On the next day, the Haajis can continue their rituals, of stoning the devil and spend time in Mina. It is important that Haajis leave for Mecca before evening on 12th Dul Hajj. In case they are unable to do so, they should stay and perform the stoning ritual in the morning at Mina again before their return travel. Tawaf al-Wida is the final ritual, which is actually a farewell Tawaaf around Kaaba.

This is to be completed before the Haajis leave Mecca. Once the Hajj rituals are over, pilgrims will usually visit significant locations in Medina including Al-Masjid al-Nabawi Riad ul Jannah, the Quba Mosque and Masjid al-Qiblatain. Al-Masjid al-Nabawi is the Prophet’s Mosque which encloses the tomb of the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him). The Riad ul Jannah is the grave site of the Prophet’s (Peace be upon him) companion, Umhat ul Mominen (the Prophet’s wives) and Ahl al-Bayt (those who had faith in Islam in the early days) located in Al-Baqi.

The Hajj is a sacred ritual in Islam and every stage should be performed with complete clear conscience and peacefulness. The Haaji should be mindful of the fact that he has to keep control over his or her tongue and their deeds. They should also remember that the Hajj is an act of deliverance to invoke peace and faith and recitation of ayahs, salah and durood is very important. It is also just as important to praise Allah as it is to ask for forgiveness.

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The ritual is usually performed with 21 stones which are to be thrown at three different stations. These stations symbolize the problems experienced by Abraham when the devil challenged him during his sacrifice to go on the wrong path. While this ritual does signify the defiance of the devil, it is important to keep reciting the praises of Allah and ask for forgiveness throughout your Hajj journey at Mina.

Another ritual step is to sacrifice an animal commemorating the same incident. Sacrifice vouchers are also available so the pilgrims don’t have to actually do the sacrifice on their own. This is done on the 10th of Dul Hajj, when people in Mecca and everywhere else in the world, celebrate the Eid al Adha festival. Eid al Adha and the animal sacrifice are meant to venerate the occasion when Allah asked Abraham to make his son’s sacrifice.

This incident is also reported in the Bible, as well as in the Holy Quran. While Abraham was fully prepared to comply with the orders of his God and sacrifice his son, the devil came in between and tried to take Abraham off the path of Allah in three different locations. Abraham did not waver from his faith even after such interventions and when he began sacrificing his son, an animal (sheep/goat) was replaced and Allah accepted Abraham’s sacrifice, sparing the life of his son.

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“Hajj is only valid by attending `Arafat.” [At-Tirmidhi, an-Nassaa'i, Abu Dawud, Malek and ad-Daarimi]

“There is no day on which Allah (swt) frees people from the Fire as He does on the Day of ‘Arafat. He comes close and then He boasts to His angels: ‘What are these people seeking?’” [Muslim, an-Nasaa'i, Ibn Maajah]

Additionally, the Prophet (Peace be upon him) also made a stay at Mina on the eighth of Dhu al-Hijjah (Islamic month) for prayers. According to Jabir: “Then, the Prophet (S) rode for Mina where he performed the Noon, Afternoon, Sunset, Night and Dawn prayers.” [Muslim]

Once this is done, the Haajis should travel to the valley of Arafat, on the ninth day of Dul Hajj. The Mount of Arafat is the same location that the Prophet chose for his last sermon. The hill is also known as Jabal Al Rahmah or The Hill of Forgiveness. Prayer at Arafat is known as Wuquf.

According to several authentic Ahadith (Prophet’s sayings), the best words to recite at this stage are as follows:
“The best du’aa is the du’aa in the day of ‘Arafah and the best thing I and the Prophets before me have ever said is: Laa Ilaaha ill-Allah wahdahu laa Shareeka lah!” [Malek and at-Tirmidhi].

The Haajis should pray and ask for forgiveness on the mount of Arafat, facing Qiblah. This should continue until sunset and then they should go towards Mina. It is also considered essential to delay the evening prayer (Maghrib) until you reach Muzdalifah.

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