HAJJ 2025: TRAVEL GUIDE AND THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW AS YOU PREPARE FOR PILGRIMAGE (EPISODE 4)

By: Ajape Sefiu A., Adedeji Monsurat A.

Alhamdulillah, we have so far discussed key aspects of Hajj preparation, documentation, traveling, and entering the sacred land of Saudi Arabia.

Now that you have arrived in Makkah and have donned your Ihram, the next important step—especially for those performing Hajj Tamattu—is to complete your Umrah rites.

Here’s what to know:

1. Performing Umrah Upon Arrival

For pilgrims performing Hajj Tamattu (which is the most common form), it is required that you perform a complete Umrah first before relaxing out of Ihram.

The Umrah involves four key steps:

• Tawaf: Upon arrival at Masjid Al-Haram, you will perform Tawaf (circumambulation) around the Kaabah seven times, starting from the Black Stone.
• Salah behind Maqam Ibrahim: After Tawaf, you should pray two short Rakats behind the Station of Ibrahim (Maqam Ibrahim), if possible, or anywhere within the Haram.
• Sa’i between Safa and Marwah: Walk briskly between the hills of Safa and Marwah seven times, starting at Safa and ending at Marwah.
• Halq or Taqsir (Hair cutting): Male pilgrims should shave their heads (Halq) or shorten their hair significantly (Taqsir). Women should trim a small portion of their hair.

Once these rites are completed, you exit Ihram and return to your normal clothes until the 8th of Dhul Hijjah when Hajj rites begin.

Important Tip: During Tawaf and Sa’i, keep reciting Adhkar (supplications) and be mindful of the sacredness of your actions.

2. Settling into Makkah Life Before Hajj

After completing Umrah, you will have a few days or even weeks to stay in Makkah before the official days of Hajj start.

Here’s how to make the most of this waiting period:

• Engage in Worship: Pray your five daily prayers in congregation at Masjid Al-Haram as much as possible. Each prayer here is rewarded 100,000 times more!
• Study Hajj Rituals: Attend lectures, seminars, or lessons organized by your Hajj group or available at your hotel to better understand Hajj steps.
• Stay Healthy: Rest well, stay hydrated, and eat nutritious meals. Avoid excessive exposure to the sun and crowded places to prevent illnesses.
• Prepare Your Supplies: Gather essential supplies like water bottles, umbrellas, medication, Ihram clothing for Hajj, prayer mats, waist pouches, and other personal necessities.
• Maintain Patience and Good Conduct: Remember that you are in a land of great blessings. Kindness, patience, and humility must be your companions.

In the next episode, we will discuss the Days of Hajj itself: from 8th Dhul Hijjah (Day of Tarwiyah) through Arafat, Muzdalifah, Mina, and Eid al-Adha rituals.

May Allah grant us all an accepted Hajj and ease every step of our journey. Ameen.

Watch out for Episode 5 of our Hajj Guide Series!

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