Labbayka Allāhumma labbayk. Labbayk lā shareeka laka labbayk. Inna al-ḥamda, wa n-‘imata, Laka wal mulk. Lā shareeka lak.

About Hajj

Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam. Hajj represents one of the most important experiences in a Muslim’s life. Hajj or pilgrimage is performed at the holy sites of Islam in and around Mecca. Once in a lifetime, every Muslim, man or woman, unless it is not possible, must make a pilgrimage (hajj) to Mecca. Pilgrims must perform Hajj duties during the holy month of Dhul-Hijjah to join thousands of others in the annual ceremony of the Kaa`ba circumambulation. Hajj officially begins on the eighth day of Zul-Hijjah – the 12th month of the Muslim lunar calendar.

Before performing Hajj, pilgrims spend Arafah day (the ninth day of Zul-Hijjah) in Arafah. Pilgrims participate all day in supplication and reverence. In the evening they moved to Muzdalifa. They camped there at night and offered various prayers. On the tenth day of Zul-Hijjah, they returned to Mina and threw seven pebbles at a pillar representing the temptation of Abraham by Satan. The Quran describes how Satan tried to convince Abraham not to kill his son according to the Ishmael rite, at the behest of God.

Pilgrims are guests of God and are called “swords of God”. Each place offers its services to pilgrims according to their status. Saudi Arabia and all other countries are planning to provide better services and facilities for pilgrims. Similarly, the Pakistani government gives some private tour operators the opportunity to provide the best possible facilities and services.

Different Between Hajj and Umrah

Pilgrimage to Mecca is a compulsory service that must be performed once in a lifetime, provided that all Muslims are financially competent and physically healthy. Umrah, on the other hand, is not required, but highly recommended. Both Hajj and Umrah can be played as many times as they like in their lives.

As mentioned above, Umrah can be played at any time of the year, but the Mecca pilgrimage is performed during the first 10 days of the Islamic month of Zu Le Higer. Umrah has few rituals and can be completed within a few hours, but the Mecca pilgrimage is more demanding and lasts about 5-6 days.