21 JUNE 2023
Qatar Airways QR665/10:30 AM
The Hajj journey of 2023 for pilgrims of Hafsa Travels began from Colombo with great anticipation and excitement as we departed from Bandaranaike International Airport. Our first stop was Doha, where we had a brief layover before continuing our flight to Jeddah, the gateway to the holy cities of Mecca.
22 JUNE 2023
21st-26th July : Furkhan Hotel – Ajyard
Upon arriving in the holy city of Mecca for the Hajj journey of 2023, we were warmly welcomed at Furkhan Hotel, a place that would become our home for the next five days. The hotel provided us with comfortable accommodations, allowing us to rest and prepare ourselves both physically and spiritually for the upcoming rites.
The days spent at Furkhan Hotel allowed us to establish a strong sense of camaraderie with fellow pilgrims.
23 JUNE 2023
We proceeded to the Grand Mosque in Mecca to perform Tawaf al-Qudum, also known as the Tawaf of Arrival. This Tawaf is one of the essential components of completing the first Umrah, and it marks our formal entry into the state of Ihram, which is the sacred state of pilgrimage.
With hearts brimming with excitement and devotion, we circumambulated the Kaaba, the House of Allah, seven times in a counterclockwise direction. The energy around the Kaaba was electrifying as millions of pilgrims from all walks of life came together to perform this sacred ritual.
Finished the Umrah and return to AlFurkhan Hotel and stay at hotel until 27th JUNE.
27 JUNE 2023
Tent (Muallim) : Category “B” / Services Center – 02
Premium Service/with buffet three times meals.
On the blessed day of Hajj, we began our journey at Mina, a significant location where millions of pilgrims converge to spend crucial days of devotion and reflection. Alhamdulillah, we were blessed to be accommodated in the Premium B Category tent, providing us with a comfortable and spiritually enriching experience.
The Premium B Category tent offered us ample space to rest and rejuvenate between the rigorous rituals of Hajj. The tent was thoughtfully equipped to ensure our convenience and ease, allowing us to focus entirely on our worship and devotion to Allah
28 JUNE 2023
As the first rays of dawn broke through the horizon, signaling the arrival of a new day, we set out from our Mina Tent towards the sacred plains of Arafat. The tranquil morning air filled with a sense of anticipation and devotion, as we embarked on this crucial stage of our Hajj journey.
Departing after Fajr prayers, with the soft half-light of the sun illuminating the path, we began our pilgrimage towards the Mount of Mercy, where the Day of Arafat holds immense significance for every pilgrim. The journey from Mina to Arafat symbolizes the transition from one essential ritual to another, from a state of preparation and reflection to a profound moment of supplication and connection with Allah
29 JUNE 2023
After a spiritually intense day at Arafat, we, the pilgrims, continued our Hajj journey by proceeding to Muzdalifah as the sun began to set. The atmosphere was filled with a sense of tranquility and we traveled by Bus to Muzdalifah .
Muzdalifah, a significant location between Arafat and Mina, provided us with a unique opportunity for reflection and supplication. Upon arrival, we were greeted by the vast open space where millions of pilgrims from around the world gathered to spend the night under the open sky.
As we settled into this sacred ground, we collected pebbles for the symbolic act of Stoning the Devil that would take place in the coming days. The simplicity of the surroundings reminded us of the essential nature of our faith and the humility required on this blessed journey.
29 JUNE 2023
After Fajir Prayers, we leaving Muzdalifah and arriving in Mina, walked more then 7 KM and we continued our Hajj pilgrimage with the symbolic act of Stoning the Devil. Jamarat, the location where the ritual takes place, holds great significance in our journey, representing the rejection of evil and the triumph of faith over temptation.
The atmosphere in Mina was charged with a sense of purpose and devotion as we made our way to the Big Jamarat pillar. Each pilgrim collected seven pebbles, which would be used to stone the big Jamarat that represent Satan and his temptations.
29 JUNE 2023
After completing the symbolic act of Stoning the Devil, we continued our journey of devotion and completion of the remaining rites on the same day. The blessed day of Hajj is filled with essential rituals, each carrying immense spiritual significance.
As part of the Hajj obligations, we performed the Qurbani, also known as the sacrifice. Following in the footsteps of Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son Isma’il in obedience to Allah’s command, we offered an animal sacrifice as an act of devotion and gratitude to the Almighty. The meat from the sacrifice was distributed to those in need, fostering a sense of charity and compassion among the pilgrims.
After completing the Qurbani, we returned to the Grand Mosque in Mecca to perform the Tawaf al-Ifadah, also known as the Tawaf of Return. This Tawaf signifies the completion of the essential rituals of Hajj and marks our return to the Kaaba, the spiritual center of Islam, with hearts filled with gratitude and humility.
Following the Tawaf al-Ifadah, male pilgrims had their heads either fully shaved (Halq) or trimmed (Taqseer), symbolizing humility and the casting away of arrogance. Female pilgrims typically trim a small portion of their hair as a gesture of completion of the pilgrimage.
03 July 2023
After completing the sacred rituals of Hajj, we were blessed to transfer to the iconic Zam Zam Clock Tower, home to the luxurious and prestigious Pullman Zam Zam Hotel, a 5-star establishment that offered unrivaled comfort and hospitality.
As we arrived at the hotel, we were greeted with warm smiles and gracious hospitality, creating an atmosphere of serenity and relaxation after the spiritually intense days of Hajj. The Pullman Zam Zam Hotel was not only a place of comfort but also a convenient location, being situated just steps away from the Masjid al-Haram, the Grand Mosque in Mecca, allowing us easy access for prayers and Tawaf.
The proximity of the Pullman Zam Zam Hotel to the Masjid al-Haram allowed us to perform additional Tawaf and prayers with ease, enriching our spiritual experience. The mere sight of the magnificent Kaaba from the hotel’s premises was a constant reminder of the profound journey we had undertaken.
08 July 2023
08 July 2023
After our spiritually enriching 5-day stay at the Pullman Zam Zam Hotel in Mecca, we embarked on the next phase of our journey, traveling to the beloved city of Medina for the final 5 days of our pilgrimage.
As we set off for Medina, the anticipation of visiting the Prophet’s Mosque (Masjid an-Nabawi) filled our hearts with joy and gratitude. The journey from Mecca to Medina was accompanied by a sense of serenity and reflection, as we contemplated the profound experiences we had during our Hajj pilgrimage.
Upon arriving in Medina, we were welcomed by the peaceful atmosphere and the captivating sight of the magnificent green dome of the Prophet’s Mosque. This sacred place holds immense significance for Muslims worldwide, as it houses the tomb of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and serves as a beacon of spiritual guidance and inspiration.
10 July 2023
One of the most cherished moments for any pilgrim visiting Medina is the opportunity to say Salam (greetings) to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) at his resting place in the Rawdah Sharifah, a blessed area within the Prophet’s Mosque.
As we approached the Rawdah Sharifah, our hearts were filled with a mix of emotions – awe, gratitude, and a deep longing to be in the presence of the Prophet (peace be upon him). With tears in our eyes and reverence in our hearts, we conveyed our Salam and sent blessings upon the beloved Messenger of Allah.
Saying Salam to the Prophet was a profoundly intimate and spiritual moment. It was as if time stood still, and we felt a deep connection with the Prophet (peace be upon him) and the message of Islam he brought to humanity.
These two experiences – the White Carpet and saying Salam to the Prophet – were among the most cherished moments of our stay in Medina.
Hafsa Travels (PVT) Ltd.
91-1/1, Chatham Street,Colombo-01,SriLanka
Tel : +94 761800002
