What to Expect During Your First Hajj
Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca that every Muslim aspires to take at least once in their lifetime, and umrah, the lesser pilgrimage that can be taken at any time of year, are among the five pillars of Islam. Hajj occurs during the last month of the Islamic calendar; it falls between October and November this year, and next year it will take place between 9 and 14 October 2018. Millions of people participate in this pilgrimage each year; more than 2 million pilgrims performed hajj in 2017 alone!
Why do Muslims go on hajj?
To perform one of their five pillars of faith and follow in Muhammad’s footsteps. In Arabic, hajj means to attend a gathering. Over three million people travel to Mecca each year for what is considered Islam’s largest and most sacred pilgrimage. Every able-bodied Muslim who can afford it is required to complete a pilgrimage once in his or her lifetime.
Who can make the pilgrimage?
In order to perform hajj, you must be an adult Muslim who is physically and financially capable of completing it. If you haven’t yet reached puberty, you can’t go on hajj. Pregnant women are generally not allowed to travel on hajj either, but there are some exceptions depending on her circumstances. Certain types of medical conditions also prevent a person from being able to go on hajj.
How many times can I go on pilgrimage?
Pilgrimage, or hajj as it’s called in Arabic, is a five-day religious obligation for Muslims. On each day of hajj, pilgrims travel between several holy sites and pray at specific locations. There are two categories of Pilgrimage pilgrimage: one is performed inside Saudi Arabia; the other, outside Saudi Arabia. The timing varies based on Islam’s lunar calendar.
When should I go on my first pilgrimage?
Like any big trip, you’ll probably want to save your first pilgrimage for a time when you’re financially and emotionally ready. However, when it comes down to it, there isn’t an ideal age—just as long as you’re physically fit enough for travel. It can be done at any point in your life.
How do I get there?
After you’ve decided to make your hajj, it’s time to book a flight. Flights generally range between $1000 and $2000, depending on where you fly from. If you live in a city with an international airport, chances are there will be affordable flights available. It might be more cost-effective to fly into one of these major hubs and connect through a smaller regional airport if available.
Where should I stay in Mecca?
There are a number of hotels in Mecca, ranging from budget and mid-range to luxury. When you arrive at Jeddah airport, a good option is to head into Mecca by taxi and hotel around there – at least for your first hajj, because you’ll have time during your umrah trip to explore places further away from Mecca.
How much does it cost?
It’s important to note that there are two distinct expenses that come with hajj: your ticket and what you need for your stay. The pilgrimage itself is free, but getting there can cost quite a bit—especially if you’re flying in from outside of Saudi Arabia. And once you get to Mecca, you will need money for food, water, toiletries, transportation and lodging.
What should I bring with me?
Be sure you pack a good pair of shoes, and be warned: You’ll spend most of your time on your feet. Comfortable shoes that provide plenty of support are essential for everyone during hajj. If you do not wear comfortable shoes regularly, it is best to purchase a new pair before going on hajj.
Can women travel alone on the pilgrimage?
It is permissible for women to travel without a mahram, but it is not recommended. If you are female and plan on traveling alone during Ramadan (or at any other time), it’s best that you wear conservative clothing and try your best not to interact with strangers.
How safe is Mecca during the pilgrimage season?
Mecca has several years of experience in hosting millions of pilgrims annually. In fact, many locals are surprised when they learn just how few incidents have occurred over such a long period. The governments of Saudi Arabia and Mecca will spare no expense to ensure that their guests enjoy themselves and their safety remains intact at all times. This has resulted in a highly efficient service industry geared toward meeting your needs, within reason.
How much time should I plan to spend in Mecca during pilgrimage?
There is no set number of days or hours you have to spend in Mecca during your hajj. The only requirement is that you stay there long enough to complete a rukn (one of the five pillars) of hajj, which for most pilgrims is to spend at least a day and night at Mount Arafat on 9 Dhu al-Hijjah, so bring your camping gear! However, many pilgrims travel from Mecca back home shortly after completing their pilgrimage rituals.
Is there an age limit for performing Umrah or for going on the pilgrimage?
There is no specific age limit for when a person can go on Umrah or Hajj. However, those younger than 15 years old and older than 60 years old need their guardian’s permission. In addition, pregnant women are not allowed to perform Umrah or Hajj. Pregnant women who have given birth within two weeks of their pilgrimage can still go as long as they are healthy enough to do so.
also read:- First Hajj https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_first_pilgrimage
