Hajj is the sacred pilgrimage undertaken by Muslims from the entire world in the Holy month of Zilhaj which is the 12th month of the Islamic calendar. Hajj is one of the most religious fundamental pillars of Islam and each eligible Muslim want to offer this. Muslims endowed with good health and the economic means to undertake the pilgrimage, perform this sacred duty at least once in their life time. Hajj is the largest congregation of the faithful in recorded history. Over the last 1400 years, Muslims from across the world, assemble in the House of Allah in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
The Five Pillars of Islam are:
- SHAHADAH: Faith – “There is no god except Allah, Muhammad (pbuh) is the messenger of Allah”.
- SALAH: Prayer – Praying five times a day.
- ZAKAH: Donate – Each year, Muslims are supposed to donate a fixed proportion of their savings for good deeds.
- SAWM: Fasting – Fasting during the month of Ramazan.
- HAJJ: Pilgrimage – Making a pilgrimage to Makkah at least once in the lifetime of a Muslim, if it is affordable.
Hajj date in 2012:
Islam was founded in the 7th century by Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). Today this is the second largest religion in the world with more than 1.2 billion followers. The Quran is the sacred text of Islam. The Arabic word “Islam” means submission. Muslims believe that Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is the final messenger from God. The goal of a Muslim’s life is to live in a way to please Allah (The God) so that one may gain enlightenment.
Muslims use to celebrate Hajj according to the Islamic Calendar on 10th Zilhaj each year. In 2012, Hajj will be coming on October 25th, 2012. Government of Pakistan and Ministry of Religious affairs has changed the policy of Hajj in 2012 which has been approved by the Federal Cabinet. Some of the salient features of this new policy are:
- The quota of Hajj in 2012 is 179,210.
- The Hajj schemes will be implemented by Government and also by Private Hajj Group Organizers (HGOs) in equal portion.
- Government will give preference to Hajj applications as First come, First serve.
- Blue Category within 900 meters without transport with a rental ceiling of Saudi Riyals (SR) 7,500 per pilgrim, Green Category within 2,000 meters with transport with a rental ceiling of SR 5,000 per pilgrim and White Category beyond 2,000 meters with transport with a rental ceiling of SR 3600 per pilgrim will be arranged by Pakistan Hajj Mission, Jeddah.
- Airfare for Hajj-2012 finalized with PIA will be Rs 73,000/- for South region and Rs. 85,000/- for north region.
- For the Welfare services during Hajj-2012, Hajj Medical Mission comprising 540 personnel, 230 Khuddam-ul-Hujjaj and 900 Local Khuddam-ul- Hujjaj in KSA, with variation of 10 percent, will be deputed subject to availability of resources and in case of shortage, it would be met through Volunteers Khaddam-ul-Hajjaj Scheme.
Addresses and Contact Numbers of Haji Camps:
Lahore:
The Director Hajj,
Dar-ul-Hujjaj, Majithia Hajj,
Nicolson Road,
Lahore.
Ph 042-6375986
Fax 042-6284303
Karachi:
The Director Hajj,
Bait-tul-Hujjaj,
Moulvi Tamiz-ud-Din Khan Road
Karachi
Ph 021-5688307
Fax 021-9206132
Multan:
The Director Hajj,
Directorate of Hajj,
Zakria Zaireen Complex,
Qila Kohna, Qasim Bagh,
Multan.
Ph 061-9200665
Fax 061-9200693
Sukkhar:
The Assistant Director Hajj,
Directorate of Hajj,
Special Education Complex,
Airport Road,
Sukkur.
Ph 071-5630756
Fax 071-5631397
Quetta:
The Director Hajj,
New Haji Camp,
Western Bypass,
Near Rural Development Academy,
Quetta.
Ph 081-2855981
Fax 081-2855921
Peshawar:
The Director Hajj,
Hajj Complex,
Plot No.25-A, Sector E 8,
Phase-VII, Hayatabad,
Peshawar.
Ph 091-9217483
Fax 091-9217730
Islamabad:
The Director Hajj,
Madina-tul-Hujjaj,
Near Kohinoor Mill,
Peshawar Road,
Islamabad.
Ph 051-9278274
Fax 051-9278272
Chairman,
Pakistan Madressah Education Board,
Madina-tul-Hujjaj,
Near Kohinoor Mill,
Peshawar Road
Islamabad.
Ph 051-9201909
Hujaj can use the above mentioned addresses and contact to get more information about the Hajj policy of 2012.
