Hajj is a sacred journey for Muslims. It is one of the five pillars of Islam. Every year, millions of Muslims travel to Makkah to perform it. But how long does the Hajj last? Let’s find out.
1. The Official Duration
Hajj takes place from the 8th to the 12th of Dhul-Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic calendar. This means it officially lasts for five days. However, some pilgrims extend their stay until the 13th of Dhul-Hijjah. This extra day is optional but recommended.
While the rituals of Hajj last for a few days, the overall journey can be longer. Many pilgrims arrive in Makkah days or even weeks before Hajj begins. They also spend additional time in Madinah or other holy sites after completing Hajj. This makes the total trip much longer than just five days.
2. The Key Rituals and Their Timeline
Each day of Hajj is filled with important rituals. Here’s a breakdown of what happens:
- 8th Dhul-Hijjah (Day 1 – Tarwiyah Day): Pilgrims enter the state of Ihram, a special spiritual state. They then travel to Mina, where they pray and prepare for the next day.
- 9th Dhul-Hijjah (Day 2 – Arafah Day): This is the most important day of Hajj. Pilgrims gather at the plain of Arafah, where they pray and ask for forgiveness. This is the peak of Hajj.
- 10th Dhul-Hijjah (Day 3 – Eid al-Adha): Pilgrims travel to Muzdalifah at night and then return to Mina. They perform the ritual of throwing stones at the Jamarat (symbolizing rejecting evil). Afterward, they sacrifice an animal and shave or trim their hair.
- 11th-12th Dhul-Hijjah (Days 4 & 5 – Tashreeq Days): Pilgrims continue stoning the Jamarat for two more days. They also engage in prayers and spiritual reflection.
- 13th Dhul-Hijjah (Optional Day): Some pilgrims choose to stay an extra day in Mina to complete the final stoning before leaving.
3. Additional Days for Travel and Worship
Although the core rituals of Hajj last five to six days, most pilgrims spend extra time in Saudi Arabia. Here’s why:
- Pre-Hajj Preparation: Many pilgrims arrive in Makkah a few days before Hajj begins. This allows them to adjust, perform voluntary prayers, and visit the Kaaba before the crowds increase.
- Visiting Madinah: Many pilgrims travel to Madinah after Hajj. They visit the Prophet’s Mosque, pray there, and seek blessings.
- Recovery and Rest: The physical demands of Hajj are high. Many pilgrims take a few days to rest before returning home.
Because of these factors, the entire Hajj journey can take anywhere from two to three weeks, depending on travel plans.
4. Planning for Hajj Duration
Since Hajj involves a long journey, proper planning is essential. Pilgrims should:
- Arrange travel and accommodations in advance.
- Prepare physically and mentally for the long days of worship.
- Pack essentials for the trip, including comfortable clothing and necessary documents.
- Understand visa requirements and the duration allowed by Saudi authorities.
Final Thoughts
The core Hajj lasts five to six days, but the entire experience can take weeks. Proper planning ensures a smooth and fulfilling pilgrimage. May Allah accept the Hajj of all pilgrims and grant them immense rewards.