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Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam, a sacred pilgrimage performed by millions of Muslims every year in the holy city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia. In 2025, Hajj is expected to take place between 4th June and 9th June, depending on the sighting of the moon. However, this year’s preparations have been marked by a significant challenge for Pakistan, with 67,000 Pakistani pilgrims at risk of missing the pilgrimage.
🌙 When Is Hajj in 2025?
Hajj occurs each year during Dhul Hijjah, the 12th month of the Islamic lunar calendar. In 2025, the Hajj pilgrimage is expected to fall between:
📅 June 4 to June 9, 2025
These dates may slightly shift based on the moon sighting, as the Islamic calendar follows the lunar cycle.
🕋 What Is Hajj and Why Is It Important?
Hajj is a spiritual obligation for every Muslim who is physically, emotionally, and financially capable of undertaking it. It serves as a way to:
- Cleanse oneself of sins
- Deepen connection with Allah (SWT)
- Experience unity with millions of Muslims from around the world
It is a journey of patience, humility, and devotion, and is only required once in a lifetime for each eligible Muslim.
🕌 How Long Does Hajj Last?
Hajj lasts five to six days, from the 8th to the 12th or 13th of Dhul Hijjah. It includes a series of structured rituals, including:
- Ihram – the spiritual state of purity
- Tawaf – circling the Kaaba
- Sa’i – walking between Safa and Marwa
- Standing at Arafat (Wuquf) – the pinnacle of Hajj
- Muzdalifah – overnight stay under the open sky
- Stoning the devil (Ramy al-Jamarat)
- Qurbani – animal sacrifice
- Shaving or cutting hair
📍 Where Does Hajj Take Place?
Hajj is performed in and around Makkah, in the following locations:
- Masjid al-Haram (Kaaba) – The holiest site in Islam
- Mina – A tent city for pilgrims
- Mount Arafat – Site of the Prophet Muhammad’s farewell sermon
- Muzdalifah – A plain for overnight stay under the stars
- Safa and Marwa – Hills symbolizing Hajar’s search for water
🛑 Who Is Exempt from Hajj?
Hajj is not intended to be a burden. Therefore, exemptions apply to:
- Children – Hajj is only obligatory for adults
- Physically unfit – Elderly, sick, or weak individuals are excused
- Financially unable – Only those who can afford it without compromising debts or family needs must perform Hajj
📖 Hajj in the Qur’an
“You will enter the Sacred Masjid, God willing, perfectly secure, and you will cut your hair or shorten it (as you fulfil the pilgrimage rituals) there. You will not have any fear…”
— Qur’an 48:27
📜 A Brief History of Hajj
The origins of Hajj go back to the Prophet Ibrahim (AS), who was instructed by Allah (SWT) to leave his wife Hajar and son Ismail (AS) in the desert of Makkah. The rituals of Hajj, including running between Safa and Marwa and drinking from Zam Zam, originate from their struggle.
Later, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) re-established these traditions in 628 CE, marking the first official Hajj in Islamic history.
🇵🇰 Hajj 2025 Crisis: 67,000 Pakistani Pilgrims at Risk
In April 2025, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif voiced serious concern over a crisis affecting 67,000 Pakistani pilgrims. These individuals face potential exclusion due to delays in finalising agreements and payments under new Saudi policies.
Key Points:
- Saudi Arabia now requires Hajj group organisers to have quotas of 2,000+ pilgrims.
- As a result, 904 smaller Hajj organisers in Pakistan were merged into 45 larger companies.
- This sudden policy shift led to administrative chaos and payment delays.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif pledged to personally request Saudi officials for leniency and approvals under the private Hajj quota, stating:
“This is a matter of shame for us… We must do everything in our power to resolve this issue and avoid denying thousands of people the chance to fulfil a sacred obligation.”
📚 Additional Hajj Resources
If you’re preparing for Hajj or want to learn more, visit Islamic Relief’s Hajj Guide for:
- Packing lists
- Health tips
- Ritual guides
- Spiritual preparation
🔍 FAQs
What does Hajj mean?
Hajj means “to set out for a place” – referring to the sacred journey to Makkah for spiritual purification.
How many days is Hajj?
Hajj spans 5–6 days, starting on 8th Dhul Hijjah and ending on 12th or 13th Dhul Hijjah.
Who is excused from Hajj?
Children, the elderly, the physically ill, and those without financial means are exempt.
✈️ Hajj in 2025
Hajj is not just a journey to a place – it is a journey to the soul. Whether you are going this year or planning for the future, understanding its significance and challenges prepares you for the most transformative experience of your life.
However, let us also remember and support those facing uncertainties, like the 67,000 Pakistani pilgrims in 2025, and hope for a swift resolution to enable them to complete their sacred journey.
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