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In a week time we will be celebrating Eid Adha, the second important celebration in Islamic calendar and also the day where the Muslims perform their Hajj. Let's take our time to refresh ourselves on the journey the Muslims have to take while performing Hajj.
1st day: 8th of Zulhijjah
On 8th of Zulhijjah, the pilgrims put on the Ihram and confirm their intention to make the pilgrimage. The prohibitions of Ihram start now.
2nd day: 9th of Zulhijjah
Wuquf in Arafah
The 9th of Zulhijjah is known as Wuquf in Arafah. On this day before noon, the pilgrims arrive in Arafah where they stand in contemplative vigil. They offer supplications, repent on and atone for their past sins, and seek the mercy of Allah s.w.t. and listen to the sermon from the Islamic scholars who deliver it from near Jabal Rahmah from where Muhammad s.a.w. is said to have delivered his last sermon. Lasting from noon through sunset. Wuquf in Arafah is one of the most
significant rites of Hajj. At Masjid al-Namirah, pilgrims offer noon and afternoon prayers together at noontime. A pilgrim's Hajj is considered invalid if they do not spend the afternoon in Arafah.
Moving towards Mudzalifah
Pilgrims must leave Arafah for Mudzalifah after sunset without performing their Maghrib prayer in Arafah. Upon reaching there, pilgrims perform Maghrib and Isyak prayer jointly, spend the night praying and sleeping on the ground with open sky, and gather pebbles for the next day's ritual of the stoning of the Syaitan in Mina.
3rd day: 10th of Zulhijjah, starts of Eid Adha
Moving towards Mina
After returning from Mudzalifah, the pilgrims spend the night in Mina. In Mina, the pilgrims perform symbolic stoning of the Syaitan by throwing seven stones from sunrise to sunset at only the largest of the three pillars, known as Jamrah Aqabah. The remaining two pillars are not stoned on this day. These pillars are said to represent Syaitan.
Slaughtering of Animal or Qurban on Eid Adha
After the stoning of the Syaitan, animals are sacrificed to commemorate the story of Ibrahim a.s. and his son Ismail a.s.
Hair removal or Tahalul
Another important rite of Hajj is the shaving or trimming of head hair or Tahalul. All male pilgrims shave their head or trim their hair on the day of Eid Adha and female pilgrims cut the tips of their hair.
Tawaf Ziyarah
On the same or the following day, the pilgrims re-visit Masjidil Haram in Mecca for another Tawaf, known as Tawaf Ifadah, an obligatory part of the Hajj. The night of 10th of Zulhijjah is spent back in Mina.
4th day: 11th of Zulhijjah
Starting from noon to sunset on 11th of Zulhijjah, the pilgrims again throw seven pebbles at each of the three pillars in Mina.
5th day: 12th of Zulhijjah
On 12th of Zulhijjah, the same process of the stoning of the pillars as of 11th of Zulhijjah takes place. Pilgrims may leave Mina for Mecca before sunset on 12th of Zulhijjah.
Last day: 13th of Zulhijjah, End of Eid Adha
Last day in Mina
If unable to leave on the 12th of Zulhijjah before sunset or opt to stay longer, they must perform the stoning ritual again on 13th of Zulhijjah before returning to Mecca.
Tawaf Al-Wada'
Finally, before leaving Mecca, pilgrims perform a farewell tawaf called the Tawaf al-Wada'. 'Wada' means to bid farewell.
Journey to Medina
An optional part of Hajj where pilgrims may choose is to travel to Medina and visit Masjid An-Nabawi, which contains Muhammad's s.a.w. tomb.
Meanwhile, do look through our list of upcoming events. You never know if the answer to your curiosity can be answered through our events. May Allah s.w.t. give you the guidance in what ever that you are searching for!! Ameen!!
