part of the worship — patience (sabr) and good character are themselves acts of Hajj. Make sincere intention and renew it often.
🗓
Day-by-Day Journey
Madinah First · then Makkah · then Azizia for Hajj
Day 1
May 16
Saturday
29 Dhu al-Qa'dah
✈ Depart from US
Departure to Madinah (via layover)
  • Arrive at airport 3.5–4 hours before international departure
  • Layover prayers: combine and shorten Dhuhr/Asr and Maghrib/Isha as a traveler (qasr)
  • Fajr in flight: calculate based on local time of the position you're flying over
  • Use flight time to rest, hydrate, recite Qur'an, and renew intention
If your group is split across flights, your group leader will share a WhatsApp group — keep your phone charged and the chat muted/pinned.
Day 2
May 17
Sunday
30 Dhu al-Qa'dah
🕌 In transit / arriving Madinah
Travel day continues
  • Most pilgrims will arrive late on this day depending on layover length
  • Saudi customs: have passport, visa, and vaccination card ready in hand
  • Look for the Al Rajhi / IAR Community meet-and-greet team at arrivals
  • Bus to hotel — keep your seat number and bag tags safe
Worst-case scenario: If no one meets you, do not panic. Call the group leader number on your packet, or take a metered taxi to the hotel and share the receipt with Al Rajhi for reimbursement.
Day 3
May 18
Monday
1 Dhu al-Hijjah
🕌 Madinah · Check-in
Hotel: Maden Taiba · 3 nights · walking distance to Masjid An-Nabawi
  • Hotel arrival, room assignment, and luggage to room (tip 10–15 SAR if assisted)
  • Breakfast 6:00–10:00 AM · Dinner 6:00–9:30 PM (typical hotel buffet)
  • Rest after travel; aim to pray Zuhr/Asr/Maghrib/Isha at the Haram
  • Pick a fixed gate at Masjid An-Nabawi to recognize on return — write it down
First visit: When entering the Haram, send salam upon the Prophet ﷺ. Make du'ā near the Rawdah area when accessible. Set the masjid as a saved location in Google Maps.
Day 4
May 19
Tuesday
2 Dhu al-Hijjah
🕌 Madinah · Mazarat day
  • Five daily prayers at the Haram — try to be in early for Fajr and Isha
  • Mazarat (Ziyarah) tour after Asr (~5:45 PM – 8:00 PM) by bus
  • Sites: Mount Uhud · Masjid Quba · other sites if time permits
  • Pray 2 rak'ah at Masjid Quba — equivalent reward of an Umrah (per hadith)
Bring: water, small bills for refreshments, comfortable shoes, head covering (sisters), camera if desired but reverence at all sites.
Day 5
May 20
Wednesday
3 Dhu al-Hijjah
🕌 Madinah · Rawdah & workshop
  • All five prayers at the Haram
  • Group Rawdah appointments via the Nusuk app — gather 1 hour before
  • Brothers' typical slot: ~4:00 PM · Sisters' typical slot: ~8:00 PM (confirm in WhatsApp)
  • Gathering points: G37 (Sisters), G38 (Brothers) at the masjid
  • TBA: Umrah workshop at the hotel
Hotel tip: Set the room thermostat between 74–76°F; the default is often too cold and disrupts sleep before a long day.
Tonight: Pack and tag any luggage going by truck to Makkah ahead of you (1 bag per person max). Label clearly with name, phone, address, and "Al Rajhi · Group [your group #]".
Day 6
May 21
Thursday
4 Dhu al-Hijjah
🕋 Madinah → Makkah · Umrah day
Hotel: Hilton Suites Makkah · 3 nights · close to Haram
  • Forwarded luggage collected by Fajr — keep only your day bag
  • Board Haramain High-Speed Train to Makkah before noon (~10:00 AM)
  • Wear ihram before boarding the train; do not yet make the intention
  • Make Umrah intention on the train: "Labbayka Allāhumma 'Umrah" — begin talbiyah
  • Train ride ~2h 15m to Makkah · bus to hotel · keep ihram on
  • Group Umrah after Isha (~10–11 PM): tawaf, sa'i, hair cutting, exit ihram
Ihram caution: Once intention is made, prohibitions apply — no scented products, no cutting hair/nails, no covering the head (men), no marriage contracts. Keep talbiyah on your tongue.
Day 7
May 22
Friday
5 Dhu al-Hijjah
🕋 Makkah · Recovery
  • No group plans — sleep in if Umrah finished late last night
  • Friday Jumu'ah at the Haram — be in by 8:00–9:00 AM, masjid fills by 11:00 AM
  • Take a fixed photo of your hotel entrance and the gate you exit from the Haram
Day 8
May 23
Saturday
6 Dhu al-Hijjah
🕋 Makkah · Maximize Haram time
  • Optional voluntary tawaf, additional Umrah on behalf of a deceased relative
  • Begin slow water-loading and probiotic routine — Mina starts in 2 days
Day 9
May 24
Sunday
7 Dhu al-Hijjah
⛺ Shift to Azizia · Hajj prep
Hotel: Mahd AlRisala Hotel (Azizia) · 8 nights · base for Hajj days
  • Morning: Hajj workshop — final review of rites, group instructions
  • Check out of Hilton Suites · short bus transfer to Azizia (~30 min)
  • Pack a Mina backpack for tomorrow (see checklist below)
  • Eat well, hydrate, sleep early — tomorrow is the start of Hajj
Mina backpack checklist
  • UV umbrella, sunglasses, wide-brim hat (under ihram, men remove)
  • SPF 50 sunscreen, lip balm, cooling towel, misting fan
  • Liquid IV / electrolyte packets (×6+), unscented body wipes
  • Snacks: dates, granola bars, nuts (no strong scent)
  • Phone charger + power bank (10,000 mAh+), short cable
  • Prayer mat (small), small Qur'an or Qur'an app, dua book
  • Spare ihram set, unscented soap, toothbrush + paste
  • Plastic ziploc bags (for shoes during Jamarat)
Day 10
May 25
Monday
8 Dhu al-Hijjah · Tarweyah
⛺ Hajj Day 1 · To Mina
Depart Azizia → Mina · enter ihram
  • Wear ihram from the hotel — do not make intention until departure
  • Bus to Mina (~45 min); make Hajj intention as you depart: "Labbayka Allāhumma Hajjan"
  • At Mina: camp/tent assignment, drop pin in maps, locate restroom + dining
  • Prayers shortened (qasr) but not combined at Mina — Dhuhr 2, Asr 2, Maghrib 3, Isha 2
  • Group lectures and Q&A after dinner; sleep early
Mina survival tips: Limit food, hydrate steadily (sip — don't gulp), take vitamins/probiotics, plan restroom visits before/after salah (long lines at peak), bring earplugs, dress in layers.
Day 11
May 26
Tuesday
9 Dhu al-Hijjah · Arafah
⛺ Hajj Day 2 · The Day
Mina → Arafah → Muzdalifah
  • Morning: train through Mashaer to Arafahprivate bus to Arafah · 20–30 min walk to tent
  • Listen to the khutbah; pray Dhuhr + Asr combined and shortened at Dhuhr time
  • From after Dhuhr until Maghrib: continuous du'ā, dhikr, istighfar, Qur'an
  • This is the day of Hajj — do not waste it on food or chatter
  • Depart for Muzdalifah at Maghrib (do not pray Maghrib at Arafah)
  • At Muzdalifah: pray Maghrib + Isha combined and shortened · sleep on the ground
  • Collect 49 pebbles (or 70 if staying 13th) for Jamarat
Restroom warning: Muzdalifah has only public restrooms with very long lines. Use the restroom at Arafah before Maghrib departure.
Two departure groups from Muzdalifah to Mina:
Midnight group (~12:15 AM) — for those with spouse, family, elderly, or weak
Fajr group (~4:45 AM after Fajr) — bachelors and the able-bodied stay until Fajr
Day 12
May 27
Wednesday
10 Dhu al-Hijjah · Eid
⛺ Hajj Day 3 · Eid al-Adha
Jamarat · Halq · Tawaf al-Ifadah
  • Stone Jamrat al-Aqaba only — 7 pebbles, one at a time, saying takbeer
  • Sacrifice (qurbani) is handled on your behalf by Al Rajhi — confirm time with leaders
  • Halq (shave) for men or taqsir (trim) for women — exit partial ihram
  • Prohibitions lifted except marital relations, until tawaf al-ifadah is performed
  • To Makkah for Tawaf al-Ifadah + Sa'i (a pillar of Hajj) — crowds heaviest at midday
  • Return to Azizia/Mina before midnight; rest for tomorrow
Majar camp: Train back to Mina is fastest. Walk to Makkah via tunnels is ~1.25 hr if buses are stopped.Muassim camp: Bus is the primary transport — confirm bus times with leaders. Walking to Jamarat is longer; allow extra time.
Eid day walk times (plan your sequence):
  • Camp → Jamarat: ~15–20 minCamp → Jamarat: ~1h 15min
  • Jamarat → Halq (Mina barbers, right nearby): 5–10 min
  • Mina → Haram for Tawaf: train ~20–25 min · or walking ~35–45 min through tunnelsCamp → Haram for Tawaf: bus (confirm with leaders) · or walking ~1h 15min
  • Jamarat → Azizia hotel: ~25–30 min walk
Crowds peak 8 AM – 2 PM on Eid. Tawaf al-Ifadah after Asr or after midnight is valid and far less crowded.
Day 13
May 28
Thursday
11 Dhu al-Hijjah · Tashreeq 1
⛺ Hajj Day 4 · Rami all 3
  • Fajr & Dhuhr at Mina · breakfast & lunch at Mina (no breakfast/dinner at hotel today)
  • After Dhuhr: stone all three pillars in order — Sughra (7), Wusta (7), Aqaba (7)
  • Make du'ā after the first two pillars, not after the third
  • Maghrib & Isha at Mina — shortened, not combined
  • Group lectures after dinner; pilgrims may walk to Makkah for Haram and return before midnight
Day 14
May 29
Friday
12 Dhu al-Hijjah · Tashreeq 2
⛺ Hajj Day 5 · Rami all 3
  • Same routine as Day 11: rami of all three pillars after Dhuhr (21 pebbles total)
  • Friday Jumu'ah may be combined with Dhuhr at Mina depending on group leader's call
  • Pilgrims who depart today (nafr awwal) must leave Mina before Maghrib — Al Rajhi groups typically stay through 13th
Day 15
May 30
Saturday
13 Dhu al-Hijjah · Tashreeq 3
⛺ Hajj Day 6 · Final rami · return
  • Fajr & Dhuhr at Mina · breakfast & lunch at Mina
  • Final rami of all three pillars after Dhuhr
  • Gather all your belongings — easy to forget items in tents
  • Bus or walk back to Azizia hotel · check in to Mahd AlRisala
  • Rest, shower, eat — Hajj rites are complete · alhamdulillah
Day 16
May 31
Sunday
14 Dhu al-Hijjah
⛺ Azizia · Recovery + Haram
  • Sleep in — your body has just been through six demanding days
  • Optional bus to Haram for prayers; voluntary tawaf if able
  • Begin to organize bags for departure · review flight itinerary
Day 17
Jun 1
Monday
15 Dhu al-Hijjah
⛺ Azizia · Tawaf al-Wada
Final farewell tawaf
  • Tawaf al-Wada is required before leaving Makkah — do not skip
  • Best timing: 2–3 hours before Fajr, or after Fajr (Haram is packed mid-day)
  • No sa'i required after wada · no need to be in ihram
  • Final du'ā at the Multazam (between the door and the Black Stone) if accessible
  • Last night at Mahd AlRisala — pack thoroughly, weigh checked bags
Don't delay wada: If you wait until the morning of departure, traffic + crowds may make you miss it — and that's a wajib violation requiring dam (compensation).
Day 18
Jun 2
Tuesday
16 Dhu al-Hijjah
✈ Return via Jeddah
Departure home
  • Check out before noon · breakfast provided at the hotel
  • Bus to Jeddah airport (~2 hours) · semi-truck for excess luggage
  • Pick up your free Qur'an at airport security if offered
  • Mindset: flights commonly delay during the post-Hajj rush — keep snacks, water, patience
  • On arrival home, share salam with family and pray 2 rak'ah of shukr
May Allāh accept your Hajj — Hajjan mabrūran wa sa'yan mashkūran wa dhanban maghfūran.
Your Mina Camp
Phase 1 bookings → Majar Al Kabsh · Phase 2 bookings → Muassim
Switch Hajj-day instructions for your camp
Not sure which camp you're on? Check your Al Rajhi booking confirmation, or message your group leader on WhatsApp. Phase 1 (earlier) bookings were assigned Majar; Phase 2 (later) were assigned Muassim. The Hajj-day cards above will update accordingly.
Majar Al Kabsh — what to expect
  • Premium Mina camp in the Majar Al Kabsh zone
  • Fast, dedicated rail line (Mashaer Metro) between Mina, Arafah, Muzdalifah, and Jamarat
  • Shorter walk to Jamarat each Tashreeq day — better for younger pilgrims
  • Less crowded transit, but longer wait at platform during peak Maghrib transfer
Muassim — what to expect
  • Private bus transit door-to-door — convenient for elderly and those with mobility needs
  • Further from Jamarat — allow extra time on stoning days, buses staged at fixed times
  • Camp is in the Muassim zone of Mina with full meal service
  • Watch the WhatsApp group for bus-departure call times — late arrivals miss the bus
🔗
Quick Links
Bookmarks for the road
📚
Reference Guide
Universal · applies to every package · tap any panel to expand
Flight, layover, and prayers in the air

Arrive at the airport 3.5–4 hours before international departure. Hajj season check-in is slow — passport, Hajj visa, and vaccination card all get inspected. Have them on top of your carry-on.

Layover prayers (you are now a traveler): Combine and shorten Dhuhr+Asr (2+2 rak'ah at Dhuhr time, or at Asr time) and Maghrib+Isha (3+2 rak'ah). Fajr stays 2 rak'ah and is never combined.

Salah on the plane: If a prayer time enters and you cannot delay until landing, pray seated facing the direction of travel; intend qiblah. The Saudia/Emirates safety card often shows qiblah direction. Make the prayer up properly if landing is close.

Calculating Fajr in the air: Fajr is local to the position you are flying over. When the sky outside the window begins to lighten on the horizon, Fajr has entered. Pray promptly; it is one of the few prayers that cannot be combined with another.

Hydration & circulation: Drink water hourly, walk the aisle every 2 hours, avoid heavy salty meals. Dry cabin air dehydrates faster than you notice.

Group split across flights? Your group leader will share a WhatsApp group — keep your phone charged and the chat pinned and muted.

🛬Arrival step-by-step (Madinah & Jeddah)

Madinah Airport (Madinah-First packages)

  • Disembark · follow "International Arrivals" signs in English/Arabic
  • At passport control: have passport, Hajj visa, and vaccination card open and ready
  • Biometric photo + fingerprint scan · be patient with the queue
  • Baggage claim: confirm bag tag matches your luggage
  • Exit to arrivals hall · look for the Al Rajhi / IAR Community sign or banner held by the meet-and-greet team
  • They will load luggage onto a bus or van; keep your carry-on with you
  • If you cannot find them within 30 minutes, call the group leader number on your packet · last resort: take a metered taxi to the hotel and save the receipt

Jeddah Airport (Makkah-First packages)

  • You should already be in ihram with intention made before crossing the miqaat (Sea of Yalamlam, ~70 km west of Jeddah)
  • Same passport/biometric process · keep ihram talbiyah on your tongue
  • Baggage claim · meet Al Rajhi / IAR Community team in arrivals hall
  • Bus to Makkah is 1.5–2 hours · use the time for talbiyah and dhikr
  • If a free Qur'an is offered at security on departure, take one
🏨Hotel arrival protocol
  • Bus stops at hotel entrance · keep your seat belongings safe before exiting
  • Walk to the lobby first · room keys distributed by group leader (not directly at the front desk)
  • Tip the baggage handler 10–15 SAR if they bring bags to your room
  • Wifi password is usually printed on the room key holder or asked at the front desk
  • Set the room thermostat to 74–76°F (23–24°C) — default is often too cold and disrupts sleep
  • Hotel meal hours (typical): breakfast 6:00–10:00 AM · dinner 6:00–9:30 PM (no lunch — pace yourself)
  • Photograph the front of your hotel and the gate of the Haram you exit from — easy to get lost on first nights
  • Save the hotel address in Google Maps as a "starred place" so you can navigate back from anywhere
👩Sister's advice (women-specific)

Expect the unexpected. Crowds, delays, smells, lost items, language barriers — these are normal. Sabr is itself a pillar of the journey.

  • Menstruation: Track your cycle ahead. If you anticipate overlap with Hajj, consult a knowledgeable scholar about whether to use cycle-delay medication. If you menstruate during Hajj, you can do every rite except tawaf — Sa'i is allowed.
  • Hijab during ihram: Cover hair as normal · niqab and gloves are not worn during ihram (Prophetic guidance) · use a wide hijab or face veil that does not touch the face like a niqab when needed in crowds.
  • Wudu in busy bathrooms: Bring a small spray bottle for wudu when sinks are blocked. Wear easy-rolling sleeves.
  • Sleeping arrangements: In Mina you'll likely sleep on a mattress next to other women. Bring an eye mask, earplugs, and a thin shawl for modesty.
  • Be ready to be alone: Even with family, you'll separate at gates, in tawaf, on buses. Always have phone, hotel address card, water, and 100 SAR on you.
  • Personal space: Tawaf and Sa'i in peak hours are physically intense. If overwhelmed, step to the outer ring or the second/third floor of the Haram — fewer crowds, same reward.
  • Hygiene: Pack ample sanitary supplies — Saudi pharmacies stock Western brands but lines are long during Hajj. Unscented baby wipes are essential.
  • Mahram considerations: Saudi rules now allow women 45+ to perform Hajj without a mahram in groups. Stay close to your group leader.
🕌Rawdah appointments (Nusuk app)

The Rawdah is the area between the Prophet's ﷺ pulpit (minbar) and his blessed grave — described by the Prophet ﷺ as "a garden from the gardens of Paradise." Visiting it requires a Nusuk app appointment (free).

How to book

  • Download the Nusuk app (iOS/Android) before leaving home · register with your passport
  • Open "Permits" → "Visit the Rawdah Sharif" → pick a date and time slot
  • Slots are released on a rolling basis · check daily if your first choice is full
  • Group leaders may attempt a group booking — check WhatsApp first

On the day

  • Gather 1 hour before your slot at the masjid gathering points:
    · Brothers: Gate G38 (typical slot ~4:00 PM)
    · Sisters: Gate G37 (typical slot ~8:00 PM)
  • Bring only your phone (with app open showing your QR), wudu, and a small prayer mat if desired
  • You will be moved through the Rawdah in a controlled flow — pray 2 rak'ah quickly, make du'ā, send salam upon the Prophet ﷺ, Abu Bakr, and Umar (raḍiy Allāhu 'anhumā), and exit with the group
  • Time inside is short (5–15 minutes) — prepare your du'ā list in advance
Etiquette: Lower your voice, do not push, do not photograph the Rawdah area. Send abundant salawat upon the Prophet ﷺ.
🕋Umrah step-by-step

Umrah has four core actions, performed in this order:

1 · Ihram + intention

  • Ghusl, wear ihram cloths (men) / modest travel clothes (women)
  • Cross the miqaat (or pass it on flight) and intend: "Labbayka Allāhumma 'Umrah"
  • Begin talbiyah and continue until you start tawaf
لَبَّيْكَ ٱللَّٰهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ، لَبَّيْكَ لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ، إِنَّ ٱلْحَمْدَ وَٱلنِّعْمَةَ لَكَ وَٱلْمُلْكَ، لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ
Labbayk Allāhumma labbayk · labbayka lā sharīka laka labbayk · innal-ḥamda wan-niʿmata laka wal-mulk · lā sharīka lak
Here I am, O Allah, here I am · here I am, You have no partner, here I am · all praise and blessings are Yours, and dominion · You have no partner.

2 · Tawaf (7 rounds around the Ka'bah)

  • Enter the Haram on right foot, du'ā for entering the masjid
  • Approach the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad) corner · gesture toward it with right hand, say "Bismillāh, Allāhu akbar" · do not push to kiss it in crowds
  • Walk anti-clockwise · keep the Ka'bah on your left
  • Men do raml (brisk walk) in first 3 rounds and idtibā' (right shoulder uncovered) — only for the first tawaf of an Umrah
  • Between Yemeni Corner and Black Stone, recite: "Rabbanā ātinā fid-dunyā ḥasanah wa fil-ākhirati ḥasanah wa qinā 'adhāban-nār"
  • After 7 rounds: 2 rak'ah behind Maqām Ibrāhīm (or anywhere in the Haram if crowded)
  • Drink Zamzam water · stand facing qiblah while drinking · drink to satisfaction

3 · Sa'i (between Safa and Marwah, 7 trips)

  • Climb Safa · face the Ka'bah · recite the verse and du'ā
  • Walk toward Marwah · men jog between the two green-marked posts
  • Reach Marwah · same du'ā · this is one trip
  • 7 trips total · ends at Marwah

4 · Halq or taqsir

  • Men: halq (shave entire head) is best, taqsir (trim) is allowed
  • Women: taqsir only — cut about a fingertip's length from the end of the hair
  • Use a barber outside the Haram — men should not let women cut their hair (or vice versa) unless mahram
  • Once cut, you have exited ihram — all prohibitions lifted, Umrah is complete
Hajj rites — what each ritual is and why

Pillars (rukn) — missing one invalidates Hajj

  • Ihram with intention for Hajj (entered before 8 DH)
  • Wuquf at Arafah — being present at any point on 9 DH between Dhuhr and Fajr of 10 DH
  • Tawaf al-Ifadah — performed on or after 10 DH
  • Sa'i — for Tamattu' Hajj, this is performed after Tawaf al-Ifadah (or earlier with the Umrah)

Wajib (obligatory) — missing requires dam (sheep sacrifice)

  • Entering ihram from the miqaat
  • Spending the night at Muzdalifah on the night of 10 DH
  • Spending the nights at Mina during the Tashreeq days (11, 12, 13 DH)
  • Stoning the Jamarat in their proper order
  • Halq or taqsir
  • Tawaf al-Wada (farewell tawaf) before leaving Makkah

Two stages of tahallul (exiting ihram)

  • First tahallul: after stoning Jamrat al-Aqaba on 10 DH AND halq/taqsir → all prohibitions lifted except marital relations
  • Second tahallul: after Tawaf al-Ifadah → all prohibitions lifted including marital relations

If you miss a rite

  • Missed wuquf at Arafah → Hajj is invalid · must repeat next year (rare with proper guidance)
  • Missed a wajib (e.g., Muzdalifah night, Tawaf al-Wada) → dam (sheep sacrifice paid through your Hajj operator)
  • Doubt or confusion → ask the group's resident scholar before acting
Don't self-diagnose missed rites. Speak to a knowledgeable scholar or your group leader. Many "I missed it" scenarios are not actually issues, and dam is a structured payment, not a guess.
💧Mina, Arafah, Muzdalifah — survival

Heat and hydration

  • Sip water steadily — do not gulp · electrolyte packets in 1 of every 3 bottles
  • UV umbrella is your single most useful item · sunglasses non-negotiable for sisters
  • Cooling towel around the neck · wet at every restroom stop
  • Wear loose layers · sweat-wicking undershirts · change socks daily

Food strategy

  • Eat light at Mina · heavy meals + heat = nausea
  • Bring shelf-stable snacks (dates, granola bars, nuts) · skip strong-scented foods (forbidden in ihram)
  • Probiotic daily for 2 weeks before and during Hajj — most stomach issues come from buffet exposure

Restroom logistics

  • Camp restrooms have queues at peak times (after each prayer) · use right after wudu before lines form
  • Muzdalifah has only public restrooms with very long lines — use the restroom at Arafah before Maghrib departure
  • Pack a small bottle of unscented soap and toilet paper · communal supply runs out

Sleep

  • Earplugs and eye mask · tents are bright and loud at all hours
  • At Muzdalifah you sleep on the ground — sleeping bag is provided by the operator · use a small inflatable pillow
  • Phone face-down to preserve battery; keep on airplane mode + brief check-ins
🪨Pebble logistics (Jamarat)

Total pebbles needed:

  • 10 DH (Eid): 7 pebbles at Jamrat al-Aqaba only
  • 11 DH: 21 pebbles (7 each at Sughra, Wusta, Aqaba in order)
  • 12 DH: 21 pebbles (same order)
  • 13 DH (if staying): 21 pebbles (same order)
  • Total: 49 pebbles if departing 12 DH · 70 pebbles if staying 13 DH

Collection

  • Collect at Muzdalifah on the night of 9 DH · pebbles roughly the size of a chickpea
  • Pack in a small ziploc · keep one bag per day's count if it helps you
  • Do not collect from the Jamarat area itself (those are used pebbles)

Throwing

  • Throw one pebble at a time — say "Allāhu akbar" with each
  • The pebble must reach the basin · if it bounces back, it counts; if it does not reach, throw another
  • Order on Tashreeq days: Sughra (smallest, closest to Mina) → Wusta (middle) → Aqaba (closest to Makkah)
  • After Sughra: step aside, face qiblah, raise hands, du'ā at length
  • After Wusta: same — long du'ā
  • After Aqaba: no du'ā · move on directly

Crowd safety

  • Avoid the very peak time right after Dhuhr · Asr is calmer · post-Maghrib is calmest but the bridge can be dim
  • Stay with your group · keep one hand on a wall or rail · don't carry babies through the bridge
  • Wear a small sling bag worn front-side, not a backpack
🤲Useful du'ās at each station

Entering the Haram (any masjid)

ٱللَّٰهُمَّ ٱفْتَحْ لِي أَبْوَابَ رَحْمَتِكَ
Allāhumma iftaḥ lī abwāba raḥmatik
O Allah, open for me the doors of Your mercy.

First sight of the Ka'bah

Make raised-hand du'ā at length — accepted moments. Speak in your own language.

Between the Yemeni Corner and the Black Stone (during tawaf)

رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي ٱلدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي ٱلْآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ ٱلنَّارِ
Rabbanā ātinā fid-dunyā ḥasanah wa fil-ākhirati ḥasanah wa qinā 'adhāban-nār
Our Lord, grant us good in this life and good in the next, and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.

Drinking Zamzam

ٱللَّٰهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ عِلْمًا نَافِعًا، وَرِزْقًا وَاسِعًا، وَشِفَاءً مِنْ كُلِّ دَاءٍ
Allāhumma innī as'aluka 'ilman nāfi'an, wa rizqan wāsi'an, wa shifā'an min kulli dā'
O Allah, I ask You for beneficial knowledge, abundant provision, and a cure from every illness.

On Mount Safa and Marwah (each trip)

لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا ٱللَّٰهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ، لَهُ ٱلْمُلْكُ وَلَهُ ٱلْحَمْدُ وَهُوَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ
Lā ilāha illa Allāh waḥdahū lā sharīka lah, lahul-mulku wa lahul-ḥamdu wa huwa 'alā kulli shay'in qadīr
There is no god but Allah alone, He has no partner; His is the dominion and His is all praise, and He has power over all things.

Arafah (the day of Hajj)

The most-recommended du'ā of the Prophet ﷺ on the day of Arafah:

لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا ٱللَّٰهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ، لَهُ ٱلْمُلْكُ وَلَهُ ٱلْحَمْدُ وَهُوَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ
Same as above — repeat with presence of heart. Spend the entire afternoon in du'ā, dhikr, and istighfar.

Stoning the Jamarat (each pebble)

بِسْمِ ٱللَّٰهِ، ٱللَّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ
Bismillāh, Allāhu akbar
In the name of Allah, Allah is the Greatest.
🌡Health, hydration, food
  • Hydration target: 3–4 liters of water per day in Mina · electrolyte packet in every third bottle
  • Vaccinations required: Meningococcal (ACWY) — must show certificate at airport · Saudi authorities also recommend seasonal flu and COVID-19 boosters
  • Bring from home: Tylenol, Advil, ORS, anti-diarrheal (Imodium), throat lozenges, plasters, antibiotic ointment, hydrocortisone cream, eye drops, motion sickness tablets
  • Probiotic: Start 2 weeks before travel, daily, through return — single biggest reducer of stomach upset
  • Food safety: Eat at hotel buffets and Mina catered meals · avoid street food, unsealed water, raw vegetables of unclear washing
  • Sleep debt: Plan one quiet recovery day after each major exertion (post-Umrah, post-Arafah) · sleep 6+ hours nightly
  • Foot care: Bring two pairs of well-broken-in walking sandals · blister pads · change socks if shoes are worn
  • If sick during Hajj: Free clinics in Mina and at the Haram · group leader has the closest one's location
📱SIM, wifi, and currency
  • SIM cards: Buy a Saudi SIM at the airport on arrival (STC, Mobily, Zain) · Hajj data bundles ~50–80 SAR for 30+ GB
  • eSIM: Airalo "Saudi Arabia" plans work fine; activate before takeoff
  • Hotel wifi: Reliable in Madinah/Makkah hotels · password on key card · slows down at peak hours
  • Mina/Arafah connectivity: Cellular only, often degraded · don't rely on it for live coordination · use SMS as fallback
  • Currency: 1 USD ≈ 3.75 SAR · bring some SAR cash on arrival for tips and small purchases
  • Cards: Visa/Mastercard widely accepted at hotels and big shops · notify your bank of travel · bring two cards from different networks
  • Apple Pay / Google Pay: Accepted at hotels and large stores · not at small shops or barbers
  • ATMs: Available at hotels and the Haram complex · withdraw in SAR · check fees with your bank
🗣Arabic phrase cheat sheet
السلام عليكم
As-salāmu 'alaykum
Peace be upon you
شكراً
Shukran
Thank you
عفواً
'Afwan
You're welcome / excuse me
من فضلك
Min faḍlik
Please
أين الحمام؟
Ayna al-ḥammām?
Where is the bathroom?
أين الحرم؟
Ayna al-ḥaram?
Where is the Haram?
كم السعر؟
Kam as-si'r?
How much is the price?
ماء
Mā'
Water
طعام
Ṭa'ām
Food
أنا تائه
Anā tā'ih
I am lost
ساعدني
Sā'idnī
Help me
أنا مريض
Anā marīḍ
I am sick
طبيب
Ṭabīb
Doctor
صيدلية
Ṣaydaliyyah
Pharmacy
حافلة
Ḥāfilah
Bus
قطار
Qiṭār
Train
فندق
Funduq
Hotel
يمين / يسار
Yamīn / Yasār
Right / Left
📍Maps & key locations
Masjid An-Nabawi (Madinah Haram)
Al Haram, Al Madinah 42311 · Saudi Arabia
Open in Google Maps
Rawdah gathering — Brothers (G38)
Gate 38, north-west side of Masjid An-Nabawi
Rawdah gathering — Sisters (G37)
Gate 37, women's section access
Masjid Quba
Quba Road, Madinah · ~5 km south of Masjid An-Nabawi
Open in Google Maps
Masjid al-Haram (Makkah)
Al Haram, Makkah 24231 · Saudi Arabia
Open in Google Maps
Mount Arafah (Jabal ar-Rahmah)
Plain of Arafah · ~20 km southeast of Makkah
Open in Google Maps
Muzdalifah
Between Arafah and Mina · ~9 km southeast of Mina
Jamarat Bridge
Mina · multi-level bridge with three pillars (Sughra, Wusta, Aqaba)
Open in Google Maps
Haramain High-Speed Train · Madinah Station
King Abdulaziz Rd, Madinah
hhr.sa booking & schedules
Haramain High-Speed Train · Makkah Station
Rusayfah, Makkah
📞Emergency & group contacts

Saudi emergency numbers

All-purpose emergency
911
Police
999
Ambulance / Red Crescent
997
Civil Defense / Fire
998
Traffic accidents
993
Tourism police
911

Group contacts (fill in before departure)

Group leader
_______________
+966 ___ ___ ____
Group leader (alt)
_______________
+966 ___ ___ ____
Al Rajhi local rep
_______________
+966 ___ ___ ____
Hotel — Madinah
_______________
+966 ___ ___ ____
Hotel — Makkah
_______________
+966 ___ ___ ____
Hotel — Azizia
_______________
+966 ___ ___ ____
US Embassy Riyadh
+966 11 488 3800
US Consulate Jeddah
+966 12 667 0080

If you get separated from the group

  • Stay where you are for 15 minutes · the group will likely circle back
  • Call the group leader · if no answer, send a WhatsApp message + your location pin
  • If at the Haram: head to the agreed exit gate (you should know this from day 1)
  • If in Mina: ask any volunteer/police for the "American/Al Rajhi camp"
  • If lost child: bring to the nearest Lost & Found station (every Mina zone has one)
Worst-case scenarios — what to do
  • No meet-and-greet at airport: Wait 30 min · call group leader · last resort take metered taxi to hotel · save receipt for reimbursement
  • Lost luggage at airport: File claim at airline desk before leaving · they'll deliver to hotel · keep claim number
  • Lost passport: File police report immediately · contact US Embassy/Consulate · emergency travel document takes 1–3 days
  • Hotel room not ready: Leave bags at lobby storage · go to Haram · check back after Asr
  • Sick during ihram: Take needed medication · cover head if needed for medical reasons · pay fidya (sheep, fast 3 days, or feed 6 poor) for any prohibition broken under necessity
  • Menstruation starts mid-Hajj: Skip tawaf only · do Sa'i, stoning, all other rites · do Tawaf al-Ifadah after purification
  • Child/family member missing in Mina: Contact the camp office immediately · they coordinate with Saudi authorities · share recent photo, clothing description, last-seen location
  • Phone battery dead at the Haram: Several free charging stations near gates · ask volunteers · keep a 10,000 mAh power bank with you always
  • Pickpocket / theft: Carry only what you need · split cash across two pockets · file police report at the Haram police office for any incident
Express
May 20 – May 31, 2026
🕌 Madinah → 🕋 Makkah (no shifting)
12
Days Total
3
Madinah
7
Makkah (Hajj)
📋
Before You Leave
Reminders, documents, and packing essentials
Documentation
  • Passport (valid 6+ months past return), Hajj visa, Saudi-issued ID/Tasreeh
  • Vaccination card — meningococcal (ACWY) is mandatory; bring proof
  • Medical insurance card and a one-page emergency contact sheet
  • Printed copies of your full itinerary and hotel confirmations
Health & Medication
  • 2-week supply of all prescription medication in carry-on (not checked bag)
  • Doctor's note for any controlled or unusual medication
  • Basic kit: Tylenol, Advil, ORS, anti-diarrheal, throat lozenges, plasters, blister pads
  • Sunscreen SPF 50+, lip balm, eye drops, multivitamin, probiotic
Baggage
  • One checked bag (≤ 23 kg) + one carry-on + personal item per airline rules
  • Pack a separate small backpack inside — used during Mina days
  • Label every bag with name, phone, address, and group number
  • Carry on: medication, ihram set, prayer items, change of clothes, valuables
Express advantage: Your hotel in Makkah does not change — Hilton Suites is your base before, during, and after Hajj. No mid-Hajj shifting required, which means less luggage shuffling and more rest.
🗓
Day-by-Day Journey
Madinah First · then Makkah · same hotel through Hajj
Day 1
May 20
Wednesday
3 Dhu al-Hijjah
✈ Depart from US
Departure to Madinah
  • Arrive at airport 3.5–4 hours before international departure
  • Layover prayers: combine and shorten as a traveler (qasr)
  • Use flight time to rest, hydrate, recite Qur'an, renew intention
Day 2
May 21
Thursday
4 Dhu al-Hijjah
🕌 Madinah · Arrival
Hotel: Maden Taiba · 3 nights · close to Masjid An-Nabawi
  • Customs at Madinah airport · luggage · meet Al Rajhi / IAR Community team
  • Bus to hotel · room assignment · tip baggage handler 10–15 SAR if assisted
  • Hotel meals: breakfast 6:00–10:00 AM · dinner 6:00–9:30 PM
  • Pray as many of the 5 daily prayers as possible at the Haram
  • Send salam to the Prophet ﷺ on first entry
Worst-case: If no meet-and-greet, take a metered taxi to the hotel and save the receipt for reimbursement.
Day 3
May 22
Friday
5 Dhu al-Hijjah
🕌 Madinah · Jumu'ah & Mazarat
  • Friday Jumu'ah at the Haram — be in by 8:00–9:00 AM
  • Mazarat tour after Asr: Mount Uhud · Masjid Quba · other sites if time permits
  • Pray 2 rak'ah at Masjid Quba — equivalent to an Umrah in reward
Day 4
May 23
Saturday
6 Dhu al-Hijjah
🕌 Madinah · Rawdah
  • All five prayers at the Haram
  • Group Rawdah appointments via Nusuk app — gather 1 hour before
  • Brothers ~4:00 PM · Sisters ~8:00 PM (confirm in WhatsApp)
  • TBA: Umrah/Hajj workshop at the hotel — attendance strongly encouraged (Tamattu' pilgrims: Umrah review; Qiran/Ifrad pilgrims: Hajj rites only)
  • Tonight: pack and tag forward luggage (1 bag/person max for the train)
Tonight is your last night in Madinah — make sincere du'ā at the Rawdah area if accessible. Tomorrow, ihram begins.
Day 5
May 24
Sunday
7 Dhu al-Hijjah
🕋 Madinah → Makkah · Umrah day
Hotel: Hilton Suites Makkah · 7 nights · same hotel through Hajj
  • Forwarded luggage collected by Fajr · keep day bag with you
  • Wear ihram before the train · do not intend yet
  • Haramain train to Makkah ~10:00 AM (~2h 15m ride)
  • Make Umrah intention on the train: "Labbayka Allāhumma 'Umrah"
  • Hilton Suites check-in · keep ihram on
  • Group Umrah after Isha (~10–11 PM): tawaf, sa'i, hair cutting, exit ihram
Express note: You'll perform the Hajj workshop and Mina prep tomorrow morning — same hotel, no need to repack heavily. Pre-pack your Mina backpack tonight if you can.
Day 6
May 24
Sunday eve / Monday morning
7–8 Dhu al-Hijjah
🕋 Makkah · Hajj prep
  • Morning of May 25: Hajj workshop — final review of rites
  • Pack your Mina backpack (see checklist below) and leave main luggage at Hilton
  • Eat well, hydrate, sleep early — Hajj begins this afternoon
Mina backpack checklist
  • UV umbrella, sunglasses, wide-brim hat (men remove under ihram)
  • SPF 50, lip balm, cooling towel, misting fan
  • Liquid IV / electrolyte packets (×6+), unscented body wipes
  • Snacks: dates, granola bars, nuts (no strong scent)
  • Phone charger + power bank (10,000 mAh+)
  • Prayer mat (small), small Qur'an or app, dua book
  • Spare ihram set, unscented soap, toothbrush + paste
Day 6
May 25
Monday
8 Dhu al-Hijjah · Tarweyah
⛺ Hajj Day 1 · To Mina
Depart Hilton Suites → Mina · enter ihram
  • Wear ihram from the hotel — do not intend until departure
  • Bus to Mina (~45 min); Hajj intention as you depart
  • Camp/tent assignment, drop pin, locate restroom + dining
  • Prayers shortened, not combined
  • Group lectures and Q&A after dinner
Day 7
May 26
Tuesday
9 Dhu al-Hijjah · Arafah
⛺ Hajj Day 2 · The Day
Mina → Arafah → Muzdalifah
  • Morning: train through Mashaer to Arafahprivate bus to Arafah
  • Khutbah · Dhuhr+Asr combined, shortened, at Dhuhr time
  • Continuous du'ā until Maghrib · do not waste this day
  • Maghrib departure to Muzdalifah · pray Maghrib+Isha there, combined and shortened
  • Sleep on the ground · collect 49 (or 70) pebbles
Two departure groups: Midnight (~12:15 AM) for families; Fajr (~4:45 AM) for bachelors and able-bodied.
Day 8
May 27
Wednesday
10 Dhu al-Hijjah · Eid
⛺ Hajj Day 3 · Eid al-Adha
  • Stone Jamrat al-Aqaba only (7 pebbles)
  • Sacrifice handled by Al Rajhi · halq (men) or taqsir (women)
  • Tawaf al-Ifadah + Sa'i at the Haram (a Hajj pillar)
  • Return to Hilton Suites for shower / rest, or stay in Mina · be back at Mina before midnight
Eid day walk times (plan your sequence):
  • Camp → Jamarat: ~15–20 minCamp → Jamarat: ~1h 15min
  • Jamarat → Halq (Mina barbers, right nearby): 5–10 min
  • Mina → Haram for Tawaf: train ~20–25 min · or walking ~35–45 min through tunnelsCamp → Haram for Tawaf: bus (confirm with leaders) · or walking ~1h 15min
  • Jamarat → Makkah hotel: ~1h–1h 15min walk
Crowds peak 8 AM – 2 PM on Eid. Tawaf al-Ifadah after Asr or after midnight is valid and far less crowded.
Day 9
May 28
Thursday
11 Dhu al-Hijjah · Tashreeq 1
⛺ Hajj Day 4 · Rami all 3
  • Fajr & Dhuhr at Mina · meals at Mina (no breakfast/dinner at hotel)
  • After Dhuhr: stone Sughra, Wusta, Aqaba in order (21 pebbles)
  • Maghrib & Isha at Mina, shortened, not combined
  • Walk to Hilton Suites for Haram visit possible · return before midnight
Day 10
May 29
Friday
12 Dhu al-Hijjah · Tashreeq 2
⛺ Hajj Day 5 · Rami all 3
  • Same as Day 11: rami of all three pillars after Dhuhr
  • Al Rajhi groups stay through 13th — do not depart Mina before Maghrib today
Day 11
May 30
Saturday
13 Dhu al-Hijjah · Tashreeq 3
⛺ Hajj Day 6 · Final rami · return
  • Final rami of all three pillars after Dhuhr
  • Gather all belongings · bus or walk back to Hilton Suites
  • Rest, shower, eat — Hajj rites complete · alhamdulillah
Day 12
May 31
Sunday
14 Dhu al-Hijjah
🕋 Makkah · Tawaf al-Wada · Depart
Tawaf al-Wada and return home
  • Tawaf al-Wada early — best 2–3 hrs before Fajr or right after Fajr
  • Check out of Hilton Suites · breakfast at hotel
  • Bus to Jeddah airport (~2 hours) · semi-truck for excess luggage
  • Free Qur'an pickup at airport security if offered
  • Expect post-Hajj flight delays — pack patience
May Allāh accept your Hajj — Hajjan mabrūran wa sa'yan mashkūran wa dhanban maghfūran.
Your Mina Camp
Phase 1 → Majar Al Kabsh · Phase 2 → Muassim
Switch Hajj-day instructions for your camp
Check your Al Rajhi booking confirmation, or message your group leader on WhatsApp.
Majar Al Kabsh — what to expect
  • Premium Mina camp · dedicated Mashaer rail line
  • Shorter walk to Jamarat each Tashreeq day
  • Less crowded transit · longer waits at platform during peak Maghrib
Muassim — what to expect
  • Private bus door-to-door · convenient for elderly
  • Further from Jamarat · allow extra time
  • Watch WhatsApp for bus call times — late means missed bus
🔗
Quick Links
Bookmarks for the road
Luxury 1
May 20 – June 4, 2026
🕋 Makkah First → 🕌 Madinah
16
Days Total
10
Makkah (Hajj)
3
Madinah
📋
Before You Leave
Reminders, documents, and packing essentials
Documentation
  • Passport (6+ months past return), Hajj visa, Saudi ID/Tasreeh
  • Vaccination card — meningococcal (ACWY) mandatory
  • Insurance card · emergency contact sheet · printed itinerary
Health & Medication
  • 2-week prescription supply in carry-on
  • Doctor's note for controlled meds
  • Tylenol/Advil/ORS/anti-diarrheal kit · SPF 50 · multivitamin · probiotic
Makkah First note: You enter ihram before your flight crosses the miqaat (typically before the Jeddah leg). Plan your ihram change at the layover — undergarments allowed during travel; ihram outer cloths replace regular clothes before boarding the second flight.
🗓
Day-by-Day Journey
Makkah First · ihram from US · Madinah after Hajj
Day 1
May 20
Wednesday
3 Dhu al-Hijjah
✈ Depart from US
Departure with ihram
  • Arrive at airport 3.5–4 hours before international departure
  • Wear ihram before boarding the second leg (or before crossing miqaat)
  • Make Umrah intention near miqaat; begin talbiyah
  • Layover prayers shortened/combined as a traveler
Ihram rules in flight: No scented products, no head covering for men, no cutting hair/nails, no marriage. Talbiyah on your tongue throughout the flight.
Day 2
May 21
Thursday
4 Dhu al-Hijjah
🕋 Jeddah → Makkah · Umrah day
Hotel: Tilal Jabal Al Kabah · 10 nights · base for Hajj
  • Customs at Jeddah · luggage · Al Rajhi / IAR Community meet-and-greet
  • Bus to Makkah (1.5–2 hours) · keep ihram on
  • Hotel arrival · room assignment · keep belongings, head to lobby first
  • Group Umrah after Isha (~10–11 PM): tawaf, sa'i, hair cutting, exit ihram
Day 3
May 22
Friday
5 Dhu al-Hijjah
🕋 Makkah · Recovery
  • Friday Jumu'ah at the Haram — be in by 8:00–9:00 AM
  • No fixed group activities · pace yourself
  • Pick a fixed exit gate to remember
Day 4
May 23
Saturday
6 Dhu al-Hijjah
🕋 Makkah · Maximize Haram
  • Optional voluntary tawaf · second Umrah on behalf of a deceased relative
  • Possible group lecture (check WhatsApp)
  • Begin water-loading and probiotic routine
Day 5
May 24
Sunday
7 Dhu al-Hijjah
🕋 Makkah · Hajj prep
  • Morning: Hajj workshop · final review of rites
  • Pack Mina backpack · leave main luggage at Tilal Jabal
  • Eat well, hydrate, sleep early
Mina backpack checklist
  • UV umbrella, sunglasses, SPF 50, lip balm, cooling towel
  • Liquid IV/electrolytes ×6+, unscented body wipes
  • Snacks, phone charger, power bank, prayer mat, small Qur'an
  • Spare ihram, unscented soap, toothbrush + paste
Day 6
May 25
Monday
8 Dhu al-Hijjah · Tarweyah
⛺ Hajj Day 1 · To Mina
  • Wear ihram from Tilal Jabal · do not intend until departure
  • Bus to Mina (~45 min) · Hajj intention as you depart
  • Camp/tent · drop pin · prayers shortened, not combined
  • Group lectures and Q&A after dinner
Day 7
May 26
Tuesday
9 Dhu al-Hijjah · Arafah
⛺ Hajj Day 2 · The Day
  • Morning: train through Mashaer to Arafahprivate bus to Arafah
  • Khutbah · Dhuhr+Asr combined and shortened at Dhuhr time
  • Continuous du'ā until Maghrib
  • Maghrib departure to Muzdalifah · pray Maghrib+Isha there
  • Sleep on the ground · collect 49 (or 70) pebbles
Two departure groups: Midnight (~12:15 AM) for families · Fajr (~4:45 AM) for bachelors.
Day 8
May 27
Wednesday
10 Dhu al-Hijjah · Eid
⛺ Hajj Day 3 · Eid al-Adha
  • Stone Jamrat al-Aqaba only (7 pebbles)
  • Sacrifice handled by Al Rajhi · halq/taqsir · partial exit ihram
  • Tawaf al-Ifadah + Sa'i at the Haram
  • Return to Mina before midnight (or back to Tilal Jabal then back to Mina)
Eid day walk times (plan your sequence):
  • Camp → Jamarat: ~15–20 minCamp → Jamarat: ~1h 15min
  • Jamarat → Halq (Mina barbers, right nearby): 5–10 min
  • Mina → Haram for Tawaf: train ~20–25 min · or walking ~35–45 min through tunnelsCamp → Haram for Tawaf: bus (confirm with leaders) · or walking ~1h 15min
  • Jamarat → Makkah hotel: ~1h–1h 15min walk
Crowds peak 8 AM – 2 PM on Eid. Tawaf al-Ifadah after Asr or after midnight is valid and far less crowded.
Day 9
May 28
Thursday
11 Dhu al-Hijjah · Tashreeq 1
⛺ Hajj Day 4 · Rami all 3
  • Fajr & Dhuhr at Mina · meals at Mina
  • After Dhuhr: stone Sughra, Wusta, Aqaba (21 pebbles)
  • Maghrib & Isha at Mina, shortened, not combined
Day 10
May 29
Friday
12 Dhu al-Hijjah · Tashreeq 2
⛺ Hajj Day 5 · Rami all 3
  • Same routine: rami all three pillars after Dhuhr
  • Stay through 13th — do not depart Mina before Maghrib today
Day 11
May 30
Saturday
13 Dhu al-Hijjah · Tashreeq 3
⛺ Hajj Day 6 · Final rami · return
  • Final rami of all three pillars after Dhuhr
  • Gather all belongings · bus or walk back to Tilal Jabal Al Kabah
  • Rest, shower, eat — Hajj rites complete · alhamdulillah
Day 12
May 31
Sunday
14 Dhu al-Hijjah
🕋 Tawaf al-Wada · Makkah → Madinah
Next hotel: View Al Madinah · 3 nights
  • Tawaf al-Wada early — 2–3 hrs before Fajr or right after Fajr (don't delay!)
  • Forwarded luggage collected by Fajr
  • Haramain train to Madinah ~10:00 AM (~2h 15m)
  • Bus to View Al Madinah · room assignment · meals same hours as before
  • Pray Isha at the Haram of the Prophet ﷺ — send salam on first entry
Important: Tawaf al-Wada is the very last act in Makkah. Even a Sa'i for non-Hajj-related Umrah cannot come after it.
Day 13
Jun 1
Monday
15 Dhu al-Hijjah
🕌 Madinah · Settle in
  • All five prayers at the Haram if your body permits
  • Rawdah appointments (when available) via Nusuk app
  • Rest — your body has just been through Hajj
Day 14
Jun 2
Tuesday
16 Dhu al-Hijjah
🕌 Madinah · Mazarat
  • Mazarat tour after Asr: Mount Uhud · Masjid Quba · other sites if time permits
  • Pray 2 rak'ah at Masjid Quba
  • Final Rawdah appointments if possible
Day 15
Jun 3
Wednesday
17 Dhu al-Hijjah
🕌 Madinah · Last full day
  • Maximize prayers at the Haram · final salam to the Prophet ﷺ and the two Companions
  • Pack tonight · weigh checked bags
Day 16
Jun 4
Thursday
18 Dhu al-Hijjah
✈ Return home
  • Check out · breakfast at hotel · meet at lobby per flight schedule
  • Bus/cab to Madinah airport · free Qur'an pickup if offered
  • Expect possible flight delays · safe return home in shā Allāh
May Allāh accept your Hajj — Hajjan mabrūran wa sa'yan mashkūran wa dhanban maghfūran.
Your Mina Camp
Phase 1 → Majar Al Kabsh · Phase 2 → Muassim
Switch Hajj-day instructions for your camp
Check your Al Rajhi booking confirmation, or message your group leader on WhatsApp.
Majar Al Kabsh — what to expect
  • Premium Mina camp · dedicated Mashaer rail line
  • Shorter walk to Jamarat each Tashreeq day
Muassim — what to expect
  • Private bus door-to-door · convenient for elderly
  • Further from Jamarat · allow extra time
🔗
Quick Links
Bookmarks for the road
Luxury 2
May 17 – June 1, 2026
🕌 Madinah → 🕋 Makkah (no shifting)
16
Days Total
3
Madinah
10
Makkah (Hajj)
📋
Before You Leave
Reminders, documents, and packing essentials
Documentation
  • Passport (6+ months past return), Hajj visa, Saudi ID/Tasreeh
  • Vaccination card — meningococcal mandatory
  • Insurance · emergency contact sheet · printed itinerary
Health & Medication
  • 2-week prescription supply in carry-on
  • Tylenol/Advil/ORS/anti-diarrheal · SPF 50 · multivitamin · probiotic
Baggage
  • 1 checked bag (≤ 23 kg) + carry-on + personal item
  • Pack a small backpack inside for Mina days
  • Label every bag with name, phone, address, group number
Luxury 2 advantage: Long Madinah arrival window, then 10 full nights in Hilton Suites Makkah — no shifting required. Your hotel is your base before, during, and after Hajj.
🗓
Day-by-Day Journey
Madinah First · then Makkah · Hilton Suites through Hajj
Day 1
May 17
Sunday
30 Dhu al-Qa'dah
✈ Depart from US
  • Arrive at airport 3.5–4 hours early
  • Layover prayers combined and shortened
  • Use flight time to rest, hydrate, recite Qur'an
Day 2
May 18
Monday
1 Dhu al-Hijjah
🕌 Madinah · Arrival
Hotel: Maden Taiba · 3 nights · close to Masjid An-Nabawi
  • Customs · luggage · meet Al Rajhi / IAR Community team
  • Bus to hotel · room assignment · tip baggage handler 10–15 SAR
  • Hotel meals: breakfast 6:00–10:00 AM · dinner 6:00–9:30 PM
  • Pray as many of the 5 prayers as possible at the Haram
Worst-case: If no meet-and-greet, take a metered taxi to the hotel and save the receipt.
Day 3
May 19
Tuesday
2 Dhu al-Hijjah
🕌 Madinah · Mazarat
  • Five prayers at the Haram
  • Mazarat tour after Asr: Mount Uhud · Masjid Quba · other sites if time permits
  • 2 rak'ah at Masjid Quba — equivalent of an Umrah
Day 4
May 20
Wednesday
3 Dhu al-Hijjah
🕌 Madinah · Rawdah & workshop
  • Group Rawdah appointments via Nusuk · gather 1 hour before
  • Brothers ~4:00 PM · Sisters ~8:00 PM (confirm in WhatsApp)
  • TBA: Umrah workshop at the hotel
  • Tonight: pack and tag forward luggage (1 bag/person max)
Day 5
May 21
Thursday
4 Dhu al-Hijjah
🕋 Madinah → Makkah · Umrah
Hotel: Hilton Suites Makkah · 10 nights · same hotel through Hajj
  • Forwarded luggage collected by Fajr
  • Wear ihram before train · do not intend yet
  • Haramain train ~10:00 AM (~2h 15m) · intend on the train
  • Hilton Suites check-in · keep ihram on
  • Group Umrah after Isha: tawaf, sa'i, hair cutting, exit ihram
Day 6
May 22
Friday
5 Dhu al-Hijjah
🕋 Makkah · Recovery + Jumu'ah
  • Friday Jumu'ah at the Haram — be in by 8:00–9:00 AM
  • No fixed group activities
  • Pick a fixed exit gate to remember
Day 7
May 23
Saturday
6 Dhu al-Hijjah
🕋 Makkah · Maximize Haram
  • Optional voluntary tawaf · second Umrah on behalf of deceased
  • Begin water-loading and probiotic routine — Mina starts in 2 days
Day 8
May 24
Sunday
7 Dhu al-Hijjah
🕋 Makkah · Hajj prep
  • Morning: Hajj workshop · final review
  • Pack Mina backpack · leave main luggage at Hilton
  • Eat well, hydrate, sleep early
Mina backpack checklist
  • UV umbrella, sunglasses, SPF 50, lip balm, cooling towel, misting fan
  • Liquid IV/electrolytes ×6+, unscented body wipes
  • Snacks, charger, power bank, prayer mat, small Qur'an
  • Spare ihram, unscented soap, toothbrush + paste
Day 9
May 25
Monday
8 Dhu al-Hijjah · Tarweyah
⛺ Hajj Day 1 · To Mina
  • Wear ihram from Hilton Suites · do not intend until departure
  • Bus to Mina (~45 min) · Hajj intention as you depart
  • Camp/tent · drop pin · prayers shortened, not combined
  • Group lectures and Q&A after dinner
Day 10
May 26
Tuesday
9 Dhu al-Hijjah · Arafah
⛺ Hajj Day 2 · The Day
  • Morning: train through Mashaer to Arafahprivate bus to Arafah
  • Khutbah · Dhuhr+Asr combined and shortened at Dhuhr time
  • Continuous du'ā until Maghrib
  • Maghrib departure to Muzdalifah · Maghrib+Isha there
  • Sleep on the ground · collect 49 (or 70) pebbles
Two departure groups: Midnight (~12:15 AM) · Fajr (~4:45 AM).
Day 11
May 27
Wednesday
10 Dhu al-Hijjah · Eid
⛺ Hajj Day 3 · Eid al-Adha
  • Stone Jamrat al-Aqaba only (7 pebbles)
  • Sacrifice handled by Al Rajhi · halq/taqsir · partial exit ihram
  • Tawaf al-Ifadah + Sa'i at the Haram
  • Return to Mina before midnight
Eid day walk times (plan your sequence):
  • Camp → Jamarat: ~15–20 minCamp → Jamarat: ~1h 15min
  • Jamarat → Halq (Mina barbers, right nearby): 5–10 min
  • Mina → Haram for Tawaf: train ~20–25 min · or walking ~35–45 min through tunnelsCamp → Haram for Tawaf: bus (confirm with leaders) · or walking ~1h 15min
  • Jamarat → Makkah hotel: ~1h–1h 15min walk
Crowds peak 8 AM – 2 PM on Eid. Tawaf al-Ifadah after Asr or after midnight is valid and far less crowded.
Day 12
May 28
Thursday
11 Dhu al-Hijjah · Tashreeq 1
⛺ Hajj Day 4 · Rami all 3
  • Fajr & Dhuhr at Mina · meals at Mina
  • After Dhuhr: rami of all three pillars (21 pebbles)
  • Maghrib & Isha at Mina, shortened, not combined
Day 13
May 29
Friday
12 Dhu al-Hijjah · Tashreeq 2
⛺ Hajj Day 5 · Rami all 3
  • Same routine as Day 11
  • Group stays through 13th
Day 14
May 30
Saturday
13 Dhu al-Hijjah · Tashreeq 3
⛺ Hajj Day 6 · Final rami · return
  • Final rami of all three pillars after Dhuhr
  • Bus or walk back to Hilton Suites
  • Rest, shower, eat — Hajj rites complete · alhamdulillah
Day 15
May 31
Sunday
14 Dhu al-Hijjah
🕋 Makkah · Recovery + Tawaf al-Wada
  • Sleep in · optional Haram visit
  • Late evening or early morning: Tawaf al-Wada
  • Pack and weigh checked bags · review flight itinerary
Don't delay wada: Best 2–3 hrs before Fajr or right after Fajr — Haram is packed mid-day.
Day 16
Jun 1
Monday
15 Dhu al-Hijjah
✈ Return via Jeddah
  • Check out · breakfast at hotel · meet at lobby
  • Bus to Jeddah airport (~2 hours) · semi-truck for excess luggage
  • Free Qur'an pickup at airport security
  • Expect post-Hajj flight delays · safe return home in shā Allāh
May Allāh accept your Hajj — Hajjan mabrūran wa sa'yan mashkūran wa dhanban maghfūran.
Your Mina Camp
Phase 1 → Majar Al Kabsh · Phase 2 → Muassim
Switch Hajj-day instructions for your camp
Check your booking confirmation, or message your group leader on WhatsApp.
Majar Al Kabsh — what to expect
  • Premium Mina camp · dedicated Mashaer rail line
  • Shorter walk to Jamarat each Tashreeq day
Muassim — what to expect
  • Private bus door-to-door · convenient for elderly
  • Further from Jamarat · allow extra time
🔗
Quick Links
Bookmarks for the road