What Happens in Mina & Muzdalifah? | Hajj Rituals Guide

Discover the specific Hajj rituals performed in the sacred precincts of Mina and Muzdalifah. A complete guide on the Days of Tarwiyah, Tashreeq, and stoning.

Praise be to Allah, and blessings and peace be upon the Messenger of Allah, his family, and his companions.


The Hajj is a journey of physical and spiritual movement between sacred precincts (Masha'ir), primarily 'Arafah, Muzdalifah, and Mina. To perform the pilgrimage perfectly, one must adhere closely to the actions of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ in these specific locations.


Here is a breakdown of what happens in Mina and Muzdalifah according to the authentic Sunnah:


1. The First Stay in Mina (The 8th of Dhul-Hijjah)


This day is known as the Day of Tarwiyah. After assuming the state of Ihram, pilgrims proceed to the tent city of Mina.

  • The Action: The primary Sunnah here is to establish the prayers. Pilgrims pray Dhuhr, 'Asr, Maghrib, 'Isha, and the Fajr of the 9th day in Mina.

  • The Ruling: The prayers that are normally four Rak'ahs (Dhuhr, 'Asr, and 'Isha) are shortened to two Rak'ahs (Qasr). However, they are not combined; each prayer must be performed in its own prescribed time. Staying this day in Mina is a highly recommended Sunnah, not an absolute pillar.

2. The Stay in Muzdalifah (The Night of the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah)


After the sun sets entirely on the Day of 'Arafah (the 9th), pilgrims must depart for Muzdalifah. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ commanded the companions to move with calmness and dignity, saying,

O people, be tranquil! Hastening is not a sign of righteousness.
Sahih al-Bukhari

  • The Action Upon Arrival: As soon as pilgrims arrive in Muzdalifah, they must pray Maghrib and 'Isha combined. Maghrib is prayed as three Rak'ahs, and 'Isha is shortened to two Rak'ahs.

  • The Night: The Sunnah is to sleep and rest. There is no prescribed night prayer (Tahajjud) for this specific night, as Prophet Muhammad ﷺ rested to prepare for the rigorous Day of Sacrifice.

  • The Morning (Al-Mash'ar Al-Haram): After praying Fajr at the earliest time, the pilgrim should face the Qiblah, praise Allah, and make intense, earnest Du'a until the sky becomes very bright, just before sunrise. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

    I have stood here, and all of Muzdalifah is a standing place.
    Sahih Muslim

  • (Note: It is permissible for the weak, the elderly, and women to leave Muzdalifah for Mina after midnight to avoid the crushing crowds).

3. The Return to Mina (The 10th, 11th, 12th, and 13th of Dhul-Hijjah)


After leaving Muzdalifah before sunrise, the pilgrims return to Mina for the remainder of the Hajj.

  • The 10th (Yawm an-Nahr): Upon arriving in Mina, pilgrims stone the largest pillar (Jamrat al-'Aqabah) with seven pebbles, slaughter their sacrificial animal (Hadiy), and shave or trim their hair.

  • The Days of Tashreeq (11th, 12th, 13th): Spending these nights in Mina is obligatory (Wajib) according to the majority of scholars, including Shaykh Ibn Baz and Shaykh Ibn 'Uthaymeen (رَحِمَهُمَا ٱللَّٰهُ). If someone abandons staying the night in Mina without a valid excuse, they must offer a Fidyah (blood sacrifice).

  • Stoning the Jamarat: During these days, pilgrims must stone all three pillars (the small, the middle, and the large). The strict Sunnah is that this stoning must occur after the sun passes its zenith (midday). Stoning before midday on the 11th, 12th, or 13th is invalid and must be repeated.

Once the stoning is complete on the 12th, a pilgrim may hasten and leave Mina before sunset. However, staying for the 13th is superior and carries a greater reward.


And Allah the Exalted knows best.