One of the most significant rituals is the Wuquf at Arafat, performed on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah. Pilgrims gather on the plain of Arafat, offering supplications, repenting for sins, and seeking Allah’s mercy. This rite lasts from noon to sunset. Missing the Wuquf invalidates the Hajj.

Hajj is the major pilgrimage to Mecca, obligatory for all Muslims who can afford it, at least once in their lifetime. It is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. Hajj takes place in Dhul Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic calendar. There are three forms of Hajj: Tamattu’, Ifraad, and Qiran.

Steps in Tamattu’ Hajj:

1. Preparation & Intention: Declare the intention (niyyah) to perform Hajj.

2. Entering Ihram: Assume the state of Ihram with purity and specific clothing.

3. Umrah in Makkah: Perform Tawaf (circling the Kaaba) and Sa’i (walking between Safa and Marwa).

4. Hair Clipping/Shaving: Men clip or shave their hair; women trim a fingertip-length of hair.

5. Rest and Worship: Stay in Makkah performing acts of worship until the 8th of Dhul Hijjah.

6. Re-enter Ihram: Prepare for the days of Hajj.

7. Mina: Spend the night in tents, offering prayers.

8. Arafat: Stand in prayer and supplication.

9. Muzdalifah: Collect pebbles and pray under the open sky.

10. Stoning (Rami): Throw stones at the Jamarat.

11. Sacrifice (Qurbani): Offer an animal sacrifice.

12. Tawaf al-Ifadah: Perform another Tawaf and Sa’i.

13. Final Stoning: Complete the last Rami.

14. Tawaf al-Wida: Perform a farewell Tawaf before leaving Makkah.

Mina is a valley surrounded by mountains, where pilgrims stay on the 8th, 11th, and 12th of Dhul Hijjah. It is significant for the stoning ritual (Rami) at the Jamarat. Pilgrims also engage in worship, Quran recitation, and Zikr during their stay.

Muzdalifah is an open plain located between Mina and Arafat. Pilgrims spend the night of the 9th Dhul Hijjah under the open sky, collecting pebbles for the stoning ritual and offering prayers. They leave for Mina before sunrise.

While there are no mandatory Duas during Tawaf, pilgrims can recite Quranic verses, praise Allah, or make personal supplications. Recommended Duas include:

• First Turn: “Allahumma as’aluka bi ismikal ladhi yumshi bihi…”

• Second Turn: “Allahumma inni ilayka faqirun wa inni kha’ifun…”

• Third Turn: “Allahumma adkhilniyil jannah wa ajirni minan nar…”

• …and so on for all seven turns.

During Sa’i, pilgrims walk between the two hills of Safa and Marwa seven times. It is Sunnah to recite:

• “Inna s-safa wa l-marwata min sha’a’iri llah(i)” (Indeed, Safa and Marwa are among the symbols of Allah)

Pilgrims throw seven small stones at each of the three Jamarat (stone pillars) daily during the stoning ritual.

Hajj rituals span over 5-6 days, from the 8th to the 12th or 13th of Dhul Hijjah.