The Hajj - Part 1

Preparing for Hajj

Hajj is not a holiday. It is not a trip. It is one of the five pillars of Islam - an obligation upon every Muslim who is physically and financially able, once in a lifetime. The preparation you put in before you leave will directly determine the quality of the experience you have when you arrive. Start preparing months in advance, not days.

Spiritual Preparation

The spiritual preparation for Hajj is more important than any item you pack in your suitcase. You are about to embark on a journey that the Prophet Ibrahim (AS) established, that the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) perfected, and that every sincere Muslim dreams of. Treat it with the gravity it deserves.

• Make sincere repentance (tawbah). Before you leave, repent to Allah from every sin - major and minor, known and forgotten. Repentance has three conditions: stop the sin, feel genuine remorse, and resolve never to return to it. If the sin involved another person’s rights, you must also seek their forgiveness or return what is owed.
• Pay off all debts. If you owe anyone money, pay them back before departure. If you cannot pay in full, make an arrangement and inform the creditor. Hajj is not accepted if one is negligent of other people’s rights.
• Seek forgiveness from people. If you have wronged anyone - family, friends, colleagues, neighbours - go to them and ask for their forgiveness. Swallow your pride. This is part of the purification of Hajj. Do not carry grudges or unresolved disputes into the sacred precincts.
• Write a will (wasiyyah). The Prophet (SAW) said: “It is not right for a Muslim who has something to bequeath to spend two nights without having his will written down.” (Bukhari 2738). You are travelling far, through enormous crowds, in extreme heat. Prepare as though you may not return - not out of fear, but out of sincerity.
• Make your intention purely for Allah. Check your heart. Are you going for social media? For the title “Hajji”? For family pressure? Hajj is accepted only when performed sincerely for Allah alone. The Prophet (SAW) said: “Actions are judged by intentions, and every person shall have what they intended.” (Bukhari 1, Muslim 1907)
• Learn the rites. Study the rituals of Hajj thoroughly before you go. Learn what is a rukn (pillar), what is wajib (obligatory), and what is Sunnah. Know the differences between Tamattu’, Qiraan, and Ifraad. Ignorance is not an excuse when knowledge is readily available.
• Increase your ibadah. In the weeks before Hajj, increase your Quran recitation, voluntary prayers, charity, and dhikr. Build spiritual momentum so that when you arrive, you are already in a state of devotion, not trying to start from zero.
• Prepare your heart for patience. You will be tested. There will be moments of frustration, exhaustion, and discomfort that push you to your limits. This is by design. Hajj strips away every comfort and convenience until nothing remains except you and Allah.

Read that hadith again. Free of sin. Like a newborn baby. Every sin you have ever committed in your life - wiped clean. That is the reward of a Hajj performed sincerely, with patience, and without transgression. There is no other act of worship in Islam that carries this promise so explicitly. Prepare accordingly.

What to Pack

Pack light but pack smart. You will be moving between locations frequently, often carrying your belongings with you. Every unnecessary item becomes a burden. Every forgotten essential becomes a crisis. The following list has been refined through the experience of countless pilgrims.

Disable All Distractions

The Hajj is a once-in-a-lifetime spiritual opportunity for most people. It is the closest you will come on this earth to the Day of Judgement - standing equal with millions, stripped of status, wealth, and identity, answering the call of your Creator. Do not squander it.

The Prophet (SAW) never had a camera - he had khushoo (humility and focus). He never posted a status update from Arafah - he raised his hands to the Lord of the heavens and the earth and wept. There will be time to share your experience later. There will never be another moment like the one you are about to live.

Every second you spend adjusting a camera angle at Arafah is a second you could have spent in dua. Every WhatsApp message you send from Muzdalifah is a moment of dhikr lost forever. The people back home can wait. Allah cannot - this appointment has a fixed time, and it will not come again.

The Hajj Journey - Route Overview

Before we dive into the details, it is essential to understand the complete route of Hajj. Each stage follows the next in a divinely ordained sequence that traces the footsteps of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) during his farewell pilgrimage in the 10th year after Hijrah.

1. Home - You begin your journey from your homeland with a pure intention.
2. Miqat / Ihram - Enter the sacred state of ihram at the designated boundary point.
3. Makkah (Umrah for Tamattu’) - Perform Umrah if doing Hajj al-Tamattu’, then exit ihram and wait for the 8th.
4. Mina - 8th Dhul Hijjah - Re-enter ihram for Hajj. Travel to Mina. Pray and rest.
5. Arafah - 9th Dhul Hijjah - The most important day. Stand at Arafah from after Zuhr until sunset.
6. Muzdalifah - Night of the 10th - Travel after sunset. Pray Maghrib and Isha combined. Collect pebbles. Rest.
7. Mina / Jamarat - 10th Dhul Hijjah - Stone Jamrat al-Aqabah. Sacrifice. Shave/cut hair. Tawaf al-Ifadah.
8. Mina - 11th, 12th (and 13th) Dhul Hijjah - Days of Tashriq. Stone all three Jamarat each day.
9. Makkah - Tawaf al-Wada’ - Farewell Tawaf before departing.
10. Home - Return home, purified, reborn.

This page covers steps 4 through 6 in detail - from entering ihram on the 8th of Dhul Hijjah through the night at Muzdalifah. The remaining rites (10th onwards) are covered in Hajj Part 2.

8th Dhul Hijjah - Yawm al-Tarwiyah (The Day of Quenching)

The 8th of Dhul Hijjah is called Yawm al-Tarwiyah - literally, the Day of Quenching or Watering. Historically, this was the day pilgrims would fill their water containers and water their animals in preparation for the journey ahead to Arafah. There was no running water in Mina or Arafah, so this was a day of essential practical preparation. Today the name remains, even though water infrastructure has been modernised.

This is the day Hajj officially begins in earnest. Whatever type of Hajj you are performing, the 8th is when the journey to the sacred sites starts.

Entering Ihram for Hajj

For Tamattu’ pilgrims: You completed your Umrah earlier and have been out of ihram. Now you must enter ihram again, this time specifically for Hajj. Do this from your accommodation in Makkah (or wherever you are staying). The same etiquettes apply as when you entered ihram for Umrah:

• Trim your nails and remove unwanted body hair.
• Perform ghusl (full ritual bath).
• Apply perfume to your body (not the ihram garments) before making the intention. This is Sunnah - Aishah (RA) said: “I used to perfume the Messenger of Allah (SAW) for his ihram before he entered ihram.” (Bukhari 1539)
• Put on the ihram garments (two white unstitched cloths for men; normal modest clothing for women).
• Pray two rak’ahs (Sunnah of ihram, or can coincide with an obligatory prayer).

Make the intention for Hajj:

You may also say the fuller intention:

For Qiraan and Ifraad pilgrims: You are already in ihram from the Miqat and have been in ihram since your arrival. You simply continue in your state of ihram.

Once you have made your intention, begin reciting the Talbiyah and do not stop:

Travelling to Mina

Leave for Mina before Zuhr if possible - this is the Sunnah of the Prophet (SAW). Mina is approximately 8 kilometres from Masjid al-Haram. Most pilgrims travel by bus (arranged by their tour operator), though some walk. The walk takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours depending on your pace and the crowds.

Throughout the journey, keep your tongue moist with the Talbiyah. Recite it loudly (for men) and softly (for women). Feel its meaning. You are answering the call of Allah - the same call that Ibrahim (AS) made when he was commanded to announce the Hajj to all of mankind: “And proclaim to the people the Hajj; they will come to you on foot and on every lean camel; they will come from every distant pass.” (Quran 22:27)

Arriving in Mina

Mina is a vast valley between Makkah and Arafah, famous as the “City of Tents”. Over 3 million pilgrims camp here in air-conditioned tents that stretch as far as the eye can see. You will be assigned a tent through your tour operator. Find your place, settle in, and begin your ibadah.

Prayers in Mina

Pray the following prayers in Mina, each shortened to 2 rak’ahs (as a traveller) but NOT combined - each prayer is performed at its own appointed time:

What to Do in Mina on the 8th

The 8th of Dhul Hijjah in Mina is your preparation time. Think of it as base camp before the summit. Use this time wisely:

• Recite the Talbiyah frequently and with feeling.
• Read Quran. Bring your pocket Quran or use an app.
• Make dhikr - SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, Allahu Akbar, La ilaha illAllah.
• Make dua - for yourself, your family, the Ummah, the oppressed.
• Send salawat upon the Prophet (SAW).
• Rest and conserve your energy. Tomorrow is the Day of Arafah - the most important day of your entire Hajj, arguably the most important day of your life. You need energy for it. Sleep well tonight.
• Do not waste time in idle conversation, arguments, or scrolling on your phone. Others around you may be chatting, laughing, taking selfies. Let them. You are here for Allah.
• Review your dua list. Go through the list of duas you prepared. Refine it. Add to it. Tomorrow you will need it.
• Pray Fajr on the morning of the 9th in Mina before departing for Arafah.

9th Dhul Hijjah - The Day of Arafah

Leaving Mina for Arafah

After praying Fajr in Mina on the morning of the 9th, prepare to head to Arafah. There is no need to rush - the Sunnah of the Prophet (SAW) was to arrive at Arafah after midday (after the sun passes its zenith). The distance from Mina to Arafah is approximately 14 kilometres. Most pilgrims travel by bus, though the journey can take considerably longer than expected due to the sheer volume of people.

Throughout the journey, continue reciting the Talbiyah, Takbir, and Shahada:

This means there is flexibility - recite the Talbiyah, or say Allahu Akbar, or alternate between them. The key is that your tongue and your heart should be occupied with the remembrance of Allah throughout the journey.

The Significance of Arafah

There is no place on earth and no day in the year where the mercy of Allah is more abundantly available than the plain of Arafah on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah. This is not an exaggeration - it is established by multiple authentic ahadith and affirmed by the consensus of scholars across all four Sunni madhabs.

This statement is among the most concise and powerful in all of Prophetic guidance. It means that the standing at Arafah IS the essence of Hajj. Everything else - Mina, Muzdalifah, the Jamarat, the Tawaf - revolves around this single day. If a person performs every other rite of Hajj perfectly but misses Arafah, their Hajj is invalid. If a person misses everything else but makes it to Arafah within the valid time, they can still complete their Hajj.

Pause and consider what this hadith is telling you. The Creator of the heavens and the earth - the One who has no need of anything or anyone - draws near to His servants on this day and mentions them with pride to the angels. About you. Dishevelled, dusty, exhausted, wearing nothing but two white cloths, indistinguishable from the person beside you - and Allah is proud of you. He asks the angels: “What do these people want?” - not because He does not know, but to honour you in front of the celestial creation.

This is also the day that the religion of Islam was perfected. A verse of such significance was revealed that a Jewish scholar recognised its weight:

This is also the place where, according to Islamic tradition, Adam (AS) and Hawwa (Eve) were reunited after being sent down to Earth - separated, alone, and repentant, they were brought back together on this plain. Arafah comes from the Arabic root meaning “to know” or “to recognise” - it is where they recognised each other again.

Prayer at Arafah

At Arafah, you will pray Zuhr and Asr combined at the time of Zuhr (jam’ taqdeem - combining by bringing forward), each shortened to 2 rak’ahs.

• One adhan is called.
• Two separate iqamas - one for Zuhr, one for Asr.
• Zuhr: 2 rak’ahs.
• Asr: 2 rak’ahs.
• No Sunnah prayers between or after them - maximise dua time.

This is the exact practice of the Prophet (SAW) as narrated by Jabir (RA) in his detailed description of the farewell Hajj (Muslim 1218). The purpose of combining the prayers is to maximise the time available for dua and supplication on this blessed afternoon.

Wuquf (Standing) at Arafah

The wuquf - the “standing” at Arafah - is the pillar (rukn) of Hajj. Here are the essential rules:

• You must be within the boundaries of Arafah. Verify your location with your group leader. Signs and markers indicate the boundaries. If you are outside the boundaries, your Hajj is invalid even if you are only metres away.
• You do NOT need to literally stand. Standing, sitting, lying down, riding in a vehicle - all are valid. The term “wuquf” (standing) refers to being present, not to a physical posture.
• Face the Qiblah when making dua - not Mount Arafah (Jabal ar-Rahmah).
• You do NOT need to climb Jabal ar-Rahmah (the Mount of Mercy). The Prophet (SAW) did not climb it. He stood at the rocks at its base. Climbing it is not from the Sunnah, and the extreme crowding on it makes it dangerous.

What to Do at Arafah - The Most Important Hours of Your Life

After the combined Zuhr and Asr prayer, you have approximately five to six hours until sunset. These are, without exaggeration, the most valuable hours of your entire life. There is no moment where dua is more likely to be accepted, no place where Allah’s mercy is more accessible, no opportunity that will come again with this intensity.

Make dua. Then make more dua. Then make even more dua. Do not stop. Do not hold back. Do not think any request is too big or too small. Allah is the Lord of the heavens and the earth, and on this day, He is closer to you than He is on any other day of the year.

The Prophet (SAW) said: “The best supplication is the supplication of the Day of Arafah, and the best thing that I and the Prophets before me have said is: La ilaha illAllahu wahdahu la shareeka lah, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamd, wa huwa ‘ala kulli shay’in qadeer.” (Tirmidhi 3585)

Here is how to spend the hours at Arafah:

• Raise your hands. This is the Sunnah for dua at Arafah. The Prophet (SAW) kept his hands raised throughout the afternoon. Keep them up even when they ache.
• Cry if you can. If tears come, let them flow. If you cannot cry, make the face of one who is crying - scholars have mentioned that even this is beneficial, as it indicates sincerity of effort.
• Make dua in your own language. Allah understands Arabic, Urdu, English, Swahili, Bengali, Turkish, Malay, and every other language ever spoken. Speak to Him in the language of your heart. Do not let the inability to speak Arabic prevent you from pouring your heart out.
• Ask for forgiveness (istighfar). Say Astaghfirullah abundantly. Ask forgiveness for every sin - those you remember and those you have forgotten, those done publicly and those done in secret.
• Recite Quran. Read whatever you can. The words of Allah carry their own baraka.
• Send salawat upon the Prophet (SAW). “Allahumma salli ‘ala Muhammad wa ‘ala aali Muhammad” - send blessings upon him abundantly.
• Make dua for others. Your parents. Your children. Your spouse. Your siblings. Your friends. The sick. The oppressed. The Ummah. Those who asked you to make dua for them. The angel says “Ameen, and for you the same” when you make dua for your brother or sister in their absence (Muslim 2733).
• Use your dua list. Pull out the list you prepared. Go through it methodically. Do not leave a single item unasked.
• Alternate between dua and dhikr. When your mind tires from personal supplication, switch to the formula of dhikr above. When you feel refreshed, return to dua.
• Do NOT sleep the entire time. A brief rest is understandable if you are severely fatigued, but do not waste these hours in sleep. You can sleep for the rest of your life. You may never stand here again.
• Do NOT waste time eating elaborate meals. Light snacks - dates, nuts, water - are sufficient. Eat enough to sustain yourself, nothing more.
• Do NOT engage in idle conversation. This is not a social event. Be polite if spoken to, but return to your ibadah immediately.

Leaving Arafah for Muzdalifah

As the sun sets on the Day of Arafah, a new phase of the Hajj begins. The Prophet (SAW) stayed at Arafah until the disk of the sun had completely disappeared below the horizon, then departed calmly for Muzdalifah (Muslim 1218). Follow his example precisely.

The Journey

• The distance from Arafah to Muzdalifah is approximately 9 kilometres.
• The journey can take anywhere from 1 to 5 hours depending on the method of transport and the density of the crowds. Be patient. This is one of the most crowded movements of the entire Hajj.
• If walking, walk with tranquillity. The Prophet (SAW) tightened the reins of his camel and said: “O people, be calm. Righteousness is not in rushing.” (Bukhari 1671)
• Continue reciting the Talbiyah throughout the journey.
• Do NOT pray Maghrib at Arafah or on the road. You will pray Maghrib combined with Isha at Muzdalifah. This is an explicit Sunnah.

Muzdalifah - Night of the 10th Dhul Hijjah

Muzdalifah is an open plain between Arafah and Mina. There are no tents here, no accommodation, no real facilities. This is where millions of pilgrims spend the night under the open sky - one of the most humbling and memorable experiences of the entire Hajj.

Arriving at Muzdalifah

When you arrive, find any suitable spot within the boundaries of Muzdalifah and settle down. There are no assigned places - you simply find open ground.

Prayer at Muzdalifah

Upon arrival, pray Maghrib and Isha combined at the time of Isha. This is one of the rare occasions in the Sunnah where prayers are combined at the later time (jam’ ta’kheer):

• One adhan is called.
• Two separate iqamas - one for Maghrib, one for Isha.
• Maghrib: 3 rak’ahs (Maghrib is never shortened).
• Isha: 2 rak’ahs (shortened for the traveller).
• No Sunnah or nafl prayers between them. Pray Maghrib immediately followed by Isha.

Collecting Pebbles

At Muzdalifah (or later at Mina - both are permissible), collect pebbles for stoning the Jamarat over the coming days:

• Size: Each pebble should be slightly bigger than a chickpea - roughly the size of a small bean or date seed. Not too small (they may miss) and not too large (the Prophet SAW forbade excessively large stones).
• Collect a few extra in case any miss the target or are dropped.
• Put them in a small bag or empty water bottle for easy carrying and counting.

Resting and Ibadah

After praying and collecting pebbles, you have the rest of the night. The Prophet (SAW) lay down and rested at Muzdalifah until Fajr (Muslim 1218). You should do the same if you are tired - you need energy for the big day ahead (the 10th). However, if you are not sleepy, spend the time in ibadah:

• Make dhikr and tasbeeh.
• Make dua and istighfar.
• Recite Quran if you have light to read by.
• Reflect on the day of Arafah that has just passed and the mercy you have received.

Fajr at Muzdalifah

Pray Fajr early in Muzdalifah - as soon as the time enters. This is the Sunnah. Do not delay Fajr.

After Fajr, go to Al-Mash’ar Al-Haram (the Sacred Monument) - or face the Qiblah from wherever you are - and make dua. Continue making dua until the sky becomes very light (just before sunrise).

Then depart for Mina before sunrise, following the Sunnah of the Prophet (SAW). When you reach the Valley of Muhassir, hasten your pace through it - the Prophet (SAW) sped up in this valley (Muslim 1218).

Concessions for the Weak

Not everyone can endure the full night at Muzdalifah. The Prophet (SAW) granted specific concessions:

• Women, the elderly, the weak, and those accompanying them may leave Muzdalifah after midnight (the middle of the night) to avoid the severe crowding and danger that occurs at dawn when millions try to move simultaneously.
• This permission is based on the hadith of Aishah (RA): “Sawdah asked the Messenger of Allah (SAW) for permission to leave Muzdalifah earlier, as she was heavy (slow-moving), and he gave her permission.” (Bukhari 1681)
• Asma’ bint Abi Bakr (RA) said she and her mawla waited at Muzdalifah until the moon had set (approximately the middle of the night), then departed, and she said: “The Prophet (SAW) had given permission for this.” (Muslim 1290)
• Those who leave early should proceed to Mina and stone Jamrat al-Aqabah when they arrive, even if it is before Fajr.