Here’s an important update for Hajj 2025 pilgrims

The Ministry of Religious Affairs announced on its Facebook page that the third installment for the government Hajj scheme will be collected from February 6 to 14. Pilgrims are urged to pay their dues at the designated banks within this timeframe.

The ministry has advised all applicants to make timely payments to confirm their participation in this year’s Hajj pilgrimage.

Pakistan’s Hajj Quota for 2025

For 2025, Saudi Arabia has allocated a total Hajj quota of 179,210 pilgrims for Pakistan, with an equal division between the government and private sectors, giving each 89,605 seats.

To fill the remaining 5,000 seats under the government quota after the application target was not met for this year’s Hajj, the Ministry of Religious Affairs reopened the application process from January 10. The application deadline had been extended twice: first from December 3 to December 10, and then again until December 17.

In an effort to assist pilgrims, the Ministry has launched the ‘Pak Hajj 2025’ mobile app, available for both Android and iPhone users.

Additionally, the government has announced a reduction in airfare, with the ticket price under the federal program now set at 220,000 Pakistani Rupees, down from 234,000 Rupees last year.

The Saudi Civil Aviation Authority has also released the flight schedule for Hajj 2025, with the official Hajj operation set to begin on Tuesday, April 29, 2025 (1st of Dhu al-Qi’dah 1446 Hijri), and the return of pilgrims starting from 13th Dhu al-Hijjah.

Hajj: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ihram (State of Purity): Before entering Mecca, pilgrims don the Ihram garments, signifying purity and unity. Recite the Talbiyah: “Labbayk Allahumma Labbayk…”

Tawaf (Circumambulation): Upon arrival at the Masjid al-Haram, perform Tawaf by walking seven times around the Kaaba in a counter-clockwise direction.

Sa’i (Walking between Safa and Marwah): After Tawaf, walk seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah, commemorating Hagar’s search for water for her son, Isma’il.

Standing at Arafat (Wuquf): On the 9th of Dhu al-Hijjah, stand in prayer at the plain of Arafat, seeking forgiveness and making supplications.

Muzdalifah: After Arafat, spend the night at Muzdalifah, collecting pebbles for the next ritual.

Ramy al-Jamarat (Stoning of the Devil): On the 10th of Dhu al-Hijjah, throw seven pebbles at the largest pillar in Mina, symbolizing the rejection of evil.

Sacrifice (Qurbani): Offer a sacrificial animal, such as a sheep or goat, commemorating Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah.

Shaving/Cutting Hair (Tahallul): Men shave their heads or trim their hair, while women cut a small portion of their hair, signifying purification.

Tawaf al-Ifadah: Perform another Tawaf at the Masjid al-Haram, marking the completion of the main rituals.

Ramy al-Jamarat (Stoning) on Subsequent Days: Continue the stoning ritual on the 11th and 12th of Dhu al-Hijjah.

Final Tawaf (Tawaf al-Wada): Before departing Mecca, perform a final Tawaf around the Kaaba.