Meaning:

The Hajj or Haj (Arabic حَجّ Ḥaǧǧ) is the Pilgrimage to Mecca (or, "Makkah") and is the fifth of the "Five Pillars of Islam". Every able-bodied Muslim who can afford to do so is obliged to make the pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in a lifetime.

 Types of Hajj:

The way in which the pilgrimage to Makkah can be performed and the regulations governing its rites vary according to where the pilgrim lives or whether one intends to make 'Umrah along with Hajj or whether one wants to offer an animal sacrifice or not. These variations have been traditionally grouped into three categories and referred to as the three types of Hajj: Hajj Ifraad, Hajj Qiraan and Hajj Tamattu'.

 They are as follows :

Hajj al-Tamatt'u (Interrupted) This means entering into ihram for the Umrah, taking off after performing the Umrah, and then entering into ihram again for the Hajj. People who come from other countries usually perform Hajj al-Tamatt'u.

Hajj al-Qiran (Combined) This means entering into ihram for both the Umrah and the Hajj at the same time, not taking off for the ihram until the day of sacrifice at Mina.

Hajj al-Ifrad (Single) This means entering into ihram only for the Haj.

 Conditions of Haj

1. One must be a Muslim.

2. 2. One must be an adult.

3. 3. One must be sane.

4. 4. A woman must travel with her husband or a Mahram (a women she cannot marry at all).

5. 5. The pilgrim should have sufficient money for his journey as well as for his dependants whom he leaves at home.

The preparation of the journey of Pilgrimage.

Allah has provided you with the resources to perform Hajj. He has chosen you for the sacred journey of pilgrimage. We congratulate you from the depth of our heart for this opportunity.

Now prepare yourself mentally, physically, materially and truly for this holy journey.

Allah has bestowed upon you a golden opportunity to be his devout devotee.

The comprehension of the duties with honor and following them is in itself an expression of gratitude to Allah.

Such golden opportunities come seldom in life. Therefore, consider it a chance to turn over to a new life.

Make the attainment of Allah’s will and the success on the Day of Judgment the motto of your life.

Follow this commandment of Allah in letter and spirit. It occurs in verse no. 197 of S. Al-Baqra.

“The months of Hajj are known to them who so determine to perform Hajj in these months. Then there should be no mention of copulation before women or any sin or quarrelling with anyone till the time of Hajj”

Seek strength from your Lord to abide by this injunction, avoiding these three sins.

Seek his forgiveness with an honest heart for your minor and major sins. Feel remorse and resolve to abstain in future. Make sure that you are respecting human rights and disposing of your affairs.

Revise your methods of offering prayer. Learn the term and conditions of prayer (Namaz)

Start offering your prayers five times a day with Takbeer-e- Tehreema.

Rest assured that Hajj journey is spiritually extremely soothing but physically equally wearisome. Therefore, develop habit of this hard work right from now.

Be determined to face these difficulties and pains with cheerfulness.

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) says:

                        “A pilgrim is granted reward according to his labor.”

Learn those prayers by heart which are authentic to be recited on different occasions.

Particularly learn third kalma and certain other prayers.

Commit to memory all the stages of Hajj thoroughly. Seek succor from Allah who may award you enough strength to discharge all the duties of Hajj. So that Allah may be pleased.While availing yourself of this golden opportunity, develop the habit of always practising the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Either you are traveling, taking meals, wearing clothes or shoes, going to toilet or even in spare time. Also learn the prayers, recited by Prophet (PBUH) himself.

Take an oath of complete abstinence from all the unfair and illegal evils like interest, gambling, bartering and lottery system.

It is the Sunnah of our leader and guide (PBUH) to pray in response of abuses. Stick to it and make it sure that you are not hurting any of your companions during this journey. On account of his abstinence, he might be dearer to Allah than you are.

Do not travel with many things, it will ensure comfort to you. So travel with the articles, mentioned below:

Important documents including Identity card.

Fifteen photographs, bank receipt, intimation slip and encashment certificate.

And also this booklet, books sent by the government, or any authentic book on the life and character of Prophet (PBUH) and two to three sets of Ihram.

Handkerchief, undershirt, needle and thread, a few pairs of socks, soap and slippers.

Women should keep two handkerchiefs to tie hair, four dresses, a big shawl to cover the body and a veil. Do not keep drugs and controversial religious or political literature. It is also prohibited to carry stove.

Luggage of anybody, entrusted to you may cause you trouble. So be extremely cautious. Visit Hajji Camp ten days before your journey to Saudi Arabia for inoculation against fever  Also get a yellow color medical card from there. (Only for Pakistanis).

Meeqat and the Boundary of Harm

The sacred house where you are going to perform the pilgrimage from is called the house of Allah.

The mosque, adjacent to it, is called Masjid-e-Harm. The boundary of Mecca can be seen by the highlighted dark color in the Map.

 The entry of the non-Muslims is prohibited here.The place of light green color outside is called “Hal”.Whereas the line of dark green color outside is called the “Meeqat”. No Muslim can cross it without wearing “Ihram”.