How United Muslims Supports Pilgrims and Families During Hajj Season

As the Hajj season approaches, thousands of Muslims across the world start getting ready for one of the most meaningful journeys of their lives. From checking passports to packing bags and saying those heartfelt goodbyes, it is a time filled with excitement, nerves, and spiritual reflection.

But Hajj is more than a personal journey. It brings families together in faith. While pilgrims travel to Makkah, loved ones stay at home as they offer their prayers and unwavering support. The connection remains strong, no matter the distance.

At United Muslims, we understand the deep emotional and spiritual importance of this sacred time. Whether you are the one going or you are supporting someone on their journey, we are here for you with care, guidance, and support every step of the way. 

From advice to preparation tips, you will find the support you need to make your Hajj journey as smooth and meaningful as possible.

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Pre-Hajj Guidance and Resources

Preparing for Hajj can feel overwhelming, especially if it is your first time. From booking flights and organising documents to understanding rituals and packing correctly, there is so much to think about. 

At United Muslims, we are here to make things easier for you. Our step-by-step resources include digital guides, printable checklists, virtual sessions, and in-person workshops that are available for your help, whether you are in Manchester, Leicester or London.

We cover everything you need to feel confident and spiritually prepared, including:

  • Essential packing tips
  • How to stay safe and healthy in the heat
  • Common mistakes to avoid
  • What each stage of Hajj looks and feels like 

Whether this is your very first pilgrimage or you are going again after a few years, we are here to make sure you feel prepared, calm, and ready for this life-changing journey.

Emotional and Spiritual Support for Families

We understand that watching a loved one go on pilgrimage can bring many emotions. It is a moment of pride, but also one that can bring worry, especially when they are away for weeks.

That is why we are here to support the families who stay behind. From emotional check-ins and food parcels to help with utility costs, we aim to ease both the emotional and practical load during this sacred time.

We also bring people together through prayer circles and community gatherings to help everyone stay spiritually connected. Some families even choose to give Sadaqah or make a Qurbani donation in honour of their loved one. It is a meaningful way to feel close, even from a distance.

We even assist families in sending prayers and personal messages to loved ones in Makkah to remind them they are always close, even when far apart.

Supports pilgrims and families

Charity Appeals to Maximise Your Hajj Rewards

The days of Hajj and the month of Dhul Hijjah are a special time for good deeds with greater rewards. Many choose to give charity before or during Hajj to make the most of this blessed period. And for those not performing Hajj, supporting causes in the name of a pilgrim brings great spiritual benefit too.

During this sacred time, we run special appeals, such as Qurbani distributions, water relief, opportunities to sponsor a child and vital education support. Your donations to these initiatives can make a lasting difference for families and communities who need support.

At United Muslims, we have made it simple for you to get involved. You can:

We follow a 100% donation policy, so every penny you give goes straight to those who need it. Whether you are on the journey of Hajj or supporting from home, giving charity these days can carry incredible rewards.

Make this Hajj season even more meaningful by supporting a cause, honouring a pilgrim and multiplying your rewards.

Staying Connected from Afar

Even while your loved one is fulfilling their rituals in the holy lands, you can still feel close to them. We encourage families to send voice notes, share duas, and keep them in their prayers. If you have made a donation or supported a cause in their name, be sure to let them know. It brings comfort and joy to feel connected throughout this special journey.

We understand how precious it is to hear a familiar voice or see a loved one’s face during Hajj. That is why we help families and pilgrims stay connected in meaningful ways. Our team supports those who might find technology challenging, especially the elderly, by setting up video calls, voice messages, and live prayer requests. Thoughtful gestures, like sending Zamzam water, dates, or tasbihs, can also help keep the bond strong, even when miles apart.

Hajj Reflections and Storytelling Initiatives

Hajj is more than a journey to Makkah. It is a journey that stays with you long after you return. When pilgrims return, they carry more than just memories. They come back with wisdom, personal growth and a renewed sense of faith.

We encourage those pilgrims to share their experiences through local talks, community events or short videos. These heartfelt reflections can inspire others, guide those preparing for Hajj and bring the community closer together.

One person’s journey can serve as a powerful reminder of Allah’s mercy, greatness and the beauty of unity in faith.

Youth Engagement During Hajj Season

Hajj is not just a journey for adults; it is a beautiful chance to inspire young hearts, too.

At United Muslims, we organise special youth activities during the Hajj season. From storytelling and creative workshops to arts and crafts, we offer children and teenagers a creative, engaging way to learn about the meaning of Hajj.

These sessions help them connect with their faith, understand Islamic history, and feel part of something greater.

Moreover, they spark curiosity, build connections, and plant the seeds of lasting faith.

Bringing hope through small acts of kindness—a meal, a helping hand, or a gift can light up a child’s day.

Volunteer Opportunities During Hajj Season

Not travelling for Hajj this year? You can still share in the blessings by joining our dedicated team of volunteers. They play an important role in delivering food packs to vulnerable families, assisting with community events during this special season, and managing our charity appeals that fund vital projects both locally and overseas.

Every contribution, whether it is a few hours of your time or helping organise a local fundraiser, becomes part of the collective reward of Hajj. By volunteering, you help bring comfort and hope to those in need while connecting with the spirit of giving that Hajj embodies.

A Journey Shared, A Community Uplifted

Hajj is one of the most transformative journeys a Muslim can take. It is a deeply personal experience, but it is also something we all share together, supported by the prayers and love of family and friends.

At United Muslims, we are here to help both pilgrims and their families every step of the way, from the early planning and preparation to spiritual moments and charitable giving.

Whether you are getting ready to go on Hajj or sending someone off at the airport, remember that your part in this journey is important. Through spiritual guidance, emotional support, and life-changing charity projects, we help ensure the blessings of Hajj reach far beyond the Holy Land.

Join us in making this Hajj season a time of unity, compassion, and shared blessings. Support a pilgrim. Help a family. Multiply your rewards.

The Day of Arafah: Its Importance and How to Observe It

Sometimes we don’t realise just how powerful a single day can be until we come across the Day of Arafah.

It’s not just another date in the Islamic calendar. It’s a day full of mercy, forgiveness, and the chance to start fresh with a clean heart.

Whether you are in Makkah for Hajj or at home in Birmingham, Glasgow or London, the blessings of this day reach you wherever you are. It is a golden opportunity to pause, reflect and reconnect with your faith in a meaningful way.

As the blessed days of Dhul Hijjah unfold, the Day of Arafah shines as a moment to draw closer to Allah. If you have ever felt the need to reset your heart and turn back to Allah, this is the perfect moment.

But what makes this day so special? And how can we make the most of it even if we are not at Hajj?

Let’s take a closer look.

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What Is the Day of Arafah?

The Day of Arafah falls on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah, just before Eid al-Adha. It is the day when millions of Hajj pilgrims gather at the plain of Arafat in Makkah, standing in prayer, with tears in their eyes and hope in their hearts, asking for Allah’s mercy and forgiveness.

For those on Hajj, this is the most important moment. Standing at Arafah is what makes the pilgrimage complete. But the beauty of this day is not limited to those in Makkah. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

There is no day on which Allah sets free more slaves from Hell than He does on the Day of ‘Arafah. – (Sahih Muslim)

Even if you are not performing Hajj, this day holds immense value. It’s a chance for all of us, wherever we are, to reflect, pray, and seek forgiveness. The blessings of Arafah reach far and wide and offer everyone the opportunity to draw closer to Allah.

Fasting on the Day of Arafah is the best thing for those who are not on pilgrimage. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

“Whoever fasts the Day of ‘Arafah, his sins of the previous and following year will be forgiven.” (Sunan Ibn Majah)

This Hadith highlights that fasting on Arafah wipes away the sins of the past year and the year to come. A simple fast can become a means of immense reward and spiritual renewal.

It is also a time to make heartfelt dua, engage in dhikr, and recite the Shahada. Take a quiet moment, speak from your heart, and reconnect with your faith. These simple acts mean more on this day than we can imagine. Every moment is a chance to be heard by Allah.

You can also give Sadaqah or support a charitable cause on this day. Whether it’s helping someone in need or contributing to a meaningful project, your good deeds carry more reward on this blessed day.

The day of Arafah is a gift. Let’s not miss its mercy, rewards, and chance for a fresh start.

Why Is the Day of Arafah So Special?

The Day of Arafah is one of the most beautiful and powerful days in our calendar. It is a day filled with mercy, forgiveness and immense rewards. On this blessed day, Allah descends to the lowest heaven and proudly mentions His devoted servants to the angels. It is a time to fast, make heartfelt duas and seek His forgiveness. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

“Fasting on the Day of ‘Arafah, I hope from Allah, expiates for the sins of the year before and the year after.” – (Sunan Ibn Majah)

That is whole years of sins wiped away with just one day of fasting. It is an incredible opportunity that we should not miss.

So what makes the Day of Arafah so remarkable? Let’s take a closer look:

Importance of the day of arafah
  • A Day of Forgiveness

One of the greatest rewards of this day is the chance to have two years of sins forgiven. The Prophet (peace be upon him) told us that fasting on this day brings this reward. It is a chance to start fresh, with a clean heart and renewed intentions.

  • A Milestone in Our Faith

On this very day, Allah revealed a verse that marked a turning point in our religion:

“This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favour upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion.” – Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:3)

This moment marked the completion of our faith, a gift and a blessing for the entire Ummah.

  • A Day When Allah Praises His Servants

The Prophet (peace be upon him) told us that on this day, Allah is so pleased with His servants that He draws near to His servants and praises them in front of the angels. Just imagine being among those mentioned, recognised for your faith, your fasting and your devotion.

What Do Pilgrims Do on Hajj on the Day of Arafah?

On this sacred day, pilgrims leave Mina and gather at the plain of Arafat. From midday until sunset, they stand facing the Qiblah, making heartfelt du’a, reciting takbeer, and reflecting deeply. This moment is not about physical movement but about spiritual stillness.

There are no distractions and no barriers, just the pilgrim and their Creator, alone in sincere devotion.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said,

The best supplication is that on the day of ‘Arafa...”

 It is a day full of mercy and forgiveness, where prayers are answered and hearts are opened. For those on Hajj, it offers a powerful chance to be spiritually renewed and to seek a fresh start.

Even for those not performing Hajj, they can still benefit from this blessed day. Many people choose to fast on Arafah, hoping to share in the spiritual rewards and draw closer to Allah.

The gathering at Arafat reminds us all of something beautiful that no matter who we are, we stand equal before God, united in hope and humility.

Bringing hope through small acts of kindness—a meal, a helping hand, or a gift can light up a child’s day.

How Can You Observe the Day of Arafah?

You don’t have to be at Hajj to make the most of the Day of Arafah. Even if you are not in Makkah, you can still embrace the blessings of this beautiful day from your home, your local mosque, or even during a lunch break at work. Here are simple yet meaningful ways to connect with this special day:

  • Fast the Day

Fasting on the Day of Arafah is one of the best acts you can do. If you are able, try to fast from dawn to sunset as it is said to wipe away the sins of the past year and the year ahead. That is not something you want to miss.

  • Make Heartfelt Dua

This is your moment. Open your heart and speak to Allah about everything. You can ask for forgiveness, guidance, blessings, and anything that weighs on your heart. Nothing is too big or too small. Duas made on this day are especially powerful.

  • Keep Remembering Allah

Keep your tongue busy with dhikr throughout the day. Simple phrases, like SubhanAllah (Glory be to Allah), Alhamdulillah (All praise is due to Allah), Allahu Akbar (Allah is the Greatest), and La ilaha illallah (There is no god but Allah), hold great reward and bring peace to the heart.

  • Read and Reflect on the Quran

Spend some quiet time reading the Quran. Focus on verses about mercy, forgiveness, and gratitude. Let them guide your thoughts and actions on this sacred day.

  • Give Charity with Intention

Arafah is a powerful day for giving. Whether it’s Sadaqah or a donation to a cause like Palestine Emergency or Afghanistan Emergency appeal, your charity can open doors of mercy. United Muslims is running vital appeals during Dhul Hijjah that support families, children, and communities in need. Your kindness could be a lifeline for someone.

No matter where you are, you can honour the Day of Arafah with sincerity and devotion. Every act counts.

A Journey of Unity

On this special day, the Prophet (peace be upon him) shared the most powerful dua:

The best supplication is that on the day of ‘Arafa, and the best thing which I and the prophets before me have said is:

La ilaha illallahu wahdahu la sharika lahu, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamdu wa huwa ‘ala kulli shay’in qadeer.

(There is no god but God alone who has no partner; to Him belongs the dominion, to Him praise is due, and He is omnipotent.)” — Tirmidhi

Keep repeating this beautiful dua throughout the day as it is simple, meaningful, and incredibly powerful.

Let the Day of Arafah Transform You

At United Muslims, we are here to help you embrace the blessed days of Dhul Hijjah with purpose and peace. Through heartfelt reminders, meaningful guidance, and the opportunity to give charity that brings lasting reward, we want every Muslim in the UK to feel spiritually connected, wherever they are.

The Day of Arafah is something special. It is not just a date on the calendar. It is a chance to slow down, look within, and strengthen your bond with Allah. Whether you are fasting, making dua, or giving to those in need, do what you can, and let it count.

And remember, it is not only for those performing Hajj. It is for every soul that longs to draw closer to Allah.

So take a moment. Step away from the noise. Make space for calm and connection. Stand in prayer, raise your hands, and know that Allah’s mercy is closer than you think.

Make the most of this sacred day. Give your charity, make your dua, and reconnect with your faith.

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