What is Hajj?
Hajj, the Arabic word for pilgrimage, is one of the five pillars of Islam and a once-in-a-lifetime obligation for every Muslim, if able.
Millions of believers make pilgrimages to Islam's holiest sites in the cities of Mecca and Medina, beginning on the eighth day of Dhu Al Hijja, the last month of the Islamic calendar.
What is special about Hajj?
Hajj is the most revered spiritual experience for devout Muslims - it is seen as a chance to start fresh and celebrate the spirit of unity in Islam. All pilgrims are required to perform the same rituals taught by the Prophet Muhammad to remind them that they are all equal before God.
Seek advice from a hajji and health official
Prepare a list of your questions and concerns and make an appointment to speak with a person who has already performed Hajj. Very often they can give you practical tips that cannot be found in regular guidebooks. They will also be able to tell you firsthand how to move through and with the crowds and how to keep cool between the huge crowds.
Additionally, please consult a health official or doctor for the best practices for performing the Hajj rites during a pandemic. Familiarize yourself with the Hajj social distancing and mask-wearing protocols and be sure to follow them properly to protect yourself and others.
The Hajj attracts nearly two million Muslims and brings in about $12 billion in revenue to Saudi Arabia every year.
Two years ago, the kingdom closed its borders to stem the spread of Covid-19 and the Hajj was limited to 1,000 local pilgrims. Last year, the number was limited to 60,000 due to the health threat posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.
This year, following the introduction of mass vaccinations and amid fewer Covid-19 cases, relaxed social distancing, and travel laws, authorities are keen to welcome people from abroad to Hajj in July.
This year, 85 percent of Hajj pilgrims are expected to arrive from overseas.
Last year the Hajj pilgrimage was a predominantly domestic affair, with the majority of pilgrims being Saudi nationals and residents. For this year's Hajj, the Saudi Arabian government has allocated a quota of 1 million Hajj slots for international and local pilgrims.
The 2022 Hajj season is upon us. All the news and updates about the 2022 Hajj season are described below;
Hajj requirements and rules
Age Limit & Test Requirements
Hajj will be available to people under the age of 65 this year, provided they receive the basic doses of vaccines authorized in the Kingdom and they are required to provide a negative PCR test performed no more than 72 hours prior to their arrival in the Kingdom.
Quarantine requirements
Quarantine is not required for foreign pilgrims who are fully vaccinated with vaccines approved in Saudi Arabia. However, travelers arriving on a visit visa (including pilgrims) must have medical insurance to cover any COVID-19-related treatment costs during their stay.
To allow
Worshipers no longer need to obtain a permit and appointment to pray at the Grand Mosque in Mecca as well as the Prophet's Mosque in Medina. However, you still need to obtain a Hajj permit through the Absher online app.
Vaccination requirements
Pilgrims wishing to perform the Hajj must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 with full doses of the following vaccines in order to enter the Kingdom:
Pfizer/BioNTech. 2 cans
Oxford/AstraZeneca: 2 doses
Jansen. 2 cans
modern. 2 cans
Sinopharm. 2 cans
Sinovac. 2 cans
covexin. 2 cans
Sputnik V. 2 cans
Nuvaxovid. 2 cans
Covovax. 2 cans
Health protocols
Saudi Arabia raised COVID 19 restrictions in the country. Currently, wearing a mask in closed public spaces is not mandatory; however, it is still required for entry into the Grand Mosque in Mecca, the Prophet's Mosque in Medina, and sites for which security protocols have been issued by Weqaya. Face masks may also be required at some public events, public transport, and healthcare facilities wishing to maintain their safety measures.
Entry permit for Makkah (Mecca)
In order to regulate the Hajj pilgrimage, the KSA authorities have declared that only those with Hajj and Umrah permits may enter Mecca; This means that all visitors, expatriate residents, and Saudi nationals will not be allowed into the city without a permit. The restriction will last until the end of this year's Hajj season.
Expatriates entering Mecca will need one of the following documents:
Entry permit to work in the holy places, issued by the competent authority.
Residence permit (iqama) issued by Mecca.
Umrah/Hajj Permission
The General Directorate of Passports issues electronically generated entry permits for some groups of immigrants. Those who fall under the categories of domestic workers, employees of companies and institutions operating in Mecca, seasonal work visa holders, and those who have contracted with companies registered in the Ajir system for temporary work can apply for an entry permit to Mecca.
What is the Smart Pilgrim app? How does it work?
The Ministry of Hajj has introduced smart technology to help perform Hajj rituals.
"A pilgrim communicate with Hajj service provider through Smart Pilgrim app, in which Pilgrim reveals violation or classify a complaint to the service provider," said Hisham Saeed, deputy secretary of state at the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
He said there will be an expansion of smart services in the coming weeks, including three new apps to better serve pilgrims.
The main goal of the smart pilgrim app is to be punctual in settling complaints or issues.
"For the ease of pilgrims the leading team of Hajj and Umrah is available 24-hours on a call center for resolving inquiries, complaints, and suggestions from pilgrims. In addition, a pilgrim can download the smart pilgrim app with many services on their smartphone and chat with their Hajj service provider," he said.
The initiative is part of the digitization processes discussed at the 21st Science Forum for Hajj, Umrah, Visit Research in Madinah last month.
The annual forum gathers specialists, scholars, and stakeholders working in the Hajj and Umrah ecosystem to discuss "scientific problems, solutions, and technological advances" that can enhance Hajj services and operations.
Pay attention to the weather conditions
Although this season's Hajj is restricted to Saudi residents, who are no doubt used to fluctuations and extreme weather conditions, pilgrims need to be cautious and watch out for temperatures. Even in mid-November temperatures would be relatively warm and can reach up to fifteen degrees Celsius during the day and drop to as low as twenty degrees Celsius in the evening.
Adequate sun protection is necessary during the day to prevent heat stroke, fainting, and other heat-related symptoms. Wide-brimmed sun hats and umbrellas can protect against the sun's rays. Some also choose to bring a small handheld fan or battery-powered mini fan to cool off and a towel to wipe away sweat. It is helpful to use sunscreen and sunglasses too.
Prepare for cooler weather at night, too, and pack some heavier clothing for the later hours.
TRAVELERS WITH DISABILITIES
Notify your agent to assure your desires are well known and can be included, while most of the Holy Sites, such as the Grand Mosque in Mecca, are handicap-accessible, most hotels and conveyance options are not.
News - latest updates
The Saudi Arabian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah recently announced the allocation of Hajj quotas for Pakistani pilgrims. A total of 81,132 pilgrims from Pakistan can attend this year's Hajj in July. The Saudi Hajj authorities' announcement makes Pakistan the second-highest country in terms of the number of pilgrims, just behind Indonesia, the most popular Muslim country.
Hajj Pakistan 2022 odds
For the 2022 Hajj season, Saudi Arabia has allocated 81,132 slots for Pakistani pilgrims.
Hajj 2022 from Pakistan data
This year, the Hajj for Pakistani pilgrims will begin on Thursday, July 7th to Tuesday, July 12th, 2022, which corresponds to the 10th of Dhulhijjah 1443 AH.
The “Road to Mecca” project
The Road to Mecca project is an initiative aimed at facilitating direct travel to the holy city of Mecca for pilgrims from Pakistan and four other countries. The enterprise contains straightforward travel from airports in Lahore, Islamabad, and Karachi to make ways easy for pilgrims. Among other things, the Road to Mecca initiative enables:
the issuance of e-visas and their clearance at the immigration authorities.
Passport and vital signs scan at the airport, allowing for an easier arrival procedure
the coding and sorting of pilgrims' luggage by sending it to specific shelters.
direct bus transfers for Pakistani pilgrims to their lodgings in Mecca and Medina.
Recently, on June 6, the first two flights under the Road to Mecca project departed Monday from Islamabad International Airport to Medina. It has been said that 42 more flights will be operated from Islamabad.
Hajj 2022 from Pakistan requirements and rules
As of now, there are some requirements and rules announced for Hajj 2022 in Pakistan:
Age Limit & Test Requirements
Hajj will be available to people under the age of 65 this year, provided they receive the basic doses of vaccines authorized in the Kingdom and they are required to provide a negative PCR test performed no more than 72 hours prior to their arrival in the Kingdom.
Hajj 2022 lucky draw
Once you finish submitting the application form, officials will review all your details and documents before approving your form.
After the approval process, your application form will be included in the draw. If you are lucky, you can perform the Hajj this year under the government's program. You can also apply for hajj on the government quota next year if this year your name has not been announced. However, you also have another option to apply through private travel agencies in Pakistan.
Pilgrims whose names are included in the Hajj draw must deposit their medical certificates and passports with banks. They can also contact their booked travel and travel agents for more information.
Hajj 2022 packages for Pakistani pilgrims
Booking Hajj packages with private travel agencies
If you are not on the raffle list, you can book your Hajj packages through authorized private travel agencies in Pakistan. You can check the list of approved travel agencies in Pakistan on Hajj Ministry's official website.
There are a few types of packages that you can choose for your Hajj, from budget packages to 5-star packages. The package usually includes airfare, breakfast, transportation, and the ziarat.
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