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There’s something about Hajj in Islam that feels indescribable. Maybe it’s the thought of walking where prophets once walked. Or standing in the same desert heat, dressed in the simple white cloth of ihram, just like countless others before you. If you’ve ever known someone who’s gone, you’ve probably noticed: they come back changed. Softened. Grounded.
And if you haven’t gone? This might be your year to understand it a little deeper.
Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam, a once-in-a-lifetime obligation (if you’re able) that brings millions of Muslims from every background to the sacred city of Makkah. It’s not a holiday. It’s not a retreat. It’s surrender.
Whether you’re reading this with tickets already booked for Hajj 2025, or you’re just starting to explore the meaning of this journey, what matters is your niyyah, your intention.
According to Islamic teachings, Hajj is Fard, a religious obligation for every Muslim who meets certain conditions. It’s not optional if you qualify. It’s a direct command, a pillar of Islam that carries both weight and reward.
فِيهِ ءَايَـٰتٌۢ بَيِّنَـٰتٌۭ مَّقَامُ إِبْرَٰهِيمَ ۖ وَمَن دَخَلَهُۥ كَانَ ءَامِنًۭا ۗ وَلِلَّهِ عَلَى ٱلنَّاسِ حِجُّ ٱلْبَيْتِ مَنِ ٱسْتَطَاعَ إِلَيْهِ سَبِيلًۭا ۚ وَمَن كَفَرَ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ غَنِىٌّ عَنِ ٱلْعَـٰلَمِينَ ٩٧
“In it are clear signs and the standing-place of Abraham. Whoever enters it should be safe. Pilgrimage to this House is an obligation by Allah upon whoever is able among the people.1 And whoever disbelieves, then surely Allah is not in need of ˹any of His˺ creation.”
(Surah Aal-Imran 3:97)
Allah lays it out clearly: for those who have the physical and financial means, and who are of sound mind and safe passage, Hajj is required once in a lifetime. Children are not accountable. Neither are those in deep debt nor those with chronic illnesses. But if you do meet the criteria, it’s not just an opportunity. It’s a calling.
And if you’re not able to go this year? There are still ways to be part of the blessings. You can support others. You can give in the name of sacrifice. And through organizations like Human Concern UK, your intention can still travel far, even if your feet can’t.
While official Hajj 2025 dates depend on moon sighting, it’s projected to begin around Friday, June 6, 2025, with Waqf al Arafah (Day of Arafah) expected on Saturday, June 7, 2025. But don’t wait for the calendar to confirm. Spiritual prep starts now.
No two experiences are alike, but here’s a simplified guide to Hajj steps, the actions every pilgrim must complete.
Pilgrims enter into a sacred state called ihram. Men wear two white, unstitched cloths, while women wear modest, simple clothing. This state marks the start of your intention and removes all signs of status or ego.
You circle the Kaaba seven times, counterclockwise, in a sea of believers. Some cry, some smile, and some just walk in awe. Every step is a prayer.
A walk between the hills of Safa and Marwah, commemorating Hajar (AS) and her desperate search for water. It’s not just a ritual, it’s a reminder of faith under pressure.
This is the heart of Hajj. Pilgrims stand in prayer at Mount Arafat, begging for forgiveness, making dua, and simply… being present. It’s the most important day of Hajj that cleans your slate. For those not at Hajj, fasting on the Day of Arafah and making heartfelt du’a is highly recommended.
After sunset on Arafah, pilgrims gather at Muzdalifah, rest under the stars, and collect pebbles for the next step. There’s no luxury here, just earth, sky, and intention.
Stoning the pillars that symbolize Shaytan, a symbolic rejection of temptation and evil. Each throw is like saying “No” to the worst parts of ourselves.
Animals are sacrificed, commemorating Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) devotion. Human Concern UK helps facilitate this for donors through its global Qurbani program.
Pilgrims return to perform another circuit around the Kaaba and complete the final rites, including shaving or trimming the hair, a symbolic renewal.
The steps matter. But it’s the transformation that defines Hajj. The quiet moments. The deep personal reflections. The tears you weren’t expecting. Some people return with a newfound softness. Others, with a fire to live better.
Whatever it brings, it’s yours to hold.
Ihram is both a physical garment and a spiritual state. It removes signs of status and unites all pilgrims as equals before Allah.
Yes, but only after you have completed your own obligatory Hajj. You may perform it on behalf of someone who is deceased or permanently unable to travel.
Waqf al Arafah is the day pilgrims gather at Mount Arafat in reflection and supplication. It’s the central pillar of Hajj; missing it invalidates the pilgrimage.
While final dates depend on moon sightings, Hajj 2025 is expected to begin around June 6, with the Day of Arafah on June 7 and Eid al-Adha on June 8.
Not everyone can make the journey to Makkah. But that doesn’t mean you’re left out. At Human Concern UK, we believe the sacred season of Hajj isn’t just for the pilgrims walking across the desert, it’s for all of us. It’s in the prayers you whisper at dawn, the fasts you keep during Dhul Hijjah, and yes, the acts of charity you offer in silence.
This is why, every year, Human Concern UK steps in to make sure the blessings of these days stretch far and wide. Through your support, we help facilitate Qurbani for families who can’t afford it, ensuring that the joy of Eid reaches children who otherwise might have gone without. We also run education campaigns, so even those who may never perform Hajj themselves can still learn, reflect, and spiritually connect with its powerful message.
Whether it’s a sacrifice, a meal, or a smile, your gift carries meaning. You may not see its impact firsthand, but trust us, someone else feels it deeply.
Human Concern UK is one of the leading Muslim relief organisations in the United Kingdom, committed to fighting poverty and providing aid to those in need.
Charity number: 1206222