Hajj is a foundational pillar of Islam that attracts millions of Muslims from all corners of the globe to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, each year. It is a religious duty that every Muslim who is physically and financially able must perform at least once in their lifetime. The period of Hajj spans five to six days, starting from the 8th to the 12th or 13th of Dhul Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic lunar calendar. The exact duration can vary slightly as it is dependent on the lunar cycle, with the specific dates announced each year based on the sighting of the moon.
The days of Hajj are marked by a series of spiritually significant rituals, which must be carried out in order. Pilgrims enter a state of Ihram— a condition of holiness involving a series of prohibitions— which marks the beginning of the rites. The sequence of the days of Hajj includes the Day of Tarwiyah, followed by the Day of Arafah, a pivotal day of reflection and prayer, and then the Day of Nahr, which is associated with the sacrificial rites. The final days, known as the Days of Tashreeq, involve additional rituals including the stoning of the Jamaraat.
Key Takeaways
- Hajj is a five to six-day religious undertaking mandatory for all able-bodied and financially capable Muslims.
- Significant rituals are spread across specific days, each with its own set of actions and prayers.
- The days of Hajj are linked deeply to Islamic traditions and highlight the communal aspect of the religious practice.
Key Days of Hajj
Hajj, the Islamic pilgrimage, is observed over several key days, each with its significance. It traditionally lasts from the 8th to the 13th day of Dhul Hijjah, which is the twelfth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Because the Islamic calendar is lunar, the exact Gregorian dates vary each year.
- Day of Tarwiyah (8th Dhul Hijjah): This day marks the commencement of Hajj as pilgrims begin their journey by entering the state of Ihram and moving to Minā. The Day of Tarwiyah is one of preparation and reflection.
- Day of Arafah (9th Dhul Hijjah): The Day of Arafah is considered the pinnacle of the Hajj pilgrimage. Pilgrims gather on the plain of Arafat to supplicate and seek forgiveness. The day ends with the sunset, after which the pilgrims leave for Muzdalifah.
- Day of Nahr (10th Dhul Hijjah): On this Day of Nahr, pilgrims perform the stoning of the Jamaraat. They also complete the ritual of animal sacrifice and return to Kabaa in Makkah to continue with other rites. Later in the evening, all the pilgrims go back to Mina.
- Days of Tashreeq (11th to 13th Dhul Hijjah): The Days of Tashreeq are devoted to the stoning of the Jamaraat in Mina. Pilgrims must perform stoning rituals each day.
In total, the pilgrimage of Hajj typically spans over five days but the actual length can extend a day longer, as some pilgrims may continue the stoning ritual and other acts of worship until the sunset of the 13th Dhul Hijjah.
Day of Tarwiyah
The Day of Tarwiyah marks the beginning of the Hajj pilgrimage and is a fundamental part of the overall five-day event. It occurs on the 8th of Dhul Hijjah, the twelfth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Pilgrims commence Hajj observances on this day, engaging in initial rites that set the tone for the subsequent, spiritually charged days.
On the Day of Tarwiyah, pilgrims enter into a state of Ihram, a condition of holiness characterised by particular clothing and behavioural constraints. Men don white, seamless garments, while women wear simple, modest attire, focusing on spiritual purity and equality among all pilgrims. This uniform appearance symbolises the relinquishment of worldly status and distractions, uniting the pilgrims as they stand before their creator.
As part of the Talbiyah, an integral utterance during Hajj, pilgrims chant, “Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik,” which means “Here I am, O Allah, here I am.” This chant is a response to the call to the sacred pilgrimage, a declaration of the intention to perform Hajj, and it is recited throughout the journey.
On the Day of Tarwiyah, pilgrims travel to Mina, a tent city approximately eight kilometres from Mecca where they spend the day and night in prayer and reflection. The sojourn at Mina prepares them for the intense day of worship to follow on the plains of Arafat.
To understand the significance of this day in the context of the entire Hajj, it is helpful to view the Days of Hajj and appreciate that each moment resonates with centuries-old traditions and profound spirituality. The Day of Tarwiyah is thus a day of preparation, both physically and mentally, for the demanding acts of worship that lie ahead.
Day of Arafah
The Day of Arafah is a pivotal component in the five-day event of Hajj, falling on the 9th day of Dhu al-Hijjah in the Islamic calendar. Regarded with great sanctity, it is the day when pilgrims gather on the Plain of Arafah, imploring Allah for mercy and forgiveness. The gathering symbolises a key moment of reflection and devotion during Hajj, which typically spans over a period of several days.
On the Day of Arafah, pilgrims stand from noon until sunset in earnest supplication and dua (prayer), often experiencing a sense of unity and spiritual renewal. This rite is essential; Hajj is considered incomplete without the sermon and attendance at Arafah. The heartfelt prayers and supplications offered are thought to elicit divine mercy and signify the climax of the pilgrimage.
After sunset, pilgrims move to Muzdalifah, an open area between Arafah and Minā, where they perform combined Maghrib and ‘Ishā’ prayers and collect pebbles for the stoning of the devil ritual, which takes place the following day.
The significance of the Day of Arafah extends beyond the confines of Hajj. It is believed that on this day, Allah descends to the nearest heaven and expresses pride to the angels about the presence of the pilgrims. The act of standing by the Mount Rahman and engaging in sustained supplication symbolises the intense spiritual commitment that defines this holy occasion.
Pilgrims who are not able to partake in Hajj also observe this day by fasting, which is believed to expiate the sins of the preceding and following year.
Day of Nahr
Day of Nahr, the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah, is a pivotal moment during the Hajj, marking the commencement of key rituals. Hajj is conducted over five or six days, and the Day of Nahr is also referred to as Eid al-Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice.
On this day, pilgrims wake up in Muzdalifah and offer the Fajr prayer before dawn. They then proceed to Mina to perform the stoning of the Jamarat, which symbolises the rejection of evil. The ritual of sacrifice follows, where an animal is slaughtered to honour the trial of Ibrahim and his son Ismael. This act is emulated by Muslims globally.
The state of Ihram, which the pilgrims entered at the start of the hajj, continues to be observed with its specific dress and behavioural code. After completing the rituals in Mina, the pilgrims return to the Grand Mosque in Mecca to perform Tawaf, the circumambulation of the Kaaba, and Sa’i, walking between the hills of Safa and Marwah.
Upon completing these acts of worship, pilgrims then return to Mina where they spend the night and the following days of Tashreeq engaged in prayer and reflection. The Day of Nahr is a day of piety, remembrance, and spiritual renewal for those undertaking Hajj, attesting to their devotion and the continuity of a millennia-old tradition.
Days of Tashreeq
During the Hajj, Days of Tashreeq are significant. These are the three days following Eid al-Adha and are typically observed from the 11th to the 13th of Dhul Hijjah. Pilgrims engage in several important rituals during this period, including Jamarat, the symbolic stoning of the devil.
- 11th Dhul Hijjah: Pilgrims move to Mina and perform the stoning at Jamarat.
- 12th Dhul Hijjah: Pilgrims have the option to leave after stoning if they have completed all rites, but they may stay an additional day.
- 13th Dhil Hijjah: Those who stayed perform the final Jamarat stoning and prepare to leave.
During the Days of Tashreeq, it is recommended for pilgrims to recite the Eid takbeer. The rituals performed in these days are deemed a continuation of the Hajj, making them integral to the annual pilgrimage. The Hajj, in its entirety, usually spans over 5 to 6 days, incorporating the Days of Tashreeq within its duration.
They comprise key observances and the manifestation of faith and devotion in the Hajj pilgrimage, concluding the profound spiritual journey for Muslims from around the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
The duration and observance of Hajj are of great interest to many, with specific days dedicated to particular rites.
How long does the Hajj pilgrimage typically take?
The Hajj pilgrimage is traditionally observed over five to six days, commencing on the 8th day of Dhul Hijjah and concluding on the 13th day of the month in the Islamic lunar calendar.
Can the Hajj be completed within five days?
Yes, it is possible to complete the Hajj within five days, as the essential rites are performed between the 8th and the 12th of Dhul Hijjah.
Is it possible to perform all the rites of Hajj in a period of seven days?
While the core rites of Hajj typically take place within a five-day window, some pilgrims may extend their stay to perform all practices over seven days, providing additional time for rituals such as Tawaf al-Ifadah and the Stoning of the Devil.
What to do on Day of Arafat?
On the Day of Arafat, the 9th of Dhul Hijjah, pilgrims gather at the plain of Arafat to engage in deep prayer and reflection from noon until sunset, marking the pinnacle of the Hajj pilgrimage.
What is Yawm al Tarwiyah?
Yawm al Tarwiyah refers to the 8th day of Dhul Hijjah, when the Hajj formally begins, and pilgrims embark on their journey from Mecca to Mina, engaging in prayer and preparing for the days of devotion ahead.
