The Hajj and Gift-Giving Etiquette

Every year, millions of Muslims worldwide travel to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, once in their lives if they can physically and financially do so. One of the five pillars of Islam is completing the Hajj, a sacred pilgrimage. It retraces the steps of Ibrahim when he was commanded to sacrifice his son, Ismail, in a trial of faith. God prevented it. Later, Ibrahim and Ismail built the Kaaba. Pilgrims seek a spiritual experience that wipes their sins away, unites them with other Muslims, and draws them closer to God. The Hajj is performed during the Dhul Hijjah, the twelfth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. It isn’t a one-day event. Instead, it can extend over five to six days. According to the Gregorian calendar, the Hajj 2024 is June 14-19.

Hajj Preparation Rules

To prepare for the Hajj, pilgrims may save money for a lifetime and wait years to get a permit from Saudi Arabia. The Saudi government has a quota system it adheres to. Pilgrims enter into “ihram,” a sacred state, before traveling. For example, men wear seamless terrycloth robes. Women don’t wear make-up or perfume. They also cover their hair. Pilgrims are also forbidden from cutting their hair and nails. They are also to abstain from sexual relations. Men and women aren’t supposed to cuss or quarrel.

Attendance Costs

Attendance costs vary yearly, depending on the country of origin and the number of people at the travel party. Purchasing a “Hajj package” with a travel agency is highly recommended. These packages include flights, ground transport, insurance, a tour operator, and a Muslim teacher. The package does not include the Saudi Arabian Hajj fee or visa. The Saudi government doesn’t charge the fee if a pilgrim goes as a first-time Hajj participant.

According to Charity Right, an international Islamic food charity, the 2023 cost for attending the Hajj from the UK ranged from £4,000 to £9,000 per person. The price difference is based on chosen accommodations and days spent in Saudi Arabia. https://www.charityright.org.uk/blog/post/how-much-does-hajj-cost-1. The cost of attending continues to rise with inflation and political barriers. For some Muslims, the pilgrimage is becoming increasingly unaffordable.

Islamic Gift-Giving Etiquette

Giving gifts is acceptable in Islam when done with love and sincerity. For example, if a brother or sister pays for another person’s Hajj as a gift, all that is needed is for the sum to be acquired through a halal (lawful) acquisition method. When given in a true spirit of friendship and an open heart, Muslims may receive gifts and donations from non-Muslims for the Hajj and Islamic projects.

Hajj Gift Ideas

Money

Family and friends may contribute to the expenses of the Hajj journey. They can contribute to a charitable cause, like at a school, hospital, water project, or orphan’s home.

Dates and Sweets Gift Baskets

Walnut Tree is an ideal place to purchase gift baskets to share on the Hajj journey. The Reed Gifting Basket of Dried Fruit is an award-winning product. Taste some tangy pineapple, zesty orange, famous apricots, and delicious cranberries. The basket is £15. Order with SKU Code: MORF. This item is perfect for halal diets. Visit walnut.gifts.

Hajj pilgrims can also enjoy Medjool Dates or Chocolate –Covered Dates by Walnut Tree. Currently, these 1-kilo bags are £18. Chocolated-coated dates are £12. Order using SKU Codes: RBDA or RBJU. These fruits are a great sharing-size product for the road, too.

Hajj Mementos

It is is a journey of a lifetime. Personal mementos created for individual pilgrims will help them remember their experience. Gifting engraved jewelry, key chains, and picture frames engraved with the pilgrim’s name and Hajj year are excellent daily reminders. Find many of these items on Etsy.uk or Amazon.uk.

Skincare Products

The Hajj and Umrah Kit by Nurify Skin is all-natural, handmade, and fragrance-free. Consumers will find no parabens, sulfates, or alcohol added. The kit includes a cooling face wash, refreshing face and body mist, cooling moisturizing body lotion, hair repair serum, pain relief oil, sun protection cream, beard oil, and complimentary hand soap. Help a pilgrim embark on the Hajj with proper skincare. Order the kit at www.nurify.com for £45.

Travel Accessories

Every pilgrim will need a neck pillow, water bottles, a trip organiser, portable chargers, and luggage tags. The Hajj Travel Shop has all these essential items and much more. Go to https://hajjtravelshop.com/.

It is a sacred pilgrimage. Millions of Muslins prepare their whole lives for this potentially one-time event. Family and friends are encouraged to give presents with love and affection. Non-Muslims may also give gifts to support a pilgrim on the Hajj. Gift-giving is an acceptable practice in Islam. Presents can come in many forms; however, the sum of the gift(s) must come from a halal source.

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The Hajj and Gift-Giving Etiquette