Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and an obligation for all Muslims who are physically and financially able to undertake the journey. It is a deeply spiritual experience that takes place annually in the holy city of Makkah during the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah. Here’s a detailed, day-by-day guide to help you understand what to expect and how to perform each ritual.
8th Dhul-Hijjah – Mina
Entering Ihram, Journey to Mina, Shortened Prayers and Overnight Stay
The Hajj begins on the 8th of Dhul-Hijjah, known as Yawm at-Tarwiyah. Pilgrims enter the state of Ihram from their Miqat, making the intention for Hajj and reciting the Talbiyah:
“Labbayk Allahumma Labbayk, Labbayka la sharika laka Labbayk…”
They travel to Mina, about 8 km from Makkah, and stay there overnight. At Mina, pilgrims perform Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, Isha, and Fajr prayers in shortened form (2 rak’ahs) but not combined. The time is spent in prayer, reflection, and preparing for the next day.
9th Dhul-Hijjah – Arafat
Departure to Arafat, Wuquf (Standing), Leaving for Muzdalifah
On the Day of Arafah, the most important day of Hajj, pilgrims head to the plains of Arafat after Fajr in Mina. Here, they perform Dhuhr and Asr combined and shortened at the time of Dhuhr, preferably in Masjid Namirah. The essential rite is Wuquf – standing in earnest supplication from noon to sunset, asking Allah for forgiveness and mercy.
INDONESIAN COUPLE FULFILLS 40-YEAR DREAM OF PERFORMING HAJJ
After sunset, pilgrims leave Arafat without praying Maghrib, heading to Muzdalifah, where they combine Maghrib and Isha prayers. They sleep under the open sky and collect pebbles for the next day’s rite.
Night of 10th Dhul-Hijjah – Muzdalifah
Combined Prayers, Rest, Collecting Pebbles
In Muzdalifah, pilgrims spend the night in rest and worship. Maghrib and Isha are performed together, and Fajr is prayed at its earliest time. Pilgrims collect 49 or 70 pebbles to be used for the stoning ritual at Jamarat. After Fajr and a short supplication, they proceed to Mina for the Eid rituals.
10th Dhul-Hijjah – Eid Day
Stoning Jamrat al-Aqabah, Qurbani, Hair Shaving/Trimming, Tawaf al-Ifadah & Sa’i
This is Yawm an-Nahr (Day of Sacrifice), marking Eid al-Adha. Pilgrims perform four key rituals:
- Ramy al-Jamrah al-Aqabah – Throw 7 pebbles at the largest pillar (Jamrat al-Aqabah), symbolizing rejection of Satan.
- Qurbani (Sacrifice) – An animal is sacrificed, commemorating Prophet Ibrahim’s devotion.
- Halq or Taqsir – Men shave or trim their hair; women cut a small portion.
- Tawaf al-Ifadah and Sa’i – Pilgrims return to Makkah to perform Tawaf around the Kaaba and Sa’i between Safa and Marwah.
After completing these, most of the restrictions of Ihram are lifted.
11th Dhul-Hijjah – 1st Day of Tashreeq
Stoning All Three Jamarat, Overnight in Mina
Pilgrims spend the night in Mina and, after Dhuhr, proceed to stone all three Jamarat:
- Jamrat al-Sughra (small),
- Jamrat al-Wusta (middle), and
- Jamrat al-Kubra (large)
Each is pelted with seven pebbles, thrown one at a time with “Allahu Akbar” recited at each throw. The rest of the day is spent in worship, dua, and rest.
12th Dhul-Hijjah – 2nd Day of Tashreeq
Repeat Stoning, Option for Early Departure (Ta’jil)
The process of stoning the three Jamarat is repeated again. After completing it, pilgrims have the option to leave Mina before sunset – this is known as Ta’jil. If they stay after sunset, they must remain for the next day’s stoning.
13th Dhul-Hijjah – Final Day
Final Stoning, Tawaf al-Wada’ (Farewell Tawaf)
For those who remain in Mina, the final stoning of the three Jamarat takes place on the 13th. After this, pilgrims return to Makkah to perform the Tawaf al-Wada’ (Farewell Tawaf). This is the last ritual of Hajj, marking the completion of this sacred journey.
“Then let them complete the rites prescribed for them, perform their vows, and (again) circumambulate the Ancient House.”
(Qur’an 22:29)
Conclusion
The Hajj is not just a physical journey but a deep spiritual transformation. Every step holds a lesson in humility, patience, sacrifice, and devotion. May Allah accept the efforts of all the pilgrims and grant them a Hajj Mabroor – an accepted Hajj that leads to a renewed and purified life.
