What does the Quran say about pilgrimage to Makkah?

Makkah is a sacred and holy city that people visit from all around to world to fulfil their obligatory as well as voluntary pilgrimage, rituals and worships. This includes performing Hajj and Umrah. Hajj is considered as the fifth pillar of Islam, and all the able-bodied Muslims are required to fulfill this act of pilgrimage at least once in their lives. Since the advent of Islam, Muslims have been traveling through different means to the city of Makkah to fulfil their religious obligation. Today, with the advancement of technology, the Hajj and Umrah journey has been made even more accessible and easier to perform. You can book through different travel agents and go on a spiritually fulfilling holy journey. Qiblatain allows Muslim pilgrims to avail an opportunity to obey the command of Allah so they can offer Umrah rituals with Trusted Travel Agency that offers Umrah packages to make an exceptional Umrah journey. 

Importance of Makkah as a Religious and Commercial Site  

Makkah is known to be the heart of Islam as it is the most sacred city on earth. The city of Makkah has the holy Ka’aba which is the house of Allah on earth. Muslims from all over the world travel to Makkah each year to perform Hajj and Umrah. Makkah also holds great importance as it is the city and birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad PBUH. The city of Makkah was historically a significant trading hub before the advent of Islam and after Islam took a rise, the city became the center and focal point for Muslims to visit and perform pilgrimage. Today, it is one of the busiest cities in the world as millions of people from all around the world come to visit Makkah and perform their holy rituals. 

Sayings from Quran about Pilgrimage to Makkah 

The Holy Quran depicts the ‘Pilgrimage to Makkah’ as the fifth of the five pillars in Islam. Quran emphasizes on the importance and benefits of performing Pilgrimage. The holy book says that making pilgrimage to Makkah is a mandatory act and every Muslim who is financially and physically able to perform, must do so. 

“And take provisions for yourselves (Hajj), but the best of provisions is Taqwa (piety). So fear Me, O men of understanding!

– 2:197

Similarly, in another verse the Quran claims:

“And complete the Hajj and ‘Umrah for Allah.”                                                                            

 – 2: 196

Both the above verses show the importance of performing pilgrimage to Makkah. Quran constantly reminds and emphasizes Muslims about the significance of performing the holy rituals and the spiritual and religious benefits that it brings along. 

Some Major Benefits of going on Pilgrimage to Makkah: 

Although there are many physical and spiritual benefits of going on pilgrimage to Makkah, the major few benefits include; 

• Pilgrimage as a means of Spiritual purification

Pilgrimage is considered as a mean of spiritual purification, such that it is said when a Muslim performs Hajj he is like a new born and has a soul as pure as that. This means forgiveness from the Almighty.

• Deeper Connection with faith and the Almighty 

Pilgrimage provides the opportunity to deeply connect with your faith when you feel the divine presence in the city of Makkah. 

• Expiation of Sins 

Pilgrimage provides the chance for expiation of sins. When you go to perform Hajj, all your past sins are eradicated and you are as pure and new as a newborn child.

• Renewed Sense of Purpose in Life 

Hajj and Umrah journey also provide you a renewed sense of purpose in life. Performing Pilgrimage helps you understand the true meaning and purpose of this life. 

• Community Interaction and Interconnectedness

 Muslims from all over the world come to visit Makkah to perform Umrah. This helps to foster community interaction and interconnectedness among people. 

Mandatory Rituals involved in Pilgrimage to Makkah

There are two different kinds of pilgrimage that Muslims perform when they travel to Makkah. One is Hajj which is mandatory and can only be performed once every year during Dhul Hijjah. The other is Umrah, which is a lesser, shorter pilgrimage and can be performed multiples times throughout the year except the Hajj season. The Pilgrimage involve the following specific rituals.

Travel tips for Pilgrimage to Makkah

If you plan on traveling or embarking on a holy pilgrimage to Makkah, there are certain travel tips that you need to keep in mind. Qiblatain Trusted Travel Agency guides pilgrims to customize best packages so they can reside in safe and secure hotels according to their preference, avail transportation in reliable vehicles and enjoying other facilities present in our packages. 

These include: 

• Book your pilgrimage packages through a trusted and verified travel agency.
• For Hajj, make sure to book your packages as early as possible. 
• Try to travel during the off-peak season on Umrah journey. 
• Make sure to pack all your essentials especially health kits.
• Try to pack light clothes and comfy shoes
• Always carry a handy water bottle with you to keep yourself hydrated
• Make sure to get a full health checkup along with your health and travel insurance before your embark on your holy journey.
• Keep your emergency contact always cards with you.
• Make sure to get vaccinated against COVID-19, Polio and Meningitis. 
• Ensure keeping all your valid documents safe and secure in a backpack you carry with you at all times.
• Make sure you are aware of all your holy rituals before you embark on your Hajj or Umrah journey.
• Always keep in touch with your travel agents or emergency contacts for any assistance. 

Mushu

Mushu, an experienced Saudi Arabia traveler and writer, shares insightful tips and spiritual reflections to enhance Hajj and Umrah journeys for fellow pilgrims. He has been to Makkah and Madina from 2016 to 2023 many times and his posts will reflect this.