Every year, millions of Muslims from around the world gather in the holy cities of Makkah, Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah to perform Hajj — one of the five pillars of Islam. Among all the days of Hajj, the 9th and 10th of Dhul-Hijjah hold the greatest importance, as they include the central rituals that complete the pilgrimage.
In this edition of Hajj Guide 2026, we explain the key rituals, timings, and important rulings pilgrims should understand during these crucial days of Hajj.
9th Dhul-Hijjah — The Day of Arafah
The Day of Arafah is considered the most important day of Hajj. On this day, pilgrims gather in the plain of Arafat to perform Wuquf-e-Arafah, which is the greatest pillar of Hajj.
The time for Wuquf begins after zawal (midday) on the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah and continues until sunset. In cases of genuine necessity, the time remains valid until Fajr on the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah.
After midday, the Hajj sermon is delivered in Arafat, followed by Zuhr and Asr prayers. In collective arrangements such as Masjid al-Namirah, the prayers are offered together with one adhan and two iqamahs. Pilgrims praying individually may follow their respective juristic school.
Pilgrims spend the day in worship, supplication, remembrance of Allah, and seeking forgiveness.
Journey to Muzdalifah
After sunset, pilgrims leave Arafat for Muzdalifah without offering Maghrib prayer in Arafat.
In Muzdalifah, pilgrims combine Maghrib and Isha prayers at Isha time. Most pilgrims spend the night resting, praying, and collecting pebbles for the stoning ritual in Mina.
The pebbles collected are used during the Days of Tashriq for Rami (stoning of the Jamarat). Depending on the Hajj schedule, pilgrims may collect either 49 or 70 pebbles.
After Fajr prayer on the morning of the 10th Dhul-Hijjah, pilgrims engage in supplications and remembrance before departing for Mina before sunrise.
10th Dhul-Hijjah — Day of Sacrifice
The 10th of Dhul-Hijjah, also known as Yawm al-Nahr (Day of Sacrifice), is one of the busiest days of Hajj.
After arriving in Mina, pilgrims proceed to Jamrat al-Aqabah, the largest pillar, where they perform Rami by throwing seven pebbles.
Due to crowd management arrangements, pilgrims may be instructed to leave for the Jamarat Complex according to assigned schedules.
After completing the stoning ritual, pilgrims perform the sacrifice and then shave or trim their hair. This brings partial release from Ihram, known as Tahallul.
At this stage, most restrictions of Ihram end. However, marital relations remain prohibited until Tawaf al-Ziyarah is completed.
Tawaf al-Ziyarah and Complete Tahallul
Pilgrims then travel to Masjid al-Haram to perform Tawaf al-Ifadah (also known as Tawaf al-Ziyarah), another essential pillar of Hajj.
After Tawaf and Sa‘i, complete Tahallul is achieved and all restrictions of Ihram are lifted.
Pilgrims performing Hajj Tamattu‘ must perform Sa‘i after Tawaf al-Ziyarah. For pilgrims performing Hajj Qiran or Hajj Ifrad, the requirement of Sa‘i depends on whether it was already completed with Tawaf al-Qudum.
Important Reminder for Pilgrims
Many pilgrims misunderstand the rulings related to Tahallul during Hajj.
After stoning the Jamrah and shaving or trimming the hair, most restrictions end, but marital relations remain prohibited until Tawaf al-Ziyarah is completed.
Complete Tahallul requires:
- Stoning of Jamrat al-Aqabah
- Shaving or trimming of hair
- Tawaf al-Ziyarah
Pilgrims are advised to understand these rulings carefully to perform Hajj correctly and avoid confusion during the journey.
May Allah Almighty grant all pilgrims an accepted Hajj and make their journey easy and blessed. Ameen.
Also read: Complete Hajj and Umrah glossary: Essential Islamic terms every pilgrim should know
You may also read: Hajj Guide 2026: What are Halq and Taqsir? Rules, method and importance explained
Next to read: Hajj Guide 2026: What is Sa‘i between Safa and Marwah? Steps, rules and significance explained
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