HAJJ 2025: TRAVEL GUIDE AND THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW AS YOU PREPARE FOR PILGRIMAGE (EPISODE 5)

By: Ajape Sefiu A., Adedeji Monsurat A.

Alhamdulillah, we are getting closer to completing our Hajj journey!

In the previous episodes, we discussed the steps leading up to this moment — setting your intention (Niyyah), preparing your documents and luggage, entering Saudi Arabia, performing your arrival Umrah, and settling into Makkah.

Now, in this episode, we will focus on the most important part of Hajj — the Days of Hajj themselves, known as Manasik al-Hajj.

Here’s a simple breakdown of what to expect day-by-day:

1. 8th Dhul Hijjah — Day of Tarwiyah: Departure to Mina

On this day, pilgrims re-enter the state of Ihram from their places of residence.

Intention (Niyyah): You must renew your intention specifically for Hajj.

Talbiyah: Begin reciting the Talbiyah loudly and frequently.

Move to Mina: Your group will proceed to Mina, a tent city about 5 kilometers from Makkah.

Activities in Mina: You will spend the day and night in Mina, praying Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, Isha, and Fajr (shortened but not combined).
Stay calm, hydrated, and connected with your group coordinators.

2. 9th Dhul Hijjah — Day of Arafat: The Pinnacle of Hajj

The most important day of the entire pilgrimage.

After Fajr in Mina, proceed early in the morning to Arafat.

Stay in Arafat: You will spend the afternoon in supplication and prayer. This is known as Wuquf Arafah — the standing at Arafat.

Dhuhr and Asr: Are prayed together and shortened (Qasr) during the early part of the afternoon (Salat al-Jam’).

Supplicate abundantly: This is the day Allah forgives sins the most. Make lots of duas for yourself, your family, the Ummah, and for acceptance of your Hajj.

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

“Hajj is Arafah.” (Sunan Ibn Majah)

After sunset, leave Arafat calmly and head to Muzdalifah without praying Maghrib at Arafat.

3. Night of 9th into 10th Dhul Hijjah — Muzdalifah

Upon arrival at Muzdalifah, pray Maghrib and Isha together, shorten Isha to two rakats. Sleep under the open sky if possible.

Collect pebbles: Pick up 49 or 70 small stones (depending on the number of days you will stay at Mina) for the next ritual: the stoning (Jamarat).

Important Tip: Rest well at Muzdalifah because the next day will be physically demanding.

4. 10th Dhul Hijjah — Eid al-Adha: The Day of Sacrifice

After Fajr prayer, head back to Mina.

Stone the Jamarat al-Aqabah: Throw 7 pebbles at the large pillar (Jamarat al-Aqabah).

Offer Sacrifice (Qurbani): An animal (sheep, goat, or cow) is sacrificed. Tour operators usually arrange this.

Shave or trim hair: Men should preferably shave their heads, women should cut a small portion of their hair.

Exit Ihram (Tahalul al-Awwal): You can now change into regular clothes and relax restrictions, except intimacy.

Proceed to Makkah: Perform Tawaf al-Ifadah, a mandatory tawaf, and Sa’i if not done earlier.

Note: Tawaf al-Ifadah can be delayed to later days if necessary.

5. 11th to 13th Dhul Hijjah — Tashreeq Days: Stoning of the Jamarat

Each day, you will:

• Stay in Mina.
• Stone all three pillars (Jamarat al-Sughra, Wusta, and Kubra) — seven pebbles each.
• Remain engaged in remembrance of Allah (Dhikr) and prayers.

After stoning on the 12th day, you can choose to leave Mina before sunset (Nafr Awwal) or stay till the 13th for additional stoning.

6. Final Steps: Farewell Tawaf (Tawaf al-Wada’)

Before leaving Makkah finally, every pilgrim must perform the Farewell Tawaf, also known as Tawaf al-Wada’.

This is a final circumambulation of the Kaabah, symbolizing the end of your sacred journey.

Important Reminder:

Always move with your group, stay patient, and keep making Dua — Allah rewards every hardship and every sacrifice.

Congratulations — if you have performed all the rites properly, you have now completed your Hajj, insha’Allah!

May Allah accept our pilgrimage, forgive our sins, and grant us the blessings of Hajj Mabrur. Ameen.

Watch out for the concluding Episode 6 of our Hajj Guide Series!

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