Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Thereafter, pilgrims enter the Great Mosque for the performance of further holy rites,
before leaving for Mina to spend the night until summoned for dawn prayers.
'Mecca' is often used in English to mean any place drawing large crowds. As Mecca is the holiest city of
Islam, some Muslims find this use of the term offensive.
The Second Day (9th Dhul Hijja)
Named the
yawm al-wuquf
(the Day of Standing), or
yawm 'Arafat
(the day of Arafat),
pilgrims head for Arafat after the dawn prayer at Mina. Forming a key component of hajj,
the
wuquf
(standing) involves pilgrims passing part of the day and night there.
