How long does Hajj last?

The Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and is a significant religious obligation for Muslims worldwide. The pilgrimage to Mecca generally takes place in the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah and has a duration of five to six days. Here is a detailed account of the duration and rituals of Hajj:

• Day of Tarwiyah: The Hajj officially begins on the eighth day of Dhu al-Hijjah, also known as the Day of Tarwiyah. Pilgrims gather in Mecca, where they perform the first ritual of Hajj, which is to put on the Ihram, a simple white garment that symbolizes purity and unity. After putting on the Ihram, pilgrims head to Mina, a valley outside Mecca, where they spend the night.
• Day of Arafat: The ninth day of Dhu al-Hijjah is the Day of Arafat, considered the most important day of the Hajj. Pilgrims gather on the plains of Arafat, a desert area located about 20 km outside Mecca, where they spend the day in prayer, supplication, and remembrance of Allah. The standing on Arafat is considered the pinnacle of the Hajj.
• Day of Muzdalifah: After sunset on the Day of Arafat, pilgrims leave for Muzdalifah, a valley between Mina and Arafat. Here, they spend the night in the open, offering prayers and collecting pebbles for the next day's ritual.
• Days of Tashreeq: The 10th, 11th, and 12th days of Dhu al-Hijjah are known as the Days of Tashreeq. On the first day, pilgrims return to Mina, where they perform the ritual of Stoning the Devil (Ramy al-Jamarat) by throwing seven pebbles at three pillars that represent Satan's temptation of Prophet Ibrahim. On the second and third days, pilgrims continue to stone the pillars and offer animal sacrifices as a symbol of Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son for Allah's sake.
• Day of Eid al-Adha: The 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, known as the Day of Eid al-Adha, is a public holiday in many Islamic countries. On this day, Muslims around the world celebrate the occasion by offering animal sacrifices and sharing food with family and friends.
• Tawaf and Sa'i: After the Days of Tashreeq, pilgrims return to Mecca to perform the final two rituals of Hajj: Tawaf (circumambulation) of the Kaaba and Sa'i (walking back and forth between the hills of Safa and Marwa). The Tawaf involves circling the Kaaba seven times, while Sa'i involves walking back and forth between the hills of Safa and Marwa seven times.
• Farewell Tawaf: On the final day of the Hajj, pilgrims perform a final Tawaf, known as the Farewell Tawaf, before leaving Mecca and returning home.

In conclusion, the Hajj is a significant religious obligation that lasts for about five to six days and involves several rituals, including wearing the Ihram, standing on Arafat, stoning the pillars, offering animal sacrifices, and performing the Tawaf and Sa'i. The Hajj is a symbol of unity, spirituality, and devotion for Muslims worldwide and is an essential aspect of their faith.