Hajj is one of the pillars of Islam, a spiritual journey enjoined upon those who have the means to reach the sacred House of Allah. As stated in the Holy Quran (3:97), it is a duty owed to Allah by those who can afford the trip. Hajj consists of a series of rites that must be performed in specific locations at precise times.The journey formally begins with the state of Ihram.
On the 8th of Dhul-Hijjah, Tamattu pilgrims enter the state of Ihram with the intention of Hajj. By wearing the prescribed garments and reciting the Talbiyah, the rites begin. It is Sunnah to reach Mina before Zuhr prayer and spend the night there until the morning of the 9th.
Standing at Arafah is the most essential pillar of Hajj.
On the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah, pilgrims depart for Arafah after sunrise. Standing in the plains of Arafah from the beginning of Zuhr time until sunset is a mandatory Fard. Failing to be present during this time invalidates the Hajj. Pilgrims spend the day in prayer, repentance, and recitation of Talbiyah until the sun sets.Pilgrims then proceed to spend the night at Muzdalifah.
After sunset, pilgrims travel to Muzdalifah, where they combine the Maghrib and Isha prayers as a Wajib act. Spending the night under the open sky is a recommended Sunnah. Staying in Muzdalifah after Fajr until just before sunrise is also mandatory. Pilgrims collect pebbles here for the subsequent stoning rites.The 10th of Dhul-Hijjah involves a specific sequence of acts.
Pilgrims first stone the Jamarah al-Aqabah with seven pebbles. This is followed by the animal sacrifice, known as Dami Shukr. After the sacrifice, pilgrims shave or trim their hair to exit the state of Ihram. The final Fard act for the day is the Tawaf al-Ziyarah, which is best completed on the 10th.Farewell Tawaf concludes the pilgrimage duties.
On the 11th and 12th of Dhul-Hijjah, pilgrims remain in Mina to perform the ritual stoning of all three Jamarat. For those arriving from distant lands, a final Farewell Tawaf (Tawaf al-Wida) is Wajib before departing Makkah. Adhering to these sequences as established in the Quran (2:196) is essential for a Hajj Mabrur.
