How Many Days is Hajj?

Hajj typically lasts from the 8th to the 13th of Dhul-Hijjah, covering six days that include all the rites: • Day of Tarwiyah: 8th Dhul-Hijjah • Day of Arafah: 9th Dhul-Hijjah • Day of Eid (Sacrifice): 10th Dhul-Hijjah • Days of Tashreeq: 11th, 12th, and optionally 13th Dhul-Hijjah

📌 The Four Pillars of Hajj (without which Hajj is invalid):

1. Ihram: Entering the sacred state with the intention to perform Hajj or Umrah. 2. Standing at Arafah (Wuquf Arafah): The most essential pillar. 3. Tawaf al-Ifadah: Circumambulation of the Kaaba after Arafah and Mina. 4. Sa’i between Safa and Marwah: After Tawaf al-Ifadah.

🪧 Step-by-Step Hajj Rituals (for Tamattu’, Qiran, or Ifrad)

🕌 Day 8 – Dhul-Hijjah (Day of Tarwiyah): • Enter Ihram from residence (if not already in it). • Make intention: "Labbayka Allahumma Hajjan". • Proceed to Mina. • Perform Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, and Isha prayers in Mina (shortened, not combined). • Spend the night in Mina. ________________________________________ 🕋 Day 9 – Dhul-Hijjah (Day of Arafah): • After sunrise, travel to Arafah. • Stand at Arafah from midday (Dhuhr) to sunset. • Listen to the sermon and pray Dhuhr and Asr (combined and shortened). • Engage in supplication, repentance, and reflection. • After sunset, head to Muzdalifah. • Pray Maghrib and Isha (combined) at Muzdalifah. • Spend the night there (recommended). ________________________________________ 🐪 Day 10 – Dhul-Hijjah (Eid al-Adha – Day of Sacrifice): • Collect 7 pebbles from Muzdalifah. • Proceed to Mina and throw 7 pebbles at Jamrat al-Aqaba (Major Pillar). • Offer the sacrifice (obligatory for Tamattu’ and Qiran). • Shave or trim hair (shaving is preferred for men). • Enter first stage of release (Tahallul awwal): All is permitted except marital relations. • Go to Makkah and perform Tawaf al-Ifadah. • Perform Sa’i between Safa and Marwah (if doing Tamattu’ or haven't yet done it). • Full release (Tahallul Thani) is now completed. ________________________________________ 🔄 Days 11–13 – Dhul-Hijjah (Days of Tashreeq): • Stay in Mina. • Throw pebbles at the three pillars daily: o Small Jamrah (7 pebbles) o Middle Jamrah (7 pebbles) o Major Jamrah (Jamrat al-Aqaba) (7 pebbles) • You may leave Mina early after the 12th, or delay until the 13th. ________________________________________ 🕋 Tawaf al-Wada’ (Farewell Tawaf): • The last ritual before leaving Makkah. • Consists of 7 circuits around the Kaaba. • Obligatory for all pilgrims except menstruating women or those in postpartum bleeding. ________________________________________ 🗣️ Hajj Chant (Talbiyah) Recited after entering Ihram until throwing Jamrat al-Aqaba: "Labbayka Allahumma Labbayk, Labbayka La Sharika Laka Labbayk. Inna Al-Hamda Wan-Ni’mata Laka Wal-Mulk, La Sharika Lak." ("Here I am, O Allah, here I am. Here I am, You have no partner, here I am. Truly, all praise, favor, and sovereignty are Yours. You have no partner.")

🩳 Ihram Clothing

For Men: • Two white unstitched pieces: o Izar (waist wrap) o Rida’ (upper cover) • Must not cover the head. • Sandals or footwear that leave the ankles uncovered. For Women: • Any modest, unadorned clothing. • Must not wear niqab (face veil) or gloves. • Face must remain uncovered during Ihram.

🧠 Important Points about Hajj

• A Hajj Mabroor (accepted Hajj) has no reward but Paradise, as stated by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. • Avoid arguments, obscene language, and sinful behavior. • Follow health, hygiene, and public order. • It's recommended (not obligatory) to visit Al-Masjid An-Nabawi in Madinah before or after Hajj.

Conclusion

Hajj is a sacred journey that cleanses the soul, strengthens faith, and renews commitment to God. Performing its rituals correctly and sincerely can transform a person spiritually. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Muslims to return as pure as the day they were born.