Hajj 2017: All you need to know

When is Hajj taking place this year?

It will begin on August 30. Between two and three million Muslims from around the world are expected to travel to Mecca.

The importance of Hajj to Muslims

Mecca is the first house of worship known to mankind. It is full of blessings, and symbols from the days of Prophet Ibrahim. It also has the ever-running Zamzam water which was created through divine miracle.

One's Hajj is guaranteed to be accepted by Allah if it is done with the intention of seeking his pleasure (not to show off), and without committing a sin or fighting with anyone, the pilgrim is pardoned of all preceding sins and granted paradise in the hereafter.

Hajj is one of the greatest deeds in Islam, as it teaches patience, good ethics, and its rituals bring a person closer to his/her creator.
How to prepare for Hajj

— One must purify the Niyyah (intention) for Hajj to be sincere for the sake of Allah only, and not for other worldly matters.

— One must revise the way Prophet Mohammed performed it, and follow his footsteps.

— Hajj must be performed with halal (lawfully obtained) money, in order for it to count.

— A person must be kind and generous with both his wealth and actions. He must avoid annoying or disturbing others, especially under the crowded conditions and tough proceedings of Hajj.

Essential items for Hajj

— For men, two sets of white sheets that do not contain stitches or seams which they must wear when they are in the state of Ihram while performing the Hajj rituals. This is to convey purity and equality, and to rid pilgrims of distinctions between different classes of society.

— For women, simple long modest dresses or Abayas.

— Non-scented soap, deodorant and any other necessary cosmetics, as one must not be perfumed in any way while in the state of Ihram.