Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What is Haj ?
Ans.Haj is pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Haj is the fifth of the Arkan or Pillars of Islam. Haj is also an imperative duty (Fardh) for all Muslims who have the resources to carry it out and a compulsory pilgrimage to be performed once in a lifetime. However, one may perform it more than once. Haj is an Ibadah in which money is spent in Allah`s way and strength is sacrificed for the pleasure of Allah. At the same time, it is a test of patience. Haj also provides Muslims from all parts of the world an opportunity to meet at a central venue to strengthen the bonds of Muslim Brotherhood. Haj starts on the eighth day of the Zul Hijjah or Dhu al-hijah, the twelfth month of Muslim year. One can send a proxy, if he is unable to perform the Haj. The one who completes the Haj is called Haji. Haj teaches complete devotion to the Almighty. It teaches one to use his thoughts, words and deeds in service of Allah. Haj is a complete and compact form of worship in the performance of which one learns about the spiritually vital aspects of life. However, only those who perform Haj in its true spirit can experience these benefits.

Types of Haj ?
Haj is pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Haj is the fifth of the Arkan or Pillars of Islam. Haj is also an imperative duty (Fardh) for all Muslims who have the resources to carry it out and a compulsory pilgrimage to be performed once in a lifetime. However, one may perform it more than once. Haj is an Ibadah in which money is spent in Allah`s way and strength is sacrificed for the pleasure of Allah. At the same time, it is a test of patience. Haj also provides Muslims from all parts of the world an opportunity to meet at a central venue to strengthen the bonds of Muslim Brotherhood. Haj starts on the eighth day of the Zul Hijjah or Dhu al-hijah, the twelfth month of Muslim year. One can send a proxy, if he is unable to perform the Haj. The one who completes the Haj is called Haji. Haj teaches complete devotion to the Almighty. It teaches one to use his thoughts, words and deeds in service of Allah. Haj is a complete and compact form of worship in the performance of which one learns about the spiritually vital aspects of life. However, only those who perform Haj in its true spirit can experience these benefits.

Umrah is a pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia that can be undertaken at any time of the year. Umrah means to perform Tawaf of Ka’aba and Sa’i between Al-Safa and Al-Marwah, after assuming ihram from a Miqat. Unlike Haj, Umrah is not compulsory but highly recommended.