O. R. SalahudeenHere we present to you Hajj 2024, How to perform the holy pilgrimage to Mecca. It is designed for you to have the basic knowledge of what’s required to have a successful hajj, commencing from your comfort zone to Mecca and Medina.
UPDATE ON HAJI 2024 ON HOW TO PERFORM THE HOLY PILGRIMAGE TO MECCA. THE AUTHORITIES IN SAUDI ARABIA LIFTED THE BARRED ON INTERNATIONAL PILGRIMS FOR THE 2024 HAJJ.
” Based on the recent news reports directly from the authorities in Saudi Arabia announcing the lift of bar placed on international pilgrims from participation in holy pilgrimage, as it was the case in years 2020 and 2021 due to the unexpected arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic that ravaged many countries, in which the Kingdom was badly affected. Currently, healthwise, things are returning to normalcy. The authorities in Saudi Arabia have approved 95,000 slots to Nigerians be permitted to participate in the 2024 holy pilgrimage.
Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam, which a devoted Muslim who is well to do and healthy, is obligatory to perform. Factually the health benefits a Muslim faithful can derive from performing the Hajj are far greater than imagined. That’s why we are analyzing Hajj 2024, and how to perform the holy pilgrimage to Mecca.
The current world order of the coronavirus pandemic allows a potential pilgrim to travel to Saudi Arabia. Hajj is a worthwhile venture. Nothing like it.
HAJJ 2024 HOW MUCH IS THE TOTAL AMOUNT TO BE PAID
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria and the Forum of State Executive Secretaries of Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, Agencies, and Commissions have agreed to peg the minimum deposit for the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage exercise at N4.5 million. This amount includes airline fares, accommodation, feeding, and other services.
HAJJ 2024, HOW TO PERFORM THE HOLY PILGRIMAGE TO MECCA
If you see someone preparing for hajj study him before departing for the holy land and when he or she returns, factually he must have a tremendous health improvement. Provided he did not mix any other business with his religious obligation.
This is simple, most of his activities stem from walking without options. Right from the time he checks in, in the City of Medina, through to all his Hajj activities in Mecca and Mina, although religious in practice, most of the activities are greatly beneficial health-wise to any adult who is not lazy.
STATEMENT OF INTENTION
Your preparations start right from the moment you signified interest in performing the next Hajj.
When you overcome the financial issue, the next decision you have to make is the type of operator you intend to use in achieving your aim.
From Nigeria’s and some other countries’ perceptive, there are three viable options readily available:
- You can choose the National Hajj Commission
- Or you can use one of the private operators popularly called ‘the international’
- Travel by road all the way.
No matter the one you choose expect some shortcomings.
Because the majority goes with the National Hajj Commission this piece will be tailored toward their system
FIRST THING FIRST, HAJJ 2024, HOW TO PERFORM THE HOLY PILGRIMAGE TO MECCA
- In preparation for Hajj 2022, the first step is to obtain an international passport. If you have one, make sure it has at least three months of validity and unused visa pages.
- Pay the Hajj fee, part payment is possible provided you have the ability to complete the payment within the stipulated period.
- Submit your details and photographs to the State Hajj Commission you intend to follow.
- Ensure that you take the necessary health vaccination and be sure you obtained the vaccination card.
PRE-PILGRIMAGE LECTURE
Find time to attend pre-pilgrimage lectures. The lecture will familiarise you with the procedure of Hajj and what the whole trip entails. Be there and listen attentively because your journey commences from there.
Important duties to be performed, how to go about it, when and where, what to avoid, do and don’t, and details information will be stated by experts in Hajj operations and activities.
PACKING YOUR LUGGAGE
Having obtained a date for the pilgrimage you should begin to pack the essential items needed for the journey.
- A pamphlet will be given to you by the Commission, guiding you on things to take along and the prohibited items.
- It is wise to pack things moderately and avoid liquid items.
- It is important to take along some food items (if they are not prohibited) because most foods served there may be sub-standard or sugary which may not agree with your system.
- Go with a cardigan, you may need it.
- A currency wallet or belt is a must, due to the large crowd and the accommodation you will share compulsorily with the fellow pilgrim. It’s a place where you will mix with a lot of characters and unexpected things do happen.
HAJJ 2024, HOW TO PERFORM THE HOLY PILGRIMAGE TO MECCA – FLIGHT TO JEDDAH OR MEDINA
The city you’re to land in Saudi Arabia will be determined by the State pilgrim board you chose. It could be Jeddah or Medina.
CITY OF MEDINA
When a pilgrim commences his Hajj trip from the City of Medina it allows peace of mind and the right way to commence the pilgrimage, however, the easy commencement may present challenges later on. Most of the time pilgrim assumes erroneously that Hajj activities are very simple, due to the relaxed atmosphere in Medina and the easy access to the Mosque of Prophet Muhammad he enjoyed. Also going on Ziarah doesn’t require timing or segmentation. Furthermore, pilgrims are fresh from home with the energy to go.
It is better to be warned that there is a big task ahead. When the pilgrim arrives in Mecca everything changes very quickly. Those who engage in reckless spending in Medina, more exposed to harsh weather usually regret their actions when it may be too late.
Still On Hajj 2024…
MEDINA AND ZIARAH
Besides performing daily prayers at the beautiful Holy Prophet Mosque, (Al masjid Anabawi) it is expected of a pilgrim to go on Ziarah
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1. MASJID QUBA
Masjid Quba is regarded as one of the oldest mosques in the world. It was built by Prophet Muhammad. He used to go there every Saturday. He usually does ablution at home and walks to the mosque for prayer.
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2. MASJID al QIBLATAYN
Masjid al Qiblatayn means Mosque of two Qiblah. It was called so because, prior to the time when the Prophet received instructions from Allah to use Kaabah as Qiblah, Moslems used to face Jerusalem for prayer. One day the Prophet Muhammad went there and met them praying still facing Jerusalem, he didn’t follow them but faced the direction of Kabba without forcing them to follow in his footsteps.
HAJJ 2024, HOW TO PERFORM THE HOLY PILGRIMAGE TO MECCA- LEAVING MEDINA FOR MECCA
After spending about one week in Medina, the pilgrim starts a journey (mainly at night) to Mecca for the proper Hajj.
When he reached a place called Dul Hulaifah, he made a stopover. This is where he will take on his “ihram” which means a state of holiness’ and it will be done in this special place – the Miqat of the people of Medina.
By taking on the ihram, which consists of two white clothes (not join) for males (up and down), the pilgrim takes off his normal dress, takes a bath, performs ablution, and takes on the ihram. He proceeds to the nearby prayer center. Do two Rakat (niyat) and make the declaration of intention to perform Hajj.
A female pilgrim is not expected to wear a special dress for Hajj, as long as she dresses normally leaving her hand and face uncovered.
From the moment the pilgrim puts on the ihram and does a’niyat, he must abstain himself from the following activities:
- Cutting of nails
- Shaving any part of his body
- Having sexual intercourse
- Using perfume
- Damaging plants
- Killing animals
- Processing weapons
- Covering head for male
- Covering hands and faces for females.
STILL ON HAJJ 2024, HOW TO PERFORM THE HOLY PILGRIMAGE TO MECCA – ENTERING THE HOLY CITY OF MECCA
As soon as the pilgrim arrives in Mecca, it is expected or mandatory for the arrival to drop his/her luggage and proceed immediately to the Holy Mosque. The pilgrim is expected to go to the Holy Mosque. (Masjid al-Haram) to perform the first Tawaf.
Note that he leaves his luggage in the basement of his hotel until he concludes the first Tawaf, he can’t move them inside.
THE FIRST TAWAF
On reaching the Masjid al-Haram the pilgrim does ablution and enters the Mosque through one of the many gates. (Avoid entering through one specific gate it could be dangerous)
Moving close and citing Kaabah, he will see a sign in English and Arabic indicating the starting point of the Tawaf. The place is called Black Stone or Hajar-al-Aswad. Please note that it may be risky to move closer, due to the large number of pilgrims.
Pointing to the Hajar-al-Aswad is highly recommended.
Performing Tawaf is to walk around the Kaabah seven times. The first three at a fast pace and the last four at an ordinary walking pace.
As the pilgrim walks around, he keeps praising Almighty Allah and when he reaches the starting point, he points toward the Hajar-al-Aswad.
At the conclusion of the last round of his Tawaf, the pilgrim stepped aside to do two Rakat at the place of Ibrahim (Muqam Ibrahim). Due to the large crowd, he can do it anywhere within the vicinity of the Kaabah.
Afterward, the pilgrim looks for Zamzam water to drink.
Still On Hajj 2024, HOW TO PERFORM HOLY PILGRIMAGE TO MECCA
SAFA AND MARWA SA’AY
As soon as the pilgrim concludes the Tawaf he goes to Mount SAFA and MARWA. He is expected to run between them seven times. As he is moving, he keeps glorifying Allah and does supplication along the way.
Running between Safa and Marwa is known as SA’AY. This is to emulate Hajara the wife of Ibrahim while searching for water for her baby Ismael ran seven times between the hill of SAFA and MARWA and later found water sprung between the feet of Ismael.
SHAVING OF HAIR
After SA’AY the pilgrim moves outside the Holy Mosque to shave or cut his hair. The females clip a portion of their hair.
Hajj 2021, how to perform the holy pilgrimage to Mecca. Living Tents at Mina.
TRAVELLING TO MINA, THE TENT CITY
On the 8th day of Dul-al-Hijjah after the Subui prayer, the pilgrim leaves Mecca for MINA.
MINA is a tent city with a capacity of about 3 million pilgrims and officials. It represents the pick of the pilgrimage activities. All pilgrims put on their ihram. It is a fact that any pilgrim who skips MINA does not perform Hajj.
The beauty of going to MINA and Arafat is the uniformity of praising Allah by the pilgrims, as they recite Talbiyah:
- Labaika Allahumon Labaika
Labaika Laa Shereeka Laka Labaika
Inna Li Hamuda Wanniimota
Laka Walimulik
Laa Shereeka Laka
On reaching MINA the pilgrim stays and prays in a tent all day.
MINA epitomizes and teaches human endurance, the pilgrim forgoes all forms of comfort and stays on a tinny mattress. While some of the tents may not function very well and the cooling system not working. He took a turn to bathe and do ablution.
FROM MINA TO MOUNT ARAFAT
On the 9th day of Dul-al-Hijjah, all pilgrims move from Mina to Mount Arafat.
This is known as the Day of Arafah.
The pilgrim is expected to arrive at Arafat before Suhr. On the day of Arafat, all pilgrims congregate in the plain of Arafat and offer prayers all day.
Both Zuhr and Asr prayers are combined.
WUQUF AT ARAFAT
The staying or standing in the plain of Arafat is called WUQUF.
Pilgrims stay in Arafat until sunset, supplicating and listening to lectures.
The significance of Arafat is that all pilgrims are equal, rich or poor no differentiation or segregation.
NIGHT AT MUZDALIFAH
Hajj, 2021 How to perform holy pilgrimage to Mecca – Amazing night at the plane of Muzdalifah
At sunset or night-time, pilgrims depart Arafat for MUSDALIFAH.
Muzdalifah is an expanse of land located between Arafat and Mina
Here, pilgrims are expected to perform Maghrib and Isha prayers combined.
On a personal note, in all my years traveling the world, I have never seen a place as terrifying and amazing as Muzdalifah. Simply indescribable.
Muzdalifah is a place where pilgrims usually get lost, due to a large number of pilgrims arriving from mountain Arafat by night and converging the open field, to spend the night without clear demarcations or clear instructions.
In my case, (Hajj 2015) we arrived at Musdalifah around 8.45 p.m. The bus dropped us off and disappeared without any instruction or direction. I found myself lonely in the mix of the multitude. Honestly speaking, I was scared, and I didn’t know what to do. We lost some pilgrims here for days.
In Muzdalifah, the first thing to do is to get a mat and squeeze a place to spread your mat. If you’re able to cite any member of your group. Keep tapping on them until daybreak.
Getting lost is common on the night at Muzdalifah because the open field is supposed to accommodate about 2 million pilgrims that night and it is compulsory to spend the night and prepare for the next day’s activities. Muzdalifah is one of the most amazing places in the world, nothing compared to Muzdalifah.
STILL ON HAJJ 2024, HOW TO PERFORM THE HOLY PILGRIMAGE TO MECCA RAMY AL-JAMARAT – STONING OF THE DEVIL.
On the 10th day of Dul-al-Hijjah, which is the day of Eid-al-Adha, after returning from the amazing Muzdalifah, pilgrims return to Mina and proceed to Jamurat – the place designed for the stoning of the devil.
Walking a distance of about 8 kilometers from Mina to Jamurat, pilgrims can gather pebbles along the way.
Pilgrims throw seven stones each, at the three pillars known as Jamurat-al-Aqaba
The act of stoning the devil symbolizes prophet Ibrahim’s rejection of the Devil.
For your safety, it is advisable to go to Jamurat before the sun rises. This will allow you to avoid a large crowd and the harsh Arabian weather. So hot and sunny every day.
SLAUGHTERING OF ANIMAL
After the day’s stoning of the devil, the pilgrim is expected to slaughter an animal as part of the day’s activities. Nowadays a representative is usually appointed to carry out the act on behalf of most pilgrims.
SAVING OF HAIR
One of the important activities of the day is the shaving or trimming of hair. Afterward, the pilgrims are at liberty to wear their normal clothes.
TAWAF AL-IFADAH
On the same day or the following day, after shaving of hair, pilgrims return to the Sacred Mosque in Mecca before Zuhr, to perform Tawaf Al-ifadah which is also an essential part of Hajj.
Performing Tawaf al-intifadah indicates that the pilgrim has brought to an end his ihram and whatever is prohibited to him is now lawful, except for sexual intercourse.
11th – 13th Dul-al-Hijjah
With the conclusion of Tawaf Ifadah the pilgrim’s return to Mina, he uses the 11th and 12th to continue the stoning of the devil process.
For safety reasons and due to the usual congestion in Jamurat most mornings and afternoons, night-time stoning is highly recommended.
If the pilgrim is unwell he is at liberty to delegate someone to perform the symbolic stoning on his behalf.
ON THE LAST DAY AT MINA
On the 13th Dul-al-Hijjah, the pilgrims perform the final stoning and return to Mecca.
THE FINAL: TAWAF AL-WADA
Whenever the pilgrim decided or the flight schedule permits him to exit the city of Mecca, he is expected to perform the final Tawaf, called Tawaf al-Wada, realistically the pilgrim is bidding farewell to the Sacred Mosque. You may as well say bye-bye Kaabah.
You should not forget to drink the Zamzam water, which is not obtainable outside Saudi Arabia.
That’s all for now on Hajj 2024, how to perform the holy pilgrimage to Mecca.
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