Reference
Umrah, Hajj & Pilgrimage Glossary
Last updated: 26 June 2026
Plain-English definitions of the terms you will see in any Umrah or Hajj package — from ihram and tawaf to Saudi visa categories and aviation codes.
A reference for anyone booking Umrah or Hajj from Pakistan or the USA. Bookmark this page or share it with a family member preparing for their pilgrimage.
Pilgrimage rites
Umrah
The "minor" Islamic pilgrimage to Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Can be performed at any time of year. Consists of ihram, tawaf, sa'i, and shaving or trimming hair.
Hajj
The "major" Islamic pilgrimage, obligatory once in a lifetime for every able Muslim. Performed on specific days of Dhu'l-Hijjah. Hajj 2027 bookings are currently open.
Ihram
The sacred state a pilgrim enters before performing Umrah or Hajj. Men wear two pieces of white unstitched cloth; women wear ordinary modest clothing. Certain everyday actions are restricted during ihram.
Miqat
One of five designated locations around Makkah where pilgrims must enter the state of ihram before proceeding. From Pakistan, most pilgrims enter ihram before landing in Jeddah or at the aircraft's miqat announcement.
Tawaf
Walking seven times anticlockwise around the Kaaba inside Masjid al-Haram. The first rite performed on arrival in Makkah.
Sa'i
Walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwa, performed after tawaf. Commemorates Hajar's search for water for her infant son Ismail.
Ziyarat
The visit to historical and religious sites in Madinah and around Makkah. Optional but encouraged. Includes Masjid an-Nabawi, the Battle of Uhud site, and Quba Mosque.
Holy sites
Kaaba
The cubic structure at the centre of Masjid al-Haram in Makkah. The qibla (direction of prayer) for Muslims worldwide. Pilgrims perform tawaf around it.
Masjid al-Haram
The Grand Mosque in Makkah, the largest mosque in the world. Contains the Kaaba.
Masjid an-Nabawi
The Prophet's Mosque in Madinah, the second-holiest site in Islam. Contains the tomb of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Mina, Arafat, Muzdalifah
The three locations near Makkah where Hajj rites take place over five days. Pilgrims spend the day of Arafat (9th Dhu'l-Hijjah) in prayer on the Plain of Arafat.
Saudi visa categories
Umrah visa
A specific Saudi visa category for Umrah pilgrims. Valid for 30 days from entry. Issued via approved travel agents like Al Bari Travel & Tours.
Hajj visa
A specific Saudi visa category for Hajj pilgrims, issued in limited quotas per country. Only valid during the Hajj season.
Tourist visa
The Saudi e-visa launched in 2019. Can be used to perform Umrah year-round. Multiple entries, valid for one year.
Aviation codes
JED — King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah
The primary entry airport for Umrah and Hajj pilgrims. Located ~80 km from Makkah.
MED — Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport, Madinah
The secondary entry option, used by some Umrah packages that visit Madinah first.
ISB, LHE, KHI, PEW — Pakistani international airports
ISB = Islamabad International Airport (primary for Punjab north, KP, AJK, GB). LHE = Allama Iqbal International Airport, Lahore. KHI = Jinnah International Airport, Karachi. PEW = Bacha Khan International Airport, Peshawar.
Practical terms
Ziyarat tour
A guided tour of Madinah and historical sites, typically included in our Umrah and Hajj packages.
Mu'allim / Muallim
The licensed Saudi guide assigned to each Hajj group. Coordinates logistics in Mina and Arafat.
Zamzam water
Water from the Zamzam well next to the Kaaba. Pilgrims typically bring some home. International airline allowance is usually 5 litres per traveller.
Need help understanding a term?
WhatsApp Haiwad Ahmad, our Regional Branch Manager, at +92 315 9596161. He'll walk you through any term in Urdu, English, or Punjabi.