This day is spent with praying in the Great Mosque in Mecca. This act is preparing the hajjis for the holy ceremonies.

8. Zul-Hijja

The hajjis now leave Mecca. Following the two caskets brought each year from Damascus and Cairo, the hajjis reach the plain of Arafat, after passing through Mina and Muzdalifa. Many ascend the Rahma Mountain, but in modern times, only a small percentage has the opportunity, actually to complete this. While on the mountain top, the pilgrim chants, the one small phrase, "Labbayka", which may be translated with "At your service."

9. Zul-Hijja

This is really a day to be spend out in the open, and the ritual during this day is simply called wuquf, "standing." Two khutbas fill the entire day. When the sun sets behind the western hills, the idafa begins. The idafa involves running to Muzdalifa. The two last prayers are performed here, and the night is spent.

10. Zul-Hijja

This morning begins with a khutba in Muzdalifa, before the hajjis go to Mina. In Mina different duties await the hajji. 7 stones that have been gathered in Muzdalifa the day before are thrown by each hajji at the 3 jamra, pillars that represent the powers of Satan. At this place, Satan appeared in front of Ibrahim. When the 7 stones have been thrown, the hajj is more or less completed, although there are a few other ceremonies yet to be performed. The chanting of "labbayka" comes to an end around this time.

At this time a sheep or a goat is sacrificed, and while this formally ends the hajj, it introduces the feast of Id al-Kabir, celebrated all around the Muslim world by all Muslims. Many of the hajjis do not kill the animal themselves, but get professional butchers to do it. Parts of the meat are eaten, but most is taken care of by Saudi authorities, who make sure that nothing is lost, but distributed to the needy.

Many have their heads shaved at this time. The shaving is done while turning towards the qibla. When this is completed, the ihram taken off, and the holy purity of mihram is lost. At this point, it is custom to return to Mecca, to circumambulate the Ka'ba again. Washing and bathing is also done this day.

11.- 13. Zul-Hijja

These last days of the extended hajj are spent in Mina, and are filled with eating, drinking, and for those together with their spouse, sensual pleasure. Every day seven stones are thrown on each of the 3 jamrats. Although it is proper to remain at Mina until the 13, a large number of the hajjis return to Mecca on the 12. A last umra has to be performed. Some days later, people set out for what has become an intrinsic part of the hajj, a visit to Madina and the tomb of Muhammad.