Emdad Rahman
A seminar was organised at the Hatfield Community Centre, Dagenham as part of a community educational initiative to help with preparations for local pilgrims who are performing the Hajj this year.
The pilgrimage to Makkah in Saudi Arabia is one of the pillars of Islam and the most important journey a Muslim will make during their lifetime.
Three charitable organisations, Small Deeds, House of Giving and Lonely Orphans partnered to deliver the training programme for members of the local community.
After introductions were made by Abu Nasir the interactive workshop was delivered by Shaikh Md Imran from Lonely Orphans.
The Hajj is considered one of the largest human gatherings on earth with millions of Muslims from all around the world gathering to fulfill this mandatory religious duty.
Last year more than 2.5 million Muslims from all over the world congregated in the city of Makkah for the Hajj – estimated to be the largest one ever.
After a segment on the history of the Muslim pilgrimage, the workshop focussed on the three types of Hajj and then the rituals and practises for the five Hajj days.
Hajj takes place during the same period each year – during the month of Dhul Hijjah, the twelfth month in the Islamic Calendar.
The pilgrimage is a test of patience and temperament – a spiritual, emotional, and physical challenge, and an opportunity to refresh the spiritual self.
The Hajj is a mandatory religious duty and it is compulsory upon every sane, and able person who has the financial means to complete at least once in their life. This is for adult Muslims who are physically and financially capable of undertaking the journey.
The session ended with a Q&A segment with Zahin Ahmed from One Hajj & Umrah Group who talked participants through the Nusuk Hajj platform. This is the first ever official planning, booking and experience platform, to help pilgrims create their Hajj itinerary, organising the entire visit, from applying for an eVisa to booking hotels and flights.
Readers are always recommended to carry out due diligence checks before making bookings and to try as best as possible to enlist the services of reputable Hajj providers.