Hajj, the fifth pillar of Islam, is a profound spiritual journey undertaken by millions of Muslims each year during the month of Dhul Hijjah. It’s a demanding yet deeply rewarding experience, retracing the steps of prophets and culminating in immense spiritual closeness to Allah (SWT). While the experience is deeply personal, the rites follow a specific sequence. Here’s a concise overview of the main days and rituals of Hajj.
Preparation: Entering the State of Ihram) Before reaching the designated boundary points (Miqat), pilgrims enter the sacred state of Ihram. For men, this involves wearing two simple, unstitched white cloths, symbolizing equality and detachment from worldly status. Women wear modest, regular clothing but adhere to Ihram restrictions (like covering the face for some schools of thought is not part of Ihram itself, but general modesty applies, and specific actions like using perfume or cutting nails are restricted
for both genders). Entering Ihram involves making the intention (Niyyah) for Hajj and reciting the Talbiyah (“Labbayk Allahumma Labbayk…”).
Day 1: 8th Dhul Hijjah – Yawm al-Tarwiyah Pilgrims typically proceed from Makkah to Mina, a valley east of the city. Here, they spend the day and night in prayer, reflection, and preparation, residing in designated tents.
Day 2: 9th Dhul Hijjah- The Day of Arafat This is the most crucial day of Hajj. After sunrise, pilgrims travel from Mina to the plain of Arafat. They spend the day (from noon until sunset) in intense prayer, supplication (Du’a), seeking forgiveness, and remembrance of Allah (Wuquf). Standing on Arafat is the essence of Hajj; missing it invalidates the pilgrimage. After sunset, pilgrims move towards Muzdalifah, an open plain between Arafat and Mina. Here, they combine the Maghrib and Isha prayers and rest under the open sky. Small pebbles (typically 49 or 70) are also collected here for the symbolic stoning ritual in the coming days.
Day 3: 10th Dhul Hijjah – Yawm al-Nahr / Eid al-Adha: This is the busiest day of Hajj and coincides with Eid al-Adha worldwide. Before sunrise, pilgrims move from Muzdalifah back to Mina. The main rituals performed are:
1. Stoning Jamrat al-Aqabah: Throwing seven pebbles at the largest of the three stone pillars representing Satan.
2. Qurbani (Sacrifice): Performing the animal sacrifice, commemorating Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) obedience.
3. Halq or Taqsir: Men shave their heads (Halq) or trim their hair (Taqsir); women trim a small portion of their hair. This partially releases pilgrims from the state of Ihram.
4. Tawaf Al-Ifadah: Traveling to Makkah to perform Tawaf (circumambulating the Kaaba seven times). This is a fundamental rite of Hajj.
5. Sa’i: Performing Sa’i (walking/running between Safa and Marwah seven times), if not already completed upon initial arrival in Makkah (depending on the type of Hajj performed). After Tawaf Al-Ifadah and Sa’i, pilgrims are fully released from Ihram restrictions. Pilgrims then typically return to Mina to spend the night.
Days 4 & 5: 11th & 12th Dhul Hijjah – Ayam al-Tashreeq: These are known as the Days of Tashreeq (Days of Drying Meat/Days of Celebration). Pilgrims stay in Mina and perform the stoning ritual each day after noon, throwing seven pebbles at each of the three Jamarat (small, medium, and large). Pilgrims may choose to leave Mina for Makkah after stoning on the 12th, provided they depart before sunset.
Day 6: 13th Dhul Hijjah – Optional Pilgrims who did not leave Mina on the 12th must perform the stoning ritual again on the 13th before departing for Makkah.
Final Rite: Tawaf Al-Wada: Before leaving Makkah permanently at the conclusion of their Hajj journey, pilgrims perform a final Tawaf Al-Wada (Farewell Tawaf), signifying their departure from the holy city.
Conclusion: Hajj is an intricate tapestry of rituals performed over several days, each carrying deep spiritual significance. While this overview provides a framework, the actual experience is filled with personal reflection, devotion, and a profound sense of connection to Allah and the global Muslim community. May Allah accept the Hajj of all pilgrims.
