Q&A

When Does Hajj Begin and When Does It End?

The season of Hajj is a sacred time that fills the hearts of Muslims around the world with faith and longing. Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and represents a profound spiritual journey that every Muslim aspires to make at least once in their lifetime. Therefore, knowing “When does Hajj begin and when does it end?” is essential for anyone preparing to perform this blessed pilgrimage.

When Does Hajj Begin?

The time for Hajj officially begins with the start of the month of Shawwal, the tenth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. However, the actual rituals of Hajj — known as manasik al-hajj — begin on the 8th day of Dhul-Hijjah, which is called Yawm al-Tarwiyah (the Day of Preparation). On this day, pilgrims travel to Mina and spend the night there in prayer and remembrance, following the tradition of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

Main Days and Stages of Hajj

1. 8th of Dhul-Hijjah (Yawm al-Tarwiyah):
   Pilgrims go to Mina and spend the day there in worship and supplication.
2. 9th of Dhul-Hijjah (Day of Arafah):
   This is the most important pillar of Hajj — the Standing at Arafat (Wuquf at Arafah). Pilgrims stand in prayer and devotion from noon until sunset, seeking Allah’s forgiveness and mercy.
3. Night of the 10th (Muzdalifah):
   After sunset, pilgrims travel to Muzdalifah, where they spend the night and collect pebbles for the ritual of stoning.
4. 10th of Dhul-Hijjah (Eid al-Adha / Day of Sacrifice):
   Pilgrims throw stones at the Jamrat al-Aqabah (the large pillar), then slaughter their sacrificial animals, shave or shorten their hair, and perform the Tawaf al-Ifadah around the Kaaba, one of the essential rites of Hajj.
5. 11th, 12th, and 13th of Dhul-Hijjah (Days of Tashreeq):
   Pilgrims remain in Mina and continue stoning the three pillars each day after noon. Those who wish to leave early (ta’ajjul) may do so after completing the rituals on the 12th before sunset.

When Does Hajj End?

Hajj officially concludes when the pilgrim completes all the rites, ending with the Farewell Tawaf (Tawaf al-Wada‘). Before leaving Makkah, pilgrims circle the Kaaba one final time, symbolizing the completion of their pilgrimage.

In practice, the Hajj rituals take place from the 8th to the 13th of Dhul-Hijjah, but the final act — the Farewell Tawaf — marks the spiritual conclusion before departing Makkah. Knowing these specific times helps pilgrims plan effectively and perform this sacred journey with peace and devotion.