The Five Days of Hajj Explained: A Complete Guide for Pilgrims

Hajj is the pilgrimage to Makkah undertaken during Dhul Hijjah. Its central rites take place from 8 to 12 Dhul Hijjah, with some pilgrims remaining in Mina on the 13th. This guide follows the usual sequence for a pilgrim performing Hajj Tamattu' (Umrah first, followed by Hajj). The sequence differs in certain respects for Hajj Qiran and Ifrad, and individual circumstances can affect the order of some rites. Follow your authorised Hajj group's guidance and qualified scholars for rulings specific to your situation.

Before the five days: preparing for Hajj

Pilgrims performing Tamattu' generally complete Umrah, exit ihram, and then enter ihram again for Hajj before travelling to Mina on 8 Dhul Hijjah. Prepare the essentials you can carry comfortably, including identification, prescribed medicines, water, footwear suitable for walking, and contact information for your group. Know your accommodation, transport arrangements, meeting points, and any health or mobility requirements.

Day 1 — 8 Dhul Hijjah: Yawm at-Tarwiyah (Mina)

Pilgrims enter the state of ihram for Hajj if not already in it, making their intention and reciting the talbiyah. They travel to Mina, where they spend the day and generally stay overnight. The five daily prayers are offered there; four-unit prayers are commonly shortened to two units for pilgrims following the relevant rulings, without combining them simply because they are in Mina. This is a day to settle, remember Allah, and prepare for Arafat.

Practical reminder: Keep your group identification and Mina tent details accessible. Mina is extensive, and finding your way back can be difficult.

Day 2 — 9 Dhul Hijjah: The Day of Arafah

After sunrise, pilgrims proceed from Mina to Arafat. The standing at Arafat (wuquf) is the essential rite of Hajj: missing it within its prescribed time invalidates the pilgrimage. Pilgrims devote this time to du'a, repentance, remembrance, and asking Allah for forgiveness. The Dhuhr and Asr prayers are commonly combined and shortened at Arafat according to the Hajj rites.

After sunset, pilgrims leave without praying Maghrib at Arafat, travelling to Muzdalifah, where Maghrib and Isha are offered together. They rest there and may collect small pebbles for the stoning rites. Rules on overnight stays and early departure can differ for those with recognised concessions, so follow your group and scholar.

Practical reminder: Arafat is often very hot and crowded. Hydrate, seek shade, and do not separate from your group without a clear meeting plan.

Day 3 — 10 Dhul Hijjah: Eid al-Adha and the major rites

This is Yawm an-Nahr, the Day of Sacrifice. Pilgrims typically undertake several major rites:

1. Stone Jamrat al-Aqabah, the largest of the three Jamarat, with seven small pebbles, saying Allahu Akbar with each throw.
2. Offer the Hajj sacrifice (hady) where required, including for Tamattu' and Qiran. This is often arranged through an authorised service.
3. Shave or shorten the hair. Men may shave or shorten; women trim a small amount in accordance with the applicable guidance.
4. Perform Tawaf al-Ifadah at the Ka'bah, an essential Hajj rite, and Sa'i between Safa and Marwah when required for the pilgrim's Hajj type and previous rites.

There are recognised scholarly allowances concerning the order of several of these actions, especially in situations of crowding or difficulty. Do not assume an alternative sequence is invalid; ask your Hajj guide.

After the relevant rites, pilgrims leave ihram in stages. The exact restrictions that remain depend on which rites have been completed. Your group should explain when each stage applies.

Day 4 — 11 Dhul Hijjah: First Day of Tashreeq

Pilgrims return to or remain in Mina and stone all three Jamarat, in order: the small, middle, then large. Each receives seven pebbles, for 21 throws in total. Under the commonly followed procedure, this stoning takes place after the sun has passed its zenith (after zawal). Pilgrims spend the night in Mina, remember Allah, and continue their prayers.

Practical reminder: Use only the designated routes and times provided by Hajj authorities. Do not approach the Jamarat outside your assigned movement arrangements.

Day 5 — 12 Dhul Hijjah: Second Day of Tashreeq

Pilgrims again stone the three Jamarat, seven pebbles each, after zawal. Those who are permitted to leave Mina early may depart before sunset on the 12th. Those who remain for the 13th perform another day of stoning before leaving. Specific rulings can apply if someone is delayed beyond sunset; follow your group's scholar.

Before finally leaving Makkah, pilgrims generally perform Tawaf al-Wada' (farewell tawaf), unless exempt under the applicable rulings. Tawaf al-Ifadah and Tawaf al-Wada' are not the same rite; your Hajj leader can clarify timing if Tawaf al-Ifadah was delayed.

What happens on 13 Dhul Hijjah?

The 13th is an optional additional day of Tashreeq for pilgrims who remain in Mina. They stone all three Jamarat again after zawal, then depart. Although the main itinerary is often called the “five days of Hajj,” some pilgrims complete the rites over six days (8–13 Dhul Hijjah).

Common questions

Is Arafah the most important day of Hajj?

Yes. Being present at Arafat within the prescribed period is a fundamental pillar of Hajj. Other rites are also essential, but the standing at Arafat has a unique status.

How many pebbles are needed?

A pilgrim following the usual sequence throws 7 on the 10th, 21 on the 11th, and 21 on the 12th: 49 in total. Staying for the 13th adds 21, making 70. Carry some extras in case pebbles are lost, and follow the authorities' instructions.

Does everyone have to sacrifice an animal?

The hady sacrifice is generally required for Tamattu' and Qiran but not ordinarily for Ifrad. Exceptions and alternative rulings can apply.

Can the rites be completed in a different order?

Some rites on the 10th have recognised flexibility. Other rites have fixed requirements. Consult your group's qualified religious guide rather than changing the sequence independently.

When should I perform farewell tawaf?

Usually shortly before leaving Makkah after completing the required rites, subject to recognised exemptions and your itinerary.

Final preparation checklist

Before setting out each day, confirm your group's meeting point, scheduled transport, Hajj permit or identification requirements, medication, hydration, and emergency contact arrangements. Always prioritise the official crowd-management directions and seek help early if you become unwell.

This is a general educational guide, not an individual fatwa or a substitute for official Saudi Hajj instructions. Dates follow the Islamic calendar and operational arrangements may change. Confirm current requirements with the official Hajj authorities and your licensed Hajj provider.