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Location: Muzdalifah, Mina, Makkah
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Timeframe: From the afternoon through Fajr of the following day
Step 1: Pelting the Jamarat & Offering Sacrifice
Throw seven pebbles one after another at Jamarat Al-Aqaba, saying Takbeer (“ALLAHU AKBAR”) with each throw. Next, slaughter the sacrificial animal (Hadi)—this act is obligatory only for those performing Tamattu and Qiran Hajj. The pilgrim should eat a portion of the sacrificial meat and distribute the remainder to the poor.
Step 2: Shaving or Shortening the Hair
Pilgrims must shorten or shave the hair evenly from all around their head. For men, shaving the head completely is preferred, whereas women need only trim a fingertip’s length from the ends of their hair.
Upon completing two out of the three major rites (Pelting, Shaving/Trimming, and Tawaf), the first stage of exiting Ihram (Tahallul al-Asghar) is achieved. At this stage, standard clothing can be worn and perfume may be applied; all Ihram prohibitions are lifted except for marital intimacy.
Step 3: Tawaf Al-Ifada
Return to Makkah to perform the mandatory main circumambulation of Hajj (Tawaf Al-Ifada).
Step 4: Performing Sa’ee (Safa & Marwa)
Pilgrims performing Tamattu Hajj must complete Sa’ee between Safa and Marwa. For those performing Ifrad or Qiran, Sa’ee is required at this stage only if they did not already perform it after Tawaf Al-Qudoom (Arrival Tawaf). Once this is finished, all Ihram restrictions are fully lifted (Tahallul al-Akbar), including marital intimacy.
Step 5: Flexibility in Order of Rites
There is no penalty or sin if these rituals are performed in a different sequence—such as shaving before pelting the pebbles.
Step 6: Drinking Zamzam Water & Noon Prayer
Drink from the Zamzam water supply and, if feasible, perform the Dhuhr prayer in Makkah.
Step 7: Overnight Stay in Mina
Return to Mina to spend the night there as required.