The 5 Days of Hajj
Hajj takes place from the 8th to the 12th (or 13th) of Dhul Hijjah.
8th
Yawm at-Tarwiyah (Mina)
Pilgrims enter Ihram and proceed to Mina. Prayers are shortened but not combined. The night is spent in tents.
9th
Yawm Arafah (The Day of Hajj)
The pinnacle of Hajj. Pilgrims stand on the plains of Arafat praying for forgiveness until sunset. Then proceed to Muzdalifah for the night.
10th
Yawm an-Nahr (Eid)
Stoning of Jamrat al-Aqaba (Big Satan), Sacrifice (Qurbani), Shaving (Halq), and Tawaf al-Ifadah.
11-13
Ayyam at-Tashreeq
Days of drying meat. Pilgrims stay in Mina and stone all three Jamaraat daily.
Hajj vs. Umrah: What's the Difference?
- Timing: Hajj is fixed (Dhul Hijjah), Umrah is anytime.
- Rites: Hajj includes Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah. Umrah only includes Tawaf and Sa'i.
- Obligation: Hajj is Fard (mandatory once), Umrah is Sunnah (highly recommended).
Planning for Umrah instead? It is much easier to book. Check our Umrah Guide for details.