As you start getting further into your Hajj process, you’ll probably come across some words that might make you go, “Wait, what does that mean?” Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!

We’ve put together this list of common Hajj terms to help you get familiar with everything you need to know. If you spot something we missed or if there’s a word you’re curious about, feel free to comment below—we’re here to help!

1. Travel and Service Providers

• DST: Dar El Salam Travel, a travel agency that has been serving the guests of Allah for over 40 years. They act as a marketing partner
• Seera: Seera Group Holding, is one of the 14 authorized service providers for Hajj, handling logistics and accommodations for pilgrims. DST partners with them to market and offer select Hajj packages.
• AlBurj: Al Burj International Company, is one of the 14 authorized service providers for Hajj, handling logistics and accommodations for pilgrims. DST partners with them to market and offer select Hajj packages.
• ALJ: Abdul Lateef Jameel Real Estate Investment Co. Ltd, is one of the 14 authorized service providers for Hajj, handling logistics and accommodations for pilgrims. DST partners with them to market and offer select Hajj packages.
• Saudia Hajj: Saudi Hajj and Umrah, is one of the 14 authorized service providers for Hajj, handling logistics and accommodations for pilgrims. DST is their exclusive marketing partner.
• Almosafer: The official booking platform used by Nusuk for all customized Hajj flight arrangements.

2. Types of Hajj Packages

• Custom Packages: Tailored for specific groups or countries, these packages include flights and personalized services, offering a seamless and exclusive Hajj experience through the service provider.
• Public Packages: Standardized options open to 126 countries (Phase 2), excluding flights, allowing individuals to arrange their own travel while accessing Nusuk’s broader offerings.
• Shifting Package: A hajj package where accommodations in Makkah change during the stay. Typically, travelers check out of their Makkah hotel to move to Mina for the Manasik period and are usually accommodated in Aziziya during this time.
• Non-Shifting Package: A hajj package that provides consistent accommodations in Makkah for the entire duration of the stay, without requiring guests to check out during the Manasik period.

3. Islamic Calendar & Hajj Dates:

• DH: Dhul Hijjah: The 12th month of the Islamic calendar—this is when all the action happens for Hajj.
• DQ: Dhul Qa’dah: The 11th month of the Islamic calendar, often seen as the “prep month” for Hajj.
• 8th Dhul Hijjah (June 4) – Arrival in Mina
• 9th Dhul Hijjah (June 5) – Day of Arafah & Night in Muzdalifah
• 10th Dhul Hijjah (June 6) – First day of Stoning, Eid Day & Possible Tawaf Al-Ifadah
• 11th Dhul Hijjah (June 7) – Stoning all three Jamarat (small, medium, and large) & Stay in Mina
• 12th Dhul Hijjah (June 8) – Stoning all three Jamarat (small, medium, and large) & Possible departure depending on the program.
• 13th Dhul Hijjah (June 9) – Final Stoning & Departure from Mina

4. Key Locations During Hajj

• Manasik (or Manasek): Refers to the religious rituals and acts of worship performed during Hajj, specifically from the 8th to the 13th of Dhul Hijjah. These include essential rites such as Tawaf, Sa’i, standing at Arafat, and stoning the Jamarat.
• Mashaer: Refers to the sacred sites where the Hajj rituals take place during the same period (8th to 13th Dhul Hijjah), including Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah. The terms Manasik and Mashaer are often used interchangeably, but while Manasik focuses on the actions performed, Mashaer refers to the locations where these rituals occur.
• Mina (Tent City): This is where you’ll spend most of your Hajj days. Although traditionally known as a tent city, newer accommodations include hotel-style buildings. You’ll be in Mina on the 8th, 10th, 11th, 12th, and sometimes the 13th of Dhul Hijjah, depending on your itinerary and madhab.
• Arafat: The big day—9th Dhul Hijjah. It’s what you’ve been preparing for. This is the day of standing in deep supplication, and everything builds up to this moment.
  • Al Muaisim package: You’ll go from Mina to Arafat by bus.
  • Kidana package: Also by bus.
  • Majar Al Kabsh package: You’ll take the train.
• Muzdalifah: Think of it as your first test after Arafat. You’ll spend the night (9DH) under the stars with minimal facilities, which challenges your patience and willingness to submit to Allah’s will.
  • Al Muaisim package: You’ll go from Mina to Arafat by bus.
  • Kidana package: Also by bus.
  • Majar Al Kabsh package: You’ll take the train.
• Aziziya: A Makkah district that now refers to any accommodation on the outskirts of the Haram. These hotels often require shuttles to the Haram and are used as resting stops before or after the main Hajj days.
• Majar Al Kabsh (previously VIP tents): These tents are assigned to Western countries under Nusuk and are the closest to the Jamarat, making them a preferred option for convenience.
• Al Muaisim (formerly North American tents): A budget-friendly option for Western hujjaj, but it comes with a long walk—around 45 minutes to 1 hour each way to the Jamarat.
• Kidana Al Wadi Tower: A new building-style accommodation in Mina, offering a more comfortable and upgraded experience for pilgrims.
• Jabal Omar: A premium…