Why are the rituals of Hajj important?
The rituals of Hajj are important as they make pilgrims enter a state of spiritual purity referred to as “ihram” which a ims to get rid of symbols of materialism. The pilgrim gives up worldly pleasures so as to focus on their inner self instead of their outward appearance. The ritua ls test pilg rims’ patience as well as tolerance.
What is the most important ritual in Hajj?
On the 9th Dhul Hijjah before noon the pilgrims come to Arafat which is a barren and plain land. Here they stand in contemplative vigil. They will offer supplications, will repent for sins they have committed, and seek the mercy of Allah. They will listen to the sermon carried out by Islamic scholars. Lasting from noon through sunset, or known as wuquf, it is said to be one of the most important rites of Hajj. The pilgrims will offer noon and also afternoon prayers at Masjid al-Namirah together at noontime. The pilgrim needs to spend the afternoon on Arafat or else the Hajj is regarded as being invalid.
Where is Muzdalifah in Saudi Arabia?
Muzdalifah consists of an open and level area close to Mecca in the Hejazi region of Saudi Arabia. It is southeast of Mina and on the route present between Mina and Arafat.
What is Hajj when and how it is performed?
Hajj is the greater Muslim pilgrimage that occurs to Mecca. It happens in the last month of the year. All Muslims need to at least perform Hajj once in their lifetime, if they are able to afford to do so. It is also one of the Five Pillars that Islam has.
There are three forms of Hajj ie. Tamattu, Ifraad and Qiran. The following tells you about the Tamattu form of Hajj. This is what the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) encourages people to perform. It consists of:
- Preparation and Intention – You need to make niyyah or intention before going to perform Hajj
- Going into the state of Ihram- Next you will go into the state of Ihram or ritual purity.
- When you arrive in Makkah, you need to first perform Umrah. You will need to do Tawaf and Sa’i. Tawaf is when the pilgrim walks in circles around the Kaa’bah. A single Tawaf consists of seven complete circles. You can even offer voluntary prayers so as to thank Allah (SWT) for reaching safely and to begin this special journey.
- Safa and Marwa- When you have performed Tawaf, you will need to perform Sa’i. This includes walking and running particularly between the two hills that are Called Safa and Marwa.
- Clip or shave the hair- When Sai is completed, the men need to get their hair clipped or shaved. A women will clip her hair which will be to the length of her fingertip. When this is done, the completion of Umrah occurs. You can then leave Ihram till the 8th of Dhul Hijjah.
- Resting plus praying- When Umrah has been performed, for the rest of the month, you will remain in Makkah to finish the Hajj. You should perform sincere acts of worship at this time. The Hajj will start on the 8th Dhul Hijjah.
- Re-entering the state of Ihram- The 8th day of Dhul Hijjah will be the start of the days of Hajj. It will be the next stage of the spiritual journey. You need to purify yourself then go into the state of thram again.
- Arrive at Mina- Here you will go to your allocated tent. You need to pray Salah or obligatory prayers. This will encompass Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib and isha . You need to shorten the four-unit prayers to two units each. You will stay there and pray, reading the Qur’an. You will prepare for day two.
- Day of Arafat – You will go to the plains of ‘Arafat. You will recite Istaghfar and make supplications.
- Arrival in Muzdalifah- After sunset you will leave ‘Arafat and go to Muzdalifah. When you reach Muzdalifah you need to perform Maghrib and Isha Salah. You can collect pebbles from here to perform Rami.
- Rami and adahi -The 10th of Dhul Hijjah is the Day of Sacrifice. You will perform the adahi and start the first of three days of “stoning the devil’ rite which is called rami.
- Eid al-Adha- This will be on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah. You will offer Qurbani or sacrifice.
- Shaving the head- After the Qurbani you will shave or trim the hair if you are a man. A women will trim her hair that will be by the length of a fingertip. You can leave ihram now.
- Tawaf al-Ifadha and Saar- Now you will go to Haram where you will perform Tawaf al-Ifadha.
- Second day of Rami- On the 11th of Dhul Hijjah you will carry out second day of Rami
- Spend night in Mina-, You will go to your camp in Mina then spend the time in worship Any time between 10th Duhl Hijjah to 13th.(Not obligatory)
- Third day of Rami- On the afternoon of the 12th of Dhul Hijjah will be the final stoning day.
Tawaf al-Wida- This Tawaf will be performed before leaving the boundaries of the Haram.
Why going to Muzdalifah is important?
The 9th of Dhul Hijjah is spent at Muzdalifah. This will be under the open sky. Here pilgrims will gather pebbles to throw at the pillars of Jamarat.
How many stones do you throw at Jamarat?
Seven small stones are thrown at Jamarat.
What are the minimum days needed for Hajj?
Hajj includes a series of rituals which occur in and around Mecca and are over a period of five to six days.
What is the difference between traveling to Medina before or after the Hajj pilgrimage?
It’s highly recommended to travel to Madinah after completing the Hajj pilgrimage in Makkah. Here’s why:
- Spiritual Focus: During Hajj, pilgrims are filled with spiritual fervor and focus on performing the rituals. Visiting Makkah first allows you to concentrate on the primary purpose of your journey.
- Avoid Pre-Hajj Rush: Traveling to Makkah after Medina can be challenging due to the large influx of pilgrims arriving in Saudi Arabia before the 4th of Dhu al-Hijjah. This can lead to congested airports, roads, and accommodations.
- Smoother Journey: By visiting Madinah after Hajj, you’ll encounter fewer crowds and less chaos, making your travel experience more comfortable.
- Emotional Significance: Visiting the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah after completing Hajj allows for a more emotional and fulfilling experience, as you’ll be spiritually rejuvenated.
In summary, traveling to Madinah after Hajj ensures a more focused, peaceful, and spiritually rewarding experience.
Recommended itinerary: Makkah (Hajj) → Madinah (Ziyarah)
Why Muslims go to Arafat? Which day during Hajj?
The Day of Arafat occurs on the ninth day of Dhul Hijjah. Arafat is the most important obligation of Hajj. Muslims go to Arafat to pray and supplicate to Allah SWT. The following ayah was also revealed on this day therefore it is even regarded as being important “This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favour upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion.” (Surah al Maa’idah 5:3)
When can you leave Muzdalifah?
Till sunrise, after that the pilgrims will leave Muzdalifah for Mina.
How far is the Azizia Area from the Haram (the Grand Mosque in Makkah / Mecca)?
Makkah is divided into two Azizia areas: North and Southah. The Azizia Area in Makkah is approximately 7-8.5 kilometers from the Haram, the Grand Mosque in Makkah. The journey from Azizia to the Haram typically takes around 20–30 minutes. In normal situation.
What happens in Muzdalifah during Hajj?
Following Islamic history and tradition on the second day of hajj i.e 9th dhul hajj, pilgrims travel to muzdalifah from arafah upon reaching here pilgrims perform maghrib and isha, spend the night under the sky full of stars while performing supplications and having some rest.
When should Tawaf-e-Ziarat and Tawaf-e-Wida be performed, and what is their significance in the Hajj pilgrimage?
Tawaf-e-Ziarat: Tawaf-e-Ziarat, also known as the “Tawaf of Ifadah,” is a crucial obligation (one of Faraiz) for all Hajj pilgrims. This significant ritual occurs on the 10th, 11th, or even the 12th of Zil Hajj, before sunset. After returning from Muzdalifah, many pilgrims follow a specific sequence of rites, including symbolic stoning of the devil (Rami) on the first day, offering Hajj Qurbani (animal sacrifice), getting a haircut, and removing the Ihram. Following these steps, pilgrims perform Tawaf-e-Ziarat, which can be done while wearing regular clothing. After Tawaf-e-Ziarat, it’s customary for pilgrims to engage in Sa’i, the ritual walks between Safa and Marwah.
Tawaf-e-Wida: Tawaf-e-Vida, known as the Farewell Tawaf as well, is conducted as pilgrims prepare to depart from Makkah, marking the conclusion of their Hajj pilgrimage. This Tawaf takes place after all other Hajj rituals have been fulfilled. Unlike other specific days, there is no set day for Tawaf-e-Wida; it can be performed during the pilgrim’s final visit to the Kaaba before leaving Makkah.
What are Mashair? How many days are mandatory for the Mashair? what is the importance of Mashair? What is the sequence of events during the five days of Mashair?
In a Hajj pilgrimage, “Mashair” refers to the important holy places that pilgrims visit. These places include Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah. During this journey, pilgrims spend at least five (05) days in these locations:
- Mina: Pilgrims stay in Mina on the 8th, 10th, 11th, and 12th days of Dhul-Hijjah for the symbolic stoning of the devil (Rami alJamarat). The 13th day of Dhul-Hijjah is optional for this ritual.
- Arafat: On the 9th day of Dhul-Hijjah, pilgrims come to Arafat for a big day of praying and talking to Allah during the “waqoofe-Arafat” time, which starts at noon and goes until sunset. It’s a very important moment during Hajj, often called “Hajj Day.”
- Muzdalifah: After leaving Arafat, pilgrims spend the night in Muzdalifah on the 9th night of Dhul-Hijjah, which falls between the 9th and 10th of Dhul-Hijjah. This night is spent by the roadside with very limited facilities. They collect between minimum 49 or maximum 70 pebbles during this time for a special ritual.
On this night, they perform their Maghrib and Isha (night) prayers. Then they wait until the Fajr (dawn) prayers, perform the Fajr prayer, and engage in a “waqoof” (standing in devotion) after the Fajr prayer as a part of their special act of worship.
These days in the Mashair are a crucial part of the Hajj journey, with specific rituals and prayers performed at each location.
How do I apply for a Saudi Arabian visa?
We handle visa applications for our clients. Please provide required documents, and we’ll guide you through the process.
Can I customize my Hajj package?
Yes, we offer tailored packages to suit individual needs. Please contact our experts to discuss options.
What are the accommodation options in Makkah and Madinah?
Our packages include hotel stays in Makkah and Madinah, 4-5 stars (depends upon your package).
How will transportation be arranged during Hajj?
We provide private air-conditioned transportation.
What accommodations will I have in Makkah and Madinah?
Hotel details will be shared upon booking confirmation.
What meals will be provided, and are there dietary options? `
Buffet Meals are included.
How will transportation be arranged between cities?
Air-conditioned Bus/ HHR Train will transport pilgrims between Makkah, Madinah.
What is the emergency contact information?
Our 24/7 emergency contact number is +966 50 872 7875
Can I make changes to my itinerary during travel?
Changes are subject to availability and fees may apply.
How do I collect my Hajj certificate?
Certificates will be sent to you via e-mail.
How will my travel documents be returned?
Documents will be returned upon completion of Hajj formalities.
Can I get a copy of my Hajj visa?
Yes.