Glossary

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A

Arafat

The most significant stop of Hajj, where pilgrims stand in worship and supplication on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah. Known as the Day of Arafah, it is a day of forgiveness, mercy, and closeness to Allah (SWT).

Azziziyah

A district in Makkah where many Hajj accommodations are located. Pilgrims often stay here before or after completing their core Hajj rites due to its proximity to the Mashaer sites.

Al-Muaisim Camp

Situated farther from Jamarat, this larger camp can accommodate up to 30,000 pilgrims. Most Nusuk pilgrims will stay here during the days of Hajj.

H

Hajj

The annual pilgrimage to Makkah, and one of the five pillars of Islam, during the last month of the Islamic Calendar, Dhul-Hijjah. It is an obligation for every Muslim, who is able and can afford to, to perform once in their lifetime.

Hajj al-Ifrād

A form of Hajj in which a pilgrim performs only Hajj, without combining it with Umrah. It is usually chosen by those living closer to Makkah and does not require a sacrifice.

Hajj al-Qirān

A form of Hajj in which a pilgrim performs both Hajj and Umrah with a single Ihram, without exiting the state of Ihram in between. It requires offering a sacrifice.

Hajj al-Tamattu‘

A form of Hajj in which a pilgrim performs Umrah first, exits Ihram, and then re-enters Ihram later for Hajj. It is the most common type for international pilgrims and requires a sacrifice.

I

Ihram

A sacred state entered before performing Hajj or Umrah, signified by wearing specific garments and abstaining from certain actions. It represents purity, equality, and the pilgrim’s devotion to Allah alone.

J

Jamarat

The three stone pillars in Mina representing where Prophet Ibrāhīm (AS) stoned Shayṭān. Pilgrims perform the symbolic stoning (Ramy al-Jamarāt) to reject temptation and affirm their obedience to Allah.

M

Majr Al-Kabsh Camp

Located closer to the Jamarat Bridge, this camp offers greater convenience but has very limited availability, with space for around 5,000 pilgrims.

Mashaer

A collective term for the sacred sites of Mina, Muzdalifah, and Arafat, where the core rituals of Hajj are performed. Each site represents a stage in the pilgrim’s spiritual journey.

Mina

A valley near Makkah where pilgrims spend the nights of the 8th, 11th, and 12th of Dhul Hijjah. It is the site of the symbolic stoning of the Jamarat and a time of reflection, patience, and unity.

Muzdalifah

An open plain between Arafat and Mina where pilgrims spend the night after Arafah, collecting pebbles for the stoning ritual. It is a time of simplicity, humility, and gratitude under the open sky.

N

Non-Shifting Packages (Hajj)

Non-Shifting Packages, as offered on Nusuk Hajj, allow pilgrims to stay in the same hotel throughout their entire Hajj journey in Makkah, including during the Manasik days. These packages are often preferred by pilgrims who value convenience and minimal movement, such as the elderly or those with mobility concerns.

Nusuk (Nusuk App)

The official online platform authorized by the Ministry of Hajj & Umrah for Umrah and Rawdah bookings and other year-round services, additionally available as an app. Not to be confused with Nusuk Hajj.

Nusuk Hajj

Nusuk Hajj is the official online portal of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah — the sole digital gateway through which pilgrims from designated serviced countries can purchase their Hajj packages. Only available on a web browser (no app).

R

Rawdah

An area within the Prophet’s ﷺ Mosque in Madinah, between his blessed home and pulpit. It is described as one of the gardens of Paradise — a place where duʿā is accepted and hearts find tranquility.

S

Sa’i

The ritual of walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwa, commemorating Hājar’s (AS) search for water for her son. It embodies perseverance, faith, and trust in Allah’s mercy.

Safa and Marwa

Two hills located near the Kaaba in Masjid al-Haram. Pilgrims perform Sa’i between them — an act deeply tied to the story of Hājar (AS) and a timeless reminder of steadfastness and hope.

Shifting Packages (Hajj)

Shifting Packages, as offered on Nusuk Hajj, involve staying in two different accommodations in Makkah. Pilgrims typically stay in a hotel near the Haram during non-Manasik days and move to a hotel closer to the Jamarat, often in Aziziyah, for the Manasik days. Shifting Packages are generally more cost-effective than non-shifting options.

T

Tawaf

The act of circling the Kaaba seven times in a counterclockwise direction. It symbolizes the believer’s continuous devotion to Allah, with the heart centered around His House.

Tawaf al-Iffadah

A key Tawaf performed after the Day of Arafah and stoning at Mina. It is an essential pillar of Hajj that signifies the pilgrim’s purification and closeness to Allah after completing the major rites.

Tawaf al-Widā‘

The “Farewell Tawaf” performed before leaving Makkah. It is a final act of worship, bidding farewell to the Kaaba with love, gratitude, and hope to return again.

U

Umrah

Often referred to as the “lesser pilgrimage,” Umrah can be performed at any time of the year. It involves Ihram, Tawaf around the Kaaba, and Sa’i between Safa and Marwa — a deeply rewarding act of devotion and renewal.

Z

Zamzam Water

Blessed water from the Zamzam well located within Masjid al-Haram. It holds historical and spiritual significance as the water that Allah provided for Hājar (AS) and her son Isma’il (AS) in the desert. It’s encouraged to drink often while performing Hajj or Umrah.

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