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On the 8th of Dhul Hijjah (Yawm al-Tarwiyah), pilgrims enter ihram from their accommodation in Makkah, declare the intention (niyyah) for Hajj, recite the Talbiyah, and travel to the tent city of Mina. There they pray Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, and Isha — each shortened to two rak'at where applicable — and spend the night in worship and rest.
On the morning of the 8th Dhul Hijjah, perform ghusl (ritual bath) at your accommodation in Makkah. Men put on the two white unstitched garments of ihram (izar and rida'). Women wear their normal modest clothing. Apply unscented soap; perfume applied before the niyyah is permissible according to the majority of scholars, based on the hadith of Aisha (RA). Once dressed, pray two rak'at of sunnah if it is not a disliked time for prayer.
Make the intention in your heart for Hajj. The verbal declaration is recommended but not obligatory in the Shafi'i and Hanbali schools. Say: 'Labbayk Allahumma Hajjan' (Here I am, O Allah, for Hajj). If you fear an obstacle that may prevent you from completing Hajj, add the condition (ishtiraat): 'If anything prevents me, then my place of release is wherever You hold me.' Then begin the Talbiyah and continue reciting it frequently throughout the day.
These are the most frequent errors pilgrims make during this stage of Hajj.
Scholarly references supporting this guidance from established Islamic sources.
After entering ihram, travel to the valley of Mina, approximately 5-8 km east of Masjid al-Haram. Most pilgrims take organized buses; walking is also permissible and was the practice of the Prophet (peace be upon him). Continue reciting the Talbiyah throughout the journey. Upon arrival, locate your assigned tent and settle in. Mina is a vast tent city in a narrow valley between mountains.
Upon arriving in Mina, pray Dhuhr as two rak'at (qasr — the traveler's shortening). Then pray Asr as two rak'at at its appointed time. Each prayer is prayed at its own time; they are NOT combined on this day according to the majority of scholars. The Prophet (peace be upon him) prayed each prayer at its time in Mina, shortened but not combined.
Pray Maghrib at its time as three rak'at (Maghrib is never shortened). Then pray Isha at its time as two rak'at (qasr). Engage in dhikr, recitation of Quran, and dua between the prayers. This is a blessed night of preparation before the great day of Arafat.
Spend the night in your tent at Mina. This overnight stay (mabit) is sunnah on the 8th. Use the time for rest, personal reflection, recitation of Quran, and preparing your heart for the Day of Arafat. Pray Fajr the next morning at its earliest time, then prepare to depart for Arafat after sunrise. The Prophet (peace be upon him) waited until after sunrise to leave Mina for Arafat.