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Hajj and Umrah Expert

Its Various Names

Is located in western part of Saudi Arabia in the Sirat mountains and is inland from the Red sea coast.

The word Makkah was originally derived from the term Muqrab which means a place where people seek Taqarrub (nearness) to God. It is formally called Makkah Al Mukarramah which stands for Makkah the Honored, also translated as the ‘Holy City of Makkah’.

Its ancient name was Bakkah (derived from the word Buka which means crying, weeping – meaning tyrants and arrogant cry and become humble in its vicinity. Bakkah is widely believed to be a synonym for Makkah. It is said to be more specifically for the valley located therein. Another name for Makkah was Faran/Pharan and Arab and Islamic tradition holds that the wilderness of Pharan broadly speaking is Tihamah and the site where Prophet Ishmael settled was Makkah.

Other references to Makkah in the holy Quran call it Umm al-Qura (mother of all settlements), Al Balad al-Amin (the city of safety), Al Ma’amun (security), Umm Rahm (Mother of mercy), Bayt al-Rab (the house of God).

Importance of Makkah

i) Makkah is the holiest of the Muslim cities.

ii) Prophet Mohammed (P.B.U.H.) was born in Makkah.

iii) It is the religious centre where towards Holy Kaaba - the Qibla that Muslims from around the world turn five times to daily in prayer.

iv) Makkah is the city where devout and able Muslims congregate for Umrah and Hajj at least once or more in their lifetime.

v) Makkah is regarded with great respect amongst Muslims because it houses the Holy Kaaba (house of God) and Masjid Al-Haram (the first mosque built on earth and the largest mosque in the world).

vi) Besides Masjid Al Haram, Makkah has some of the most historic mosques like:

Al Khayf Mosque – where Prophet Mohammed (P.B.U.H.) gave his speech in Hajj al-Wida and it is mentioned that there are high rewards for praying in this mosque.
Masjid al-Nahr located in Mina is where Allah sent a lamb to Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice instead of prophet Ishmael.
Masjid al-Ghanam where the first oath of allegiance of new Muslims of Yathrib (Madinah) to the prophet took place here.
In Masjid al-Shajara the peace treaty of Hudaybbiyah was made.

vii) The Zamzam well located in Makkah was revealed to Hajar the wife of Prophet Abraham and the mother of Prophet Ishmael when she was desperately seeking water to quench the thirst for her infant son. The name of the well come from the phrase Zoma Zoma meaning stop flowing, a command repeated by Hajar during her attempt to contain the spring water. During the Hajj and Umrah pilgrims are required to walk between the Safa and Marwah and this rite symbolizes celebration of motherhood in Islam.

viii) The fourth caliph Ali was born inside the sacred sanctuary of the holy Kaaba in Makkah to Abu Talib and Fatimah bint Asad.

ix) The al-Hajaru-al-Aswad (the Black Stone) set into the eastern corner of the Holy Kaaba in Makkah. It is revered by Muslims as an Islamic relic which according to Islamic tradition dates back to Adam and Eve. The Black Stone plays a central role in the ritual of Istilam where pilgrims while performing Tawaf try to kiss the Black Stone, touch it or point in that direction while circumambulating the Holy Kaaba seven times counter-clockwise.

x) The 640 meters tall Jabal Al Nour is the location of the Hira cave in Makkah where Archangel Gabriel gave the Prophet Mohammed (P.B.U.H.) his first revelation.

xi) Makkah city is sacred in Islam hence only Muslims can access it.

xii) Muslims performing Hajj in Makkah is one of the largest congregations of humans on earth.

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What is Umrah

Is the non-mandatory lesser pilgrimage made by Muslims to Makkah which can be performed anytime of the year in contrast to Hajj which has specific dates according to the Islamic lunar calendar. In Arabic, Umrah means to visit a populated place and consists of carrying out a set of rites in the precinct of Masjid-al-Haram in Makkah by performing Tawaaf (circumambulation) round the Holy Kaaba (the sacred house of god) and Sa’iy between Al-Safaa and Al-Marwah after assuming Ihram. Pilgrims proceeding on this journey, go along this path to purify their heart, mind, body and soul from the sins committed in the past to be distinguished from others on the judgement day. Umrah is known to be the minor Hajj and is a Sunnah.

According to Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H.), “Umrah is the atonement of all sins” and a most delightful ritual. Every year this pilgrimage is performed by millions of Muslims when they go on a spiritual journey which has so many rewards in this life and hereafter. The Umrah itself is a fairly simple process and consists mostly of rituals traced back to Prophet Abraham and his wife Hagar.

Types of Umrah

There are two types of Umrah
Umrah-al-Mufradah
This type of Umrah is performed independently of Hajj and can be carried out at any time of the year, except during the days of the Hajj.

Umrah-al-Tamattu
This Umrah is performed in conjunction with Hajj and is carried out in the month of Dhul Hijjah, just before the commencement of Hajj.

Conditions for Umrah

Following are the conditions that need to be met in order to perform Umrah. These conditions are exactly the same as those for performing Hajj.

The person,

must be a Muslim
must have reached puberty
should be mentally sound and in full control of mental faculties
must have sufficient funds to cover travelling, accommodation and all other requirements during the course of Umrah. The pilgrim must have sufficient funds to support their dependants while the person is on pilgrimage. Being debt-free is not a perquisite although arrangements for debts to be fulfilled should be made prior to going for Umrah.
must be physically capable of travelling to Makkah and performing the rites of Umrah. One should be free from illnesses or diseases to be able to travel.
Must have access to and can afford transport to travel to Makkah in order to perform Umrah. Applicable for female pilgrims only
female must be accompanied by a Mahram (member of the family with whom marriage or sexual intercourse is Haram, with whom Purdah or concealment of the body with Hijab is not obligatory and who may serve as a legal escort of a woman during journeys longer than three days.
Female must be free from Iddah (period of waiting that a woman must observe after the death of her husband or after a divorce, if applicable).

Preparing for Umrah

The very first thing that every pilgrim needs is to prepare oneself well before leaving for Umrah, so as to perform the pilgrimage mentally, physically and financially well. A pilgrim has to plan the trip well in advance so the Umrah is tension-free and relaxing and the pilgrim can focus on prayers and supplications, the very objective of the trip. It is recommended that a pilgrim prepares him/herself by reading about the sacred places in Makkah and Madinah, memorize supplications and equally important is the physical preparation as Umrah involves a lot of walking and physical movement where at least a month or two before embarking on the pilgrimage – the intended pilgrim should start doing small exercises and walking, eat less food and make changes in sleep timings.

Performing Umrah

Assuming Ihram
Ihram is a sacred state of purity, both in mind and body which a Muslim must enter in order to perform a pilgrimage. It is foremost a state of mind, whereby a spiritual relationship with God is established and the vanities of the world are renounced. Muslims before entering the sacred boundary of Makkah and wishing to perform Umrah have to in accordance with Shariah (Islamic law) must first assume Ihram (by performing cleansing rituals and the prescribed attire) before crossing the pilgrimage boundary known as Miqat.

Attaining the state of Ihram - Muhrim
Muhrim, literally means ‘an individual who has made things forbidden upon oneself hence the process of a pilgrim preparing self for being in the state of Ihram is achieved through the following steps as instructed by Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) before entering the perimeter of Makkah known as Miqat.

a) Performing Ablutions – Ghusl
Cleansing the body to attain physical purity, clipping finger and toe nails, shaving off unwanted body hair, trimming moustache and perfuming the head and beard. It is sunnah for every man, woman and child to bathe prior to donning the Ihram garments.

b) Donning the attire - Ihram

For Men: The Ihram attire consists of two white coloured simple pieces of cloth known as Izar – which wraps around the waist covering the lower body and the Rida – which is draped over the shoulders covering the upper body like a shawl. Slippers/shoes must not cover the ankle and the top part of the foot.
For Women: In Ihram do not need to confirm to a specific dress code however they need to be dressed modestly yet in comfortable clothes with a head covering. Women pilgrims can use any of their regular clothes just ensuring that the fabric is thick enough to cover the body without exposing it. Socks may be worn but hands and face maybe uncovered. Women should wear flip-flops/sandals that expose the middle bones of the midfoot.

c) Salah of Ihram
After donning the attire, it is Sunnah to perform two Rakats of Salah al-Ihram before making the intention to enter into the state of Ihram. This should be performed before the Miqat (he Makkah perimeter) has been crossed. Women in state of menstruation should not perform the Salah, rather they should make their intention for Hajj and Umrah and recite the Talbiyah.

d) Niyyah
The assuming of Ihram is the combined sacred act of Niyyah (the innate intention to perform an act of worship). The Niyyah should be made close to the Miqat as one moves towards it or at the Miqat. The intention must be made from the heart and it is recommended to stipulate the purpose of Ihram and make the Niyyah in Arabic or in one’s native language. The Niyyah can be made if one is performing Umrah during any time of the year or Umrah as part of Hajj-al-Tamattu.

e) Talbiyah
Is a devotional prayer recited by the pilgrims as a conviction that they intend to perform the pilgrimage only for the glory of the God. After assuming Ihram, Talbiyah should be recited as much as possible throughout the Hajj and Umrah. It is recommended to read it in all conditions including while sitting, standing, walking, lying down and travelling in a vehicle. It should also be recited when changing conditions such as times and places like the coming of night or day, at dawn, when boarding or disembarking a vehicle, when encountering a group of pilgrims, after prayers and in any mosque. This special prayer is uttered in supplication to the Almighty repeatedly during the pilgrimage so the pilgrims can purify and rid themselves of worldly concerns.

Rites of Umrah

Pilgrims then need to proceed to Makkah reciting Talbiyah, Dhikr/Zikr (devotional acts that involves repeated utterances of short sentences glorifying god which can be counted on a set of prayer beads or through the fingers of the hand) and Salawat (is the salutation upon the Prophet of Islam and the progeny of Mohammed – P.B.U.H.). Upon reaching Masjid-al-Haram, it is recommended to enter the mosque using the right foot first preferably through Bab-al-Salam and pilgrim should recite the prayer for entering the mosque. Prayer at the Holy Kaaba – the pilgrim needs to keep the gaze lowered until they see the Holy Kaaba. Upon seeing it the pilgrim need to raise their hands, make an abundance of prayers and recite Salawat and make Idtiba’a (male pilgrim should uncover their right shoulder by passing the upper Ihram garment under the right armpit – during the entirety of Tawaf) and female pilgrim should cover all her body with the exception of her face and hands. Also it is important to note that Tawaf is the only duty of the pilgrimage which is not done by a woman in her period.

a) Tawaf (Circumambulation of the Holy Kaaba in worship)
One of the most important rites of the Umrah is Tawaf. This obligatory act is performed in Masjid-al-Haram by the pilgrim by making circumambulations around the Holy Kaaba seven times (as a reminder of the angels that circumambulate the celestial realms of Allah’s house – al-Bayt-al-Mamur). The pilgrim has to make Niyyah for Tawaf as verbal intention and the starting point is one yard before the Hajar-al-Aswad (Black Stone) where there are marks that are specially placed for guidance, such as the different colour of the flooring and the light on the wall opposite the Black Stone. The pilgrim needs to do Istilam (the act of kissing Hajar-al-Aswad/Black Stone where pilgrim can place the palms on the Black Stone and put their face between the hands and recite the prayer and kiss it without making a noise or if due to rush it is inaccessible Istilam can be done by gesturing towards it by the pilgrim by facing the Black Stone, raising the hands up to the earlobes and ensuring the palms are facing it as though the pilgrim’s hands and face are on the Black Stone, recite the prayer and the pilgrim needs to kiss the palms without making a kissing noise at the beginning or end of each circuit of the Holy Kaaba during the rite of Tawaf). The Tawaf is done in an anti-clockwise movement so that the Holy Kaaba is to the left with a full circle completed every time, the pilgrim is back at the Black stone or parallel with it. The pilgrim has to complete seven rounds continuously (unless Salah / Namaz starts). For the worship to be validated the pilgrim needs to recite the prescribed dua/supplication during each one of the seven circuits. During the first three circumambulations only the men must make Ramal (fast paced walk on entry to the Holy Kaaba) and the remaining four circumambulations by walking at a normal pace between the Rukn al Yamani and the Hajar-al-Aswad/the Black Stone. The last circumambulation ends exactly where the first one began to ensure that the pilgrim completed the seven circuits without moving or falling behind a single step or more and with the seventh round of circumambulation and performance of eighth Istilam, the Tawaf concludes. At this point, the men must cover their shoulders with the upper part of the Ihram sheet. Two Rakaats of Salah/Namaz of Tawaf is o be performed by the pilgrim preferably in a position where Maqam Ibrahim/Station of Abraham is between the pilgrim and the Holy Kaaba and thereafter drink the Holy Zamzam water and make Duaa. Pilgrim then proceeds to the Multazam, a section of the Holy Kaaba located between the Black Stone and the door of the Holy Kaaba to supplicate to the Almighty and offer duaa. Final Istilam (before Sa’iy it is recommended to make Istilam for the ninth time).

b) Sa’iy of Safa and Marwah
Umrah pilgrims intending to make Sa’iy have to make their way out of Masjid al Hiram towards the Masaa’(the place of Sa’iy). The meaning of Sa’iy is to run/walk back and forth seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah which are situated to the North and Sout of Kaaba. This commemorates the struggle that Prophet Abrham’s wife Hajra went through to search for water for her son between the hills of Safa and Marwah. Men must perform the Sa’iy with their shoulders covered.

Performing the rite

Proceed to Safa: the pilgrim has to go to the hill of Safa and make the Niyyah for Sa’iy, then see the Holy Kaaba, face the Qibla (it is the direction tat should be faced when a Muslim prays during Salah) and raise their hands to supplicate to God.

Proceed to Marwah: on the way to Marwah, male pilgrims should quicken their pace between the set of green lights and female pilgrims should continue normally. When on top of Marwah praise the God facing the Kaaba and recite the supplication.

This rite continues with pilgrims going from Safa to Marwah and returning back to Safa until seven laps are completed which will end at Marwah where pilgrims must stand facing the Holy Kaaba and repeat the same supplications that were recited at Safa. After offering two Rakaats of Nafl prayers in the Masjid Al Haram. Pilgrims should come out of the holy mosque with their left foot out and then offer duaa.

Taqsir: in this last step of the Umrah journey. After Sa’iy male pilgrims have to get their head shaved while female pilgrims have to clip their hair equal to the length f a fingertip. This obligatory ritual marks the conclusion of Umrah and all Ihram rules are lifted and the pilgrim can change into the regular clothes.

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What is Hajj

Hajj is the most divine and sacred journey to the house of Allah. The word Hajj is derived from the Aabic verb Hajja which means to set out to a great place and from a Shariah perspective, Hajj means to take oneself to a certain place at a particular time to perform devotional acts as prescribed by Islam.

Specifically, the place refers to the Kaaba within Masjid-al-Haram as well as sites in and around Makkah like Aafat, Mina and Muzdhalifah. As for the time, Hajj can only be performed in the first 10 days of the month of Dhul-Hijja of the Islamic year. The devotional acts refer to the many rites of Hajj like Tawaf, Sa’iy and Rami-al-Jamarat.

When Muslims do Hajj, they follow the example of Prophet Mohammed (P.B.U.H.) and his companions and of the followers of his time. It was the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) who brought Islam back to Makkah and made Hajj how God intended it (like it was in the times of Abraham, Adam and Eve). Prophet Mohammed (P.B.U.H.) had set a perfect example for all Muslims and today they perform the pilgrimage as the Prophet did because Muslims believe they have to follow Islam perfectly like the Prophet did and then only they will be accepted through the gates of heaven.

Hajj is a worship which facilitates one’s de-conditioning. It is a process which serves to do away with a person’s environmental conditioning and brings one back to the original nature. The Prophet had explained to his companions that the various rites of Hajj were a kind of symbolic repetition of the different phases of the life of the Prophet Abraham whose entire life was devoted to a mission. Every believer is required to adopt this life pattern in personal life.For example, Ihram – the attire of the male pilgrim consisting o two unstitched pieces of cloth is a symbol of simplicity. The ritual of Tawaf which involves circumambulating the Kaaba seven times indicates dedicating oneself for a purpose. Tawaf is followed by Sa’iy that is running or walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah. This encourages a pilgrim to direct their efforts and struggles towards drawing in nearness to God. The pilgrim’s sacrifice of the animal is a way of taking the pledge to lead a life of sacrifice. Stoning of the devil known as Rami-al-Jamarat is symbolic of rejecting satanic influence on oneself. Last, when the pilgrims enter the plains of Arafat with the words of Labbayk. This is meant to remind one of the day of resurrection where every human being will have to stand before God for accountability.

History of Hajj

In Islamic tradition, as per God’s command Prophet Abraham left his wife Hajar and son Ishmael alone in the desert. The little food and water that the mother and son soon ran out and Hajar in search of water desperately ran seven times between the two hills of Safa and Marwah but found none. Back in despair she saw that Angel Gabriel had miraculously brought forth a spring of water from the earth where her baby was scratching the ground with his leg. The spot where water was found is today known as the well of Zamzam. The discovery of water attracted tribes to settle in the area and the settlement flourished in what is today known as the city of Makkah. Prophet Ibrahim and his son Ishmael returned to the settlement some years later. The Holy Quran states that upon receiving instructions from Angel Gabriel, Prophet Abraham along with his son Ishmael raised the foundations of a house in dedication to God known as Kaaba near the site of the well. After placing the Black Stone in its eastern corner Prophet Ibrahim received a revelation in which God commanded him to go and proclaim the pilgrimage to the mankind. Kaaba became a place of pilgrimage for the worship of one true God free of any idolatry or polytheism.

Centuries down the line, the people of Makkah abandoned the worship of one God and denigrated into idolatry and polytheism. During this period which is known as the ‘age of ignorance’ Kaaba had idols and statues depicting animal and human deities which were openly worshipped.

In 610 C.E., the Prophet Mohammed (P.B.U.H.) received his first revelations from the God during which he was divinely instructed to re-establish monotheism. Makkah was conquered by Muslims in 630 C.E. and all the pagan idols were destroyed and re-consecrated the building to God The present pattern of Hajj was established by the Prophet Mohammed (P.B.U.H.). Next year at the direction of the Prophet, Abu Bakr led 300 Muslims to the pilgrimage in Makkah where Ali delivered a sermon stipulating the new rites of Hajj and abrogated the pagan rites.

In 632 C.E. shortly before his death, Prophet Mohammed (P.B.U.H.) performed his only and last pilgrimage with his followers and taught them the rites of the Hajj and the manner of performing them. He gave his farewell sermon at Jabal Arafat where he emphasized o the equality and unity of Muslim Ummah, a symbol of the egalitarian nature of the Hajj pilgrimage. The Hajj as performed by the Prophet on that occasion continues to this day.

Pre-requisites for performing Hajj for an intending pilgrim

i. must be a Muslim and must know that performing Hajj is obligatory.

ii. must have reached puberty.

iii. must be mentally sound and in full control of their mental faculties.

iv. must have sufficient funds to cover travelling, accommodation and all other expenses during the course of Hajj. It is also important to fulfil one’s social and familial obligations before going for Hajj.

The pilgrim must have enough funds to support one’s dependants while the person is away from home performing Hajj. Being debt free is not a pre-requisite although arrangements for debts to be fulfilled should be made prior to going for Hajj. Having a job or business that a pilgrim can resume after returning from Hajj.

v. must be physically capable of travelling to Makkah and performing the rites of Hajj. One should be free from illnesses or diseases to be able to travel.

vi. the journey to Hajj must be deemed safe enough to ensure that pilgrim’s life and possessions are secure from any danger. Applicable for female pilgrims only

vii. female must be accompanied by a Mahram (member of the family with whom marriage or sexual intercourse is Haram, with whom Purdah or concealment of the body with Hijab is not obligatory and who may serve as a legal escort of a woman during journeys longer than three days.

viii. Female must be free from Iddah (period of waiting that a woman must observe after the death of her husband or after a divorce, if applicable).

Types of Hajj

There are three types of Hajj that a pilgrim may choose to undertake namely:

a) Hajj-al-Tamattu
This type of Hajj refers to performing Umrah rites during the Hajj season and then proceeding to complete the steps of Hajj between the 8th and 13th day of Dhul-Hijjah. Both Umrah and Hajj rites are performed by entering a separate state of Ihram and a sacrificial animal is required in order to complete this form of Hajj. A pilgrim who undertakes this form of Hajj is called Muttamatti. The word Tamattu signifies enjoyment or take advantage of a facility due to the fact that the pilgrim has the added advantage of performing Hajj and Umrah in the same journey without having to return home. This is the easiest and the most common type of Hajj performed by a vast majority of Muslims and the one Prophet Mohammed (P.B.U.H.) encouraged his companions to perform.

b) Hajj-al-Qiran
Literally Qiran means to combine two things. A pilgrim who performs this kind of Hajj combines Umrah with Hajj during the Hajj season with only one intention and Ihram for both This form of Hajj requires a sacrificial animal to complete the rituals. A pilgrim who undertakes this form of Hajj is called Qaarin.

It is regarded as one of the most difficult type of Hajj as it requires the pilgrim to abide by the rules of Ihram for a longer period of time than the other two types f Hajj. The Prophet performed Hajj-al-Qiran during Hajjat al-Wada.

The difference between Hajj al-Qiran and Hajj al-Tamattu is that after performing Umrah the Mutamatti (pilgrim who performs Hajj al-Tamattu) relinquishes his/her Ihram and on the 8th of Dhul Hijjah he/she resumes Ihram.

c) Hajj al-Ifrad
Refers to Hajj that is performed without Umrah and the need of a sacrificial animal during the Hajj season and is usually done by those who visit the Kaaba on a regular basis. Hajj al-Ifrad is the only kind of Hajj allowed for the residents of Makkah and the hills (those who reside between Miqaat boundaries and the precincts of Haram)), for example Jeddah. Those performing this Hajj will normally arrive before the first day of Hajj whereas pilgrims performing the other two types of Hajj generally arrive a few days ahead of time. A pilgrim who undertakes this form of Hajj is called Mufrid.

Preparing for the Hajj

Now that you know the types of Hajj, we will now take you through the rites and rituals of the Hajj pilgrimage. As you are aware that in Hajj al-Tamattu and Hajj al-Qiran the pilgrim has to perform Umrah and Hajj together while Hajj al-Ifrad is performed without Umrah, hence we will elaborate on the rites performed during Hajj al-Tamattu which combines Umrah and Hajj and this form of Hajj is what the Prophet Mohammed (P.B.U.H.) encouraged his followers to perform.

The Umrah that precedes the Hajj and its rites are covered in part II of this very course so we will cover in this part the rites of Hajj and the agent partner will gain knowledge of Umrah and its rites as they proceed to part II after going through this part.

Preparations pre-departure
Hajj being the once in a lifetime journey for Muslims, requires a substantial preparation spiritually, mentally, physically and financially. Here we will cover these essential aspects which an intending pilgrim needs to consider and prepare for before setting out on this sacred journey.

a) Preparing Oneself Spiritually
Purifying oneself from all Shirk(the sin of idolatry or polytheism, i.e. the deification or worship of anyone or anything besides Allah). Reading about and understanding the inner dimensions of Hajj to get in the proper spiritual frame of mind. Understanding the perspective and meaning of Hajj rites, as it is not just a physical journey but an intense act of worship that has a spiritual significance. A very important part of preparation is self-evaluation before leaving for Hajj in terms of one’s weaknesses and flaws besides the issues of non-observance of prayers, not fasting during Ramadan and missing out on giving Zakat must be rectified. Doing Taubah (repentance) for the sins committed and realizing the weaknesses in self with the firm intent of discontinuing and fighting it. During Hajj, the pilgrim will see millions of fellow pilgrims unite from all corners of the world for one purpose alone: to fulfil the obligation of Hajj and surrender their selves before the creator or how truly amazing is the realization of the call to prayers which transforms the chaotic amblings of millions of people into perfectly formed lines of the faithful within a span of few minutes or the inner strength the faith provides for people to struggle and give up basic comforts because of the innate desire to please the God. An intending pilgrim making this a priority ahead of time by taking few steps to prepare will purify the soul and the struggle will be spiritually uplifting and rewarding.

b) Preparing oneself MentallyKnow the requirements of performing Hajj, gather knowledge about Hajj rituals, know what to expect and set the expectations, prepare oneself mentally to face the strains of the journey ahead like being mindful of weather conditions in Saudi Arabia as it is an arid, desert country where extremities in weather are to be expected hence carrying a sun hat, an umbrella, small handheld fan and towel will come in quite handy. Expect to stand in long lines, at times pushing because large crowds of people are accommodated in a comparatively small area, expect long queues at rest rooms and for doing ablutions before prayers. One needs to keep in mind that Hajj is not an easy journey but those who perform it with a strong intention will be rewarded by the God.

c) Preparing oneself Physically
Hajj involves a great deal of physical activities where intending pilgrims are required to walk miles under the hot sun during the day and face the cold desert temperatures at night therefore one must condition the body accordingly for the demanding journey ahead by building up endurance and stamina to have a smooth pilgrimage.

In consultation with the doctor start by developing a habit of walking daily at least a month or two before departure for a minimum of 30 minutes and thereafter keep increasing the duration of walks. Start to exercise body daily focusing on strengthening of muscles for the body to keep up with the exertions it will endure during Hajj.

Having a healthy diet which should include a greater portion of fruits and vegetables to get essential nutrients and having/adapting a simple lifestyle will gear the body well for the rigours of pilgrimage. Ensure and carry necessary supply of prescription medicine as well as other essential medicines for common ailments and allergies. All intending pilgrims should get required vaccinations before departure and carry their record on self.

Pilgrims in consultation with their dietician also should pack handy snacks like energy bars, glucose packet drinks in preparation for the journey ahead and dried dates can be purchased locally in Makkah and Madinah as they are easy to source and replenish locally.

For maintaining personal hygiene pilgrims also should pack disinfectant, hand sanitizer, masks to wear in crowded areas, disposable wipes and tissues. Last but not the least having comfortable shoes are a necessity for the amount of walking a pilgrim is required to do during the Hajj.

d) Financial Preparation
For Hajj commences with intending pilgrim having the financial capability to perform Hajj which is having sufficient funds to pay the Hajj costs and at the same time having the financial means to support one’s dependants at home while being on pilgrimage (it is important to know that Hajj costs need to be paid for from pure savings obtained through Halal (lawful) means while money obtained through Haram (unlawful) means like theft, robbery, fraud, bribery, interest or other doubtful means are unacceptable and additionally one cannot borrow money to perform Hajj). It is acceptable to take a free trip for Hajj as a gift or Sadaqah (voluntary charity) provided the dependants of the person accepting it are sufficiently provided for in their absence while on Hajj.

Budgeting for the journey is the first important step – knowing the potential costs in performing the Hajj which include visa, vaccinations as required by the Saudi government, travel logistics, the sacrifice of the animal near the end of the Hajj, money for voluntary charity and sundries like meals, calls, souvenirs etc. while on pilgrimage. It is always handy to have cash on self to cover day to day costs while on pilgrimage. Another important step is obtaining travel and health insurance for self before departure to cover any travel or medical emergencies so one can perform the pilgrimages (Hajj/Umrah) with utmost devotion and peace of mind.

Hajj/Umrah Travel Checklist

Below is a list of absolute essentials which an intending pilgrim needs to pack for Hajj/Umrah:

Medicines

Prescription medicines
Cough drops, vitamin tablets, Vaseline
Small travel size first aid kit
Medicine for muscle swelling and headaches

Toiletries

Unscented soap, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, tissues and toilet rolls
Nail cutter and small scissor (to be packed in check-in baggage as not allowed on the flight)
Unscented anti-bacterial hand sanitizers (to use while in Ihram) and Miswak (if available locally as it is available in Saudi Arabia as well)

Personal Items
For Male Pilgrims

Ihram clothes (two to three outfits)
A cloth bag with shoulder strap (to place your small items when going to Haram)
Money belt, prayer and other Islamic books
Prayer mat, small portable Quran, 7 beads on a string (to keep track of Tawaf)
Body and hand towels, sleeping bag with air pillow, backpack (to backpack things for stay in Mina), DC/AC electric convertor (for any gadgets), slippers, ear plugs, eye cover and slippers

For Female Pilgrims

Modest cotton outfits with long sleeves preferably white or light coloured as they work better in summer heat.
Take few head coverings to keep swapping them during Hajj. Hair tie backs, coat hangers (for drying washed clothes), socks, pyjamas
Post Hajj comes Eid, pack a suitable dress to celebrate the occasion.
All other items except clothing as described above under male pilgrims

Rites of Hajj (al-Tumattu)

As we know that Hajj is a pilgrimage made to Kaaba (the house of Allah), in the sacred city of Makkah beginning on the 8th and ending on the 13th day in the month of Dhul-Hijjah in the 12th month of the Islamic lunar calendar every year. Below we will elaborate on how Hajj al-Tamattu is performed.

The easiest and the recommended Hajj by Prophet Mohammed (P.B.U.H.). is performed by a vast majority of pilgrims. It is the pilgrimage of choice for the Afaqi (the pilgrim travelling from a different part of the world). This type of Hajj consists of two separate intentions. An intention for Umrah is made before the Miqat (the Hajj boundary) is crossed usually a few days before the Hajj is due to start, before carrying out the rites of Hajj when the pilgrimage begins whilst the intention for Hajj is made in Makkah after the Umrah is completed. The restrictions of Ihram in the intervening period are lifted and the pilgrim has to wait for the 8th of Dhul Hijjah to start the rites of Hajj.

Day 01 – 8th Dhul Hijjah
i) Assuming Ihram (the sacred state of ritual purity)
On 8th Dhul Hijjah, the pilgrim has to enter this sacred state which is the combined sacred act of Niyyah (the innate intention to perform an act of worship) and Talbiyah (a special prayer said in supplication to attain Ihram) necessary to perform Hajj. This day coincides with the Tarwiyah day which is also the first day of Hajj ritual. Ihram is the first rite of Hajj before crossing the outer boundary of Makkah, called Miqat. This entails wearing plain garments – two unstitched clothes for men, loose fitting clothing for women and following the rules of Ihram.

ii) Travel to Mina
Soon after observing the morning prayers, pilgrims head out to Mina either on foot along pilgrim’s path or by road transport (about 8 kilometres from Makkah) where they stay the entire day carrying out prayers and remembering God.

Day 02 – 9th Dhul Hijjah
iii) Travel to Mount Arafat to perform Wafuq
On the second day pilgrims travel from Mina to Arafat reciting Istaghfar and making supplications. Upon reaching Mount Arafat pilgrims observe Duhr, Asr combined with Qasar prayers near Jabal al-Rahmah from noon to sunset. This act is known as Wafuq (standing before Allah).

iv) Offering prayers in Muzdhalifah and collecting pebbles
After sunset pilgrims head to Muzdhalifah (about 9 kilometres) to observe the evening prayers and where the spend the night under the stars. Pilgrims also start collecting pebbles in preparation for the rite to be performed the next day departing again just before sunrise.

Day 03 – 10th Dhul Hijjah
This day is known as Yawm-ul-Hajj-al-Akbar (the big Hajj day) and also the longest day of the pilgrimage.
v) Stoning the devil – Ramy al-Jamarat
Pilgrims head back from Muzdhalifah to Mina before dawn. Once in Mina, pilgrims converge at the Jamarat bridge which houses three columns which represent the devil in order to re-enact Abraham’s pilgrimage to Makkah (where God commanded Prophet Abraham to sacrifice his son as proof of faith. It is believed that at this spot the devil appeared and tried to dissuade Abraham from heeding God’s command. Prophet Abraham responded by throwing stones at him to scare him off). This rite is known as ‘stoning of the devil’.

vi) Animal Sacrifice – Nahr
After casting the stones, pilgrims must perform the animal sacrifice (of a sheep, goat or camel) or pay for it to be done in their name. The meat is packed and shipped out to feed the poor in other Muslim countries.

vii) Shaving the Head (Halq) or Clipping of Hair (Taqsir)
Male pilgrims get their head shaved while female pilgrims are allowed to have a lock or strand of hair clipped. The act of cutting the hair symbolizes the detachment of the pilgrim from physical appearances and complete submission to God.

viii) Tawaf al-Ifadha
The pilgrims now proceed to Masjid al-Haram in Makkah to perform Tawaf (circumambulation of Holy Kaaba counter-clockwise seven times) and then perform Sai’iy by walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah.

After completing the aforementioned rites the pilgrims return to their campsite in Mina.

Days 4 and 5 – 11th and 12th Dhul Hijjah
ix) Stoning the Devil
The stoning of the Devil is repeated at Mina on 11th and 12th Dhul Hijjah by symbolically throwing seven pebbles at two other pillars namely Jamrat Oolah (the first Jamrat) and Jamrat Wustah (middle Jamrat). Pilgrims face the Jamarah (main pillar) with Mecca on their left and Mina on their right where pilgrims do the stoning reciting Takbeer.

Day 6 – 13th Dhul Hijjah
Pilgrims start returning back to Makkah before sunset on day 5 itself of Hajj however pilgrims who stay back have to perform the rite of stoning the devil on day 6 i.e. 13th Dhul Hijah and leave for Makkah before sunset.

x) Tawaf al-Wadaa
Wadaa means to bid farewell and pilgrims before leaving Makkah have to perform this farewell Tawaf. In this rite, the pilgrims have to circumambulate the Kaaba seven times counter-clockwise followed by two Rakaats of prayers and thereafter drink Zamzam water. After that pilgrim goes to Al-Multazam and invoke God for whatever one wishes for in this world and the hereafter. The pilgrim then goes towards Hajar al-Aswad (the Black stone) – crowd permitting try to kiss it or point towards it. Pilgrims after completing this rite leave Kaaba by setting their left foot out and making supplications while doing so. This final step marks the conclusion of Hajj rituals.

Significance of the Hajj Pilgrimage

a) Regarded as one of the profound deeds in Islam, Hajj is an annual Islamic pilgrimage to Makkah which every adult Muslim who is physically and financially capable must perform it at least once in his/her lifetime as it is a mandatory religious duty and one of the five pillars of Islam.

b) The Hajj is a demonstration of the solidarity of the Muslim people and their submission to god. The word Hajj connotes both the outward act of a journey and the inward act of intentions.

c) Hajj encompasses of all the worships, for example, belief in God, prayer, fasting, zakat, charity, spending one’s financial resource on a good cause, patience, good manners and Jihad.

d) During Hajj, the pilgrims perform acts of worship and they renew their sense of purpose in the world. The Hajj makes Muslims feel the real importance of life here on earth and the afterlife by stripping away all markers of social status, wealth and pride. During Hajj Muslims from all parts of the world come together and show their love for one another and get to know one another without any barriers or obstacles between them. The Hajj thus signifies a sense of purpose and inculcates humility and tranquillity in the pilgrims.

e) Hajj is a learning journey as the season of Hajj brings a great deal of good as Muslims come together and learn from each other.

f) During Hajj millions of Muslims of different races, nationalities, economic status and different sects unite in the holy pilgrimage each donning the simple two-piece white garb of the non-attached traveller as they all come together to perform the pilgrimage thus achieving unity of all Muslims.

g) A fresh start – According to a saying of the Prophet, when a believer returns home after performing Hajj, the person will be as he/she was on the day on which their mother gave birth to them. In other words such a person returns after Hajj as a new-born child. Here new-born refers to the pure nature of a child.

Hajj is the chance to wipe clean the slate of one’s mistakes and shortcomings of the past. It purifies the heart and soul of the person who performed it and then a Muslim boards on a new stage of life which leads him/her to spiritual and temporal gains thus Hajj besides being a pillar of Islam also influences social, moral and economical life of a Muslim too.

Benefits and Blessings of Hajj

Hajj builds character
During Hajj, a pilgrim undergoes difficulties with perseverance while performing the rites of Hajj, as they are not easy. The pilgrimage brings to the fore patience, person remaining calm and composed and the virtue of right behaviour towards fellow pilgrims.

Pilgrims are guests of Allah
Pilgrims performing Hajj and Umrah are guests of Allah and if they seek something from the Almighty – the God will grant, if they seek forgiveness – Allah will forgive.

Hajj purifies the sins
The person who performs Hajj for Allah’s pleasure will return from Hajj free from all sins. It is the greatest and beautiful gift of Allah.

The reward of Hajj is paradise
Islam prescribes that for Muslims there is one goal to strive for the entirety of their lifetime with the belief that this world is not the resting place but just a passing phase and one must do what one can to guarantee one’s place in heaven and that is the ultimate reward of Hajj.

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Madinah – Journey to the city of beloved Prophet

“O abode of the best of the messengers!
For you (Madinah) I have intense love,
Passionate love, and yearning which
kindles the ember of my heart”.

Madinah is located in the western part of Saudi Arabia. The Arabic word Madinah simply means city and the ancient name of the city was Yathrib. It was renamed Madinah (derived from Madinat al-Nabi, city of the Prophet in Arabic) in honour of Prophet Mohammed’s (P.B.U.H.) prophethood and death there.

The city is formally called Madinah Al Munawarrah (the luminous city) or Madinat Rasul Allah (city of the messenger of God). Madinah is celebrated as the place from which Prophet Mohammed (P.B.U.H.) established the Muslim community (Ummah) after his Hijra from Makkah in 622 C.E. and spent the rest of his life here. It is the base city where the Prophet established the society that was exemplary at that time and still it is a reference for the whole world.

The Islamic Calendar (al-taqwim al-hijiry)

Also known as Hijri, Muslim or Arabic calendar is a lunar calendar consisting of 12 lunar months in a year of 354 or 355 days It is used to determine the exact days and dates of Islamic holidays and rituals such as Ramadan (annual period of fasting), the proper time period of Hajj (pilgrimage) each year, the beginning of Muharram (Islamic new year). The Islamic calendar employs the Hijri era whose epoch was established as the Islamic New Year of 622 AD/CE. During that year Prophet Mohammed and his followers migrated from Makkah to Madinah and this event is commemorated as Hijra. The Islamic days of the week correspond to the seven days Allah created the world. The Islamic days begin at sunset and Muslims gather for worship at a mosque at noon on ‘gathering day’ (Yawn al-Jummah) which corresponds with Friday hence the gathering day is regarded as the weekly day off. Out of the twelve Hijri months four months namely Rajab, and the three consecutive months of ‘Dhul Qa’adah, Dhul Hijjah, and Muharram are considered sacred.

The Islamic calendar is primarily used for religious purposes and for official dating of public events in Muslim countries.

Importance of Madinah to Muslims

Although visiting Madinah is not a rite of Hajj or Umrah for pilgrims yet almost every pilgrim visits Madinah before or after the pilgrimage to Makkah because of the -
Unique merits of Madinah
a) Millions of pilgrims visit Madinah every year as it is the second holiest city in Islam after Makkah.

b) Madinah is the city that accommodated Prophet Mohammed (P.B.U.H.) and his companions after their Hijrah (migration) from Makkah. At the time Muslim residents of Madinah, known as the Ansar(the helpers) showed unbelievable generosity and solidarity with Muhajirun (the immigrants). Together they struggled and upheld the cause of Islam and conveyed it to the world.

c) Madinah thus was the earliest power base from where the Muslim community developed.

d) Prophet Mohammed (P.B.U.H.) highlighted the merits of Madinah “It (Madinah) expels the (bad) persons from it, as fire expels the impurities of iron (Source: Al Bukhari)”.

e) Prophet Mohammed (P.B.U.H.) supplicated to the God on behalf of Madinah “O Allah bestow on Madinah twice the blessings you bestowed on Makkah (Source: Al Bukhari)”.

f) It is stated that whenever the Prophet returned from a journey and observed the walls of Madinah, he would make his mount go faster because of his love for Madinah (Source: Al Bukhari).

g) Al Masjid an-Nabawi, established and built by Prophet Mohammed (P.B.U.H.), also known as the Prophet’s mosque is the second holiest site in Islam after the great mosque of Makkah. The Prophet stated “one prayer in my mosque is better than one thousand prayers in any other mosque except the Al-Masjid-Al-Haram mosque in Makkah. Hence visiting this mosque and praying in it are immensely rewarding. When entering the mosque, start with right foot and recite the dua’a (prayer) of entering the mosques.

h) The Prophet’s grave Riadhul Jannah the Garden of Paradise) is located in Al Masjid an-Nabawi is where he rests in peace marked by the green dome and it is a tradition to visit the Prophet’s grave and also greet him by reciting the dua’a (prayer).

i) The Baqi Cemetery: is the place where most of the Prophet’s wives and number of his companions are buried. Visiting the cemetery one can recall the tireless efforts and sacrifices of those buried and visiting the Baqi makes one mindful of death.

j) Madinah is also home to the two oldest mosques of the Islamic world namely:

The Quba mosque – dates back to the lifetime of the Prophet Mohammed (P.B.U.H.), its first stones were positioned by the Prophet and the mosque was completed by his companions. This was the mosque where the first Friday prayer was held, led by the Prophet. As per Islamic tradition – performing two rakaat’s of Nafl (optional) prayers will have a reward like that of an Umrah.
Masjid al-Qiblatayn (mosque of two Qiblas), is historically an important mosque for Muslims as this is where the Prophet received the command to change the Qibla (direction of prayer) from Jerusalem to Makkah.

k) Mount Uhud: was the site of the famous battle of Uhud fought between Muslims and polytheists where seventy companions of the Prophet were martyred. Pilgrims going to Madinah visit Mount Uhud to remember the martyrs and recall their great sacrifice and supplicate to God.

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Staying in Makkah - List of hotels in Makkah

Below we are sharing a list of hotels in Makkah which are patronized by the incoming pilgrims globally. The choice of accommodation is made based on following important factors like location (proximity to Haram), cost of stay, the views hotels offer like Haram and Kaaba view (the most in demand rooms), facilities and amenities that guests can avail at the hotel and importantly the availability of accommodations especially in high and peak periods.

The Government of Saudi Arabia in line with its vision 2030 of bringing 20 million pilgrims per annum to Makkah is developing and modernizing infrastructure with multiple big ticket projects underway where the whole city is undergoing a transformation in form of widening of roads, under and over passes being built, Makkah Mall already functional and a number of new hotels have already opened and many are under development to open phase-wise including what will the world’s biggest hotel - the 10’000 bedrooms, 70 restaurants and 4 helipads mammoth - ‘The Abraj Kudai’ when it opens its doors to welcome the pilgrims. The pilgrims do have a wide choice currently and will have more accommodations options to choose from in the near future.

While the majority of pilgrims prefer to stay as close to the Holy Kaaba as possible, realistically not all pilgrims cannot be accommodated due space constraints. New developments are happening in Makkah city where hotels newly opened and to open will be located few kilometres away from the Holy Kaaba however it may be noted that hotels currently provide free bus shuttles to the pilgrims to access the Holy Kaaba conveniently.

The hospitality market in Makkah have been broadly divided in two sections:

Primary – High quality, internationally branded properties located around the Masjid Al Haram (Central Area) mostly consisting of upmarket hotels.
Secondary – unbranded hotels and furnished apartments located outside of the central area.

A number of branded chains are doing major hotel projects outside the central area due paucity of land space. We will share in this list provided below the new hotel projects which have reached fruition and are welcoming pilgrims besides providing a selection of hotels within a short distance offering convenient and easy access to the Masjid Al Haram and the Holy Kaaba.

Hotels in close proximity to the Holy Kaaba

(Abraj Al Bait, Ajyad and Umm Al Qura areas)
5* Hotels

Intercontinental Dar al Tawhid Makkah
Raffles Makkah Palace (All suites hotel)
Fairmont Makkah Clock Royal Tower Hotel
Al Marwa Rayhaan by Rotana
Movenpick Hotel and Residence Hajar Towers
Pullman Zamzam Makkah
Swissotel Makkah
Swissotel al Maqam
Dar Al Eiman Royal Hotel
Al Safwah Royale Orchid Hotel
Makkah Towers
Makkah Hotel (prev. Millennium hotel)
Le Meridien Makkah

4* Hotels

Elaf Kinda Hotel
Al-Ghufran Safwah Hotel
Makarem Ajyad Makkah Hotel
Elaf Al Mashaer
Makarem Umm Alqura Hotel
Elaf Ajyad Makkah
Anjum Hotel
Qasr Ajyad Al Saad hotel
Dar Al Iman Al Khalil Hotel
Al Shohada Hotel
Al Massa Hotel

3* Hotels

Nawazi Ajyad Hotel
Qasr Ajyad Al Saad Hotel
Al Battal hotel
Al Thuria Grand hotel

Jabal Omar development

5*Hotels

Conrad Makkah
Hilton Suites Makka
Hilton Makkah Convention Hotel
Jabal Omar Hyatt Regency Makkah
Jabal Omar Marriott Hotel Makkah
Sheraton Makkah Jabal All Kaaba
Shaza Makkah

4*Hotels

Doubletree by Hilton Makkah Jabal Omar

Key New Hotel Openings outside (Central Area of Masjid Al Haram)

5*Hotels

Voco Makkah - IHG (5*, in Al Misfalah area, 1.6 Kilometres from Masjid Al haram, 4200 rooms)
Four Points by Sheraton Makkah Al Naseem (5*, in Al Naseem district,10 kilometres from Masjid Al haram, 1100+ rooms)
Millennium Makkah Al Naseem (5*, in Al Naseem district, 8.9 kilometres from Masjid Al Haram, 800+ rooms)
Park Inn by Radisson Makkah Aziziyah (5*, in Al Aziziyah district, 7 kilometres from Majid Al haram, 355 rooms)

Staying in Madinah - Hotels in close proximity to Al Masjid Al Nabawi

5* Hotels

Madinah Hilton
Dar Al Hijrah Intercontinental
Dar Al Iman Intercontinental
The Oberoi Madinah
Anwar Al Madinah Movenpick
Zamzam Pullman Madinah
Dar Al Taqwa hotel
Shaza Madinah
Crowne Plaza Madinah
Dallah Taibah hotel

4*Hotels

Ramada by Wyndham Madinah Al Hamra
Al Ansar Golden Tulip
Ramada by Wyndham Madinah Al Qibla
Golden Tulip Al Zahabi
Elaf Grand Al Majeedi hotel
Frontel Al Harithia hotel
Al Madinah Concorde hotel
Coral Al Madinah hotel
Odst Al Madinah hotel
Dar Al Naeem hotel
Al Haram hotel by Al Rawda
Zowar International hotel
Leader Al Muna karim hotel
Taiba Arac suites

3* Hotels

Rove Al Madinah hotel
Elaf Taibah hotel
Elaf Al Nakheel hotel
Al Madinah Harmony hotel
Jewar Al Saqefah hotel
Saraya Taba hotel
Hayah Al Taqwa hotel
Saja Al Madinah
Mawaddah Al Taqwa hotel
Dar Al Eiman Al Manar hotel
Al Mukhtara Golden
Al Eiman Royal hotel
Al Eiman Taibah hotel

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Transport options for Hajj and Umrah - By Air

International arrival/departures and domestic air travel within Saudi Arabia for pilgrimage.

a) Jeddah The Gateway to Makkah
King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah is one of the largest and busiest airports in Saudi Arabia and serves as the international gateway for pilgrims arriving to perform Hajj and Umrah. It currently has three terminals north, south, and Hajj terminal.

Hajj Terminal at King Abdulaziz International Airport
Due to Jeddah’s proximity to Makkah, the airport has a dedicated Hajj Terminal spread over 5 million square feet specially built for Muslim pilgrims. It is estimated to be one of the largest air terminals in the world and is equipped with high-tech facilities for receiving pilgrims as well as for completing immigration and screening procedure. It can accommodate over ninety thousand passengers at the arrival lounge and over eighty thousand passengers in the departure lounge and the airport facilities and personnel can clear three thousand eight hundred arriving pilgrims and three thousand five hundred departing pilgrims in an hour. The Hajj terminal complex has 26 aircraft parking spaces, 10 skyways, 18 travel gates and 143 counters for immigration formalities. Many airlines from Muslim and non-Muslim countries use the hajj terminal. The driving distance per way from King Abdulaziz airport Jeddah to Makkah city is slightly over 100 kilometres.

b) Madinah Airport
Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah besides the Jeddah airport is the only airport from where Hajj and Umrah pilgrims can enter Saudi Arabia.

Madinah airport has scheduled international services to regional destinations in Middle East, it receives international charters for Hajj and Umrah and handles domestic flights.

In their recently completed terminal expansion program Madinah airport has been awarded ‘Leadership in energy and environmental design gold certification in MENA region having the distinction of being the first airport outside USA for their commitment to environment, sustainability, passenger comfort and efficiency. The terminal has 16 aircraft stands served by passenger boarding bridges, 20 remote apron stands, widened runway capable of accommodating A 380 size aircraft. It has 72 check-in counters with 26 passport control counters. It features advanced passenger and baggage conveyance services with 23 conveyor belts, 36 elevators and 28 escalators to facilitate and speed up passenger and luggage movements. The airport currently has a capacity of servicing eight million passengers per annum.

c) Domestic flights on Jeddah
Madinah route or vice versa are operated by Saudi Arabian and Flynas Airlines.

Transport options for Hajj and Umrah - By Train

Haramain High speed train service
Saudi Arabia in line with its Vision 2030 have made tangible efforts to diversify its economy and boost infrastructure. One of the big ticket infrastructure projects has been connecting the holy cities of Makkah, Madinah with the international gateway Jeddah by a modern, reliable train network which decongests the road traffic and at the same time provides travellers a comfortable and fast surface travel option which cuts down travel time and allows the pilgrims more time at the destination. Here we are elaborating on pilgrims taking a direct train from Jeddah airport to Makkah, from Makkah to Madinah or from Jeddah to Madinah and travelling back to Jeddah for connecting their international departures.

Salient features of the Haramain High Speed Train
The Haramain high speed railway service is a 453 kilometres rail line linking the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah. The double track line is electrified and the design speed is 300 kilometres per hour. The train service has 35 trains with a seating capacity of 417 passengers per train and is equipped with latest technology to ensure comfort and safety of passengers. The train service offers economy and business class seating on board and is geared to transport 60 million passengers per annum.

The Key Train Stations servicing the pilgrims
Pilgrims arriving at Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport can connect from the new terminal at the airport directly to Makkah city where they will disembark at the Makkah Central Station located in Rusaiyfah district. Pilgrims taking the train from Makkah to Madinah will board the train from Makkah Central Station and upon arrival in Madinah will disembark at Madinah station (King Abdulaziz Street East).

Journey Time it takes
a) Jeddah to Makkah per way – Around 40 minutes

b) Makkah to Madinah per way – Around 185 minutes

c) Madinah to Jeddah per way – Around 135 minutes

Please Note
a) The journey time is based on the train travelling at a maximum speed of 300 kilometres per hour, however for any reason if the train is operating at a lower speed then the journey time can be longer.

b) Train frequencies and timetables are subject to change hence it is best to enquire with your supplier or book online and offer the most current information to your clients.

Makkah Metro Line
Al Mashaaer Al Muqaddassah Metro line is based in Makkah city and it was constructed to connect the holy sites of Arafat, Muzdhalifah and Mina with Makkah. It is used as an exclusive shuttle to transport pilgrims between the above stated holy sites. This metro line only operates for 7 days in a year during the Hajj period.

Salient features of Al Mashaaer Al Muqaddassah Metro line
This rapid transit metro service track length is 18.1 kilometres. It has a total of 204 carriages or 17 trains each with 12 car-sets. The track length is 18.1 kilometres. Each 12-car train is fully interconnected with separate areas for men and women and can carry 3000 pilgrims and during Hajj period it is used most intensively making it one of the busiest metro systems in the world. In peak periods the line operates with a special group shuttle schedule with three departure stations and three arrival stations at each holy site. It is estimated that this metro line has replaced over 50’000 buses in the Hajj period as it can carry 72000 pilgrims per hour and 500’000 pilgrims in 6 to 8 hours timeframe ensuring a safer and more comfortable pilgrimage. The line can provide transport for about 3.5 million pilgrims arriving at Makkah for the annual Hajj pilgrimage.

The holy sites covered by this metro line
This metro line from Makkah city exclusively serves pilgrims by providing shuttle services to ‘Arafat, Mina and Muzdhalifah. The service commences each year on 7th Dhul Hijjah at 04.00 AM and continues each day according to the prescribed movement periods of hajj rites and concludes on 13th Dhul Hijjah.

Transport options for Hajj and Umrah - By Road

Private Transfers for individual pilgrims
High end customers are spoilt for choice with options ranging from sedan, luxury sedan, SUV and stretch limousines equipped with most modern features and driven by trained chauffeurs who can provide arrival and departure transfers from Jeddah and Madinah, provide point to point service between Jeddah to Makkah or Makkah to Madinah or Jeddah to Madinah or vice versa.

Coach Services for small, medium and large groups
Are also well catered for with buses ranging from 14 seaters, 32 seaters and larger coaches for groups of varying sizes driven by experienced professionals.

Road distances between destinations
* Jeddah Airport to Makkah – one way is slightly over 100 kilometres.

* Makkah to Madinah – one way is 454 kilometres

* Jeddah to Madinah – one way is 415 kilometres

Dear Agent Partner,
We trust you have enjoyed doing this course online on TBO Academy and have found it in-depth, informative and relevant. Looking forward to your written feedback online which you can provide after completing this course and wishing you all successful certifications.

Take a Quiz

Its Various Names

Importance of Makkah

What is Umrah

Types of Umrah

Conditions for Umrah

Preparing for Umrah

Performing Umrah

Rites of Umrah

Performing the rite

What is Hajj

History of Hajj

Pre-requisites for performing Hajj for an intending pilgrim

Types of Hajj

Preparing for the Hajj

Hajj/Umrah Travel Checklist

Rites of Hajj (al-Tumattu)

Significance of the Hajj Pilgrimage

Benefits and Blessings of Hajj

Madinah – Journey to the city of beloved Prophet

The Islamic Calendar (al-taqwim al-hijiry)

Importance of Madinah to Muslims

Staying in Makkah - List of hotels in Makkah

Hotels in close proximity to the Holy Kaaba

Jabal Omar development

Key New Hotel Openings outside (Central Area of Masjid Al Haram)

Staying in Madinah - Hotels in close proximity to Al Masjid Al Nabawi

Transport options for Hajj and Umrah - By Air

Transport options for Hajj and Umrah - By Train

Transport options for Hajj and Umrah - By Road

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