Day One 

This first day of Hajj is known as Yawm al-Tarwiyah (the Day of Quenching Thirst). On Yawm al-Tarwiyah the early pilgrims were instructed to drink a lot of water and fill their containers in preparation for the long journey ahead. They would also make sure their animals were properly fed and had consumed enough water to allow them to travel to their destination.

Hajj al-Tamattu

If you are performing Hajj al-Tamattu, you would have taken off your Ihram garments after having completed Umrah. It is Mustahabb (recommended) that you take a shower, cut your nails and trim your mustache prior to wearing the Ihram garments. Women are free to wear what they please although clothing should be normal modest Islamic dress with a head covering (scarf) of any color. Hands and faces must be uncovered.

You will then perform two Rakats of Nafl Salah, pronounce a new Niyyah (intention) for Hajj, recite Talbiyah and enter into the state of Ihram before the morning of the 8th of Dhul Hijjah. It is Mustahabb to carry this out at Masjid al-Haram, although it’s also perfectly acceptable at your place of residence. Please note, you don’t have to travel to the nearest Miqat (Masjid Aisha) in order to enter into Ihram.

Perform the Welcome Tawaf – enter Al Haram (Holy Mosque) and circle the Holy Kaaba seven times in a counterclockwise direction. Perform Sa’ay – walk 7 times between the hills of Safa and Marwah beside the Kaaba. Originally observed outdoors, the rite is now performed in an air-conditioned tunnel.

Hajj al-Qiran or Hajj al-Ifrad

If you are performing Hajj al-Qiran or Hajj al-Ifrad, you will already be in a state of Ihram as you did not leave Ihram after having performed Umrah. You may take a normal shower, ensuring you don’t violate the restrictions of Ihram i.e. use scented products, etc.

Leaving for Mina

You will then proceed to Mina via coach before the time for Dhuhr has come in. It is a Sunnah to leave for Mina on the 8th of Dhul Hijjah after sunrise as was the practice of the Holy Prophet ﷺ. Recite Talbiyah frequently during this journey.

Please note, it is the usual practice of tour operators to take groups to Mina after Isha Salah the night before. If you can travel to Mina on the morning of the 8th of Dhul Hijjah by a coach organized by your tour operator or Mutawwif, you will have completed a Sunnah.

Arrival

When you arrive in Mina, you will be struck by the fact that everything looks the same, so you must be careful not to get lost. Acquaint yourself with the area around your camp and identify some distinguishing landmarks so you know your way back to the camp.

In Mina

You will stay in Mina for the full day and part of the following day (9th of Dhul Hijjah). After you have settled down in your tent, you will perform Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, and Isha prayers in Qasr form i.e. you will shorten the prayers as if you were a traveler.

The shortening of the prayer is applicable to everyone, regardless of whether the individual is a resident of Makkah or not. During your stay in Mina, spend your time in prayer and supplication. You will spend the night of the 8th of Dhul Hijjah in Mina. With this, your first day of Hajj has been completed.

Arrival

When you arrive in Mina, you will be struck by the fact that everything looks the same, so you must be careful not to get lost. Acquaint yourself with the area around your camp and identify some distinguishing landmarks so you know your way back to the camp.

In Mina

You will stay in Mina for the full day and part of the following day (9th of Dhul Hijjah). After you have settled down in your tent, you will perform Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, and Isha prayers in Qasr form i.e. you will shorten the prayers as if you were a traveler. The shortening of the prayer is applicable to everyone, regardless of whether the individual is a resident of Makkah or not. During your stay in Mina, spend your time in prayer and supplication. You will spend the night of the 8th of Dhul Hijjah in Mina. With this, your first day of Hajj has been completed.

Facilities

• Mina is situated east of Makkah Mukarramah, with its boundary starting about 3 miles away from Makkah.
• It is approximately 20 square kilometers in size.
• The camps of Mina are approximately 8 kilometers (5-6 miles) away from Makkah.
• During Hajj, there are more than 100,000 air-conditioned tents in Mina, which provide temporary accommodation for pilgrims.
• Mina is known as the “Tent City” due to its vast amount of tents.

Accommodation

Pilgrims in Mina are divided into groups and their accommodation is pre-allocated according to the country they’re from. Streets and camps are numbered, so learn your camp number or note it down somewhere. Before 2000, tents in Mina were small and basic. However, after a major fire broke out in Mina in 1997, taking the lives of over 200 pilgrims and injuring many more, they were replaced with fireproof tents which have air-conditioning, electricity, lights, and electric plugs and are on the whole, comfortable. However, the comfortability of your particular tent really depends on your Hajj package. We have seen some tents which are extremely busy and cramped, so it’s best to check with your agent if you’re unsure about anything. Men and women normally stay in separate tents in Mina.

Tips:

• If you have a choice, don’t choose a tent near the toilets or a cooking area.
• Try to choose a tent near the middle or back of the camp because the entrances to camps are usually busy.
• If you are in a larger tent, choose a sleeping area closer to the back of the tent. The front and middle areas of the tent are normally used for Salah, lectures and eating, so you will avoid having to constantly move your things around to accommodate for this, which can prove quite an inconvenience.
• As soon as you enter your tent, claim your position within the tent by throwing down your mat in your selected area and sitting down and laying on it. Avoid any confrontations or arguments for spaces in the tent. However, ensure you don’t take too much space.
• If you are performing Hajj with your spouse, you can choose the corner of the tent where you are both on either side of the partition. This allows for easier communication and sharing of food.
• Don’t spend too much time discussing worldly affairs in your tent.
• Don’t be too concerned about what is happening in other tents or which personalities are present in those tents.
• Attend lectures in other tents, if you feel they may be of benefit to you.

Summary of Day 1

If you are performing Hajj al-Tamattu, you will do the following:

• Purify yourself.
• Wear the Ihram.
• Perform two Rakats of Salah.
• Make your Niyyah for Hajj and recite Talbiyah, preferably at Masjid al-Haram.
• Proceed to Mina before Dhuhr.
• Recite the Talbiyah frequently.
• Perform your Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib and Isha at Mina.
• Stay there overnight.

If you are performing Hajj al-Ifrad or Hajj al-Qiran, you will do the following:

• Proceed to Mina before Dhuhr.
• Recite the Talbiyah frequently.
• Perform your Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib and Isha at Mina.
• Stay there overnight.