Hajj: Fifth Pillar of Islam

Overview

• Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam that every able-bodied Muslim is willing to perform once in their lifetime.
• The desire to visit the Kaaba in Mecca and present salutations at the Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) final resting place is strong among Muslims.

Revision Team for Guide

• Muhammad Khaliq, Deputy Director (Research & Reference Department)
• Jamil ur Rehman, Assistant Director (Hajj IT Cell)
• Ijaz Ahmed Memon, Section Officer (Committee Secretary)
• Ministry of Religious Affairs & Interfaith Harmony, Government of Pakistan, Islamabad.

Significance of Talbiyah

• Talbiyah marks the beginning of Ihram for Hajj and Umrah.
• Pilgrims recite it while moving, pausing, ascending, and descending until the Tawaf for Umrah or Hajj begins.

Federal Minister's Message

• Muslims are fortunate to have the opportunity to visit Allah's house and the Prophet's (PBUH) resting place.
• The emotions of embarking on this sacred journey are intense.
• Allah is asked to ease this journey for everyone which is the goal of this ministry.
• Efforts will be made to offer better facilities to pilgrims from Pakistan both in Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
• Pilgrims are encouraged to pray for their homeland and the workers assisting them.

Federal Secretary's Message

• The Ministry of Religious Affairs & Interfaith Harmony publishes literature annually to guide Hajj pilgrims.
• The book created, aims to comprehensively inform pilgrims about Hajj rituals and administrative matters easing the performance of Hajj.
• Gratitude is expressed to religious scholars and ministry colleagues who assisted in compiling the book.
• Pilgrims are encouraged to provide feedback for future improvements.
• It is requested to pray for the progress, and prosperity of our beloved country.

Index

• Preparation in Pakistan before Hajj
• Travel stages and accommodation in Saudi Arabia
• Method of Umrah
• Introduction to the sacred sites
• Method of Hajj
• Visit to Madinah
• Important considerations
• Medical facilities for Hajj
• Protection from accidents

Importance of Hajj

• Performing Hajj is a mandatory act for every sane, adult Muslim (both male and female) who has the means to do so.
• Having the means to perform Hajj is defined to be a safe path and the availability of sufficient funds to cover the expenses of Hajj.
• It also includes taking care of the people under one's charge during the Hajj.

Preparation

• Proper training is necessary for pilgrims to get the most out of their time in the holy cities.
• There are two important aspects to preparing for this journey: spiritual purification and practical preparation.
• Spiritual purification involves cleansing one's inner self, understanding the spirit of Hajj, and sincerely repenting.
• Making a firm resolution to avoid disobedience.
• Practical preparation involves preparing mentally and physically for the arduous journey.
• Pilgrims should know what to do before, during, and after Hajj, and attend to administrative matters to focus on worship.

Next Steps After Approval

• Successful Hajj applicants under the government scheme receive notification via SMS.
• Information about applications is available on the Ministry of Religious Affairs & Interfaith Harmony website.
• There will be organized training programs for pilgrims.
• Flight schedules are typically released in Shawwal, and pilgrims are informed of their building/ "Maktab" number.
• Hajj flights usually begin in the first week of Dhul-Qadah and last until the 25th of Dhul-Qadah.
• Employed individuals should obtain leave from their organizations based on their departure and return schedules and secure a No Objection Certificate (NOC).

Training Programs

• Training programs are conducted at the Tehsil and District levels, which pilgrims should attend.
• These programs cover arrangements in Pakistan and Saudi Arabia for the welfare of pilgrims.
• Programs also cover the rules of Hajj, Umrah, and visiting Madinah.

Pak Hajj App

• Ministry of Religious Affairs launched the Pak Hajj App for Hajj 2024.
• The purpose of app is to provide conveniences and information to Hajj pilgrims, including answers to common questions.
• Pilgrims can use the app to find out about their Hajj training schedule and vaccination details.

App Features

• Personal and group information of pilgrims
• Hajj training
• Vaccination
• Flight schedules
• Accommodation details in Mecca and Madinah
• Guidance in case of getting lost
• Complaint registration and resolution
• Access to the Hajj guide

App Installation

• How to Download from Play Store by using provided link

App Login

• To log into the app:
• Enter CNIC number
• Enter Application number
• Select check box
• Select the sign-in button

App Main Screen

• The user will see:
• Haji Name
• Language selection
• Button for exiting the app

Other Icons

• Personal information
• Group Information
• "Mehram" information
• Assistant information
• Additional facilities
• Nominee information
• Applicant's bank account
• Application Status

Hajj Schedule

• Camp Details
• Complete schedule
• Date and Time

The "Housing" Icon

• Mecca residence
• Medina residece
• "Maktab" information

Travel

• Flight schedule
• Departure
• Arrival

"Training" Icon

• Contains many useful resource
• Training material
• Educational videos
• Hajj guide book

"Complaint" Icon

• Complaint Type
• Complaint details

Health Considerations

• Pilgrims should obtain a medical certificate from an authorized bank branch.
• It should be attested by a doctor from a government/semi-government/military/autonomous body/corporation hospital.
• Private doctor's certificates are not acceptable.
• Pilgrims should postpone their Hajj plans if they are deemed unfit to travel due to any complex illness.
• Pilgrims should inform the ministry so that someone can be sent instead if they do not go to the Hajj
• There are penalties for those who submit fake medical certificates.

Immunizations

• Pilgrims must receive vaccinations for Meningitis and influenza.
• Taking polio drops is also mandatory before leaving for Saudi Arabia.
• Pilgrims must obtain a health card after vaccination.
• Some pilgrims do not focus on getting vaccinated and get vaccinated a few days before leaving for Saudi Arabia.
• The government made polio vaccinations mandatory for pilgrims.

Essential Items for Travel

• Pilgrims should keep necessary items in their bags according to the duration of their stay in Saudi Arabia
• The Ministry of Religious Affairs will distribute one large and one small trolley bag from bank including shoe bag, abayas, and Ihram belts.
• A checklist is provided to ensure all necessary items are packed:
• Ihram clothing
• Prayer rug
• Other items
• List included so that items brought are not prohibited
• Food items are not allowed due to the amount of food being wasted.

Women's Clothing

• Women should bring modest clothing that reflects Pakistani culture.
• Thin and inappropriate clothing is discouraged.
• Women should wear abayas and avoid high heels.
• Glass bangles should not be worn as they can cause injuries during Tawaf.
• All persons performing Hajj should affix Pakistani flag stickers on their clothes.

Currency

• Pilgrims must arrange for their expenses during their stay in Saudi Arabia which should be at least 2000 Saudi Riyals.

Arrival at Hajj Camp

• Hajj camps have various facilitation centers for Hajj.
• These include reception, information, airline offices, bank branches, dispensaries, canteens, and essential item stalls, which are there to aid pilgrims.
• Pilgrims will receive a message containing details of the Hajj program.
• Pilgrims should arrive at the Hajj camp two days before their flight.
• Pilgrims coming from far-flung areas should bring their complete luggage with them.
• Training is conducted daily after every prayer conducted in the mosque that is at the camp.
• Pilgrims are not bound to stay on site and asked to arrive 6 hours before flight.

Important Matters At Hajj Camp

• Pilgrims with specific illnesses should document them in a Treatment Book while a treatment book can be found in the dispensary.
• Essential medications should also be packed from the Hajj camp dispensary for the "Arbaeen" stay.
• If you are not vaccinated then that should be the first order to be taken care of.
• They should show the reporting card and get their boarding passes at the airline counter.
• Every pilgrim should be ready to recite their request number because the name on the Haji's name must be the number of the number.
• You should certainly verify your Visa on the photo that you will put on so that there are no problems with the flights.
• Verify for the relevant official what time you should ensure your arrival for flights.
• Present the bank's pictorial receipt and air tickets at the concerned bank branch.
• A sum of money will be refunded.

Transfer to Airport

• Banks should not have arguments and there should be an agreement.
• It must make sure that it has all of the important things that are on all of it for those and they will be after they are limited with any thing.

What you must be in position of

• One must ensure that list of the people are available with a letter from "The Tazkia"
• All scanned two images and their verification.
• A card issued by a local registration company must be available.
• If any medicine is required its prescription must be available.

Items In Baggage

• Baggage has to be handed over while the main list of item stuff gets taken away.

"Ehram"

• Is mustahab must be well-washed and the upper and lower parts must be clean with scent and no scent.
• No scent is available for women, but for men.