Introduction: Learning About Hajj
Hajj is the fifth pillar of faith and obligatory religious obligation for Muslims who are financially and physically able to make the trip. It is done every year during the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. It honors the deeds of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), his wife Hajar (AS), and their son Ismail (AS) to show obedience to Allah’s command.
Hajj is more than a regimen of rituals — it is one of the greatest spiritual experiences humanity has to offer, an event that demonstrates equality, unity, and piety. Each year, millions of Muslims set aside their worldly endeavors to gather to serve one common purpose — pleasing Allah and renewing themselves with a clean conscience.
Hajj 2025: Main Statistics
Saudi Arabia has reserved a quota of 179,210 pilgrims for Pakistan for Hajj 2025. It is divided equally between the private and government schemes, each having 89,605 slots (news.com.pk). On December 10, 2024, the Ministry of Religious Affairs declared all 79,000 applicants who applied under the government scheme successful. Besides, 10,605 slots are free and are being allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. (thenews.com.pk)
Globally, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah is anticipating more than 2 million pilgrims conducting Hajj during 2025, with thousands coming from Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas.
In this article, we will provide you a step-by-step guide to successfully perform Hajj 2025.
Preparing for Hajj: The Must-Haves
- Documentation
Ensure the following documents are in order before undertaking the pilgrimage:
Valid Passport: Must be valid for at least six months from the intended date of travel.
Hajj Visa: Obtainable from licensed Hajj operators or the Ministry of Religious Affairs.
Vaccination Certificates: Required vaccinations are meningitis and, depending on current health advisories, others like COVID-19.
Hajj Application Receipt: Evidence of submission and payment of application.
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah established an online platform to facilitate easy registration and document submission.
- Financial Planning
The fee for performing Hajj under the government scheme in 2025 is PKR 1,075,000 to PKR 1,175,000. The payment will be as follows:
First Installment: PKR 200,000 along with the application form.
Second Instalment: PKR 400,000 upon confirmation of selection.
Remaining Balance: By February 10, 2025.
From the USA, prices are between $8,000 and $12,000; from the UK, prices vary between £7,000 and £10,000, depending on package, accommodation, and facilities.
- Clothing & Packing
Pilgrims must pack lightly but bring everything necessary, such as:
- Ihram clothing
- Minimum toiletries (unperfumed)
- Comfortable shoes
- A prayer mat
- Medicine and first-aid kit
10 Stages of Hajj: A Detailed Guide to 7 Main Steps
The sacred journey of Hajj consists of 10 stages. Each stage is equally important and obligatory. However, these stages are divided into 7 crucial steps which are necessary for every pilgrim ro follow. Moreover, 4 steps are renowned as 4 pillars of Hajj. The 4 pillars (Arkan) of Hajj are the essential acts which have to be fulfilled for the Hajj to be valid. In case any of them is omitted, the Hajj is rejected. These4 arakaan are Ihram, Standing at Arafat, Tawaf-al-Ifadah and Sa’i.
You can get a brief information of all the steps according to their specific dates.
- Ihram
Pilgrims enter a sacred state known as Ihram from a designated location called Miqat. Men dress in two white unstitched sheets, while women dress modestly meeting Islamic criteria. In this state, specific acts like cutting hair or nails and using perfume are prohibited. Pilgrims recite the Talbiyah:
“Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik, Labbaik Laa Shareeka Laka Labbaik. Innal-Hamda Wan-Ni’mata Laka Wal-Mulk. Laa Shareeka Lak.”
- Arrival in Makkah & Tawaf
When they arrive, pilgrims proceed to Masjid al-Haram to conduct Tawaf, walking around the Kaaba seven times in a counter-clockwise direction. This represents the primacy of Allah in a Muslim’s life.
- Sa’i
After Tawaf, pilgrims walk seven times between Safa and Marwah hills, remembering Hajar’s (AS) frantic search for water. The ritual is a reminder of faith, endurance, and Allah’s mercy, as it was here that the spring of Zamzam water was discovered.
- Remain in Mina (8th Dhul-Hijjah)
Pilgrims go to Mina on 8th Dhul-Hijjah, a valley of white tents, and remain overnight in prayer.
- Day of Arafah (9th Dhul-Hijjah)
Pilgrims assemble on Mount Arafat on this day. They are praying and supplicating from noon until the sun’s setting. It is the holiest day of Hajj. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) stated:
“Hajj is Arafah.” (Tirmidhi)
- Muzdalifah
Pilgrims then proceed to Muzdalifah after sunset to gather pebbles and camp under the stars. Pilgrims pray and rest to prepare for the following day.
- Jamarat (10th Dhul-Hijjah)
Pilgrims complete the first cycle of Ramy al-Jamarat by throwing seven pebbles at the biggest pillar that represents Shaytaan. The act replicates Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) rejection of Satan’s temptation.
- Qurbani (Sacrifice)
Pilgrims slaughter an animal (Qurbani) to honor Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) willingness to offer his son as a sacrifice. The meat is given to the poor. This also signifies Eid al-Adha for Muslims across the globe.
- Haircut/Shaving
Men shave their heads; women cut a small amount of hair. This represents spiritual rebirth and humility.
- Tawaf al-Ifadah
Pilgrims go back to Makkah for Tawaf al-Ifadah, an obligatory ritual of Hajj. It is performed as in the initial Tawaf and represents the pilgrim’s inner cleansing.
- 11. Remain in Mina & Additional Stoning (11th-13th Dhul-Hijjah)
Pilgrims remain in Mina and stone all three Jamarat pillars on each of the following two or three days. The practice symbolizes the continued struggle against evil.
- Tawaf al-Wada
As they depart from Makkah, the pilgrims offer a Farewell Tawaf around the Kaaba as a sincere farewell to the holy sanctuary.
Extra Visits: Madinah & Masjid an-Nabawi
Although touring Madinah is not a component of Hajj itself, it is highly spiritually meaningful and is highly recommended. Pilgrims who go to Madinah after Hajj experience a serene and soul-calming atmosphere where they can reflect on their pilgrimage.
The main attraction in Madinah is the Masjid an-Nabawi, or the Prophet (PBUH)’s Mosque. It is the second-most holy mosque in Islam only after Masjid al-Haram in Makkah. Inside this mosque is the holy Rawdah, a small but holy place between the tomb of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his pulpit. As per a Hadith:
“What is between my house and my pulpit is one of the gardens of Paradise.” (Bukhari)
Pilgrims attempt to make prayers in Rawdah, hoping for proximity to the Prophet (PBUH) and Allah’s blessings. Although access is controlled because of crowds, it continues to be a spiritual peak for most.
Guests also send greetings to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) at his tomb, and also to the graves of his friend Abu Bakr (RA) and Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA), both of whom lie buried beside him.
Some other famous sights worth visiting in Madinah are:
Jannat al-Baqi: An old cemetery where several of the Prophet’s relatives and companions are interred.
Masjid Quba: The initial mosque constructed in Islam.
Masjid Qiblatain: Where the Qiblah (direction of prayer) was shifted from Jerusalem to Makkah.
A trip to Madinah is a lovely ending to the Hajj experience, providing spiritual peace and an opportunity to bond intensely with the history of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Role of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah is responsible for planning and smooth execution of Hajj annually. From quota distribution and visa issuance to transportation and medical care, they make sure that pilgrims from more than 180 nations have a safe and spiritually rewarding experience.
The Ministry has also launched apps for pilgrims, providing maps, prayer times, emergency contact, and real-time information.
Conclusion
Hajj is a life-changing journey that unites Muslims of all colors, languages, and cultures. Every ritual, from the Tawaf to the Sa’i, from standing in Arafat to stoning the Jamarat, teaches lessons of humility, devotion, and faith.
Planning with knowledge, patience, and honesty enables every pilgrim to earn not just spiritual blessings but also to gain a greater intimacy with Allah. Hajj 2025 will, Allah willing, be another wonderful contribution to Muslim unity and obedience to Allah’s decree.