Day: April 2, 2025

Haj is fifth pillar of Islam.

Haj is a spiritual journey like no other. Every year during the month of Dhul Hijjah, we hear or see live pictures of the millions of pilgrims flocking to Mecca, Mina, and Muzdalifah to perform this sacred pilgrimage. Haj is compulsory to all the Muslims to cleanse their bad deeds and turn towards their creator. This journey comprises of different tests from Allah such as patience, pains, stress and other ways in which Allah considers the Best.

Allah (SWT) has made Haj compulsory, just like Salat, Sawm and Zakat. Every able Muslim who has the finances available (after taking care of all family obligations), is required to embark on this journey once in their life. And since it is the command of Allah (SWT), the Creator of us all, it is the duty of every Muslim to make sure they perform Haj while they can.

Rich or poor, all are considered to be the same during Haj. Yes, they are many ways of obtaining good services like highly rated Travel Agency, 5 star hotels and others. But, Allah in His exemplary manners examines each pilgrim in His own unquestionable manner. Thus, clearing pilgrims all the past wrong-doings and teaching him the way of life

Haj shall be observed in the specified months. Whoever sets out to observe Haj shall refrain from sexual intercourse, misconduct, and arguments throughout Haj. Whatever good you do, God is fully aware thereof. As you prepare your provisions for the journey, the best provision is righteousness. You shall observe Me, O you who possess intelligence.Quran 2:197

Who should go on the Haj?

It is mandatory for Muslim adults to go on Haj at least once in their lifetime. They must be of sound mind and physically and financially capable of undertaking the journey. Those who complete the pilgrimage can add the title Haji to their names.

When is Haj?

The pilgrimage must take place during the month of Dhu al Hijja, the last month of the Islamic calendar. The rites of Haj are performed from the 8th to the 12th of Dhu al Hijjah. As the Islamic calendar is based on the lunar year, the date changes in the Gregorian calendar each year, and is 10 to 11 days earlier than the preceding year. In 2019, Haj is expected to be on or around August 9th.

What is the importance of the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah?

During the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah, Muslims are provided with the opportunity to repent and bring themselves closer to Allah (SWT). It’s impossible to combine acts of worship such as this at any other time of year, as Allah (SWT) attaches great importance to the initial 10 days, allowing one to attain Dhul Hijjah Dua. Similarly, Dhul Hijjah fasting is common and cutting nails during Dhul Hijjah is also avoided.

When is Haj?

The pilgrimage must take place during the month of Dhu al Hijja, the last month of the Islamic calendar. The rites of Haj are performed from the 8th to the 12th of Dhu al Hijjah. As the Islamic calendar is based on the lunar year, the date changes in the Gregorian calendar each year, and is 10 to 11 days earlier than the preceding year. In 2019, Haj is expected to be on or around August 9th.

How many people go on Haj?

Every year about 2 to 3 million people from across the world gather in Mecca for the Haj. It is the largest single gathering of people on the planet.

How did Haj start?

The rites performed at Haj today were established by the Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) but, based on the Qur’an, they can be traced back to the Prophet Ibrahim, (alaihis salaam), also referred to in English as Abraham. Muslims believe that Ibrahim (alaihis salaam) was ordered by Allah to leave his wife Hajar and his son Ismail alone in the desert of ancient Mecca. In search of water, Hajar desperately ran seven times between the two hills of Safa and Marwah but found none. Returning in despair to Ismail, she saw the baby scratching the ground with his leg and a water fountain sprang forth at the site. This is the Well of Zamzam in the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca. Pilgrims visit the well while performing Haj or the Umrah pilgrimage to drink its water.

What are the rites of Haj?

The main rituals of the Haj pilgrimage are:

• Ihram:
• Tawaf:
• Al-Safa and Al-Marwah:
• Mount Arafat:
• Stoning the Devil:
• Eid ul Adha:
• Qurbani:

Ihram: When they arrive in Mecca, pilgrims enter the state of ihram (purity) for the Haj.

pilgrimage. Men must wear the ihram garments consisting of two white, seamless sheets wrapped around the body, and sandals. As well as purity, this clothing symbolises equality and unity as there are no visible reminders of class, wealth, status or culture. Requirements for women are less strict and they usually dress in white with only faces and hands uncovered. While in the state of ihram, pilgrims must – among other things – not cut their nails or hair, not engage in sexual activity, argue or fight.

Tawaf: Each person walks counter-clockwise seven times around the Ka’aba (the cube-shaped building and the direction of prayer for Muslims everywhere) in Masjid Al-Haram. The Ka’aba was built by Ibrahim (alaihis salaam) and is the most sacred site in Islam.

Al-Safa and Al-Marwah: Pilgrims run seven times between the mountains of Al-Safa and Al-Marwah as Hajar did during her search for water. Mount Arafat: Pilgrims go to the plains of Mount Arafat, where the Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) gave his last sermon, to stand in vigil. Stoning the Devil: After Arafat, they move to Muzdalfah and then to Mina to perform a symbolic stoning ritual in which they fling pebbles at three walls known as jamarat. This symbolises how the devil tried to mislead Ibrahim (alaihis salaam) from following Allah but was fought off when the prophet threw stones at him on three occasions.

Eid ul Adha: The tenth day of the month of Dhu al-Hijja marks the start of the three-day festival of Eid ul Adha (the Feast of Sacrifice). The pilgrims perform the ritual of animal sacrifice (Qurbani) and continue with other rites to complete their Haj.

Qurbani: Qurbani, or Udiyah as it known in Arabic, commemorates the sacrifice Ibrahim (alaihis salaam) was willing to perform of his son Ismail (alaihis salaam) for Allah, who spared his son by sending down a ram to take his place.

Pilgrims can go to Mecca to perform the rituals at any other time of the year. This pilgrimage is known as Umrah and, unlike Haj which takes place on fixed Islamic dates, is not obligatory!

I pray from Allah to help us seek and share the Knowledge of Truth! Allah kindly help us not stray from your path! Allah Subhanata’ala bestowed holy Quran to Mankind and Jinn as guidance to the right path to success.

The Book of Allah Subhanata’alaQuran

Allah has bestowed the knowledge and guidance to mankind by revealing various books. Allah Subhanata’ala has sent Quran as the fourth Book. The other Books sent by the Supreme Creator are Tawrath or Torah (Book sent to Prophet Musa Alaihisalam), Zabur (Book sent to Prophet Dawood Alaihisalam) and Injeel/ Gospel (Book sent to Prophet Isa Alaihisalam) Allah, himself protects the Holy Quran which is the only book in the world to be protected by Supreme Allah to its original form! Allah confirms to reveal and protect the Quran in Surah 15, Ayat 9.

Allah, himself protects the Holy Quran which is the only book in the world to be protected by Supreme Allah to its original form! Allah confirms to reveal and protect the Quran in Surah 15, Ayat 9.

The Book of KnowledgeQuran

In Surah Al Nahl (Chapter 16), Verse No. (Ayath) 89, Allah guides us by informing: –

“We have sent down to you the Book as clarification for all things and as guidance and mercy and good tidings for the Muslims.“

Hazrath Abdullah Bin Abbas (He agreed with Allah and Allah agreed with him) conveys that ” Even if my camel’s rope is misplaced, then I can search it in my Lord’s book of guidance!” Further, he adds, “Quran contains complete Knowledge but Mankind’s intellect doesn’t let him understand it”

The Book of Ailment

Quran is the pure book, cure for all the diseases and mercy for all the beleivers! (External or Internal; Body or Soul) Allah further states “We send down (stage by stage) in the Quran that which is a healing and a mercy to those who believe: to the unjust it causes nothing but loss after loss.” in Surah 17, Ayat 82 as follows:

The Book of Guidance

Quran is a book of guidance to entire Human Kind. Problems of life are inevitable. We seek counselling, question experienced personals, perform Yoga/ Meditation and what not? But, have you ever thought what the real solution is? Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) has explained our difficulties – hearts rust like iron and to remove the rust, we must always recollect death and recite Quran

Whenever people join to recite, listen, learn and teach Quran, then Allah bestows rains of Mercy! Hazrath Abu Hurairah (He agreed with Allah and Allah agreed with him) confirms the words of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him) : “When people join in any of Allah’s houses (Masjids) and recite, teach, learn the book of Allah – Quranul Majeed. Then these people are so blessed that Allah Subhanata’ala blesses them with Sakina. (Sakina is a special group of Angels who performs the duty to bring peace, calm and relaxation to the hearts.) Also, Allah’s mercy is surrounds them. Those people joining for the love of Quran, be happy! Angels protect them from their wings and Allah mentions them to the angels”

The city of Makkah and Madinah are two of the holiest places on the earth. Millions of Muslims from all around the world visit these cities every year with the intention of performing the holy pilgrimage of Umrah and Haj. Other than being the greatest, the city of Makkah and Madinah are immensely beautiful and have many historical and Islamic places where you should visit during your Umrah Journey. You can consider the heavenly places across Makkah and Madinah during your umrah and Haj visits. In this article, we are going to look at 15 best places that you can visit in Makkah and Madinah during the Umrah and if you are planning to perform Umrah this year and looking for the best Umrah packages with complete accommodations, amenities, and freedom to explore these cities

The Book of Allah Subhanata’alaQuran

“Best 8 Places to Visit in Makkah “

1. Al-Kaaba

Masjid-al-Haram is the most important mosque for the Muslims and Al-Kaaba (The House of Allah) stands at the center of Masjid-al-Haram. Muslims from all around the world offer prayers to Allah (Subhanahu wa ta’ala) in the direction of Al-Kaaba and millions of Muslims throughout the year perform tawaf of Al-Kaaba during the time of Haj and Umrah. The history and importance of Al-Kaaba are very prominent throughout the Islamic world and every good Muslim has a clean desire to Al-Kaaba at least once in a life.

2. Jabal-e-Noor

Jabal-e-Noor is a mountain near Makkah Hejaz which is of great importance. The very first Aayat of the Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) at this mountain. There is a cave located at this mountain called Gar-e-Hira where the Prophet Muhammad (Peace and blessings be upon him) first interacted with Angle Jibreel (Peace be upon him) and the holy words of Allah (Subhanahu wa ta’ala) were first revealed to him.

3. Mount Arafat

Nearly a million pilgrims during Haj visit Mount Arafat every year. According to Hadith, Mount Arafat is the location where all the Muslims will be gathered for being accountable during the time of the resurrection. Mount Arafat holds great importance for the season of Haj, pilgrims visit there and perform their Haj rituals, offer prayers and make important supplications (Dua) as a sunnah of Prophet Ibrahim (Blessings be upon him) to complete all the Haj rituals.

4. Jannat-al-Mualla

Jannat-al-Mualla is one of the two most important cemetery (graveyard) in Islam which is also one of the oldest cemeteries in the country. Jannat-al-Mualla is located in the north of Masjid-al-Haram close to Jeddah. Jannat-al-Mualla is the burial place of many relatives and ancestors of the Prophet. Some most important people from Prophet’s family that are buried at Jannat-al-Mualla are: the blessed mother of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him), the first wife of the Prophet Hazrat Khadija (Radeyallāhu ′Anhu), the grandfather of the Prophet Hazrat Abdul Muttalib, the uncle of the Prophet Hazrat Abu Talib, the eldest son of the Prophet Al-Qasim and the second son Abdullah are also buried at Jannat-al-Mualla. .

5. Masjid-e-Aisha

Masjid-e-Aisha is the second-largest mosque in the city of Makkah after Masjid-al-Haram. This massive mosque is about 10km away from Masjid-al-Haram. This beautiful mosque is also one of the oldest mosques in Makkah which holds great importance during the time of Haj as it is the place where Haj pilgrims put on their Ihram and people doing subsequent Umrah renews their Ihram.

6. The Site of Battle of Badr

The Battle of Badr is mentioned in the Holy Quran as it was amongst the very first battle of Islam that was fought by Prophet Muhammad. People can still have a look at this battlefield while visiting Makkah city. The Battle of Badr is a very important battle in the history of Islam, and it was also very important for Prophet and his followers’ life as they were fighting for the true religion of Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta Aala) against the pagans of Makkah and magically won the battle with support from the angles. The site is located nearly 330 Kilometers away from Makkah.

7. The Birthplace of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him)

Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) was born in the Holy City of Makkah at the place that is now called Maktaba Makkah-al-Mukarramah. This place was earlier a mountain town which is now a national library. This place is very close to the city of Makkah which attracts many visitors throughout the year.

8. The City of Mina

Mina is also known as the city of tents where millions of Muslims gather during peak days of the Haj. Mina is a beautiful hot valley located 3 km away from Makkah city. More than 100,000 air-conditioned tents are placed during the time of Haj that houses more than 3 million pilgrims, providing temporary accommodation to them while they perform their Haj ritual of Ramy al-Jamarat. Mina is very close to Masjid-al-Haram which means even the pilgrims of Umrah can visit this wonderful city during their journey.

The Muslim community all around the world understands how important it is in Islam to perform a pilgrimage. It is compulsory for every Muslim to perform a Pilgrimage at least once in their lifetime.

Every Muslim must get a chance to perform a pilgrimage and for that reason, Al-Khalid is offering the best Haj and Umrah Packages at the most affordable prices. For more information regarding the best Umrah and Haj packages, view our Haj Packages and Umrah Packages.

Al-Khalid offers best in class Umrah Packages for the Indian Pilgrims at affordable rates. We arrange the complete Umrah for you that comes with world’s best accommodations and facilities at the most reasonable prices. Find more about Al-Khalid Umrah Packages for 2020.

Best Places to Visit in Madinah

9. Masjid-e-Nabvi

Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) in his later life migrated from the city of Makkah to the city of Madinah which became his resting place. Masjid-e-Nabvi is the second most visited Islamic site in the world after Masjid-e-Haram of Makkah. The beautiful dome attracts millions of visitors all over the year. One of the rituals of Haj and Umrah is also to visit Masjid-e-Nabvi and offer prayers.

10. Jannat-al-Baqi

Jannat-al-Baqi is one of the oldest and very first cemeteries of Madina. Jannat-al-Baqi is also known as the “Garden of Heaven” as it is the resting place of the Prophet’s blessed family (Ahl-al-Bayt). Jannat-al-Baqi is the actual resting place of Hazrat Imam Hasan Ibn Ali (Radeyallāhu Taala ′Anhu) the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) and the elder brother of Hazrat Imam Hussain (Radeyallāhu Taala ′Anhu). Some Muslims believe that Jannat-al-Baqi is also the resting place of the Prophet’s beloved daughter Hazrat Fatima-al-Zehra (Radeyallāhu ′Anhu).

11. Masjid-al-Quba

Masjid-al-Quba has a special and unique place in the heart of Madinian Muslims because it is the very first Mosque every build by beloved Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) in the city of Madinah after when he started preaching Islam in the country. Masjid-e-Quba is a beautiful mosque also Mentioned in the Quran because of its other Islamic importances.

12. Mount Uhud

Mount Uhud is a historic place that not only serves to increase the beauty of Madinah city but also carries great importance as the Battle of Uhud was fought near this mountain. Battle of Uhud which was the second Islamic battle encountered between the people of Makkah and the Muslims. The graveyards of the martyrdoms of the battle can also be found near Mount Uhud which also includes many Companions of the Prophet.

13. Al-Madinah Museum

This museum is the oldest and the very first museum in Madinah which depicts the history of Islam and has many different archaeological collections, rare images related to Madinah and visual galleries. You can see at least 2000 artifacts in Al-Madinah Museum featuring the rich Islamic heritage.

14. Masjid-al-Kiblatain

Masjid-al-Kiblatain is a huge and exceptionally beautiful mosque in Madina. Visiting Masid-al-Kiblatain certainly will give you a rich and delightful experience because Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) use to recite in this mosque when he migrated from Makkah to Madina. Masjid-al-Kiblatain is the mosque where Prophet received the command from Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta Aala) to change the Qibla direction from Masjid-al-Aqsa to Al-Kaaba.

15. The Deserts Of Saleh

If you have never seen deserts before, this place could be the perfect one for you while visiting Madina. Deserts of Saleh is one of the most exotic and beautiful deserts of Saudi Arabia with many gigantic tombs and caves with inscriptions and drawings from the ancient. This wonderful desert is now UNESCO World’s Heritage site which makes this place a must-visit site of Madina.

You can consider visiting these mentioned 15 sacred destinations that reflect the essence of Islamic history while on an umrah trip.

Plan your Umrah Journey this year with Al-Khalid’s best Umrah Packages that come with the finest accommodations and amenities for the pilgrims. You can even book your customized Umrah packages with Al-Khalid if you are looking to visit and explore all the above-mentioned places. For more information contact us or check out our Umrah Packages and Umrah deals for the year 2020 here.