Azizia is a suburb located in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, that serves as a common accommodation area for pilgrims performing Hajj.
Located slightly away from the immediate vicinity of Masjid Al Haram (the Grand Mosque), Azizia provides an alternative lodging area for the large number of pilgrims who arrive in Makkah for Hajj.
The Role of Azizia for Hajj Pilgrims
Staying in Azizia is often part of the logistical planning for Hajj groups. It is particularly utilized before the main, intense days of Hajj officially begin (leading up to the Day of Arafat). The primary reasons pilgrims might stay in Azizia include:
- Taking a Break: As noted by Dar El Salam Travel, staying in Azizia allows pilgrims to "take a break from the busy and hectic environment near Masjid Al Haram."
- Conserving Energy: The distance from the constant crowds around the Grand Mosque helps pilgrims "conserve some energy for the days ahead."
- Mental Preparation: It provides a less crowded environment to "prepare your heart and mind for the momentous journey of Hajj."
Pilgrims typically travel from Azizia to perform prayers at the Haram and then move to other Hajj sites like Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah when the Hajj rituals commence.
In essence, Azizia functions as a staging area or preparatory base camp for many Hajj pilgrims before they transition fully into the core ritualistic phase of the pilgrimage.
