Hajj is a spiritual pilgrimage to Makkah and Muslims from all around the world dream of and plan for offering this religious obligation. Hajj is not only a spiritual pilgrimage but it is more than merely a duty. The preparation for this incredible journey is the key.
In this journey, pilgrims perform the rituals sanctified by the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). This holy journey takes almost five days to complete, excluding the travel time. You can check online hajj packages 2022 from Pakistan with price.
When does hajj take place in 2023?
Hajj 2023 will begin on 26 June, on the evening of Monday, and will end on 1st July in the evening of Saturday.
How many days is Hajj 2023?
Hajj Begins in Saudi Arabia on the 8th Day of Dhu-al-Hijah and ends at the 12th Dhu-al-Hijah of the Islamic lunar calendar. Hajj takes place in Saudi Arabia once a year on every 12th month of the Islamic year and Muslims are obliged to complete Hajj once in their lifetime.
Stages of Hajj and what to expect each day
If you are a first-time pilgrim, the journey of Hajj might appear a bit daunting for you. To ease this confusion, discussed below are the preparation and obligations that you need to perform each day.
Day 1:
Day one comprises your preparation to enter a state of purity and devotion known as Ihram. In this stage, you have to wash your body and change your clothes into Ihram clothing. You have to perform this obligation outside the city of Makkah at Miqaat station.
While entering the Miqaat station, recite Talbiyah as it is the declaration of your intention to make the pilgrimage. Upon entering the Holy Mosque of Kaaba, you have to perform a welcome tawaf and will circle the Kaaba seven times in a counter-clockwise direction.
After that, you will perform Sa’ay. This means that you have to walk seven times between Safa and Marwa.
Day 2:
On the second day, you have to travel to Mina after offering Fajar prayer in Makkah. The distance from Makkah to Mina is 5km and you can travel to Mina either by walking or by bus. Here you spend your day in prayer and night in the air-conditioned tents.
Day 3:
On day three, you have to travel to Arafat which is 20 km away, and will stand and pray in Arafat Plain of Jabal Al Rahma. This is called Wuquf. Leaving the boundary of this area will make your Hajj invalid so be cautious about it. At sunset, you will travel to Muzdalifah and collect pebbles for the next day. Here you will spend the night in the sky without any tents.
Day 4:
On day four, you will return to Mina and perform Ramy Al Jamarat, the process of the stoning of the Devil by throwing stones at three pillars. After that sacrifice an animal and begin Eid-ul-Adha also known as the festival of sacrifice. Then you will travel to Al Haram to perform Tawaf and Sa’ay once more. After that, you will return to Mina to spend the night here.
Day 5 and 6:
On day 5 you will repeat Ramy Al Jamrat and spend the night in Mina. On day six, you will again perform Ramy Al Jamrat and return to Al Haram for your leave-taking Tawaf. You can spend the night in Mina or Makkah.
Day 7:
This is the last day and will complete your Hajj. On this day if you are unable to leave Makkah then you will perform Ramy Al Jamarat again before returning to Makkah. Upon returning to Makkah, you will perform a farewell Tawaf.
