Hajj is Farz on every abled Muslim. Millions of people visit Mecca each year to perform Hajj. 2020 was quite a disastrous year for every individual due to the COVID-19 pandemic which has disturbed our daily lives. People were not allowed to visit any country because of safety precautions and therefore the government of Saudi Arabia had also banned Hajj for Muslim pilgrims all across the world. Many people who intended to perform it this year were left behind but they can avail the next opportunity through cheap Hajj packages 2021 and can perform it. Why Hajj is important? It is one of the five pillars of Islam and the one with the utmost benefits. Hajj can be observed in the last month of the Islamic Calendar which is Zilhajj. Over a period of 5 to 6 days, it is performed in and around Mecca with the sequence of rituals. Our beloved prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) performed Hajj once in his lifetime in the year of his death. It attracts Muslims to perform it every year with love and devotion. Hajj is one of the kinds of Jihad that holds immense importance in Islam.
Narrated ‘Aishah:
The Prophet (ﷺ) sent my brother, ‘Abdur Rahman with me to Tan’im for the ‘Umrah, and he made me ride on the packsaddle (of a camel). ‘Umar said, “Be ready to travel for Hajj as it (Hajj) is one of the two kind of Jihad”.
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari 1516, Book 25, Hadith 4, Vol. 2, Book 26, Hadith 591
Hajj is a dream of every Muslim and they want to fulfill this obligation whenever they get the chance. Allah chooses those fortunate ones to visit His House (Ka’bah) to perform both Hajj and Umrah. We all know the excitement of Hajj even when you are not there performing it, you can feel it and the blessings this day embraces upon us. Strong Imaan, good physical health, and financial capability are the factors that Hajj requires and you must be prepared before performing it. Why in Mecca? It is a sacred site from ancient times, it is also the birthplace of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) and a place where he gets the memorandum of Islam. The Ka’bah was made in Mecca by Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S) and it has many spiritual places. Muslims pray towards the direction of Ka’bah, no matter where they live. During Hajj and Umrah, Tawaf is performed around the Khana Ka’bah in a counterclockwise direction.
“The first House [of worship] to be established for people was the one in Mecca. It is a blessed place; a source of guidance for all people”.
Qur’an 3 – Al ‘Imran: 96
Steps to Remember Before Performing Hajj
The importance of Hajj is evident and can be seen Quran and Hadiths, in order to perform it successfully you need to make some essential preparations so you can do it easily and properly without any inconvenience. Hajj is one of the best deeds one can perform. Prophet (S.A.W) was asked about it and he said the following Hadith:
Narrated Abu Huraira:
The Prophet (ﷺ) was asked, “Which is the best deed?” He said, “To believe in Allah and His Apostle.” He was then asked, “Which is the next (in goodness)?” He said, “To participate in Jihad in Allah’s Cause.” He was then asked, “Which is the next?” He said, “To perform Hajj-Mabrur. “
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari 1519, Book 25, Hadith 7, Vol. 2, Book 26, Hadith 594
Make Dua for Niyat
The foremost thing is your intention so make it pure and clear that you have intentions of performing Hajj pilgrimage for the sake of Allah Almighty. Ask Allah and make Duas to give you strength and health to complete it successfully. The Niyat is the foundation of what you are going to do, the Niyat matters a lot whether you are doing it for Allah or just to show people.
Time and Cost of Pilgrimage
Time and cost are two main this to consider while preparing for the Hajj pilgrimage. You must start planning a year ahead as the prices of Hajj packages rise when you book it at last time. There are various Hajj packages that you can look for if you start preparing these things early. If you are planning to perform Hajj in the coming year you should start looking for cheap Hajj packages 2021 to ensure your visit and to perform it successfully without the tensions. Through this, you can perform it within your estimated budget and can save money. Go through all the packages from different travel agents and choose the best suitable according to you. Time and cost must be incurred safely and properly to avoid any sort of issues.
Physical Health
Health must be on top of your list and you should test yourself before going on a long journey. Consult your doctors and get a checkup done to know your current physical condition and what medication you can have with you in case of an emergency. Ensure that your health won’t be a problem to anybody around you. If you are already taking some sort of medicines, ask your doctor about it whether you can take this or you need to change it.
Hajj Essentials
It is a big list of all the essentials that you would require and can make your Hajj go with the flow. The first thing is Ihram, take two Ihrams with you that are comfortable and sweat-absorbent not to feel irritated. The second one is money, note down your expenses and do not take heavy cash with you instead opt for a credit card. The third main thing is the waist pouch, you can keep all your valuable items in it such as passport, credit cards, money, etc. The fourth one is, it would be beneficial if you take water or some snacks to make you energetic and keep going. The fifth involves various basic things like Tasbeeh and pocket Quran. It may also include your umbrella, slippers, toothbrush, sunglasses, etc.
Muslim Holy Places 