Day 1 of Hajj: What to Do in Mina on 8th Dhul Hijjah (Yaum al-Tarwiyah Guide)
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๐ What Happens on the First Day of Hajj (8th Dhul Hijjah – Yaum al-Tarwiyah)
The journey of Hajj formally begins on the 8th of Dhul Hijjah, known as Yaum al-Tarwiyah. Pilgrims leave Makkah and head to Mina, marking the first official day of Hajj.
If you’re performing Hajj Tamattu, this is when you’ll wear Ihram for the second time — this time, for Hajj.
๐งผ 1. Entering Ihram for Hajj (for Hajj Tamattu)
If you are already in Makkah after Umrah:
- Take a shower (Sunnah), wear Ihram garments again, and make intention for Hajj.
๐️ Dua for Hajj Niyyah:
ุงَُّูููู َّ َูุจََّْูู ุญَุฌًّุง
“Allahumma labbayka Hajj-an.”
(O Allah, here I am to perform Hajj.)
Then begin reciting the Talbiyah:
Labbayk Allahumma labbayk... (same as before)
✅ Note: Those performing Qiran or Ifrad are already in Ihram and do not re-enter it.
๐️ 2. Departure to Mina – The Tent City
Most Hajj groups leave for Mina in the early hours of 8th Dhul Hijjah (after Fajr or Dhuhr but it can get as late as Isha). Transportation is arranged by your group. You cannot go on your own to the Mina tent as each group has assigned tent.
๐️ In Mina:
- Stay in a designated tent with your maktab group.
- Mark your tent location on Google Maps.
- Note down tent number, exits, and nearby washrooms.
- Make sure to get to know to the nearest emergency exit as well
๐งญ Mina is about 7-8 km from Masjid al-Haram. Healthy pilgrims can walk in about 3-4 hours as well.
๐ 3. What to Do in Mina
Spend the entire day and night in Mina, focusing on:
- 5 daily prayers (combine Dhuhr and Asr if in congregation).
- Dua, Dhikr, and Quran recitation.
- Take care of your and others' space. There is very limited space.
- Take care of your belongings and sandals
- Spiritual preparation for Arafat (next day).
๐ Reminder: There are no specific rituals in Mina this day — it's for rest, reflection, and preparation.
๐งด 4. Practical Tips for Mina Stay
- Stay hydrated and drink plenty of fluids.
- Carry personal hygiene essentials like wipes, soap, unscented creams.
- Bring earplugs or noise-canceling headphones.
- Take a small extension cord to share tent charging points.
- Secure your valuables (especially slippers and wallet).
- Last and very important, make sure to take care of your health. Try to avoid cold water and drinks or ice cream.
- Try to use washroom and do wudu at least 1 to 2 hours before prayer because it gets to much rushy near prayer times
✨ Sunnah: Staying overnight in Mina is Sunnah of the Prophet ๏ทบ.
๐ 5. Overnight in Mina
Sleep in Mina and leave for Arafat the next morning (9th Dhul Hijjah). Tonight is your last opportunity to:
- Mentally prepare for the most significant day — Day of Arafat.
- Rest properly to conserve energy.
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