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Hajj and Umrah are very important types of pilgrimage in Islam. Umrah allows you to visit the grand mosque in Mecca and the prophet’s mosque in Al-Madinah freely at any time. Hajj is the fifth pillar in Islam and it has only one specific timing every year. Although Hajj is obligatory, it has some conditions such as physical and financial abilities. In Islam, pilgrimage aims to let Muslims be closer to their creator by visiting His Holy Mosque (House of God). This visit purifies your heart and cleanses you up from all sins, just if you worship Allah with a sincere intention.
Hajj and Umrah Learning
Surah Al-Baqarah: “And complete the hajj and umrah for Allah(196)”
Hajj and Umrah like all religious rites have their own certain methods to be done. Before going to Mecca, you have to be ready for the trip, but your requirements are different this time. First, you need to learn Arabic because the language will help you deal with the country’s people and carry out your prayers. In Islam, we are not allowed to pray in any other language except Arabic, in addition, reading the Holy Quran must be in Arabic. I recommend you a great course Arabic Language Course. Now you can enjoy learning the language with qualified tutors who can help you.
Surah Yusuf: “Indeed, We have sent it down as an Arabic Qur’ān1 that you might understand(2)”
Another important point, don’t start with hajj and umrah to worship Allah. You as a Muslim should be aware of all other essential aspects of worship. Here I am talking about the Holy Quran and all that we need to know about Islam and how to be a good Muslim. We must study Islamic Studies Course because this course can teach you about the different sectors of Islam. You will the pillars of Islam; the Tawheed (belief), the prayers, the zakat, the fasting of Ramadan, and the hajj (the pilgrims). Also, you will study the prophet’s life (PBUH) and his companions.
Rituals of Hajj and Umrah
Steps of Hajj (briefly):
- Preparation and Intention
- Enter the state of Ihram
- Tawaf x7 (walking around Al-Kaaba)
- Safa and Marwa
- Clip/Shave Hair (Umrah ends)
- Resting and Praying
- Enter the state of Ihram
- Arrive at Mina
- Day of Arafah
- Muzdalifah (under the night sky)
- Rami (stoning of the devil)
- Sacrifying (sheep slaughter)
- Shave head
- Tawaf al-Ifadha (walking around Al-Kaaba)
- Rami (stoning of the devil)
- Spend the night at Mina
- Rami (stoning of the devil)
- Farewell Tawaf al-Wida
Steps of Umrah (briefly):
- Ihram
- Tawaf (walking around Al-Kaaba)
- S’aai between Safa and Marwah
- Shave head
Now it is available to learn Arabic reading using the Holy Quranic words (Al Tareeka Al Nourania). In this way, you can study the alphabet and the sounds in Arabic. Also, it is important to know how to read and memorize the Holy Quran with its tajweed rules. You can get the essential tricks of memorizing the Quran and how to say dua for the right prayer. Another Islamic branch is the Fiqh which is the philosophy of Islamic law; this presents among the Quran and the traditions of the Prophet. Don’t forget the Hadith or the sayings of our beloved Muhammad to understand many of the Islamic topics.
