Hajj Guide:

Muslims from across the globe dream of and plan for Hajj, a spiritual pilgrimage to Makkah. Preparation is key. This Hajj guide helps you get ready for the incredible journey.

Hajj is a religious obligation, but more than a mere duty. The unforgettable journey takes five days to complete, not counting travel time or a day of spiritual preparation. With journeys to the Holy Kaaba, pilgrims perform a ritual that dates to pre-Islamic days and was sanctified by The Prophet Mohamed (PBUH). They walk where he walked, see what he saw, and do what he did. At the end of their sojourns, pilgrims are often spent, but feel renewed and closer to God. According to The Prophet (PBUH), those who perform Hajj will return without sins, like the day they were born.

For first-time pilgrims, the journey can be intimidating.

Read on for an overview of the stages of Hajj and learn what to expect each day.

DAY 1

• Prepare to enter Ihram, a spiritual state of purity and devotion. This includes washing your body and changing into Ihram clothing, preferably at a miqat station outside the holy city.
• Recite the Talbiyah in the miqat station to declare intention to make the pilgrimage.
• Perform the Welcome Tawaf – enter Al Haram (Holy Mosque) and circle the Holy Kaaba seven times in a counterclockwise direction.
• Perform Sa’ay – walk 7 times between the hills of Safa and Marwah beside the Kaaba. Originally observed outdoors, the rite is now performed in an air-conditioned tunnel.

DAY 2

(1st day of Hajj – 8th Dhu’l-Hijjah)

• Travel to Mina 5km away, by walking or by bus, after morning prayer in Makkah.
• Spend the day in prayer.
• Spend the night in air-conditioned tents.

DAY 3

(2nd day of Hajj – 9th Dhu’l-Hijjah)

• Travel to Arafat 20km away.
• Stand and pray (wuquf) in Arafat Plain or Jabal Al Rahma (Mount Arafat). Do not leave the boundary or the Hajj will be invalid.
• At sunset, travel to Muzdalifah to collect pebbles for the next day.
• Spend the night under the stars.

DAY 4

(3rd day of Hajj – 10th Dhu’l-Hijjah)

• Return to Mina.
• Perform Stoning of the Devil (Ramy Al Jamarat) ritual by throwing pebbles at one of three pillars (now walls).
• Offer animal sacrifice, commonly done by buying a voucher in Makkah. Thus begins Eid al-Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice.
• Travel to Al Haram to perform Tawaf and Sa’ay again.
• Return to Mina and spend the night.

DAY 5

(4th day of Hajj – 11th Dhu’l-Hijjah) :

• Repeat Ramy Al Jamarat, this time throwing pebbles at all three pillars (walls).
• Spend the night in Mina.

DAY 6

(5th day of Hajj – 12th Dhu’l-Hijjah) :

• Repeat Ramy Al Jamarat.
• Return to Al Haram for the farewell Tawaf.
• Spend the night in Makkah or Mina.

DAY 7

(conditional day – 13th Dhu’l-Hijjah)

If pilgrims are unable to leave Mina on 12th Dhu’l-Hijjah, they must repeat Ramy Al Jamarat before returning to Makkah, where they perform the farewell Tawaf and drink Zamzam water.

Umrah Guide

Among the two significant pilgrimages undertaken by Muslims, Umrah is often referred to as the minor journey. Featuring short and simple rituals, it cleanses the mind, body, and soul of the pilgrims. Though Umrah is not obligatory, performing the pilgrimage at least once in a lifetime is highly recommended by the believers of the Islam. The journey needs planning and prepping, and this blog is the Umrah guide you need to plan it well.

Best time to do Umrah

The journey of Umrah is not time-sensitive, but December and January are the popular months when many Muslims prefer to travel to Makkah. This is because of two reasons – one, it is the end of the Hajj season, and two because the weather during months is pleasant in Makkah. As a result, hotel bookings are also easier. Other months preferred by Muslims to go for Umrah include the first and second months of the Islamic calendar, that is Muharram and Safar. Since the Islamic calendar is 10 to 12 days shorter than the solar calendar, these months do not fall on the same date every year but this year the month of Muharram will begin on 9th or 10th August.

Umrah Visa

The kingdom of Saudi Arabia issues a special visa for Umrah pilgrims that is valid for 30 days from the date of issue. To apply for the same, pilgrims need to approach the authorized travel agencies. They need to fill in an online application form and submit the NOC certificate from their employees and a letter proving their religion, amongst other things. Besides authorized agencies, government-approved agents are also responsible for looking after pilgrims’ travel and lodging arrangements and can be contacted for the same.

Rituals of Umrah

Umrah brings peace and earns pilgrims many rewards in this life and the life hereafter. It consists of four rituals that Muslims need to perform in order to complete the journey. The first step is Ihram when the pilgrims enter the state of purity and devotion after performing Ghusl and donning Ihram garments. Next, they perform Tawaf around the Kaaba, circling it seven times counter-clockwise. In the third step – Sai, pilgrims walk between the hills of Safa and Marwa while reciting supplications. Lastly, the pilgrims shave their heads and officially complete the pilgrimage.

Umrah guide for females

For women performing Umrah, there are some special rules and guidelines that they need to observe during the pilgrimage. These rituals are mainly established to avoid attention so that everyone appears equal before Allah. One of these rules is that the female pilgrims should not wear any kind of makeup during Umrah. They must not wear a headdress that covers their forehead. Also, females must not undertake Umrah during their menstruation cycle.