On the 9th Dhul Hijjah before noon, the pilgrims gather at Arafat, a barren and plain land. Here they stand in contemplative vigil, offer supplications, repent for sins, and seek Allah’s mercy. They also listen to sermons by Islamic scholars. This ritual, known as wuquf, lasts from noon to sunset and is considered one of the most significant rites of Hajj. Pilgrims also perform noon and afternoon prayers at Masjid al-Namirah together at noontime. Failing to spend the afternoon on Arafat invalidates the Hajj.

Hajj is regarded as one of the Five Pillars of Islam. All able-bodied Muslims are required to perform it at least once in their lifetime if financially able. Hajj serves as a means to wipe away past sins and start afresh. Many deepen their faith, and some women choose to adopt the Islamic hair covering, hijab, upon returning from Hajj.

Hajj is the greater Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca, performed during the last month of the Islamic calendar. It is obligatory for all Muslims who can afford it. There are three forms of Hajj: Tamattu’, Ifraad, and Qiran.

The Tamattu’ form, encouraged by the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), involves:

1. Preparation and Intention – Making niyyah (intention) before starting Hajj.

2. Entering the State of Ihram – Entering a state of ritual purity.

3. Performing Umrah – Includes Tawaf (circumambulating the Ka’bah) and Sa’i (walking between Safa and Marwa).

4. Hair Clipping or Shaving – Concludes Umrah. Pilgrims then leave Ihram until the 8th Dhul Hijjah.

5. Re-entering Ihram – On the 8th Dhul Hijjah, the days of Hajj commence.

6. Mina – Pilgrims stay overnight and perform prayers.

7. Arafat – The Day of Arafat involves prayers and supplications.

8. Muzdalifah – Pilgrims collect pebbles for the stoning ritual and rest.

9. Rami and Sacrifice – Stoning the pillars of Jamarat and performing Qurbani (sacrifice).

10. Tawaf al-Ifadha – Returning to Mecca for circumambulation and Sa’i.

11. Rami Days – Additional days of stoning at Mina.

12. Tawaf al-Wida – Farewell Tawaf before leaving Mecca.

Mina is a valley surrounded by mountains where pilgrims stay on the 8th, 11th, and 12th of Dhul Hijjah (and occasionally the 13th). It is a key site for the stoning ritual (Rami), symbolizing the rejection of evil. Pilgrims spend their nights here in worship and supplication.

Mina is significant for the stoning ritual, where pilgrims throw pebbles at the three stone pillars, representing the rejection of evil.

Pilgrims stay in Mina for two to three days, depending on their Hajj itinerary.

Muzdalifah is located between Mina and Arafat in Saudi Arabia. Pilgrims spend the night of the 9th Dhul Hijjah here under the open sky. They pray, collect pebbles for Rami, and rest in preparation for the following days.

At Muzdalifah, pilgrims perform prayers, seek forgiveness, and collect pebbles for the stoning ritual. They leave for Mina before sunrise.

The Day of Arafat occurs on the 9th Dhul Hijjah. Muslims gather to pray and supplicate. It is a day when sins are forgiven, and the following verse was revealed: “This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favor upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion” (Surah al-Ma’idah 5:3).

Pilgrims throw seven pebbles at each of the three walls, symbolizing the rejection of evil.

A total of seven pebbles are thrown at each of the three pillars.

Hajj rituals span over five to six days.

Umrah is not mandatory before Hajj.

Women can now perform Hajj without a male guardian (Mehram) if they are part of a group.

Tawaf involves walking around the Ka’bah in an anti-clockwise direction, completing seven circuits. Pilgrims recite prayers or supplications during this ritual.

You say, “Bismillahi wallahu akbar.”

There are no obligatory duas for Tawaf, but recommended supplications include Quranic verses, personal duas, and the following:

• Dua for the first turn: “Allahumma as’aluka bi ismikal ladhi yumshi bihi …”

• Dua for the second turn: “Allahumma inni ilayka faqirun wa inni kha’ifun …”

• Dua for the third turn: “Allahumma adkhilniyil jannah wa ajirni minan nar …”

• Dua for the fourth turn: “Ya Allahu, ya waliyyal ‘afiyah wa khaliqal ‘afiyah …”

• Dua for the fifth turn: “Allahumma atina fid dunya hasanatan wa fil akhirati hasanatan …”

• Dua for the sixth turn: “Allahummal baytu baytuka, wal ‘abdu ‘abduka …”

• Dua for the seventh turn: “Allahumma ‘indi afwajan min dhunūb wa afwajan min khataya …”

Sa’i involves ritualistic walking between the hills of Safa and Marwa.