Pilgrimage In Islam

In Islamic teachings, Muslims follow a governing body called the Five Pillars of Islam, this law sets out the five major rules for Muslims so they may be guided in the best manner. One pillar of Islam is to make Pilgrimage (formally known as Hajj). There is an obligation to make Hajj at least once in your lifetime, given your finances and health permits it for you. Learn about this pillar of Islam in depth with UKIM below.

The Beauty of Hajj

When we think of Hajj, we think of the Holy Kaaba, and everyone dressed in white but what does it really mean to participate in Hajj and why is it classified as one of The Five Pillars of Islam? At UK Islamic Mission we are here to help clarify the answers to all these questions as much as possible Insha’Allah.

Let's begin by answering “what is Hajj and when will Hajj 2025 take place?” Hajj is a sacred act that Muslims around the world participate in. Allah has commanded all Muslims to take part in Hajj at least once in their lifetime if they have the means to do so. Allah (SWT) wants ease for his believers and therefore Hajj should be considered only when a Muslim is in good health and has the finances to do so.

Hajj falls on the month of Dhul-Hijjah which is the last month in the Islamic Lunar Calendar. In the UK, Hajj in 2025 is expected to take place between 4th – 9th June in the Gregorian Calendar. Please be mindful that this is an estimated date subject to moon sighting. We would strongly advise you to seek information from your local mosque councilors for accuracy. Hajj takes place around five to six days from the 8th to the 12th or 13th of Dhul-Hijjah.

What It Entails

Hajj consists of many significant events such as; wearing the Ihram, visiting the City of Tents, Arafat and Muzdalifah, stoning the Devil, performing the Nahr also known as the sacrifice, drinking from the Zamzam Well and concluding with a Tawaf.

Why is Hajj Important

To understand why Muslims go to Hajj, you must be aware of the history of Hajj. Hajj is important due to when Prophet Ibrahim (AS) constructed the Holy Kaaba by the wishes of Allah (SWT) to build a place of worship near the springs of Zamzam water. This marked for a place for Muslims to gather safely.

Allah (SWT) says:

“Indeed, the first House [of worship] established for mankind was that at Makkah – blessed and a guidance for the worlds. Wherein are clear signs [such as] the standing place of Ibrahim; and whosoever enters it shall be safe. And [due] to Allah from the people is a pilgrimage to the House – for whoever is able to find thereto a way. But whoever disbelieves – then indeed, Allah is freed from need of the worlds.”

[Holy Quran Surah Aali Imran (3: 96-7)]

How Many Times Can Hajj Be Performed?

Hajj can only take place once a year and is given a designated timeframe in the Islamic Lunar Calendar. However, every 33 years there is a possibility of Hajj falling twice in the same year due to the nature of the Gregorian calendar having a 10–11-day annual early start. Muslims around the world are only obligated to visit once in their lifetime, however if your finances and health allow you to visit more frequently, that will result in a greater reward Insha’Allah.

For those that are looking to enter Makkah as a tourist during Hajj season, please note that the Islamic pilgrimage to Makkah becomes overly populated. Muslims rush to fulfil their Islamic obligations. There are also tourist visa measures put in place by Saudi authorities to prevent overcrowding by pilgrims.

The Difference Between Hajj And Umrah

Hajj and Umrah are two separate events. Umrah, unlike Hajj, can be performed multiple times a year and has different requirements.

What Is Umrah

Umrah is a sacred pilgrimage to Makkah that Muslims can perform at any time of the year, unlike Hajj, which has specific dates. It is a highly recommended act of worship that offers spiritual purification and rewards.

Steps to Perform Umrah:

1. Ihram – Before entering Makkah, pilgrims wear the special white garments (Ihram) and make the intention (Niyyah) for Umrah.
2. Tawaf – Pilgrims circle the Kaaba seven times in a counterclockwise direction, reciting prayers and supplications.
3. Sa’i – After Tawaf, pilgrims walk seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah, retracing the steps of Hajar (wife of Prophet Ibrahim, peace be upon him).
4. Halq or Taqsir – Male pilgrims either shave their heads (Halq) or trim their hair (Taqsir), while women cut a small portion of their hair, marking the completion of Umrah.

When Will Umrah Take Place in 2025?

As we know, Umrah can be performed all year-round, it will be throughout 2025. However, during Hajj season in June 2025, due to overcrowding, there may be restrictions put in place. The best times to perform Umrah include the months of Rajab, Sha’ban, and Ramadan, with Ramadan offering the highest rewards.

If you are looking to take part in Hajj or Umrah this year, be sure to research Umrah and Hajj Tour Packs for something more suited to you. Make it a mission to work extra hard this year for a better Akhirah (afterlife). Be sure to donate to the less fortunate, strengthen your Imaan (Faith) and make constant Dhikr (Supplication) to Allah (SWT).

May Allah SWT accept all our duas and pilgrimage, Ameen!