5 Days of Hajj: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide for First-Time Pilgrims
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The journey of Hajj is one of the most spiritually powerful experiences a Muslim can have. For first-time pilgrims, especially younger expats and Gen Z Muslims, understanding what happens during the five main days of Hajj can feel overwhelming. This post is a simple, step-by-step breakdown of what each day involves - from Mina to Arafat, Muzdalifah, and the Rami days. Whether you're planning your first Hajj or helping someone else prepare, this guide is made to be easy, brief, and practical. SAVE THIS FOR YOUR FUTURE TRAVEL.
🕋 The 5 Days of Hajj – A Simple Step-by-Step Guide
🟤 Day 1: 8th Dhul Hajjah – Mina (Yawm at-Tarwiyah)
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| View of Mina |
Pilgrims travel from Makkah to Mina on 7th Dhul Hajjah after SUNSET. Some guides take people at night before Fajr prayer as well.
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Pilgrims offer minimum 5 prayers, Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, Isha, and Fajr in Mina — shortened, not combined.
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One day will be spent here in Mina camp preparing spiritually for Arafat Day.
⚪ Day 2: 9th Dhul Hajjah – Arafat (Yawm al-Arafah)
After Fajr, guides take to Arafat via buses and pilgrims stay there until sunset (Wuquf).
The ground of Arafat -
Pray Dhuhr and Asr combined at Arafat and engage in deep dua, this is the most important day and place, make as much dua as you can.
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Leave Arafat after sunset and travel to Muzdalifah. Pilgrims are not supposed to offer Maghrib prayer in Arafat.
🌌 Night of 9th Dhul Hajjah – Muzdalifah Stay
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| The ground of Muzdalifah |
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After reaching Muzdalifah via bus or on foot, pilgrims pray Maghrib and Isha together.
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Collect 49 to 70 pebbles (small size) for stoning (Rami) over the next few days. The size should not be more than half an inch to maximum an inch.
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Rest/sleep under the open sky — one of the humbling highlights of Hajj.
🔴 Day 3: 10th Dhul Hijjah – Eid Day: Rami, Qurbani & Tawaaf
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On this day, pilgrims walk from Muzdalifah to Mina and go for Rami right after Dhuhr prayer: Stone Jamrat al-Aqabah (largest pillar) with 7 pebbles.
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Offer your Qurbani (animal sacrifice).
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Men shave heads or shorten hair; women trim a finger-tip length.
Open your Ehram, come back to hotel, take shower, wear fresh clothes, apply perfume.
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Go to Makkah for Tawaaf-e-Ziyarah and Sa’i between Safa and Marwah.
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Return to Mina for the night before Fajr. (VERY IMPORTANT!)
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| Jamarat al-Aqabah |
⚪ Day 4 & 5: 11th–12th Dhul Hijjah – Rami Days in Mina
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Each day, perform Rami at all three Jamaraat between Zuhr and Maghrib prayer. (7 pebbles per pillar = 21 total per day).
Jamarat for Rami -
Spend both nights in Mina.
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You may leave after the 12th Dhul Hijjah (before sunset) or stay one more day (13th Dhul Hijjah) for an additional Rami — which is Sunnah.
📌 Final Thoughts
These five days are the heart of Hajj. While the rituals may seem physically intense, every step holds spiritual wisdom. Prepare well, stay patient, and make the most of your moments in Mina, Arafat, Muzdalifah, and Makkah. May your Hajj be accepted and your journey be smooth, Ameen!
MiddleEastHustler is here to guide the young and Gen-Z about one of the most prestigious gifts from Allah and guide how to efectively perform Hajj.
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