Hajj/Umrah travel Tips and Guidelines

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Offline BRE SALAM SONY

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Hajj/Umrah travel Tips and Guidelines
« on: July 28, 2010, 10:44:20 AM »


I performed Hajj last year. Based upon my Hajj experience I compiled some Hajj notes. If someone finds these notes helpful i will be happy .

Hajj Notes :

Before Hajj Journey
====================

1. Hajj is a journey of patience so one should show restraint and self control during this sacred journey. You may have to stand in long queues and wait for hours , do things in big rush or walk long distances on foot . So one should show patience and should not loose blessings of Hajj by getting mad at others or getting angry at small issues.

2. If you can afford, prefer a reliable private Hajj group organizer over Government Hajj Scheme. While selecting a private group organizer always select one which is referred by someone and which has a valid License No. with Hajj Ministry.

3. Positives of Govt Hajj scheme is that it is economical and reliable in the scenes that nobody will run away with your money. But management of Govt scheme during Hajj is very poor and their residences in Makkah, Madina and Mina are at long distances
from Haram.

4. Learn Hajj Rituals from religious scholars and attend training programs arranged for Hajjis so that one should perform Hajj according to Sunnah of our Prophet (SAW). Keep one or two books on Hajj Rituals with you during Hajj journey.

5. For daily use choose a very soft pair of Chappel/sandals in which you can easily travel 2 to 4 km daily. Women can choose Fabric shoes.

6. Small items of daily use get expensive in Makkah , Madina during Hajj, if you can easily carry these in your luggage it will be helpful.

7. You can keep medicine for fever , flu , soar throat/cough, body pain with you as flu/fever/soar throat is common during Hajj.

8. Mobile phone that you carry during Hajj should have a long battery life so that you do not have to recharge it every day.

9. Practice to walk 4 to 5 kms daily before Hajj. During Hajj days you often have to travel long distances on foot.(For example doing tawaf on 1st or 2nd floor of masjid-e-haram is almost 6-7 km). If people especially elders/women are not used to it they get tired.

10. During Hajj there are no carpets in entire Haram so you have to walk bare footed on tiled floor for tawaf and Saai. It may be bit difficult in initial days. Women can keep lather socks/thickcotton socks for tawaf/Saai.

11. In Hajj rush people often get robbed of their money, valuables. Never keep all your cash at one place.

12. If your parents in 60'ties or 70'ties are going for Hajj, some one young from the family should accompany them because if old people get sick during Hajj or get lost in hajj rush it is very difficult for others to manage/help them.


আল্লাহর রহমতে প্রতি বছর হজে যাওয়ার সুযোগ হচ্ছে।এভাবেই হাজীদের খেদমত করে যেতে চাই।
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Offline BRE SALAM SONY

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Re: Hajj/Umrah travel Tips and Guidelines
« Reply #1 on: July 28, 2010, 10:47:58 AM »


During Hajj Days
=================


1. You will be given an Identity card by your Hajj ministry/Tour Operator. In Saudia you will also be given a Hajj Card. ID card contains info regarding Name, passport No. while Hajj card contains info about your Khema No, maktab in Mina and Arafat. Always keep wearing these cards during Hajj days.

2. Always move with your group during Hajj days. Especially those people who are going for the first time, they should avoid moving alone to avoid getting lost in Hajj rush and getting in trouble.

3. If someone get's lost during Hajj days (which is quite possible in Hajj rush), use these ID/Hajj cards to get guidance to your place.

4. Reliable way to do Qurbani/Sacrifice is through saudi banks, although it may be more expensive then other options. There are many banks in surroundings of Haram in Makkah. Before leaving for Mina, You can deposit money in banks and get coupons. They
will tell you date and time of Qurbani/sacrifice. You can also get meat from slaughter house in Mina by showing your coupons.

5. When you move from Makkah/Azziza to Mina for Hajj days, only keep necessary luggage with you . Leave the rest in your Hotel in Makkah/Azzizia. During Hajj people have to travel between Mina, Arafat, Muzdalfa often on foot and extra luggage becomes an over burden. (Your necessary luggage may contain a Chatai/small rug, one extra ihram, one set of clothes other then ihram, umberalla, some dry fruit).

6. Mina is like a large city of Khema's. Mina is divided into different Maktabs. You will be told about your Maktab number by your Hajj operator.

7. Street and gate numbers of each Maktab is marked on Poles in the Mina streets. Note the pole number and Zone of your maktab entrance.

8. Free medical is available to all Hajji's in Hajj days. You can get medical aid at any dispensary by showing your ID/Hajj card.

9. Boundary of Arafat is marked with Large yellow sign boards saying 'Arafat starts here' and 'Arafat ends here'on all sides. Make sure you stay inside arafat boundry otherwise your Hajj becomes void.

10. Front end of Masjid-e-Nimra is out of Arafat boundary. This is marked with sign boards in and outside of masjid.

11. Doing Rammi (throwing stones) at Jamarat (Shitan) happens in huge rush especially on 10th and 12th of Zul-Hajj. Although Saudi govt. has expanded the place by many folds still every year there are incidents of people getting injured/dead in the rush so be very careful. Never take small children or any luggage with you while going for Rammi.

12. When you are going for Rammi (stone throwing) with ladies and Old people, go as early as possible. Try doing Rammi before 9:00 am on 10th of Zul-Hajj because after that Rush increases by many folds and it gets difficult for ladies/old people to perform Rammi.

13. These days Jamarat in Mina is in the form of a 50 feet long Wall. Many people start doing Rammi at the starting end of the wall. At tail end (other end) of Jamarat there is little rush and you can easily stone the jamarat.

14. In Hajj rush all the roads between Mina, Arafat, Harem are blocked and buses/wagons take hours to travel small distances. Hence buses for Hajji's often start in night hours to reach Mina and arafat on time.

15. If there are no ladies or elders with you, you can choose to walk on foot toward Mina , arafat , muzdalifa and still reach before the buses.

16. Hajj operators mostly do not provide transport from Muzdalifa to Mina and from Mina to haram for tawaf-e-Ziarat. So Hajji's have to travel on foot.

17. Pedestrian ways between Mina , Arafat , Muzdalifa are clearly marked by Saudi Govt and there are washrooms and drinking water spots at regular intervals along the paths.

Approx Distances between :
Mina & Arafat : 11 KM
Arafat & Muzdalifa : 7 KM
Muzdalifa & Mina : 4 KM
Mina & Masjid-e-Haram : 5 KM

18. If is advised that for Tawaf-e-Ziarat you go on foot from Mina to Haram because public transport is rarely avalible and if you arrange a Taxi it will charge high Fairs.

আল্লাহর রহমতে প্রতি বছর হজে যাওয়ার সুযোগ হচ্ছে।এভাবেই হাজীদের খেদমত করে যেতে চাই।
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Offline BRE SALAM SONY

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Re: Hajj/Umrah travel Tips and Guidelines
« Reply #2 on: July 28, 2010, 10:50:35 AM »


In Makkah Mukarrama
===================

1. Bab-e-Abdul aziz is Gate No. 1 of Masjid-e-Haram. There are more then 100 Doors of Haram including 4 main gates.

2. In Masjid-e-Haram there are arrow signs on all the Gates/Doors. If arrow sign is GREEEN you can enter. If arrow sign is RED it means that section of Masjid is full and you should use some other door to enter.

3. First Azan in Masjid-e-Haram is that of Tahjjad. Fajar Azan is approx one hour after Tahajjad Azan.

4. In Hajj time, after every faraz prayer often 'Namaz-e-Janaza' is performed in Masjid-e-Haram.

5. In Masjid-e-haram there is no separate praying area for women. Women should say prayers in rear area of Masjid. Men should avoid saying prayers behind women or adjacent to them.

6. White Marble tiles of large size in outside courtyard of Masjid-e-Haram and on the roof are aligned in direction of Kaba for prayers.

7. Disabled and old people can use Wheel chairs for free to do tawaf and sai. These Wheel chairs can be obtained from outside of Haram opposite Sawa Marwa section.

8. Section of Masjid-e-haram adjacent to Bab-e-Fahd is air conditioned. In rest of Haram there are only fans.

9. Doing tawaf on ground floor of haram is easy but in Hajj days ground floor is all crowded. On 1st or 2nd floor rush is quite less but it takes more then an hour time to complete tawaf.

10. In haram Quran Majeed with Navy blue color has the syntax that we follow in indo-pak region. In Saudia they have color codes to represent different syntax of Quran Majeed followed round the world.

11. If you plan to perform Umra while in makkah, buses go for masjid-e-Aisha opposite to Bab-e-Fahad of Masjid-e-Haram. Wagons are also available for Masjid-e-Aisha and Jarana in surroundings of Haram.

12. If you want to visit Hira Cave on Jable Noor, plan going there in the morning. Jable Noor is quite steep and it takes around one hour to climb. It is difficult to climb in one go so take rests in between and Keep some drinking water with you.

13. Jannat-ul-Mualla (Graveyard) is on a walking distance of 15 minutes from Masjid-e-Haram. It is on Masjid-e-Jin side.

14. Hateem in Masjid-e-Haram has to be vacant before every prayer. Keep this in mind rather then arguing with Guards in Haram.

15. Point for filling Zam Zam Canes of 10 L , 20 L are adjacent to birth place of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) building.

16. Guards in Harem only understand Arabic language. So rather then arguing with them simply follow their instructions to avoid inconvenience.

17. Keep a Ja-e-Namaz (Prayer Rug) with you while in Haram because in rush you often have to say prayers outside and on roads.

18. While in Haram if you place shoes on shoe racks they often get lost. A good alternate is keep them in a shoulder bag with you to avoid inconvenience.

19. All types of restaurants / fastfoods are situated in surroundings of Masjid-e-Haram but are very crowded in Hajj time.

20. Buildings of Pakistan Hajj Mission and Medical Mission are on Ajyad Road/Street. Hajji's can get free medical assistance from Medical Mission by showing Hajj ID cards.

আল্লাহর রহমতে প্রতি বছর হজে যাওয়ার সুযোগ হচ্ছে।এভাবেই হাজীদের খেদমত করে যেতে চাই।
01711165606

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Offline BRE SALAM SONY

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Re: Hajj/Umrah travel Tips and Guidelines
« Reply #3 on: July 28, 2010, 10:54:03 AM »

In Madina Munawwara
====================

1. Bab-al salam is Gate. No. 1 of Masjid-e-Nabwi.

2. For Ziyarat of Roza-e-Rasool (SAW) normally men enter from Bab-al salam and leave from Bab-al Baqi.

3. In Roza-e-Rasool names of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), Hazrat Abu Bakar and Hazrat Umar are written on the Grill (Jali) to mark position of graves.

4. Carpets in all of Masjid-e-nabwi are of red color while carpets in Riaz-ul-Jannah are of light green color to mark its boundary.

5. Riaz-ul-Jannah is less crowded in the morning After sunrise and around 10 pm in the night

6. In Masjid-e-Nabwi there is separate praying area for women.

7. Women are allowed to come to Riaz-ul-Jannah and ziyaraat of Roza-e-Rasool only after Fajr , Zohar and Isha prayers.

8. Zam Zam water is available in Masjid-e-Nabwi for drinking only. You cannot fill 10,20L canes.

9. Distance of Masjid-e-Quba from Masjid-e-Nabwi is approx 4 KM. It is a walk of approx 30 to 40 Mintues . Wagons are also available in surroundings of Masjid-e-Nabwi for Masjid-e-Quba.

10. In Madina masjid-e-nabwi, masjid-e-Quba and masjid-e-Qiblatain remain open 24 hours. All other mosques in madina get closed after Isha prayer.

11. Jannat-ul-Baqi (Graveyard) is opened for ziarat after fajr and Asar prayers for one hour time .

12. Dates Market in madina is opposit Masjid-e-Yamama and behind Aswaq-e-haram market.

13. Dates prices in Madina are cheap as compared to Makkah. Names of good quality dates in Madina are 'Ajwa', 'Mabroom' , 'Safawi' and Khizri.


"Pls Remember me in your prayers"
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আল্লাহর রহমতে প্রতি বছর হজে যাওয়ার সুযোগ হচ্ছে।এভাবেই হাজীদের খেদমত করে যেতে চাই।
01711165606

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Offline BRE SALAM SONY

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Re: Hajj/Umrah travel Tips and Guidelines
« Reply #4 on: July 28, 2010, 11:00:23 AM »
total Days stay one picture here see

আল্লাহর রহমতে প্রতি বছর হজে যাওয়ার সুযোগ হচ্ছে।এভাবেই হাজীদের খেদমত করে যেতে চাই।
01711165606

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Re: Hajj/Umrah travel Tips and Guidelines
« Reply #5 on: July 28, 2010, 11:03:09 AM »

Day - 1 - Mina
On the first day of Hajj all the pilgrims assemble at Mina (aka Muna) in a shallow cup like valley, about 8 kilometres (5 miles) from Makkah.

A male pilgrim is required to wear two pieces of unstitched cloth (this is commonly known as Ihram clothe); wrapping himself with one so as to cover himself from the waistline to well below his knees. The other he throws over his shoulders, covering shoulders, his back and chest. The head and face must not be covered at any time.

For ladies, their ordinary and unpretentious clothes of daily wear constitute their Ihram but they must cover all their bodies including their head, with the exception of their face and the lower parts of their hands, which must remain uncovered.


This simple clothing symbolizes that before Almighty all are equal and there is no difference between the rich and poor. While the pilgrims are in state of Ihram, they cannot shave, cut their nails, use deodorant or perfume. They may not swear or quarrel, kill any living thing (even an insect) or engage in sexual activity.

As per tradition the pilgrims stay at Mina in tent, hence Mina is a tent city, catering to a temporary population of about 3 million pilgrims. It is therefore seen in GE view as a large white area.


There is no activity on Day-1, the pilgrims spend their time offering prayers and reading Holy Quran. The stoning of Satan (Devil) also takes place here at Mina but that is on day-3 onwards and will be explained later.

After spending first night at Mina, on the second day after performing the prayer at dawn, the pilgrims depart for the plains of Arafat.

[/size]
আল্লাহর রহমতে প্রতি বছর হজে যাওয়ার সুযোগ হচ্ছে।এভাবেই হাজীদের খেদমত করে যেতে চাই।
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Offline BRE SALAM SONY

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Re: Hajj/Umrah travel Tips and Guidelines
« Reply #6 on: July 28, 2010, 11:07:39 AM »
Day - 2 - Arafat




Arafat (aka Plain of Arafat) is a desert located approximately 14.5 kilometres (9 miles) from Mina. The Mount of Arafat (aka the Mountain of Mercy or Jabal ar-Rahmah in Arabic) is located in the midst of the plain. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) had delivered his last Hajj sermon from this mount. Arafat is a sandy place and earlier didn't have much greenery. However about 15 years ago massive landscaping efforts were taken and more than 50,000 Neem trees were planted by Saudi authorities. The area is quite green now as can be seen in the in this view from Panoramio as well as in GE view. Mount of Arafat can be seen in he background. The pilgrims stay during the day in temporary tents or under the shade of Neem trees.








For the pilgrims it is the most important day - There is no Hajj without stay at Arafat. If this stay is missed, the whole Hajj is invalidated. The boundary within which the pilgrims must stay at Arafat, are well defined with multi-language markers placed all along the periphery. I have tried to mark the rough boundary in the GE view given above.


The afternoon period, couple of hours before Sunset, is considered the most pious time. During this period until sunset, the pilgrims stand in earnest supplication and devotion, praying for God's mercy and forgiveness. It is believed that during this period, The Almighty will be generous to His servants, forgive them for their sins and liberate them from the fire of hell. The scene during this period is emotionally charged and leaves a lasting impression - A multitude of about three millions, praying together, hands upraised with tears in their eyes seeking His forgiveness.

As soon as the Sun sets, the pilgrims start leaving for Muzdalifah.
আল্লাহর রহমতে প্রতি বছর হজে যাওয়ার সুযোগ হচ্ছে।এভাবেই হাজীদের খেদমত করে যেতে চাই।
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Offline BRE SALAM SONY

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Re: Hajj/Umrah travel Tips and Guidelines
« Reply #7 on: July 28, 2010, 11:17:54 AM »
Night - 2 - Muzdalifah


Muzdalifah is an open area southeast of Mina on the route between Mina and Arafat, about 9 kilometres (6 miles) from Arafat.


The pilgrims spend the night here, under the open sky praying.


They also collect small pea-sized pebbles here for the stoning of the Satan ritual in Mina during the next three or four days.


আল্লাহর রহমতে প্রতি বছর হজে যাওয়ার সুযোগ হচ্ছে।এভাবেই হাজীদের খেদমত করে যেতে চাই।
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Re: Hajj/Umrah travel Tips and Guidelines
« Reply #8 on: July 28, 2010, 11:24:37 AM »


Day - 3 - Mina


On 3rd day at Muzdalifah the pilgrims offer prayers at the dawn of the day and then just before sunrise start the return journey to the tent city. Since Mina is now only about 5 kilometres (3 miles) away many pilgrims prefer to walk instead of taking bus.



On reaching the Mina, the pilgrims proceed to Jamarat Bridge for stoning of Satan. Women, sick men and elderly persons are excused from this ritual and can authorize some one else to do the pelting on their behalf.

The stoning symbolizes the dilemma experienced by Prophet Ibrahim, whether or not to sacrifice his son Ishmael (Ismail) as per the Divine vision. The Satan had appeared three times to divert Prophet Ibrahim's mind from his goal but each time Prophet Ibrahim drove him away by pelting with stones.

Till a few decades back there were three pillars (Arabic: jamarat), each pillar marking the location where Prophet Ibrahim drove away the Satan. The word jamarat is plural of jamarah meaning pillar. The eastern most is known as small jamarah, the central one the medium jamarah and the last is known as great jamarah. Since every pilgrim is required to hit each pillar at least seven times and the space was very limited, this place was scene of many stampedes and tragic deaths.

In mid sixties a two tiered bridge was made here with three conical openings. The pilgrims could throw the pebbles either from the ground floor or from the upper floor through the openings. One such pillar and the opening can be seen in the photo below;

After the tragic incidence of 2004, in which about 250 pilgrims were killed and many pilgrims were injured, the 2 tiered bridge was demolished and a new 5 storey bridge has been constructed. The pillars have also been replaced by longer and taller oblong walls so as to allow larger crowd to do the pelting at a time.


Not much can be seen in this GE view because of ongoing constructional activity. It is however understood that now the entire 5 storey are ready for the current (Dec 2007) Hajj. Another 4 storey are also proposed to be added in few years time.



On this day only the last pillar, representing great Satan is stoned. After pelting (known as Ramy in Arabic), the pilgrims are required to carry out sacrificial slaughter (Qurbani) of atleast an animal (sheep, cow, camel etc.) and give away the meat to the poor. This symbolizes and in a way enacts Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son. Pilgrim can authorise another person or agent (local bank/their travel agency etc.) to carry out this sacrificial slaughter on their behalf. Each year, over a million animals are sacrificed, in modern abattoirs. In order to avoid wastage of meat, the surplus is packaged and then distributed internationally to persons/countries in need/distress.

Once the sacrifice is over or a confirmation is received from the authorised agent that sacrifice has been carried out, the male pilgrims shave their head while the women trim a small part of their hair. The pilgrims are now free from all Ihram restrictions except marital relations, which will remain in force till they go to Makkah and return. They change into normal clothes, congratulate each other and rejoice.


The sacrificing of animals is spread over three days (day 3, 4 or 5 of Hajj) but one cannot come out of Ihram restrictions and clothing till sacrifice takes place.

In the next step of Hajj, the pilgrims are required to go to Makkah for Tawaf - circumambulation around Holy Kaaba seven times and Sai - walking to and fro seven times between the hillocks of Safa and Marwa.

This trip to Makkah is another important part of Hajj and it can be either on 3rd day or 4th or 5th day but only after the animal sacrifice.

Makkah and then back to Mina

Makkah is only 8 kilometres (5 miles) from Mina so many persons walk the distance and Saudi authorities have built tunnels and special roads for pedestrians. These tunnels can be easily seen in GE view.



[/size]

আল্লাহর রহমতে প্রতি বছর হজে যাওয়ার সুযোগ হচ্ছে।এভাবেই হাজীদের খেদমত করে যেতে চাই।
01711165606

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Offline BRE SALAM SONY

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Re: Hajj/Umrah travel Tips and Guidelines
« Reply #9 on: July 28, 2010, 11:30:55 AM »


The Holy Kaaba


The Kaaba (derivation of Arabic word muka'ab meaning cube) is a large cubical building. It is the holiest place in Islam and is the direction (Qibla) Muslims, all around the world, face during prayers. The original Kaaba was built by Prophet Ibrahim and his son.

The Mosque which is built around the Kaaba is known as al-Masjid al-Haram. (Masjid = Mosque, Haram = Sanctuary or Holy site).
After reaching Makkah and prior to starting the circumambulation around Holy Kaaba, the pilgrims offer a small prayer preferably near a spot called "The Station of Abraham" (Arabic: Al Maqame Ibrahim). It is a golden cage containing a stone pedestal on which Prophet Ibrahim stood while constructing the Kaaba. It is located about few metres away from the North-East face of Kaaba. Being small in size it is not identifiable in GE view. I have tried to point to the likely spot. Due to huge crowd most of the time it is not possible to offer this prayer near the spot so it is permitted to offer any where within the precincts of Holy Mosque.

The Station of Abraham (golden cage) can be seen at the extreme right edge of this photograph.



Here is close-up image of the stone pedestal inside the golden cage of Station of Abraham.


The pilgrims now perform the circumambulation (known as Tawaf Ziyarah or Tawaf al-Ifadha or Tawaf al-Hajj) by taking seven anti-clockwise rounds of Holy Kaaba, starting from the eastern corner where the Sacred Black Stone is embedded. A green line is also marked on the floor to indicate the starting point. Full seven rounds can take anywhere from 20-25 minutes to couple of hours depending how far is one's distance from the Kaaba. During peak time many pilgrims have no choice but to take round trip at the outer periphery of the Holy Mosque. The circumambulation can also be done on the first floor or on the roof of the Holy Mosque as can be seen from this photo.

After completing the seven rounds of Kaaba the pilgrims now take seven, to and fro trips between two hillocks (Safa and Marwah) near the Kaaba. These hillocks about 450 metres apart, are now enclosed within the Holy Mosque's complex. This back and forth travel is called Sai and is done in remembrance of the plight of Prophet Ibrahim's wife Hagira (Hagar), who frantically searched in the area for water for her infant son Ismail (Ishmael), when they were left alone in the desert by Prophet Ibrahim as consequence of a Divine vision. While searching for water a spring had sprouted in the desert. This ancient spring, known as ZamZam, continues to flow today and is considered holy by Muslims.

The to and fro circuit used to be in the open air, but is now an entirely enclosed air-conditioned double storey corridor within the Holy Mosque. It can be easily seen in the GE view.

As part of this ritual, the pilgrims also drink water from the holy Zamzam Well which, being situated in the basement of The Holy Mosque cannot be seen in GE view.

After completing of these rituals the pilgrims have to now return back to their tents in Mina and stay there till day -5.

Day - 4 - Mina
The only activity on this day is Ramy (pelting of the Satan with stones). Unlike earlier pelting, this time all the three jamarah (pillars symbolising the Satan) are to be pelted. First the small then the medium and lastly the great jamarah. Thereafter there is no other activity and pilgrims rest and pray in their tents.

Those who coudn't go to Makkah on day-3 for circumambulation ritual, go on this day to Makkah but then again must return back to spend night at Mina.

Day - 5 - Mina
Like the day-4 the only activity on this day is pelting of the stones on all the three jamarah and then on completion of the pelting the pilgrims return to Makkah.

However if any pilgrim is unable to leave Mina by sunset then he is required to stay at Mina for one more night and perform an additional round of pelting again on day-6 before he returns to Makkah.

With this the Hajj ritual is completed.

It is pertinent to note that the simultaneous multi-location movement and control of Three million pilgrims is an enormous logistical and transportation task. Although Saudi authorities have built large networks of roads and several other infrastructures but still some glitches/mishaps do happen, but on the whole the entire Hajj is performed smoothly without trouble.[/size]


আল্লাহর রহমতে প্রতি বছর হজে যাওয়ার সুযোগ হচ্ছে।এভাবেই হাজীদের খেদমত করে যেতে চাই।
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Offline ashiqbest012

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Re: Hajj/Umrah travel Tips and Guidelines
« Reply #10 on: August 16, 2010, 08:49:38 PM »
You have a great knowledge about Hajj and about our religion. Thank you for your post
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