One of the major rites that pilgrims must perform on the day of Eid is the ritual slaughter (sacrifice). There are various types of sacrifices associated with Hajj.

1. Hady

The animal that a pilgrim brings along to Makkah for sacrifice during Hajj is called Hady. It is not obligatory but a Sunnah (recommended act). Those who can afford it may sacrifice a goat, cow, or camel.

2. Expiatory Sacrifice

As mentioned earlier, if certain shortcomings or lapses occur, expiation becomes necessary. Offering a sacrifice is one such expiatory act. It becomes obligatory only for those who have committed the specific lapses (these will be detailed later).

3. Udhiyah (Eid Sacrifice)

This is not specific to pilgrims; it is a Sunnah for everyone. This is a general act of charity associated with Eid. All three types of sacrifices mentioned above are to be performed on the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah (the day of Eid).

Shaving or Trimming Hair

This is an obligatory component of Hajj. It cannot be substituted with an expiatory act. It is ideally performed on the day of Eid.

At least three hairs must be removed from the head, whether the pilgrim is male or female. However, it is best for men to completely shave the head. The Prophet ﷺ did so, and his hair was distributed among the companions, who preserved it and considered it a source of blessing.

It is Sunnah to perform the haircut at Mina, facing the Qibla, beginning with the front part of the head, starting with the right side and then the left. For men, burying the cut hair is Sunnah, and for women, it is obligatory to cut a portion.

Tawaf of Hajj

This is an obligatory ritual of Hajj known as Tawaf al-Ifadah. If missed, it cannot be compensated by expiation. After stoning Jamrat al-Aqabah and performing the sacrifice and haircut at Mina, one must proceed to Makkah for Tawaf al-Ifadah. It is best to perform this on the day of Eid itself. Delaying it beyond that is disliked (makruh).

Those who haven’t performed Sa’i yet (as previously mentioned—if they didn’t do it after the initial Tawaf of arrival), must do it now. After this, they should return to Mina.

Exiting from Ihram

Exiting from the state of Ihram is called Tahallul. There are two types: partial and complete.

If any two of the following three are performed—stoning Jamrat al-Aqabah, shaving/cutting hair, and Tawaf al-Ifadah with Sa’i (if applicable)—then partial exit (tahallul awwal) is achieved. After this, wearing normal clothes and using fragrance becomes permissible, and doing so is Sunnah. However, sexual relations and marriage proposals are still prohibited until complete exit (tahallul thani).

Complete exit occurs only after performing all three acts. At this point, all restrictions of Ihram are lifted. However, it is recommended to abstain from sexual intercourse until after stoning all three Jamrat on the days of Tashreeq.

Stoning the Jamarat

The days from Dhul-Hijjah 11 to 13 are called Ayyam al-Tashreeq. On each of these days, the three Jamrat must be stoned. Seven pebbles must be thrown at each Jamrah daily.

The timing for stoning begins after midday (when the sun starts declining from its zenith). Stones thrown before this are not valid for that day; instead, they count toward the previous day.

Stoning for two days can be combined on the second day, but only if the stoning for the first day is completed in order at all three Jamrat. It is not valid to throw 14 pebbles at each Jamrah thinking it covers two days.

The final deadline for stoning is the end of the 13th of Dhul-Hijjah. After this, stoning is not permitted, and expiation is required.

The order of stoning is essential: first Jamrat al-Ula, then Jamrat al-Wusta, and lastly Jamrat al-Aqabah. Deviating from this sequence invalidates the act.

Expiation (Damm)

As mentioned earlier, expiation becomes obligatory in several situations. Generally, there are three categories:

1. Based on the type of Ihram adopted.
2. Omitting any of the Wajibaat (essential acts) of Hajj.
3. Committing forbidden acts while in Ihram.
   

Let’s explain each:

1. Based on Type of Ihram

If someone chooses a form of Ihram other than Ifrad (i.e., Tamattu—performing ‘Umrah followed by Hajj with a break in between—or Qiran—combining both without a break), then a sacrifice becomes mandatory. This expiatory act is fulfilled by sacrificing a goat.

If an animal cannot be obtained or the person cannot afford it, then they must fast for ten days—three during Ihram, and seven after returning home.

2. Omitting Wajib Acts

If any Wajib act of Hajj (essential but not foundational acts, which can be compensated) is missed, then sacrifice is mandatory. If not possible, the person must fast for ten days as mentioned above.

Staying overnight in Mina for the three nights is one such Wajib. Missing all three nights requires a sacrifice. Missing one night requires giving 700g of grain as charity, and two nights require 1400g.

Stoning the Jamrat is also a Wajib. If more than two stones (out of the total 70) are missed, a sacrifice becomes mandatory. Missing one or two stones requires giving 700g or 1400g of grain respectively.

3. Committing Forbidden Acts During Ihram

If someone in Ihram wears stitched clothes (for men), uses perfume, applies oil on hair or beard, engages in sexual activity, removes three or more hairs or nails at once, or covers the head (for men), they must:

• Either sacrifice a goat, or
• Give 1400g of grain to six poor people (i.e., 233g each), or
• Fast for three days.

Any one of these three options suffices.

If only one hair or nail is removed, 700g of grain must be given; two require 1400g.

Farewell Tawaf (Tawaf al-Wada’)

After completing the Hajj rites, the pilgrim prepares to bid farewell to Makkah. Before returning home, one must perform the Tawaf al-Wada’. This should be done after visiting sacred sites like Jannat al-Mu’alla (which contains the graves of many notable people including Khadijah, the Prophet’s wife) and completing any shopping or other needs.

After Tawaf al-Wada’, one should not stay in Makkah. If they do, another Tawaf will be required.

The niyyah (intention) for this Tawaf must be made: “I perform seven rounds of Tawaf for Allah.” It is obligatory for anyone traveling more than 132 km from Makkah, and for all non-residents.

If omitted, a sacrifice of a goat becomes obligatory.After the Tawaf, the pilgrim prays two rak‘ahs, drinks Zamzam water, makes supplication, and leaves Makkah sorrowfully.