In Islam, Hajj is one of the most pious and significant journeys of attaining spirituality. Being a mandatory religious activity for the followers, every year devotees proceed toward the holy city of Mecca and Medina. This year Hajj 2022 will be observed on the 189th day of 2022, that is the 8th of Jul 2022. It will commence on the evening of 7th July 2022 and will continue till the evening of 12th of July, 2022. While these are the tentative dates of the event, the actual dates are recorded with the sighting of the moon of Dhul Hijjah, 1443, the 12th and last month of the Islamic Calendar.
Hajj And Islam: Importance of This Pilgrimage to Saudi
A mandatory pilgrimage for all Islam followers, Hajj in Saudi Arabia is an annual journey one is bound to have at least once in a lifetime. It is considered to be the most significant journey as it is believed to be commanded by Allah- the almighty. As Hajj is considered to be one of the five pillars of Islam, it is stated that the journey eliminates the sins and rewards the pilgrims with happiness, prosperity, and blessings. It is a path to seek forgiveness from all sins of a lifetime. There are many beliefs and facts or legends associated with Hajj which are abided by and by all the Muslims as their Reverence.
This pilgrimage was first found by Prophet Muhammad and Ibrahim and now the pilgrims follow their steps to fulfill the duties of Allah. The Kaaba is located in the Masjid al-Haram Mosque in Mecca and is counter-clockwise seven times. During the Hajj, vast swells of worshippers seeking forgiveness circle the Kaaba counter-clockwise, seven times.
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The History of Hajj in Islam
The history of the Hajj dates back to 2,000 B.C. Legends say that Ishmael, the son of the prophet Ibrahim, and Ibrahim's wife Hager were trapped in the desert and Ishmael was too thirsty to die out of it. This was when Hager ran back and forth between the hills of Safa and Marwa to search for water for his son and soon the angel Jibril (Gabriel) came down to create a spring of fresh water for the baby. This is known as the Well of Zemzem. Ibrahim then followed the order of God and built Kaba.
In 630 A.D., Prophet Mohammed led a group of Muslims in the first Hajj. The vision was to destroy the idols placed there by polytheistic worshipers and re-dedicating the site in the name of Allah. The path that Mohammed and his followers traveled is retracted as part of the Hajj rituals and pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.
The ultimate rite of passage during the Hajj is circling the Kaaba, considered by Muslims to be the center of the world. You can also visit Saudi for a 4 Days Makkah Ramadan tour and spend a peaceful time close to God.
The Pious Land of Saudi for Hajj
The Hajj pilgrimage is a great honor and an opportunity for Muslims all over the world to travel to Mecca in Saudi Arabia. This pilgrimage takes place at multiple locations and people walk on foot throughout the pilgrimage duration. The pilgrims also stay and pray at Kaaba, the holy attraction in Macca, which is the center of the Masjid al-Haram, which is considered to be one of the most important mosques in Islam. People walk on foot throughout the duration of their journey and travel from Mecca to Medina and again from Medina to Mount Arafat. They also go back to Mecca to visit Kaaba which is considered to be one of the most important places in Saudi Arabia for Muslims and pray there.
Mecca is the sacred city in which the Kaaba can be found. For Muslims, the city of Medina is important since it is where Muhammad PBUH resided and preached his beliefs to the people. The location where he died is also significant because it contains numerous historical facts. Prophet Muhammad founded this city before it clashed with Mecca, and it was then that he began to call it home. Many of his associates, including Umar, Abu Talib, and his wife Ruqayyah, are present in this city. Many of his followers, as well as Mecca, were buried there.
Medina is the second holiest city in Islam and is often referred to as "the city of the Prophet", because it was the final home of Muhammad. The Prophet Muhammad eventually moved from Mecca to Medina in 622 AD, and this event has become known as the Hijra, which means migration in Arabic.
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Seven Steps of Hajj: A Guide to the Journey
Hajj is called “istita’ah,” where the Muslim who successfully fulfills the journey is called “Hajji” or “mustati.” As one reads the holy Quran, Allah (SWT) states, “And to people the Hajj. They will come here to you on every sinewy camel: they will come here from every deep and distant.” (22:27)
Understanding the journey, the rituals are performed for five to seven days, at the beginning of 8th Dhul-Hijjah, and ends on the 13th of the same month. There are 7 steps of Hajj that are as follows:
Step 1 – Ihram and Intentions, which means making a pure intention and wearing the Ihram
Step 2 – Mina aka “City of tents” when the pilgrims rest followed by noon prayer (Zuhr) and dawn prayer (Fajr). They recite all five Salahs in Mina.
Step 3 – Mina to Arafat, 9th day of Dhul-Hijjah, a journey towards Arafat while reciting Talbiyah.
Step 4 – Muzdalifah, a combined prayer of Maghrib and Isha.
Step 5 – Rami – Stoning the devil, performed on the 11th and 12th of Dhul-Hijjah.
Step 6 – Nahr, to perform a sacrifice of an animal
Step 7 – Farewell Tawaf to return to the Holy Kaaba in Makkah to perform the “Tawaf al-Ifadah.
Hajj 2022 Saudi Arabia: Guidelines And Preparation for the Ultimate Pilgrimage For Muslims
A significant journey to connect with the Almighty, Hajj welcomes the largest gathering of humans of the same culture, and religion to become equal in the city of the Prophet. From forming a brotherly bond to getting freedom from all sins and being thankful to Allah, Hajj has many significances in Islam. As it is one of the most important aspects of the five pillars of Islam, a heavy number of devotes is expected every year.
The Hajj Ministry of Saudi Arabia has set precautionary guidelines and made mandatory preparations for the devotees. Here are the requirements one must have to register for Hajj:
- Valid Iqama for Saudi National Card.
- Age: less than 65 Years.
- No Hospitalization during the previous 6 months.
- The pilgrim must be free from chronic diseases.
- Never performed Hajj before.
- Must have an Immune Status on Tawakkalna
If you are from a western country, make sure you get registration from government portals under the Ministry of Saudi Arabia as a new rule has been implemented. They have to book via a government website, rather than a travel agency. The Hajj 2022 cost will depend on the package one selects the permits and other necessary registration.
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The Hajj has its significance and benefits, which draw devotees from every corner of the world. Irrespective of their race and individuality, this is the time when Muslims worldwide proceed on their journey to Kaaba, Mecca, and Medina to get forgiveness for their sins. As the dates for Hajj 2022 are nearly close, it is the right time to check all requirements. The journey will not only make one emotionally strong but will help in spiritual awakening. While the rituals are sacred and significant, make sure you have the best experience to cherish for a lifetime. Take advantage to Saudi Arabia Tour Package to be worry free about managing everything during your spiritual journey.
FAQ’s
Hajj is considered to be one of the five pillars of Islam, it is stated that the journey eliminates the sins and rewards the pilgrims with happiness, prosperity, and blessings. It is a path to seek forgiveness from all sins of a lifetime.
Hajj 2022 will be observed on the 8th of Jul, 2022. It will commence on the evening of 7th July, 2022 and will continue till the evening of 12th of July, 2022.
The seven steps of Hajj are:
Step 1 – Ihram and Intentions.
Step 2 – Mina aka “City of tents”
Step 3 – Mina to Arafat, 9th day of Dhul-Hijjah.
Step 4 – Muzdalifah.
Step 5 – Rami – Stoning the devil.
Step 6 – Nahr.
Step 7 – Farewell Tawaf.
Hajj is observed on the 189th day of 2022. The actual dates are recorded with the sighting of the moon of Dhul Hijjah, 1443, the 12th and last month of the Islamic Calendar.
Yes, Hajj is allowed for all Muslims. Women can make the pilgrimage with their husbands and if they are single, they can visit with a group. This is known as Mehrem.
Medina is the second holiest city in Islam and is often referred to as "the City of the Prophet" because it was the final home of Muhammad. The Prophet Muhammad eventually moved from Mecca to Medina in 622 AD and this event has become known as the Hijra, which means migration in Arabic.
To register for Hajj you should have a valid Iqama for Saudi National Card, one must be less than 65 Years. You should have no hospitalization history for the previous 6 months. Make sure you have never performed Hajj before and you must have an Immune Status on Tawakalna.
The Holy Kaaba is located in Makkah and is also the birthplace of Prophet Muhammed. It is also referred to as al-Kaʿbah al-Musharrafah.
