How to Perform Hajj: A Step-by-Step Guide
Hajj is a pillar of Islam. Muslims perform Hajj to the Sacred House of Allah in obedience to His command, seeking His forgiveness and pleasure, and aspiring to fulfill the fifth pillar of Islam. Allah has designated it as a season for shedding sins and drawing closer to Him through obedience and submission. They stand at Arafat, circumambulate the Ancient House (the Kaaba), and pace between Safa and Marwa, answering the call of Ibrahim (peace be upon him) and responding to the invitation of Truth. Allah has exalted the status of Hajj, saying: “And [due] to Allah from the people is a pilgrimage to the House – for whoever is able to find thereto a way.” Moreover, He has placed within it countless rewards, as the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Whoever performs Hajj and does not utter any obscenity or commit any sin, will return [as sinless] as the day his mother gave birth to him.”
Virtues of Hajj and ‘Umrah
Umrah is also known as the ‘minor Hajj’. It is a Sunnah and can be performed anytime during the year except for the five days of Hajj, i.e. from 9th Zul Hijjah to 13th Zul Hijjah. In these five days, it is makrooh tahreemi to perform Umrah.
Affordable Umrah: Seasons and Timing Tips
Performing Umrah is a deeply spiritual journey, and every Muslim who can afford it should strive to undertake it. Visiting Makkah to perform Tawaf, Sa’ee, pray, and witness the Kaaba, and traveling to Madinah to pray and visit the Raudah of Prophet ﷺ, is an opportunity like no other. However, the costs of travel, air tickets, and good hotels can make this sacred journey seem expensive.
Ziyarat of Madinah Munawwarrah
Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah (The Enlightened City) holds a place of deep love and reverence in the heart of every Muslim as the city where the light of Islam truly shone forth. It was to this blessed land, known previously as Yathrib, that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) migrated from Makkah in 622 CE, marking the pivotal event of the Hijrah and the beginning of the Islamic calendar.
Ziyarat of Makkah Mukarramah
Makkah Mukarramah holds an unmatched spiritual and historical significance in Islam. It is home to the Kaabah, the sacred House of Allah and the Qibla toward which more than two billion Muslims around the world turn in prayer each day.
How to Perform Umrah: A Step-by-Step Guide
Umrah is also known as the ‘minor Hajj’. It is a Sunnah and can be performed anytime during the year except for the five days of Hajj, i.e. from 9th Zul Hijjah to 13th Zul Hijjah. In these five days, it is makrooh tahreemi to perform Umrah.