Haj and Eid al-Dada means Muslims: the journey of faith and sacrifice in Islam. world News
Every year, millions of Muslims around the world gather in Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj, which is a sacred pilgrimage for Mecca that represents one of the five central pillars of Islam. It is not just a physical journey, but a deep spiritual awakening – a function of devotion, equality and renewal. For many pilgrims, Hajj is a lifelong dream fulfillment, one that requires months, if not the year, plan, savings and spiritual preparations.According to The Economic Times report, this year, Haj will begin on Wednesday, June 4, which coincides with Dhul-Hija on the 8th day of the last month of the Islamic Lunar calendar. As the global journey stabilizes after recent years of epidemic-inspired sanctions, Saudi authorities expect a record vote of over 2 million pilgrims, allowing congestion safety, heat management and access to the elderly and disabled worshipers. Haj has heavy religious, social and emotional significance for Muslims around the world.
What is Haj and why it is important
Hajj is an essential pilgrimage for every Muslim which is physically and financially capable of traveling at least once in his lifetime. It lies in dating events for more than 4,000 years, associated with the stories of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), his wife Hagar and his son Ismail. For Muslims, Hajj is a symbol of God’s will, spiritual rebirth and dedication to unity among believers.Pilgrimage is one of the five pillars of Islam, along with:
- Shahda (faith in one God),
- Advice (prayer),
- Acquisition (charity),
- Sum (fasting during Ramadan).
By demonstrating Hajj, pilgrims aim to purify themselves, deepen their relations with God and demonstrate solidarity with the Global Muslim community (Umma).
When is Haj 2025
Haj follows the Islamic lunar calendar, and its dates vary every year. In 2025, it is expected to start on the evening of June 4 and end on 9 or 10 June, which depends on the philosophy of the moon. These days, the twelfth month in the Islamic calendar, in line with the 8th to 13th place of Dhul-Hazza.Due to the desert climate of maize, Haj, which occurs in early June, means the temperature may be above 45 ° C (113 ° F). According to the Economic Times report, the Saudi Ministry of Haj and Umrah has urged pilgrims to take precautions against heatstroke and dehydration, especially when standing in Arafat and outdoor recruitment like a stone of Devil (RAM al-Jamlet) in Mina.
Prominent rituals performed during Hajj
Pilgrims should complete several rites in a prescribed order, with each deep religious symbolism:1. Ihram – Status of purityBefore entering Mecca, pilgrims donate Ihram garments – white seamless cloth for men and simple modest dress for women – to indicate spiritual purity and equality in front of God. In this state, pilgrims should avoid logic, pride and any worldly distractions.2. Tawaf – Circumcision of KaabaOn arriving at the Grand Mosque in Mecca, pilgrims perform Tawaf, including walking around the Kaaba seven times in a counter-clockwise direction. Kaaba is considered the most sacred structure in Islam, and the act is a symbol of unity in worship and presenting God.3. SA’I – Walking between Safa and MarwahThis ritual recalls the desperate discovery of water for his son, Ismail. Pilgrims walk fast between the two small hills of Safa and Marwah seven times, leaving their way behind.4. Arafat – the day to standPerhaps the most important part of Hajj, pilgrims gather in the Arafat ground on 9th of Dhul-Hajja. Here, they pray and reflect from noon to sunset, ask for forgiveness in what is seen as a rehearsal for the day of decision.5. Mujdlifa – Night under starsAfter sunset, pilgrims travel to Mujdlifa, a ground between Arafat and Meena to spend the night under the open sky. They also collect pebbles here for the next day’s rituals.6. Rami al-Zamrat-The Stoning of the DevilAt 10th place of Dhul-Hija, pilgrims throw pebbles on three stone pillars in Meena, which represent Satan. The Act rejoices the demonstration of the Satan of Prophet Ibrahim.7. SacrificeThis day also marks Eid al-Daha festival. The pilgrims demonstrate the ritual slaughter of an animal, remembering the desire of the Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son in the obedience of God. The meat is distributed among the poor.8. Tawaf al-Efadah and Farewell TawafAfter returning to Mecca, pilgrims complete a more round and funeral of Tawaf before returning to spiritually renewed home.
Eid al-Dada: A festival of sacrifice and compassion
Eid al-Dhada begins with 10th of dhul-Hizja and matches with Hajj. Muslims from all over the world reminded of the test of the trust of Prophet Ibrahim. Family sacrifices an animal – usually a sheep, goat, or cow – and distribute the meat into three parts: for family, relatives and poor.Holiday is a time for celebrations, generosity and community prayers, reminiscent of the values of selflessness, obedience and gratitude to believers.
Security and health measures for Haj 2025
With the expectation of record temperature, Saudi officials have implemented important measures to ensure pilgrim safety:
- Cooling station with mist spray and shed zone.
- Distribution of free water bottles, umbrellas and hydration kits.
- More than 30,000 health workers and 5,000 hospital beds were allocated for especially Haj-related emergency situations.
- Special tracking bracelets for elderly pilgrims to prevent health monitoring and loss.
- Electronic permit systems to control congestion flow and prevent unauthorized pilgrims from joining.
Haj 2025: Pilgrim limits, permit process and new technology for Muslim travelers
Each Muslim-Bahul country is allocated a Haj quota based on its population. In 2025, more than 180 countries are participating with Indonesia, India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, who are receiving the largest quota. Pilgrims should apply for HAJ permit through official government portals, and all passengers should be vaccinated and physically fit.This year, HAJ Smart App will help pilgrims with navigation, real-time updates, multilingual support and emergency contact assistance.
Haj: a spiritual journey that crosses boundaries
Haj is more than a religious obligation – it is a global expression of Muslim unity, humility and presenting God. People of very different cultures perform similar rituals, dressed together, dressed together. This unique pilgrimage breaks social obstacles and leaves the participants with a sense of deep spiritual achievement.As pilgrims return from Mecca, they are often referred to as “Hajji”, which leads to Newfound knowledge and renewed confidence. For millions of people who cannot travel this year, Haj remains a spiritual aspiration which reflects the heart of Islamic devotion.
