Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam. It is obligatory for all able-bodied Muslims who can afford it, at least once in their lifetime.
Hajj is a spiritual experience for Muslims, which involves undertaking a set of rituals performed by Prophet Mohammed PBUH centuries ago. It takes place during the first ten days of Dhu’al-Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic calendar.
Hajj lasts four to six days depending on the pilgrim’s speed. This year, Saudi Arabia announced that the first day of Eid Al Adha corresponds to June 16, 2024. This means that Hajj rituals will start on June 14.
In this regard, Leaders MENA Magazine offers a detailed guide to Hajj rituals day by day. On the day of Eid Al Adha, pilgrims perform the sixth, seventh, eighth and ninth steps.
Step 6: Jamrat Al-Aqabah
On the 10th day of Dhu’al-Hijjah, pilgrims head for Mina. It is the day of Eid, also known as Yawm Al Nahr.
They stone Jamrat Al-Aqabah (the big pillar) with 7 pebbles that fall into a basin in the Jamrah place. When they begin stoning, they stop Talbiyah and say Allahu Akbar.
Step 7: Sacrifice
After pilgrims stone the pebbles, they celebrate Eid Al Adha by sacrificing an animal (Hadee). Sacrificing an animal is obligatory for pilgrims performing Tamatt’u and Qarin Hajj, but not Ifrad.
Men shave while women trim their hair. Then, they come out of the state of Ihram and all prohibitions of Ihram are allowed, except sexual intercourse.
After stoning and shaving, it is Sunnah to perform ghusl (bath), clean, perfume and put on clothes, as the Prophet, PBUH, did.
Step 8: Tawaf Al-Ifadha
Pilgrims proceed to Makkah to perform Tawaf Al-Ifadha. They circumambulate the Kaaba seven times and pray two raka’hs of Tawaf.
If pilgrims haven’t performed Sa’y in Arrival Tawaf, they must perform it. If they performed it in Arrival Tawaf, they shouldn’t repeat it.
In Tawaf Al-Ifadha, purification and covering “Awra” (private parts) are obligatory. However, purification in Sa’y is Sunnah. Pilgrims may perform Sa’y without ablution.
Step 9: Staying at Mina
Pilgrims return to Mina to spend the nights of Tashreeq and throw jamaraat. Staying at Mina starts from the evening of the 10th day of Dhu’al-Hijjah until the evening of the 12th day of Dhu’al-Hijjah.
During Tashreeq days, it is Sunnah to recite Takbeer (saying Allahu Akbar), especially after prayers.
Related Topics:
What to Do before Arriving in Makkah?
