Part two of this article is going to cover Muzdalifah, Eid day which includes the ritual of stoning the devil. You can read part 1 here!

Muzdalifah

Rest, rest and rest. Did I mention rest?! The next day is going to be long and hard. Even if you cannot sleep try and relax. When you arrive at Muzdalifah your group will pick a spot to sleep/rest in and you will pray Isha. You will pick your stones for the stoning of the devil. Some people take this very seriously — choosing a particular size etc.

If you can buy a cheap rattan mat in Makkah then do so — and this will make your rest in Muzdalifah much more comfortable. Or get some cardboard — there’s usually some around in Arafat from the food delivery.

When Fajr comes in you will pray and start the walk back to the Mina camps.

At this point, some people stay and take a nap or dump their stuff and head off for the start of the Eid Day rituals. We headed off to the camp after taking a detour — it’s very very easy to get lost — as you will soon learn! Once in the camp we dumped our stuff and started the walk to Makkah. Mina to Makkah is roughly 5 miles/ 8km. It’s not a quick walk either. You will be walking in a vast sea of people.

Stoning

On the way to Makkah you will do the first of the stoning of the devil — this was the bit I was fearful of. Having researched hajj I heard this was the most dangerous and crowded part. Honestly, it turned out to be a lot better Alhamdulilah. They had built more levels and the Saudi government have invested a lot of time and money into keeping this part of the ritual as safe as possible. I found the walk ok — considering I dislike crowds intensely I survived quite well! Try and stay hydrated as much as possible. It’s a hot long walk.

When you get to the jamraats (3 pillars) you will be heading for the largest middle pillar. There are loads of signs directing you and there will be lots of army there controlling the crowds. My advice at this point is to get this part of the ritual done as soon as possible and move on. My other advice is to go as early as you can.

After the stoning, you will come out of the exit and there the men need to have their head’s shaved. I had a sister cut some of my hair when I returned to camp.

We then had the rest of the walk to Makkah. It’s a long way and I had a sprained ankle which thankfully I’d bound with bandage from my first aid kit so I was able to manage. Comfy and sturdy footwear is a must. Whilst all this is happening you are having a sheep slaughtered in your honour — this is organised by the guide and will be included in your hajj package.

I would advise that you take a cheap phone with you. As soon as we got to the masjid, I lost my husband. We had a meeting point which he found me at weeping to a group of Indian hujjaj who hadn’t a clue what I was saying but were trying their best to help. Had we had a mobile we could have called each other. I will say it was a strange experience to meet so many people who didn’t understand my language — it’s a good life lesson and gives you a new perspective of the world. I absolutely loved seeing people from all over the world — it’s such a privilege.

Tawaaf and Sa’i

The next part is to make Tawaaf Al-Ziyaarah. Buckle up and get ready — this will take hours. Unless you are brave and can push through hundreds and thousands of people already circulating the Kaaba you will have to go to another floor. It took me roughly 2 hours and a half.

My advice here would be to buy some food. Make tawaaf at leisure. Take your time. Accept that it will take hours. Stop for prayer etc.

You will then need to complete Sa’i which was easier as it’s the same distance each floor. Alhamdulilah to have been given the blessing to complete this.

We finally left the Haram to go and eat (we hadn’t eaten all day at this point) and Isha came in. So that gives you a clue of how long it all takes. That was the main part done and then we had the long walk back to Mina! Don’t pay for a taxi or bus to take you there as it may be a con. We sat on a minibus for 2 hours (I slept in it so that’s my positive outcome!) to then be driven to the jamaraat. So we still had a good 2 hour walk to do!

The next two days are about the stoning of the pillars again and then you are done inshallah!

If anyone reading is making hajj then I sincerely ask for you to remember me in your duaa and I wish you a successful journey and that Allah accepts it from you — ameen.