If you decide to change into your Ihram attire on the plane, do so at least an hour before the Miqat is crossed. Between these two lights, it is Sunnah for men to run at a medium pace while women should continue normally. Your view of the Kaaba may be obscured, so make an educated guess about its location and face this direction. One Tawaf is made up of seven complete circuits, with each one starting and ending at the black stone, which is situated within the Kaa’bah. And increase those who honour and respect it—of those who perform Hajj or ‘Umrah—in honour, respect, esteem and piety.

If it isn’t possible to perform the prayer there as a result of crowding, it can be performed anywhere in Masjid al-Haram. To summarise - so far, you have passed over the Meeqat, made the intention to begin your Hajj and entered into a state of Ihram. We will always treat your personal information with the utmost care and will keep it private (read our privacy policy). For men, this means wearing the designated white cloth with one piece wrapped around your shoulder and one around your waist. You will begin with Jamarah al-Ula (the small pillar), then Jamarah al-Wusta (the second/middle pillar) and finally, Jamarah al-Aqaba (the third/large pillar).

There is a green light on the wall of the Masjid opposite the Kaaba, which indicates where the Tawaf starts from.

When you’re ready, with humility, awe and reverence, lift your gaze to set sight on the beatific vision of the Holy Kaaba. He comes close to those (people standing on ‘Arafah), and then He reveals before His Angels saying, ‘What are these people seeking. After completing Salah and making Dua, drink your fill of Zamzam water which is available around the Tawaf area and from various water fountains and dispensers in Masjid al-Haram. The day of ‘Arafah is one of the most important days for Muslims across the world, as Allah (SWT) refers to the Day of ‘Arafah in Surah al-Maidah as the Day on which He perfected His religion, completed His favours upon His beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) and approved Islam as a way of life!The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) began the Hajj in 628 CE during the month of Dhul Hijjah, and is the same Hajj that Muslims perform today. These can include anything such as giving charity, honouring one’s parents, upholding the ties of kinship, and enjoining what is good and forbidding what is evil. When you proceed to the phases of throwing the pebbles at the Jamarat (the stone pillars), you may miss the target, or some pebbles may fall from your hand.

Make the most of this opportunity before you begin your Tawaf, especially if it’s the first time you’ve set eyes on the Kaaba.Thousands of years later, a man named Muhammad, born into the high-status Quraysh tribe of Makkah, would be given revelation and prophethood. Anyone who goes on Hajj to the House or visits (it) will not be blamed if he runs along between them. You may say Takbir (Allāhu akbar), Tahlil ( lā ilāha illā Allāh) and send Salawat upon the Prophet ﷺ. The leader Jamil was always reachable via phone while planning the trip, and he was reachable via WhatsApp while at Umrah.

The blessed month of Dhul Hijjah is fast-approaching and many of you will either have loved ones who will be making Hajj or are fortunate to be able to go yourselves this year.These days, Hajj pilgrims travel to Makkah by land, air and sea during the days and weeks prior to the pilgrimage period. You will likely be travelling to Saudi Arabia via plane, so it is advisable to get changed into your Ihram at the airport prior to departure or during a stopover if you have one. Thank you for the time spent writing and publishing this useful information, I am planning for Umrah again next month iA.