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Hajj and Umrah Explained

Hajj is the annual pilgrimage to Mecca taking place during the month of Dhu al Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic calendar. Muslims are expected to make the pilgrimage at least once in their lifetime. 2 to 3 million people from across the world gather annually in Mecca for the Hajj. In Arabic, Hajj means ‘to intend a journey’.

Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam – the others are shahadah (declaration of faith); salat (daily prayer); zakat (giving of alms); sawm (fasting in Ramadan).

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Dates for Hajj and Umrah

The rites of Hajj are performed from the 8th to the 12th of Dhu al Hijjah. The Islamic calendar, based on the lunar year, means that the date changes in the Gregorian calendar every year. It is 10 to 11 days earlier than the preceeding year.

Hajj 2020 will commence on 9th August, Friday continuing to Wednesday, 14th August 2020. This is not the actual date as the original date will be subject to sighting of the moon of Dhul Hijjah.

Allah mentions the benefits of Hajj as:
“That they may witness things that are of benefit to them, and mention the name of Allah on appointed days over the beast of cattle that He has bestowed upon them. Then eat thereof and feed therewith the poor unfortunate.” (Quran 22:28)

As per the estimates of the Fiqh Council in North America, Hajj is expected to fall between July 28th, 2020 to August 2nd, 2020 Inshaa’ALLAH.

Significant Dates of Hajj 2020

Yaumut Tarwiyah- 8th Zul- Hijah
July 28th 2020

Yaumul Wuquf- 9th Zul- Hijah
July 29th 2020

Yaumun Nahr- 10th Zul Hijah
July 30th 2020

Ayyamut Tashriq- 11th Zul- Hijah
July 31st 2020

Ayyamut Tashriq- 12th Zul- Hijah
August 1st 2020

Health Advisory for Pilgrims travelling for Hajj:

The following travelers are requested to delay their travel due to the constant threat of the MERS virus in Saudi Arabia:

• Pregnant Women
• Children
• Diabetic Individuals
• Those with chronic health issues such as cancer or respiratory diseases
• Those with congenital disorders

All immunisations should be up to date in travellers going to perform Hajj. This includes: Hepatitis A and B vaccinations as well as Polio vaccinations.

Carry sanitisers, cold, cough, diarrhoea medication, and inhalers for asthmatic patients for emergency situations.

Due to extremes of temperatures being reached in a hot and dry country like Saudi Arabia, all Pilgrims are requested to move to the cool area and seek medical assistance when faced with dizziness or dehydration.

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Who makes the journey

Muslims attending Hajj must be of sound mind, and financially and physically capable of the journey. Muslims who complete the journey can add Hajji to their names.

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The Difference between Hajj and Umrah

Pilgrims can go to Mecca to perform the rituals at any other time of the year. This pilgrimage is known as Umrah and, unlike Hajj which takes place on fixed Islamic dates, is not obligatory.

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Vaccinations

Collingwood Health offers Travel Vaccinations for Hajj & Umrah. We offer our ACWY Meningitis Vaccination for only £48. We also carry first aid kits and other travel essentials. Our locations can be found on our contact page.

Please give us a call to book or come in and see our friendly staff. We can book your vaccination and discuss Hajj & Umrah relevant travel advice.

Call today: 01753 781602