Welcome back to Road to Hajj — your practical companion for the blessed days of Hajj.

In today’s episode, we explore 8 Dhul-Hijjah, also known as Yawm at-Tarwiyah — the Day of Preparation. While it might sound unfamiliar to some, it’s one of the key transitional days leading into the main Hajj rites.

🗓️ What is the Day of Tarwiyah?

“Tarwiyah” comes from the root word rawā, which means to prepare water or to reflect deeply.

Historically:

* Hujjaj would spend this day collecting and preparing water, food, and provisions before heading out for the challenging days of Hajj.

* It’s a day of practical readiness but also spiritual reflection, especially in honour of Prophet Ibrāhīm’s dream where he was shown to sacrifice his son — a pivotal moment in the Hajj story.

🕋 What Should You Do on This Day?

If you’re doing:

* Hajj Ifrād or Hajj Qirān

You’re already in Ihrām, so there’s no need to re-enter.

* Hajj Tamattuʿ

This is the day you re-enter the state of Ihrām, from wherever you are — no need to return to Miqāt. You can make niyyah right from your hotel room and start your Hajj journey.

⛺ Do You Go to Mina?

* It’s Sunnah to go to Mina on this day.

* However, due to logistics, not all Hajj groups go to Mina on the 8th. Some may head straight to ʿArafah on the 9th.

* If your group is going to Mina, it becomes your base camp for the days to come.

🎒 What Should You Pack?

Most essentials are provided in modern Hajj packages, but here’s a minimalist list for what you should bring in a small daypack (~10L):

* A refillable water bottle (hydration is key!)

* A power bank (charging stations are rare)

* Your Muṣḥaf for tilawah

* Books of duʿā’ or dhikr (keep yourself spiritually grounded)

* A sibḥah (for tasbīḥ counting)

* A thin spare Ihrām cloth — useful if the one you’re wearing gets wet or dusty

💭 Spiritual Reflection

The Day of Tarwiyah also carries a symbolic meaning:

* It’s believed to be the day Prophet Ibrāhīm received the dream to sacrifice his son.

* He pondered (rawā) over its meaning before deciding to act on it the next day.

* For us, it’s a day to ponder our own intentions — to spiritually prepare for the greatest day of the year: ʿArafah.

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