Haj is an annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia that is considered one of the five pillars of Islam. It is a journey that Muslims from all over the world undertake as a demonstration of their faith and devotion to Allah.
The Haj takes place during the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah and is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world. Millions of Muslims from different countries and cultures come together in Mecca to perform a series of rituals and acts of worship, including the Tawaf, Sa’i, and the standing at Arafat.
The journey to Haj is a physically and financially challenging one, but it is considered a once-in-a-lifetime obligation for those who are able to make it. The Haj is seen as a way to purify the soul, seek forgiveness for past sins, and come closer to Allah.
The United Arab Emirates has recently announced the dates for the registration of pilgrims for the Haj 2023 season. Pilgrims from around the world are eager to participate in this annual religious pilgrimage, which is considered one of the five pillars of Islam.
The registration process for Haj 2023 will start on the 10th of February 2023 and will run until the 20th of March 2023. Eligible applicants will be able to register through the official website of the UAE Haj and Umrah Committee.
The Haj pilgrimage is a once-in-a-lifetime obligation for those who are physically and financially able to undertake the journey. This year, the Haj will take place from the 30th of July 2023 to the 4th of August 2023, and it is expected to attract millions of pilgrims from around the world.
In light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the UAE government has taken several measures to ensure the safety of pilgrims during their journey. This includes mandatory COVID-19 tests, social distancing protocols, and a comprehensive health and safety plan in place.
The authorities have also implemented a new online system that streamlines the registration process, making it easier and more efficient for pilgrims to apply. The system also allows applicants to track their status and receive updates about their application.
The agreements are for further improving arrangements and preparations to serve the pilgrims coming to Makkah and Madinah to perform the rituals of Hajj.
Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Abdulfattah bin Suleiman Mashat signed the agreements on the sidelines of the ‘Hajj Expo’ conference and exhibition.
“The number of pilgrims will return to what it was before the pandemic, without any age limit,” Minister of Haj and Umrah Tawfiq Al Rabiah had told reporters in Riyadh.
Haj is a pillar of Islam, and all able-bodied Muslims with monetary means are required to perform it at least once. The pilgrimage will happen in June this year.
Over 2.5 million people performed the pilgrimage in 2019, and in the three years after, numbers were significantly reduced as a Covid safety measure. Last year, nearly one million Muslims performed the rituals. His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mualla, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Umm Al Quwain, was among the pilgrims in 2022. He had praised Saudi Arabia for successfully organising the pilgrimage.
The announcement of the registration dates for Haj 2023 has generated a lot of excitement among Muslims around the world. The UAE government is committed to ensuring a safe and seamless experience for all pilgrims and has taken all necessary measures to guarantee their health and safety. The start of the registration process marks a significant step in the preparation for this year’s Haj season.
