GUIDE TO A PERFECT HAJJ

Transcription

1 GUIDE TO A PERFECT HAJJ By, Syed Hassan Ali Gilani PMP, MBA B.E shassan123@yahoo.com

2 PREFACE: I welcome all brothers and sisters who are visiting to seek information on the subject of Hajj and related experience. Through this effort, I have tried to share my experience of Hajj which I performed back in Through this effort I have made an attempt to share the actual picture and the real time Hajj experience. I have gone through number of books, discussed with people and have gone through number of online well-maintained and wellinformed blogs and forums covering a lot about Hajj, however frankly speaking, I cannot name a single source that provided me a virtual Hajj experience. Not every site covers everything and most importantly similar sort of information is available, repeating over and over and in general these sources are not sharing information out of the box, not discussing those simple things which a common Hajji faces every day and during the entire Hajj journey. Majority of the important aspects are not discussed. Though this effort I have tried to bring to your knowledge those aspects which are usually not covered and are important and can t be ignored. The language I have chosen is English. For the sake of ease of access, i have also uploaded a PDF Version of this website, so that it may be used offline or may be printed in a printer friendly version. Why I have used Word Press? It is easy to use, free and of course its famous and is not going down easily in near future. The chapters to follow will cover the entire Hajj journey and my suggestions and recommendations. The readers have every right to disagree or differ to my recommendations and may act on your own please. If any error and a mistake is found, please do let me know for earliest correction. To all those who find this helpful are requested to like the page and share it with other brothers and sisters. Helping others, though useful information, is a great virtue. Sincerely, Syed Hassan Ali Gilani PMP, MBA B.E shassan123@yahoo.com Page 1 of 86

3 HAJJ IN ISLAM: Hajj in Islam, the pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia, which every adult Muslim must make at least once in his or her lifetime. The hajj is the fifth of the fundamental Muslim practices and institutions known as the Five Pillars of Islam. The pilgrimage rite begins on the 7th day of Dhū al-ḥijjah (the last month of the Islamic year) and ends on the 12th day. The hajj is incumbent on all Muslims who are physically and financially able to make the pilgrimage, but only if their absence will not place hardships on their family. A person may perform the hajj by proxy, appointing a relative or friend going on the pilgrimage to stand in for him or her. About two million persons perform the hajj each year, and the rite serves as a unifying force in Islam by bringing followers of diverse background together in religious celebration. Saudi Arabia Time Zone: Saudi Arabia Standard Time is 3 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+3). Airports: Flights either land at Jeddah or Medina. Flights do not land directly in Mecca, instead they land in Jeddah. I would prefer landing at Jeddah. This way you will reach Mecca first and immediately perform Umrah. The 2 nd Umrah will be performed on your way back from Medina to Mecca. Weather of the holy cities: The weather, both in Mecca and Medina, is hot. However it s not humid. Therefore it s recommended to cover your head with the either a thobe or a scarf or a cap. Use umbrella often. Keep water with you all the times. Avoid unnecessary travel in day time. Performing Tawaf in direct sun light is not a health risk but it s difficult and make you too tired and exhausted. Hajj Itinerary - Mode and sequence of travel: Travel type Mode Day # Home Country to Jeddah Air Plane 1 Jeddah to Mecca Hotel Bus 1 Mecca Hotel to Ziyarat & back Bus b/w (2-7) Mecca to Medina Hotel Bus 8 Medina Hotel to Ziyarat & back Bus b/w (9-15) Medina to Mecca/Azizia Bus 16 Azizia to Mina Camp Drop Point Bus 19 Mina Camp Drop Point to Mina Camp Walk 19 Mina Camp to Arafat Bus 20 Arafat to Muzdalifa Bus 20 Muzdalifa to Mina Camp Walk 21 Mina Camp to Jamrat & back Walk 21 Mina Camp to Azizia Walk b/w (21-23) Azizia to Haram Round trip Taxi b/w (21-23) (Tawaf e Ziyarat) Azizia to Haram Round trip Taxi 24 (Tawaf e Wida) Azizia to Jeddah Bus 24 Jeddah to Home Country Air Plane 25 Page 2 of 86

4 Types of Hajj Facilities wise: There are two types of Hajj 1. Tough one o You travel in broken buses. o You walk many miles due to unavailability of transport. o You live in cheap places, away from haram, with poor service facilities. o You eat average food from restaurants far away from your residence. 2. Easy One (Opposite of tough one) Both are good. First one makes you tough, you learn new things and you come out of your comfort zone and you thank God even more. Second one allows you to focus more on prayers and zikar rather than focusing on other issues. This second type is recommended for elderly people. Cost of Hajj: Each and every year millions of pilgrims make their way to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to perform the major and minor pilgrimages known as Hajj and Umrah respectively. The pricing methods and price range of performing the Hajj pilgrimage is vital as most people put up all their savings and belongings to perform the Hajj pilgrimage. Low minimal cost of Hajj and a set price range to be followed by Hajj travel groups and pilgrimage service providers will allow the maximum number of people who are able and willing to perform hajj both physically and financially can do so, without having to spend all of their savings or having to sell off all their possessions. This move will also allow the pilgrims to be aware of what services they will be provided in the money that they have paid to the travel group or service provider, hence allowing them to not be overcharged or duped in to paying for something that they have already paid for. In 2016, the Saudi Ministry stated that the minimum cost for the local pilgrims (charged by Moallim) had been set at SAR 3, The price for the first category of the general program had been proposed to be ranging from between SR 7,546 up to SR 8, For the second category of the general program the price range had been set between SAR 7,295 to SAR 7, For the third category the prices had been set to range between SAR 5,893 to SAR 6, The prices for the towers category i.e. all the pilgrims who were going to be accommodated in the buildings located in Mina, would be at SAR 11, The price range for the low cost Hajj package would be kept between SAR 3,282 and SAR 4, Whereas the cost of the Easy Hajj also known as Muyassar Hajj would be charged at SAR 3,000. Government & private Hajj Schemes (Pk): Both Schemes are different and are discussed below. Government Hajj Scheme: Each country is allocated quota for number of Pilgrims that are allowed each year to enter into Saudi Arabia for Hajj. The ministry of religious affairs decides how much quota will be allocated to the private travel agents. As of 2016, govt kept the 60% quota and allocated the 40% to the private agents. On average Rs. 271,000/- was Page 3 of 86

5 the total Hajj charges and Rs. 13,340/- for the Qurbani. The Airline Ticket Cost Rs. 95,000/- which is inclusive in the price quoted above. The total cost of the tour becomes Rs. 284,340/-. This is very reasonable. As per government Hajj scheme, anyone who has performed Hajj within last 5 years is not eligible to apply. This criterion doesn t apply on people performing Hajj e Badal or are going as Mehram to a female. This package is inclusive of 3 times meal per day for entire tour. Medina accommodation is provided within 500 m from Haram. An ever ready transport facility to pick and drop Hajis to and from Haram. Buses to be used are not older than % of the Haji will go directly to Medina while other 50% to Jeddah. Every Haji is entitled to 5L Zamzam on reaching back the home country. The stay is usually in buildings a bit away from Haram and not in Hotels. Children under the age of 2 years are charged 10% 0f the Airline Ticket cost only and they are not charged other fee, which is excellent, while private travel agents may charge full or atleast around Rs. 250,000/- the same child. Once the Hajj policy for that year is announced, the forms are available from almost all the banks free of cost. Each form has a unique number track able online on ministry of Hajj website. You have to request form for each person including if it is a child. Every female or child must enter the name and form number of Mehram in their forms. Each branch has appointed a person for receiving forms and for guidance purpose. Forms along with photos are submitted back to the bank that first inspects the form and once finding it complete add this information to the MOFA website. They must issue you a computer receipt. You also have to mention on the form whether you want Qurbani (sacrifice) be done by the government. If you check that box you are supposed to pay additional sum of Rs. 13,340/- for Qurbani. The total amount will be submitted to the cash counter of the bank in the form of cash only. Almost always government receives more applications than the allocated quota before the deadline of submission of form. In such cases a ballot is done and winners are announced. This can be checked though the form serial number on the website of ministry. If the group leader of Mehram fails to win the ballot, the entire group is considered as not qualified. Moreover it has been noted that people applying second time have a better chance of winning the ballot than the ones applying the very first time. A sample Hajj Application form can be downloaded from here. Private Hajj Scheme: Majority of the people, who are unlucky in the Govt Hajj Ballot scheme, move to the private agents. However people may directly approach the private agents, they don t necessarily have to try a chance at govt. scheme. Private agents almost charge double than the govt charges. Your form is filled by the agents. However make sure to check while signing that they have filled it right. The major difference is the hotel stay in both Mecca and Medina. The hotel stay is only available before the Manasik e hajj start. They also shift the hajis to Azizia few days before Hajj. The stay in Azizia is at least for 10 days. Usually travel agents charge groups millions of rupees and when you visit their office you will find out that don t even have educated staff. They have worst setups and untrained and minimum possible staff. Most of the business owner have no professional knowledge and care least about the customer care. As managing Hajj is a religious affair, it is being supervised by such people who have some religious knowledge and are cut off from the humanly aspect of care and understanding the needs of the customer. It is therefore important that you make sure if agent is capable and understand your needs. Also first check whether the name of the agent is listed on the website of Ministry of Religious Affair as authorized agent for HAJJ. Also there is flexibility to customize the hajj package in private Hajj schemes, therefore you must ask following questions. Please note that travel agents usually offer one to two types of Hajj package, if the packages of the travel agent doesn t satisfy you, you may contact any other agent. It is recommended that you must ask Page 4 of 86

6 the agent following questions. The usual expected replies are also quoted with my comments in front. Questions to be Asked to the private travel agent 1. What is the acceptable payment method? 2. Duration of travel and the split. 3. Mecca and Medina stay locations and type Usual Answers by travel agents Bank Cheques payable to ABC Travels. Total 25 Days 7 Days Mecca 8 Days Medina 10 Days Azizia 3 Star stay at Mecca (within 300m from Haram) 3 Star stay at Medina (within 500m stay from Haram) Azizia Building Maktab category B My Comments Only provide cross cheques in the name of the travel agency. Write one cheque and do not split it into two smaller cheques. Agents request splitting the cheques into to small halves so that inflow transaction into the bank should remain less than 1 million per cheque as it is less noticed by the govt agencies [a stupid approach] Travel agents haven t booked anything yet. They will take yours and others money and will go to Hajaz for booking later on. Therefore usually they won t commit the hotel name. Insist on hotel within Haram or just outside, especially in Mecca, the best choice is to have a hotel room in Abraj Al- Bait Mall / Clock Tower. Star rating is not correct in KSA. A hotel with elevator and a small dining area where only outside food is served may be rated as three stars. Three stars are pathetic hotels. Atleast try for 4 stars. Transportation is a serious mess. Avoid this by having a hotel closer Page 5 of 86

7 Questions to be Asked to the private travel agent 4. Ask the hotels name they have booked since last two years. 5. Transport from Mecca to Medina & Medina to Mecca? 6. What travel agent is charging for the three times of meal? Tell him that you don t want the meals to be managed by him? 7. Ask about the list of Ziyarats to be visited both in Mecca and Medina and who will manage the trip Usual Answers by travel agents Mecca Hotel Name Medina Hotel Name Azizia Building Location Maktab Number Standard Buses (Air conditioned) 3 times meal cost 35 SAR. The haji may not pay this amount and manage his own food. List of tentative ziyarats will be told verbally. My Comments to the Haram. Google the Hotel and star rating. This will give you clear picture of the arrangements your travel agent can do. Insist on private GMC or VIP class Bus [latest models]. [Please note that VIP class buses have a ticket of 55 SAR per person one side and SAR 55 x 2 = 110 for Mecca to Medina and from Medina to Mecca. It s way cheap and still travel agents books 3rd class buses which will have faulty engines and ACs and broke down in the mid-way] They are usually charging 35 to 50 SAR per person per day of meals. It is rather impossible to be available for meal served by the travel agent. Even most of the people eat only twice a day. Also people when outdoors love to eat the food of their own choice at the time of their liking. Travel agents are more comfortable in returning not more than 35 SAR per person for 3 meals for each day stay in hotels only. Meal at Mina, Arafat and Azizia is included in the package of Moallim of the Maktab. Not a very important question to ask. Visiting the important places is like a big bus tour where Page 6 of 86

8 Questions to be Asked to the private travel agent and transportation. Usual Answers by travel agents My Comments the pilgrims sit in the bus and there is hardly any need to walk. They usually start the journey after sunrise and return before Zuhar. 8. Details of Azizia stay? A building in Shisha. It s newly constructed and well maintained. Room will be sharing for 6 persons. 9. Ask for an AC TRANSPORT GUARANTEE from Mina to Arafat and from Arafat to Muzdalifah. 10. Category of Mina Stay (A, B or C) Guaranteed. Category B Air Cooler and Foam Sofa Cum Bed with Pillow Category B Air Cooler with Foam Sofa Cum Bed. Mix of Juices, Water and Laban (Lassi) only. Its recommended to sleep early the previous night, as you will not be able to sleep after Fajar. Insist on not using a building, instead getting a 4 star hotel in Azizia or near Mina/Jamrat. Buildings in Azizia are booked on monthly basis with room rent at around 600 SAR per month. On sharing with 6 persons per room, these really cost noting to the agents. If travel agent doesn t provide the hotel, you can still request a separate room for your family in Azizia. Travel agents save a lot of money through there, however the service and cleanliness is poor and their distance from Mina/Jamrat is double that of hotel and it s not easy to walk the entire way. You can t afford to miss a transport while moving to Arafat. Categories are defined later in this guide. 11. Category of Arafat camp (A, B or C) Categories are defined later in this guide. 12. Food Menu at Mina? Types Usually only Category A of food, juices, drinks, icecreams package includes ice- etc. creams or customized menu. 13. Transportation facility from Yes we will provide. When you reach Azizia Page 7 of 86

9 Questions to be Asked to the private travel agent Azizia to Haram and from Haram to Azizia (for performing Umrah) 14. Transportation Facility from Azizia to Mina? 15. The locality of the Maktab and tentative numbers? 16. Any special transport in between Jamrat and Azizia? 17. Who will manage the distribution of the food provided by the Moallim in Azizia & especially in Mina? It must be the sole responsibility of the agent. 18. Ask for a separate bed for kid both in Azizia and Mina? 19. Details of arrangements at Muzdalifah? Usual Answers by travel agents Yes we will provide. We will try near Masjid al Khaif. My Comments from Medina, you have to offer Umrah. Ask for a closer Maktab to Jamrat. The Maktab may preferably be closer to Masjid Al Khaif in Mina. Use Maktab map to identify. Maktabs closer to Muzdalifah are too far away. DO NOT COMPROMISE ON THAT. There is a lot of travelling in between Mina [Maktab] Jamrat -Azizia [stay building/ hotel], closer the Maktab and Azizia the lesser you have to walk in shiny sun. Sorry you have to walk. Ask for a special transport from Jamrat to Azizia, as provided by Dar-e-Slam USA group. Almost all people travel this distance by foot, except few well managed groups. The agent and you brothers and sisters will help managing. We will IA manage. (a not clear answer) None Ask travel agent to hire catering agency staff to distribute and manage food. Usually B & C class travel agents don t bother and pilgrims have to run around to manage things on his behalf. This is a bit tiring. Mina camp is a very small place. It is usually very hard to move inside. Therefore a kid definitely requires an independent space for him/herself. Muzdalifah is empty and accessible while pilgrims are in Arafat on 9th. Any agent of the travel agent Page 8 of 86

10 Questions to be Asked to the private travel agent 20. The details of necessary items the agent will provide? 21. The details of transport that will be provided for Tawaf e Ziyarat? 22. The details of transport that will be provided for Tawaf e Wida? Usual Answers by travel agents 1 Ihram/Abaya, 1 cheap backpack, 1 shoulder strip bag, 1 shoe bag and 1 pebble bag. My Comments can simply bring a camp and tent to Muzdalifah and place it at a comfortable location. It will cost noting. However this will help the group to take rest at a covered place once they reach at night and don t have to make efforts to find a better place to rest. Usually cheap stuff. IA will see later on. Expect an unclear answer. None They will not provide. Note: All travel agents with no penetration and poor class will fail to answer most of the above questions. Just don t handover millions of rupees to such low class travel agents. Visiting Haji Camp: Whether you apply through, govt or private hajj scheme, once you and your group members are short listed, you will be advised to visit the Haji camp, where you along with the child are vaccinated again meningitis and flue. Keep the vaccination cards within your passport. You are also asked to bring all the medicines you will be accompanying during the entire tour (unboxed), only tablet leafs and syrups, to the haji camp. They will seal the medicines in plastic bags. Once sealed, you will not be questioned about the medicine at the Airports. Moreover it is recommended that you also keep a doctor s prescription listing all these medicines along with. Haji camp also has small shops from where you can buy Ihram/ Abaya Ihram Belts umbrella Different Bags Locks Safety pins Torches Air pillows Mats (made of palm leaves) Prayer Mat Tasbeeh Leather heel sock Odorless soap Page 9 of 86

11 Sleep bags Miswak Water bottles Medical Masks Nail cutter Rope etc. I would recommend buying just neck ring air pillow; as this can be used both in Air Plane and at Muzdalifa. Also Ihram belt may be bought from there. Also buy bag locks and umbrella. Purchase Tawaf Tasbeeh of seven beads if available. I would recommend buying another professional waste belt to tie over the basic Ihram belt from someplace else. Usually your private travel agents do provide a backpack, 1 Ihram/Abaya, small shoe bag, 1 stone bag and 1 shoulder bag. Shoulder bag is only good for people who are either old aged or are female. Young men might not like this bag at all. Sisters will require a scissor to cut hair by them at completion of Sa ee. How much cash to carry: This depends upon how much cash you have already paid in advance and how much you have to pay by yourself. Expenditure Type Payment mode Payment to Amount in USD Amount in SAR Air Ticket (Actual cost is 1000 USD) Advance Agent 1250 to 1500 Bus Travel (Jeddah to Mecca Hotel) Advance Agent 60 Mecca Hotel (7 Days) 5 Star 4 Sharing Advance Agent 500 Mecca Food (7 Days) Advance Agent 245 Bus Travel (Mecca Ziyarat) Advance Agent 40 Bus Travel (Mecca to Medina) Advance Agent 50 Medina Hotel (8 Days) 4 Star 4 Sharing Advance Agent 500 Medina Food Advance Agent 280 Bus travel Medina Ziyarat Advance Agent 40 Bus Travel Medina to Mecca/ Azizia Advance Agent 50 Azizia Building (10 Days) Advance Agent 100 Azizia Food Advance Agent Bus Travel Azizia to Mina Advance Agent Mina Camp Advance Agent Mina Food Advance Agent 3000 Bus Travel (Mina to Arafat) Advance Agent Arafat Camp Advance Agent Arafat Food Advance Agent Page 10 of 86

12 Bus Travel (Arafat to Muzdalifah) Advance Agent Muzdalifah Food Advance Agent Bus Travel Tawaf e Wida On Spot Taxi 40 (Azizia to Haram) Qurbani / Sacrifice (online or cash) Before Hajj Ministry of Hajj SA 450 Head Shave (2 to 3 times) On Spot Barber 15 SIM Card & balance On Spot Telecom Operator 100 Bus Travel (Azizia to Jeddah) Advance Agent 50 Grand Total Rs. 374,080/- Almost you have to pay SAR 605/- for important stuff by yourself in Saudi Arabia. Therefore recommended cash to carry is minimum SAR 2,000/- to SAR 4,000/- which will cover occasional fancy meal, taxis, additional shopping including gift purchase etc. Cash/Credit Card: In Mecca/Medina Credit cards are rarely accepted. Big Malls, Bindawood etc. only accepts the credit cards. Abraj Al-Bait Mall is the biggest mall in Mecca and Grand Rashid Mall is the biggest mall in Medina. Hajj Basic Item list: Item List Qty Remarks Where to Buy Ihram/ Abaya 2 1 as a backup Raja Sahab, Albalagh Ihram belt 1 Raja Sahab, Albalagh, Haji Camp Professional 1 Alfatah Waste belt Umbrella 1 small size. Raja Sahab, Albalagh, Haji Camp, Alfatah Sun Glasses 1 Personal Choice Water bottle 1 Small Nestle. No need for fancy bottles. Anywhere These can be disposed off or re-filled any time. Prayer Matt 1 Good Quality. Good because you will be using this for your entire Hajj journey and you will develop special liking for it because of its Hajj use, so it should be quality wise good enough to last long for years. Albalagh Tawaf Tasbeeh 1 Made of 7 beads. Once you reach Mecca, you have to complete Umrah, which includes 7 circles around Kaaba. Usually people don t really remember the count of circles they have performed. Therefore Tasbeeh is Albalagh, Haji Camp Page 11 of 86

13 Item List Qty Remarks Where to Buy literally very helpful. The beads on Tadbeh are hard to move, therefore there is not a chance that it counts wrong by any mistake. Sun block / lotion (small) Sun Block / lotion (medium) 1 Especially for Hajj days Medical Store, Departmental Store 1 Entire Tour. Medical Store, Departmental Store 1 Albalagh Or From SA 1 Download Mechanical Tasbeeh Counter Hajj Masnoon Guide Salat Masnoon 1 Learn to offer Salat and Salat e janazah Guide Download Masnoon Dua 2 Download Neck Ring Air 1 Neck ring is recommended over flat pillow as Inflated pillow it can also be used in whiel travelling in buses Raja Sahib, Alfatah and planes. Chitai (Palm tree 1 leaves mat) Azizia (Mecca) Backpack 1 Your travel agent will provide you one. You Alfatah, may buy a different once of your choice. Raja Sahib Torch (Medium) 1 Almost not required. Departmental stores Soap (unscented) 1 Albalagh Bindawood (SA) Tooth Brush 1 Departmental Store Clothes including under garments. Razor for head shave. Get your first cloth wash in Medina laundry. Get second wash when you are back from Mina in Azizia. 1 Don t use cheap disposable razor. They won t work. Recommended: Mach III (it s easy to use and clean) Hair Comb 1 Don t use too often in Ihram as it can lead to hair fall. Leather heel socks 1 Help prevent heels to crack while you offer Tawaf bare footed. Albalagh Haji Camp Head scarf or cap 1 To avoid sun. Mecca Medical Masks 5 To be worn in very crowded places or places where there is lot of dust or bus exhaust. Medical Store, Albalagh Nail cutter 1 Albalagh Haji Camp Wet wipes 1 1 pack, especially if you are with family. Medical Store Vaseline 1 Small sized. Medical Store Medicines with prescription As suggested in later sections. Medical Store Page 12 of 86

14 Basic Medications: You May require following medications from Pharmacy Ciprofloxacin (Ciproxin) 500 mg 10 tablets //For stomach infection Augmentin 625 mg 10 tablets //for throat infection Pyodine for Gargle (in case of throat itching / infection) Cough Syrup Derma Cream (in case you catch rash between legs- which is often the case when you wear ihram i.e. no under garments). Sticky Bandage (10 x 10 Cm) to avoid legs rash (use them inside Ihram) [Can be bought from Abraj Al-Bait Mall Pharmacies] Items that may be purchased from Saudi Arabia: General Items: Bindawood chain is perfect place for this. Bindawood Abraj Al-Bait Mall has 4 floors; normally people are only aware of the single ground floor. Sleep Bags/ Umbrella are all available easily from Bindawood. Sometimes you may find the items much cheaper during sale season from Bindawood. Tasbeeh: The ones made of artificial stones range from 10 to 45 SAR while the ones made of original stones start from 60 SAR onwards. Usually the Tasbeeh with original stone and silver metal coatings are the most expensive. My recommendation is the counter Tasbeeh costing 10 SAR for your use and the ones with artificial stone for the purpose of gift. Finger Tasbeeh that operates with cell are not recommended, as they can easily get reset and can mistakenly be pressed multiple times. Page 13 of 86

15 Prayer Mats: They start ranging from 10 to 100 SAR. Basic mats range from 10 to 20 SAR. Normal mats range from 30 to 45 SAR. Special mats (with memory foam or compass) are from 60 to 120 SAR. Beesline Offers Fragrance free Hajj Kit: Can be bought from Bindawood at SAR Description of items included in it: Shampoo Shampoo for everyday use fragrance-free and convenient use during Ihram for Hajj and Umrah Suitable for all hair types Moisturize with rich honey and olive oil nutrients Very gentle on the skin and hair Use daily to keep the hair health and shine For you and your children because it is very safe It also fits sensitive skins Page 14 of 86

16 Soap: Moisturizing honey soap fragrance-free and convenient use during Ihram for Hajj and Umrah Botanical composition rich with honey and vegetable glycerin humidifier It cleans the skin and leave it soft and silky refreshing Suitable also for sensitive skins Use method: rub on the body or face and then rinsed Ointment protective bee s wax Components: oil carrots, wheat germ oil and oil Nigella sativa Rich in precious oils that protect the skin and moisturize them, Effective in protecting skin areas prone to friction and wear because of walk and jogging. Flexible Water Bottles These are very handy for filling them on daily basis with Zamzam. These are easy to carry in bag and take any shape. Can be bought from Bindawood for 10 SAR with 5 Liters capacity, 10 L can be bought at 20 SAR. It folds almost completely flat when empty, only the nice wide opening stops it going completely flat which means it ll fit in almost anywhere even if you re already packed full. The Carry handle built in gives a reasonably comfortable grip and you re only going to be carrying 5 liters so it never digs into your hand too much. State of Ihram: Ihram clothing includes men's and women's garments worn by Muslim people during the Ihram pilgrimage (Hajj) and or (Umrah). The main objective is to avoid attracting attention. Men's garments often consist of two white un-hemmed sheets (usually toweling material) and are universal in appearance. The top is draped over the torso and the bottom is secured by a belt; plus a pair of sandals. Women's clothing, however, varies considerably and reflects regional as well as religious influences, but they often don't wear special clothing or cover their faces. Recommended Ihram fabric is as under. Page 15 of 86

17 When and Where to Wear Ihram: Please note that Miqat are the points or areas, which must not be crossed before entering into the state of Ihram, while you are going for Hajj or Umrah. Allama Iqbal International Airport has a small Mosque next to international lounge, a small Wudu place. Most of the people wear Ihram there; however I would recommend wearing it from home. How to wear Ihram: There are multiple ways to wear and fasten the Ihram. Please go through online videos and practice few times to understand the process. Very easy it is. Using Ihram Belt: It is recommended that Ihram Belt may only be used while wearing Ihram. In other cases use a backpack. When using Ihram belt keep the following Items in it; Umrah/Hajj Guide Passport (they will collect passport from you at Bus terminal in Jeddah & you will get it back at the Bus terminal [last day]) Wallet Tawaf Tasbeeh A note book Cell Phone 1 Medical Mask Also make sure that your belt can never be opened from the back side. You may also use two Ihram Belts. One, the flatter one, as empty to support your Ihram and the second one over it to carry the above mentioned stuff. Remember at Airports, during scanning, you will have to remove belt each time. Therefore the first belt will keep supporting Ihram in the absence of the second belt. Though it s not necessary to keep belt on to support Ihram. Page 16 of 86

18 Jeddah Air Plane to Mecca Hotel (Timelines): The journey is long and tiring. Based on the experiences, I have provided below the time breakup of the entire journey. Event Time (hrs) Min Max Air Plane to the Airport building Immigration Process 1 4 This time is directly proportional to the number of passengers from other Hajj flights, already waiting for their turn. Immigration process itself only takes 2 to 3 min. You Passport and documents are checked, fingers are scanned and photo is taken. Then immigration staff is usually polite in dealing with Hajis. Luggage collection Bus Waiting 1 2 Then the Hajis move onto the Bus Waiting area. Once the Bus arrives the Passports are handed over to the Saudi Hajj Authorities in the Presence of Pakistani Hajj Staff already available at Bus terminals. Wait inside the Bus at the Bus terminal Often the driver will count the passengers sitting in the bus and will match with the numbers of passports received. Once they are sure that every person sitting in the Bus has passport submitted, a receiving is given to the Pakistani Hajj Staff at the terminal for the record of Ministry of Hajj Pk. The passports are then handed over to the Bus driver who them drives the bus to Mecca Do not drink water from water dispensers available at airport. The water tasted more like fresh slimy water to me. Jeddah Airport to Mecca 1 3 The Bus directly reaches the Moallim s Office (the Office of your Designated Maktab). These Passports are submitted by the driver to the office. On his way back he provides everyone with the wrist band. Wrist band is not mandatory to wear, it just contains information of your Maktab during Hajj days. It doesn t have any information about you or your hotel stay. So use it during Hajj days. Total Page 17 of 86

19 Arrival at Jeddah Airport Mecca Haji Identification card: Your travel agent/guide will receive Mecca Haji Identification cards, that contains your passport number. These will be provided to you in a couple of days time once you reach Mecca. These are important identification cards in the absence of your passport. These are mandatory for the purchase of the SIM card. Luggage Handling: You will personally handle your luggage from Baggage till Bus. However it is always responsibility of the Moallim s staff to load/offload your luggage to/from Buses in all of the following cases. When moving from Jeddah to Mecca. From Mecca to Medina From Medina to Mecca From Mecca to Azizia From Azizia to Jeddah The Baggage movement to/from room to outside building/hotel will mostly be done by the Haji himself. Hotel staffs are rarely cooperative. Mecca Hotel Staff: Usually Bangladeshi and Indian Staff. They are poor in English, Urdu, Arabic. Don t expect standard service from them. If you are not happy just escalate to the duty manager or to the house keeping manager. Escalation works best. It would be better if hotel staff offers atleast two card keys, so that you and your family may have separate keys for ease of access. SIM Card: Every Haji must have a SIM Card and a cell phone in order to stay in contact with others. I would also strongly recommend using Data service. I had used Zain and found it OK. Zain offers two types of SIM Voice + Data SIM (Cheap voice rate + a bit expensive data rate) Cost = 30 SAR with 25 SAR balance. (Passport required) Additional data of 3GB will cost 100 SAR. Page 18 of 86

20 Data SIM (no voice facility but data package is cheap) Cost = = 70 SAR for 5GB data package (Passport required for new SIM) This SIM is good if you have a 3G or LTE pocket router to be used as WiFi. When recharging a SIM, it requires not only voucher information but also Ikama or Passport number. If the SIM is not yours and you don t know the Ikama/passport to whom it is issued you might not be able to re-charge it. Therefore better get your own SIM. Therefore do not buy SIMs at Airport from Unknown people as they are issued against certain IKAMA/Passports which you will be unaware of. Not all ZAIN service centers are cooperative to check and give you the Ikama/Passport number against which it is issued. I also faced the same issue, Zain service center in Abraj Al-Bait mall refused to share Ikama/Passport information; however I got the information from one of their Service center nearby Masjid e Nabawi in Medina, near Hilton hotel. Page 19 of 86

21 The Great Mosque of Mecca Masjid al-harām), also called the Grand Mosque, is the largest mosque in the,المسجد الحرام) world and surrounds Islam's holiest place, the Kaaba, in the city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Muslims face in the Qibla (direction of the Kaaba) while performing Salat (obligatory daily prayers). One of the Five Pillars of Islam requires every Muslim to perform the Hajj pilgrimage, one of the largest annual gatherings of people in the world, at least once in his or her lifetime if able to do so, including Tawaf (circumambulation) of the Kaaba. Memorizing the location: Usually the areas around Masjid al Haram are identified by the gates of the masjid. Therefore when trying to memorize the area, it s better to memorize the nearby masjid gate. Prayer break at shops: Please note that shops in Mecca and Medina close 5 to 10 min before Azan and re-opens 5 min after salat. Elevators: No Elevator is found in Masjid Al Haram, except for the one that allows Wheel chair people to come from Marwa top floor to ground floor. This update is as of Wheel Chair on Escalator: For wheel chairs, elevators are not available and escalators are used. The person on the wheel chair either stands on the escalator and the one accompanying him hold the Wheel inclined on the escalator separately The other way requires a little more care where the wheel chair alongwith the person seated is run onto the escalator and the person driving it from behind will keep a strong hold to it so that it may not fall back side. Whether you are going up stairs or down, the back of the wheel chair should always be on the lower side of escalator. Page 20 of 86

22 Buying Guide for Wheel Chair: If you are looking to use a wheel chair, then follow following recommendations before buying. Hajj is gathering of millions of people, places are crowded especially where Manasiks are offered. Especially during Tawaf there is a huge chance the wheel chair might occasionally hit the person walking in front. Usually the footrest hit and people running the wheel chair have poor visibility of footrest. So choice of foot rest is the only important thing when buying the wheel chair. Always choose the one with foot rest made of pipe covered with foam. Flat metal footrests are very dangerous and can very easily contribute to injuring others. Recommended Footrest Not recommended Backpack for Men while going to Haram: Men should carry basic backpack while going to haram. Keep following in it. Shoe (when you put them off while in masjd) Umbrella (to avoid sun while performing Tawaf and outdoor travel) Prayer Matt Glasses Prayer Books (to be read while not offering salat) There is a random bag check at entrance gates by security staff. Please be cooperative. The male staff may inspect the male Haji while female staff standing a little ahead may check the bag females are carrying. Where to offer prayer within Masjid Al Haram: In Masjid, prayer can be offered at any place except the corridors. Women are required to offer prayer at the back and not standing in front. They will be advised to leave the front rows. Page 21 of 86

23 Corridors are the areas with a long brown Mat and Zamzam cooler placed on the sides. The praying areas usually have shelves in front having Qurans in different translations and tafseer placed in them. Page 22 of 86

24 Funeral prayers: Funeral prayers are offered after each Salah in Masjid al Haram and Masjid al Nabawi. One should not engage in offering sunnah and nafl prayers immediately after the congregational prayer is finished. One should wait for a while instead and join the Funeral Prayer if any because attending Funeral Prayer promises great reward. The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: Whoever follows a Muslim s bier, out of faith and seeking to increase his account of good deeds, until he makes the funeral prayer for it will have a Qeeraat s worth of reward. And he whoever follows it until it is buried, will get two Qeeraats He was then asked what two Qeeraats were and he replied, They are equivalent to two huge mountains; (the smaller of the two is like Mount Uhud). (Narrated by Bukhari and Muslim). Supplication for the deceased at the funeral prayer Page 23 of 86

25 O Allaah, forgive our living and our dead, those present and those absent, our young and our old, our males and our females. O Allaah, whom amongst us You keep alive, then let such a life be upon Islaam, and whom amongst us You take unto Yourself, then let such a death be upon faith. O Allaah, do not deprive us of his reward and do not let us stray after him. Closing & Opening of Entrance Doors: At Salat timings, Masjid e Haram gets too crowded and the security teams close the entrance doors usually 1 hr before salat and are re-opened 30 mins after the salat is over. While doors are closed offer salat outside the door at designated places marked by green barriers only. Usually people find it difficult to make a comfortable routine in Mecca. As the gates get closed 1 hr before salat and open 30 min after it. It is best to offer Zuhar and Asar Salat in the Masjid. Take lunch break in Abraj Al-Bait Mall. Return well in time for Maghrib and Isha Salat. Designated places must be filled first before people are allowed to lineup for prayer in the walking areas. Same rule applies inside Masjid. You will see green partitions blocks being used both inside and outside Masjid building for indication of Praying area, Door closure or diversion. Page 24 of 86

26 Zamzam Water in Masjid al Haram and Masjid al Nabawi As of today, there is an underground pumping station at Zamzam well in Masjid al Haram. Although this well is not accessible to public but its water is abundantly available in both mosques i.e. Masjid al Haram and Masjid al Nabawi. Zamzam water is pumped to taps in Masjid al Haram whereas it is transported to Medinah by water tankers. There are coolers of Zamzam water identical to as shown in below photo at multiple locations inside both mosques. Almost all coolers contain cold Zamzam water. However there s always one cooler at each place containing Zamzam water at room temperature. Look for NOT COLD text for that one. Unless you have throat issues, cold water is best to use. It s actually just cold and not too cold. Cooler containing Zamzam water at room temperature. Disposable plastic cups are also placed in specially designed cup-holders attached to Zamzam water coolers. It is important to note that new cups are always placed upside- Page 25 of 86

27 down whereas used cups are placed upside-up. Although there is no harm in using other Muslim s used utensil but I would recommend to always use new glass for hygienic purposes as getting caught in cough or bad throat is very common there. In addition to coolers, there are some taps supplying Zamzam water inside Masjid al Haram. All taps supply cold water. There is no tap for room temperature Zamzam water. Most of these taps are between Safa and Marwa. Zamzam Water Outside of Masjid al Haram and Masjid al Nabawi All water available inside both mosques is Zamzam water. However Zamzam water coolers are not available outside mosques. Only Zamzam water taps are available at few locations outside Masjid al Haram. Other taps have ordinary water for drinking or for doing wudhu. Read the board first if you are looking for Zamzam water outside mosque building. This includes place outside King Abdul Aziz Gate. Gate 1 as shown in below 2 pictures. Water can also be bottled from Safa Marwa and some other places. Filling of Zamzam in bottles is only allowed from designated places and not from coolers. In fact coolers are enclosed in such stands that you can only fill cup and not a bottle. Page 26 of 86

28 Regular drinking water is also available. So you must be wise enough to identify the difference through the sign boards. Page 27 of 86

29 Shoe Racks: Small shoe racks are also available inside masjid building near praying areas. Outside main Door much bigger racks are available. I would suggest keeping a shoe bag to hold shoes in it. Bring it with you while praying. You may put wrapped shoes along with you during Salat. You can place them in front, next to a nearby Pillar, or left or right of Sajda place. Page 28 of 86

30 Toilets: Whether it is Masjid Al Haram or Masjid-e-Nabawi, the toilets are all underground; accessible though escalators, outside main building of Masjid. These are marked places and easy to find. However if you leave the building for Wudu or for toilet around 30 to 40 min before Salat, please expect to find incoming gate closed and you will have to offer Salat outside. TAWAF & SA EE Mataf Bridges: Mataf also has two bridges. One is called the Lower Mataf Bridge and the other the Upper Mataf Bridge. These bridges were temporarily created during construction phase. I am not sure for how long will they exist? Page 29 of 86

31 The ground floor of masjid connects directly to the lower Mataf bridge while in order to access the upper Mataf bridge, which is dedicated for the wheel chairs, you have to take escalator to reach the upper floor of mosque which directly connects to the Upper Mataf Bridge. During Hajj Days, the entry to upper Mataf Bridge is only allowed from an outside entrance via a temporary bridge. Ask Masjid staff for exact details. The below MAP indicates the temporary bridge. Masnoon Prayers during Tawaf: Usually people do not remember masnoon prayers. In such case voice record the DUAs with some gaps and play and listen to them using hands free while you are performing Tawaf. This way you can recite the same during Tawaf. Locating group members within Mataf: While you are on Mataf and you are split from your group. The easiest way to coordinate is to come near any of the fan fitted on the wall. Each fan has a unique number in a specific order. By telling your group mates the fan number you are standing close to, you can easily be located. Page 30 of 86

32 One Effective Method of Tawaf in Group: This is very common among large groups from South Asia and South East Asia to offer Tawaf altogether, with sisters in the center and men around them like guards. This is an effective way. Usually sisters choose same color of scarfs to easily identify their group mates. Sa ee: Sa ee area has 4 floors. All floors have flat floor however ground floor has inclined path towards Safa and Marwa hills. Safa and Marwa hills actually don t exist now only their remains are visible. Page 31 of 86

33 View of the remains from multiple floors. For those who are either tired or have issues walking long path between Safa and Marwa and can use rented scooter available only at third floor at 50 SAR. Those who have rented it can pass on to others for free as well. Hair Cut: After Sae e, for haircut, barbers are available in lane just left of clock tower or outside Marwa. In both cases you have to come outside Masjid Al Haram. Sisters who cut hair in the Masjid are requested not to throw hair in Masjid. Just dispose them off in waste bins. Accessing Hateem & Multazim: Hateem Gate is freely open at around 12:00 AM so people can freely come and leave. The area is not much crowded. Multazim is also easily reachable between 12:00 to 02:00 AM. Please note that usually people are not much updated about Multazim. Al-Multazim is the part of Ka'bah between its door and the Black Stone. After drinking the water of Zamzam, it is recommended that one should make special supplications at Al-Multazim. Page 32 of 86

34 Ibn 'Abbas reported that he used to stand between the Black Stone corner and the Ka'bah door and said, "The space between the Black Stone and the door of the Ka'bah is called 'AlMultazim' and whoever stands here and supplicates to Allah, he gives him whatever he supplicates for." (Al-Baihaqi) 'Amr bin Shu'aib reported from his father, and he from his father that he said, "I have seen the Prophet (peace be upon him) placing his face and chest against Al- Multazim. Abraj Al Bait The Abraj Al-Bait (Translated as "The Towers of the House") is a government-owned mega tall complex of seven skyscraper hotels in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. In addition, the Abraj Al-Bait Towers has a five-story shopping mall (the Abraj Al Bait Mall) and a parking garage capable of holding over a thousand vehicles. Salat Inside Abraj Al-Bait Mall: Inside Abraj Al-Bait Mall, at ground floor, around 30 min before Salat, the staff start marking the designated places for praying with Plastic tape. Purpose is to manage the Salat in such a way that the corridors may not get blocked and both Male and Females get to their designated places for Salat. This area is also part of Haram. If you don t get a chance to go inside Masjid, I would suggest offering Salat here under the Air Conditioned Roof. Page 33 of 86

35 Food in Mecca - Abraj Al-Bait Mall Food Court Overview: Food court is on floor P3/P4. There are plenty of fast food restaurants in the mall both local and international. These mostly offer Showarma, and chicken BAR B Q. With these so many options people usually don t have idea what to eat and what not to. The decision to choose restaurant is very critical. The taste of food overall is too plain and I would seriously suggest not to buy anything just by looks. There are few recommendations I would give based on my experience with these restaurants. I am sorting them based on rating and priority. Pizza: If you are looking to eat Pizza, Mazaq offers the best pizza. Next comes the Pizza Hut. MAZAQ (1) Best Pizza Hut (2) Very Good Sbarro (4) they prepare infront of you but taste and quality is average Location P4. Sbarro menu is as under. Burger: Burger King (1) - Best Hardees (3) - Average Showarma: Showarmas are all average. These can be rated as below. Momin (1) Just Ok Gulf (2) Just Ok Qatar (7) below average Istanbul (9) Dry below average Fried Chicken: Al Hanim (1) Quality and rate wise it is the best Located on P4 Page 34 of 86

36 KFC (2) Donuts/Coffee: Krispy Kreme (1) Starbucks (2) Located on Floor 1 o Cappuccino (Regular/Tall/Grande = 15/17/19 SAR) Grande is big enough for 2 (if on budget ) o Chicken Cesar Salad Wrap/Subs are average o Chocolate Lovers Cake = 15 SAR (Best) o Squidgy Cheese Cakes are good. Page 35 of 86

37 Desi: Faisalabad Restaurant Serves Pakistani Cuisine Worst restaurant in the mall. Drinking Water: Small = 2 SAR Soft Drink = 3 SAR My recommendation is Burger King (Whopper), Al Hanim and Krispy Kreme. Slaughtering Rituals The right time for slaughtering Hady and Udhiya is after the Eid Al-Adha prayer until sunset of the third day of Tashriq i.e. 13 Dhul Hijja. Fidya, Sadaqa, and Aqiqa can be performed as a ritual at any time of the year Types of Slaughtering Rituals Hady It is mandatory on any pilgrim performing Tammatu u i.e. perform the Umrah during the months of Hajj and then perform the Hajj during the same year and on Qaarin i.e. any pilgrim performing the Umrah and the Hajj together by saying Labbayka umratan wa hajjan. The right time for slaughtering the animal is after the Eid prayer until sunset of the third day of Tashriq i.e. 13 Dhul Hijja. As for a Mufrid i.e. a pilgrim performing the Hajj only without the Umrah, they are not required to perform the Hady ritual. Udhiya It is performed as a ritual during the Sharia-mandated period i.e. after the Eid prayer until sunset of the last day of Tashriq i.e. 13 Dhul Hijja. Fidya It is mandatory on a pilgrim performing either the Hajj or the Umrah if they failed to perform an obligatory ritual of the Hajj or the Umrah or did a forbidden act. The ritual can be performed at any time of the year. Sadaqa It can be performed as a ritual at any time of the year. Aqiqa It is a Sunnah ritual that is performed for a newborn as a gesture of gratitude to Allah the Almighty. Sharia Requirements for Hajj Slaughtering Rituals The age must not be less than six months for a ram and one year for a goat The animal must not be apparently lame It must not be skinny It must not be one-eyed More than half of its ear must not be amputated More than half of its incisor tooth must not be broken It must not be sick Its horn must not be broken Its buttocks or tail must not be amputated Its age must not be more than three years Page 36 of 86

38 Through Travel Agent: Usually your travel agent, while you are Azizia, will approach you and tell you that he along with other agents have had a plan to offer the animal sacrifice and those who would like to do the sacrifice just pay them. The pilgrims also have to tell them the type of sacrifice and the number of sacrifices. Sacrifice through ADAHI: In order to realize this noble objective, the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia established the ''Saudi Project for Utilization of Sacrificial Animals'' to help realize the Shari'ah objectives of Hajj and to enable Muslim pilgrims to benefit from their Hajj and its rituals. The project is named as ADAHI. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has provided the Project with all the requirements needed to ensure that all the animals slaughtered in all slaughterhouses of the Project meet all Shari'ah and health requirements. The Project acts as an agent to pilgrims in carrying out on their behalf the slaughtering of all types of offerings they make and the transport and distribution of the meat, all in accordance with the principles of Shari'ah. Purchasing of Sacrificial Vouchers Types of vouchers The Project offers 5 types of vouchers with various pictures and colours, depending on the type of sacrificial offering (i.e. Hady Qiran or Tamatu' or Udhiyah or Fidyah or Sadaqah) the pilgrim wants to make. There is also a special coupon for the pilgrim who would like to make offerings on behalf of 30 pilgrims or more. Prices of vouchers As there are two types of slaughterhouses: the open and the closed ones, the prices of animals in the open slaughterhouses are determined in agreement between the pilgrims the vendors of animals. For the closed slaughterhouses, the Project has been keen to supply sheep at the lowest prices possible. It floats a tender for the supply of the required numbers of sheep in a public tender and awards the supply contract to the supplier of the lowest price. The Project mediated for the supply of more than half a million heads of sheep. It is also keen on managing its business with the least cost possible. The pilgrim contributes towards offsetting this cost and the Bank bridges the deficit, if any. The price of the coupon gives a breakdown of the total price, which includes the price of the animal slaughtered as an offering and the pilgrim's contribution to the offsetting of veterinary, slaughtering, chilling, transportation and distribution of the slaughtered animals. Page 37 of 86

39 Price of the Animal Offered SR 374 Contribution of the pilgrim to the cost of processing the animal slaughtered: slaughtering services & Chilling SR 76 Transportation and distribution SR 10 Total Price of the Coupon: SR 460 Where to Buy the Vouchers The Project has contracted with A1-Rajhi Banking and Investment Corporation, which has branches spread around the Two Holy Haram in Mecca and Al Medina, the places where rituals of Hajj are performed, points of entry to the Kingdom and the various cities in the Kingdom, as well as, Al- Amoudy Exchange Office in the Holy Places for the selling of coupons of the closed slaughterhouses, through its branches and outlets. The coupon consists of 3 parts: part number (3) goes to the pilgrim or person who represents 30 pilgrims or more against payment of the price; part number (2) is given to the committee responsible for carrying out the slaughtering whereas part number (1) is kept for accounting purposes. The pilgrim has the option to authorize the special committee established by the Project to do the slaughtering on his behalf as an individual, or to join a group of no less than 30 pilgrims, who can give authorization for one of them to represent them before the Project. In this latter case, such authorized person will be given a permit that will give him access to Mu'aisim (1) Slaughterhouse in Mena (which is the only slaughterhouse within the Project specifically devoted to authorized representatives of pilgrims). At this slaughterhouse, he can supervise the act of slaughtering and to take a number of carcasses after they have been skinned and cleaned, if he wishes to do so. The pilgrim representing a group of other pilgrims should be keen on bringing and presenting at the entrance gate of the slaughterhouse his Access Permit to allow him enter. Page 38 of 86

40 The rituals can either be purchased on spot in cash or online any time through Adahi website link If due to any reason you think you are required to offer Fidya, even if you remember the mistake while you have reached back home country, you can pay for Fidya online. I would recommend not paying the money to travel agent instead buy voucher through Adahi. Fatawas (Legal Rulings) on Sacrificing [Advancing or Delaying the Time of the Slaughtering of Hady] Q1: Some pilgrims ask about what if their authorization to the Committee of the Saudi Project for Utilization of Sacrificial Animals results in the slaughtering of their offerings prior to stoning, shaving and performance of Tawaf, or what if slaughtering was delayed on that day to be effected after performing these rituals. A1: In an authentic Hadith, it was narrated that a person came to the Prophet (PBUH) on the Day of Sacrifice (Eid-ul-Adha) and said: "I shaved my head prior to offering my sacrificial animal". The Prophet's reply to the man was "No harm, go and offer your sacrificial animal". Another person came and said: "I offered my sacrifice prior to the ritual of throwing stones". Again, the Prophet's reply was "No harm, go and throw your stones". A third person came and said: "I performed the Hajj Tawaf prior to the throwing of stones". The Prophet's reply was similar to the preceding one. On the whole, the Prophet entertained all cases of sequential order on that day with the standard answer: "No harm, just go and do what is required to be done". The point to be derived from this tradition is the following: A pilgrim becomes free from the state of Ihram (the restrictive status) if such pilgrim has performed all the basic requirements of Hajj with the exception of the sacrificial offering. In other words, performing the sacrificial offering is not a prerequisite for the complete termination of the state of Ihram. Pilgrims, however, should be reassured that the actual slaughtering of the sacrificial animal starts immediately after Eid-ul-Adha prayer and is completed before the sunset of the 13'h of Dhul Hijjah (the last of the Tahriq Days). Journey from Mecca to Medina: Usually buses left Mecca after mid-day and each Medina around Isha. It s better to reach not later than Iisha. When you travel intercity the buses are provided by the Moallim/ Maktab. The luggage handlers will also come along with the bus. They are responsible to pick your luggage from the road into the bus, either on the roof top or beneath into the cargo area. It is recommended that wheel chairs be put in cargo area at the last. So that during a mid-stop you may easily remove wheel chair if required. The bus then goes from the hotel to the Moallim s office where the luggage handlers drop off and the driver go in and take your passports and keep in his custody. The process of collecting passport and verifying that each person is on board may take 1 to 2 hrs depending upon how quick and resourceful your travel agent is. Once next city is reached the passports are submitted first to the Moallim s office by the driver and then he picks the luggage handlers and then reaches the hotel where the luggage is offloaded. Mecca-Medina distance is 450 Km and max allowed speed is 80 Km/hr for Hajj bus. So practically it takes 6 to 8 hrs to travel intercity. Also there is a sand storm area identified by boards in between where in case of a storm, the visibility gets reduced literally to zero. Page 39 of 86

41 It is a must requirement that you remember the number of your bus or take snap of the front of the bus. Buses usually look the same and you don t want to forget which bus you are supposed to sit again. THE CITY OF MEDINA Stay in Medina: Accommodation wise, recommended area to stay in Medina is hotels behind Gate 11 to Gate 25. The most recommended area is outside gate 21/22. The benefits are as under. The mosque is very easily accessible. Easy to reach back Saaf when you are late. Less walk within courtyards both for men and women. Fast food chains like Hardees and KFC are nearby. Bindowood is nearby Page 40 of 86

42 Bangali market is nearby, good for desi food. You will find mini malls in between back gates, i-e gate 11 to 22. You can even find a place that offers Anda Burger Star Rating of hotels: The star rating is highly misused in Mecca and Medina. Please expect a 3 star hotel to just be a 1 star hotel. Shopping in Medina: While you are in Medina, best place to do shopping is from Bindawood which is located near Gate 17 of Masjid e Nabawi As all of you are looking forward to buy lots of dates of you and family, the best to shop is while you are in Medina. There is a date market having dates of best quality near Gate 17 basement. Do not buy already packed dates. They might be old and have developed worms inside. Please taste them and always buy soft and juicy (more fresh dates). Do not buy hard and too sweet dates with less juice. These are too ripen and may get damaged by the time you reach back your country. Get the dates packed in front of you, the shopkeeper will offer you all sorts of fancy and cheap packing s of your choice to pack the dates in. You can also buy cheap prayer mats, Abayas, bags from there. You may bargain the price as well. The general rates of dates are as under; Ajwa Small sized 50 SAR/kg Ajwa Regular sized 65 SAR/kg Ajwa Regular sized (very fresh and juicy) 80 SAR/kg Ajwa large sized 110 SAR/kg Kalima dates or any other regular fresh and dark colored dates at 25 SAR/kg Please note that dates are expensive in Mecca. In Abraj Al-Bait Mall, the date that cost SAR 120 per kg cost SAR 65 per Kg in Medina. Don t buy old dates. They have high probability of developing maggots. They also taste like extra sweet oil. Only buy juicy and fresh dates. Never buy packed dates. Also buy them open and get them packed in front. Old dates are cheap. Very old dates are very cheap. Don t get fooled by the low price of old dates. I have seen people buying 30+ kg of Ajwa already packed having maggots later discovered. Buying Saudi Local Dress: If you are interested in Saudi local dress then you can buy it from the market outside gate 21 at following prices. 75 SAR for Shirt 20 SAR for trouser 10 SAR for head ring 10 SAR for head cloth Laundry in Medina: You can find laundry shops nearby Masjid e Nabawi. They will charge 3 SAR per shirt or per trouser 2 SAR per under garment. 10 SAR per abaya. Malls in Medina: Two known malls of Medina are Al Noor Mall and Al Rashid Grand mall. There is a food court on the 3 rd floor of Al Rashid Grand Mall (the largest mall in Medina). Some restaurants like Pizza Hut offer discount if you have already made a purchase and Page 41 of 86

43 have submitted an online review. You may order once and enter a review and order the second with the discount. You will find Hardees, Pizza Hutt, Taco Hutt, KFC etc. there. United Shop is a good place to visit. Taxis are hard to find there, or at least I found it difficult to find them. They will charge 30 to 40 SAR to haram. Best time to visit is after Zuhar prayer. You may offer the Asar prayer in the mall. And Maghrib back in the haram. Tea in Medina: Usually tea in Medina cost around 2 SAR. It is made of water & condensed milk (Luna) inside a disposable card cup along with a tea bag. An electric kettle on the other hand will cost 40 SAR. My recommendation is to purchase a kettle, condensed milk can, the card cups, the very same day you reach Medina. It can be bought from the market outside gate 7. This will cost much less to your group for the remaining days. Restaurants in Medina: It s not easy to find food of one s choice in Medina. There is a Pakistani restaurant at 5 min walk from gate 17 Masjid e-nabawi. If someone is interested following Pakistani restaurant may be tried. It s close to gate 7 of Masjid e Nabawi. Filming in Medina: I was trying to shoot Masjid from outside while I was close the Pakistani restaurant in Bengali Market, a policeman almost had my mobile phone confiscated. After multiple requests, he returned it back only after making sure that the video is deleted. Therefore be very careful making videos while you are outside in public and you see law enforcement people nearby. Complaints registration mechanism: If at any stage you think that your travel agent has cheated you or miss committed, you may register a complaint to Pakistani Hajj Mission. Page 42 of 86

44 INSIDE MASJID E NABAWI: Visiting Roza Rasool and Riaz ul Jannah: In Medina, if you want to visit the Roza Rasool, which is located inside Masjid e Nabawi, use the gate Bab Us Salam. That s the only way you can reach the Roza Rosool. While entering from Babus Salam, the path will be split into two. The right one goes directly to Roza Rasool and you will reach within few min of wait. While the left one goes through multiple sections, blocked by partitions, to Riaz ur Jannat (identified by its green Carpets) and then Roza Rasool. Page 43 of 86

45 Roza Rasool (SAW) Bab us Salam Riaz ul Janat Most of the people usually do want to go to Riaz ul Jannah and offer prayers there. Therefore this path is crowded. Best time to visit is after Isha at around 9:30 PM. It is way less crowded at that time. Please do not push other people for an early turn. Usually the way towards Riaz ul Jannah is split into 3 sections. Each section can hold around 40 people. Sections 1 is the most crowded. Sections 2 has space for 55 people but they only allow around 40 to enter (all from section 1), Section 3 has space for 75 people while Riaz ul Jannah can accommodate around 85 people. You will be given enough time to offer prayers. My experience is that one can offer 8 nafal and 1 witar and some additional payers like reciting quran (which are available there) very conformably. Once they ask you to leave, rather than arguing or starting a new salat, it s better to leave the place and give chance to the others in the waiting. Moreover once you leave Riaz ul Jannah you will pass through the Roza e Rasool. You may offer Darood there. Quran Shelves: Inside Masjid e Nabawi there are shelves around every pillar holding Quran. Quran shelves cover around tow third of each pillar Page 44 of 86

46 There are also golden Brass racks, gold plated, reserved for area covering 16 to 20 pillars. These contain Qurans of different translations (Chinese, Urdu, English Hindi, etc.). These also contain Quran for Blind people. Page 45 of 86

47 The carpets in the Masjid are designed in a unique manner, allowing each person 3.5 feet of vertical space. It is advised to stay in your space else you might be disturbing others through your feet and head during Sajda. Wooden Shoe Racks: There are always two wooden shoe racks below, one on each side, marked with a unique number. Each entrance gate to building has a chair stand (having lots of chairs) and shoe rack. Anyone requiring a chair to offer prayer may get one from there. Just outside the main building, just when you enter the corridors, you will see plastic bags roll placed vertically on the pillars. These are helpful to put your shoes inside them. A single Page 46 of 86

48 bag can be used multiple times. This will help keeping shoe stand and Masjid clean. Also it is recommended not to place the shoes on the carpet. Place them in the shoe racks placed around every pillar. Female Praying Area: You will find wooden grill partition inside the masjid. That partition is keeping the women praying area separate. Please note that unlike Masjid Al Haram, the female and male praying areas are totally separate in Masjid e Nabawi. Female praying areas are covered and are on the back side. Page 47 of 86

49 Movable Domes: There are domes on the roof that slide horizontally front and back. They allow sun light to directly come inside when open. They are usually opened after Zuhar only for 20 min around 1:15 PM to 1:35 PM. Toilets/ Wudu/ Parking: You will find two toilets per gate. One faces towards the gate and other faces towards the Masjid. Page 48 of 86

50 Wudu place is on the ground floor while toilets are underground accessible through escalators. Between two toilets is underground parking. Thus there is an underground rectangular area of toilets-parking-toilets-parking Parking and toilets both have two underground floors. Page 49 of 86

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53 Sleeping and resting inside Masjid e Nabawi: It s very common to see people lying on the floor sleeping on the carpets, before and after praying time. Sleeping isn t allowed in the masjid, however in general no one will object you even if you lie down and sleep. Page 52 of 86

54 Closing time for Masjid: Unlike Masjid Al Haram which stays open 24/7, Masjid e Nabawi is closed for few hrs after mid night. Zamzam Water in Masjid e Nabawi: Zamzam coolers are also placed all over the Masjid. Short Dars: You will often see a reasonably sized chair within an area covered by 16 to 20 pillars. This is used for daras, in different languages, at short scale. Page 53 of 86

55 Post Salat Tasbeeh: It is recommended to make a list of duas/ prayers that you would like to recite after every salat. Also make a list of all people who has either requested you to pray for them or who you would like to pray for, so that you won t forget any name. A Tasbeeh counter is helpful in counting Tasbeeh. Masjid e Nabawi Staff: Staff is divided in ten categories and wear ten different uniform depending upon the task they perform. Dark Green Maroon Light green Light Blue Dark blue Khaki Sweepers outside the main building courtyard + Road area. Toilet and Wudu and parking area. Zamzam Handler (inside) Quran Handler. Place them back to actual location or distribution. Sweeper inside. Support service staff. Travelling back from Medina to Mecca: When you travel intercity the buses are provided by the Moallim/ Maktab. The luggage handlers will also come along with the bus. They are responsible to pick your luggage from the road into the bus, either on the roof top or beneath into the cargo area. It is recommended that wheel chairs be put in cargo area at the last. So that during a mid-stop you may easily remove wheel chair if required. The bus then goes from the hotel to the Moallim s office where the luggage handlers drop off and the driver go in and take your passports and keep in his custody. The process of collecting passport and verifying that each person is on board may take 1 to 2 hrs depending upon how quick and resourceful your travel agent is. Once next city is reached the passports are submitted first to the Moallim s office by the driver and then he picks the luggage handlers and then reaches the hotel where the luggage is offloaded. Mecca-Medina distance is 450 Km and max allowed speed is 80 Km/hr for Hajj bus. So practically it takes 6 to 8 hrs to travel intercity. Also there is a sand storm area identified by boards in between where in case of a storm, the visibility gets reduced literally to zero. Page 54 of 86

56 It is a must requirement that you remember the number of your bus or take snap of the front of the bus. Buses usually look the same and you don t want to forget which bus you are supposed to sit again. On your way back from Medina don t forget to be in Ihram and recite the Dua at Miqat. Every bus stops at the Miqat location for 30 min allowing hajis to wear ihram and make Neyat for whom they are performing the second Umrah. I would recommend to perform this Umrah on behalf of you parents or any elderly who can t come to offer by himself. Below map identifies Miqat points in red. Page 55 of 86

57 On your way back from Medina to Mecca, the first stop is usually made at Spetico after 150 Km. You will find burger king/ Albaik chicken and a super store there. Once you are reach check point at Mecca, they offer free Zamzam bottle and a gift (usually biscuits etc.). The passports are again submitted to Moallim's office by the driver. He picks luggage handlers and reaches the Azizia. The handlers offload the luggage on to the road for you. Page 56 of 86

58 Arriving at Azizia: At Azizia, the travel agent will assign you a room. Usually they have planned 6 persons per room and men are arranged stay in one room and women separate. Unless you have a big family of 6 you may request a separate room. Another bus after an hr or so will pick you from Aziza and take you to haram for completion of Umrah. Keep reciting the Tasbeeh labaik allahuma lakib from Miqat till you see Kaaba. Then stop reciting it. Azizia is like team building place. There you will learn to live in a sharing manner before going to even tougher place Mina. Rooms are spacy, clean; vide bathrooms (cleanliness is subject to how much new the building is). Each room has 6 to 7 beds and nothing else. Keep your bags infront of your bed. They also offer a shared kitchen with no stove, just a water sink and a washing machine, a small dining table for 4, a microwave and a small fridge. This kitchen is shared between 3 rooms. Page 57 of 86

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61 The food here is responsibility of Moallim, 3 times a day. Usually people get fed up of the plain food by Moallim. Also there is no service and you hardly see anyone cleaning the kitchen or the room. It seems like as if the building is designed to be cleaned only before you arrive here and only after you leave. Use washing machines to clean your clothes. Buy tide from nearby shop. Such shops usually offer milk, honey, Palm Leaf Mat, tea, biscuits and basic juices. Your luggage will be kept here and this place will now be your base station till you leave Mecca after performing hajj. Just a recommendation that avoid accompanying elderly to the Haram from Aziza during last few days before Hajj. It is usually crowded and it s better to keep them away from crowds. Spend time praying along with socializing in Aziza/ Showkaya/ Khalidiya etc. Please note that Mina is not a place to socialize. Please get your accommodation cards of Aziza stay, as you might not know the address on your way back from Haram each day. Travelling to and from Haram towards Azizia is very difficult. Taxis are hard to find by and they often charge 100 SAR where the normal rate is 25 SAR. Best thing is that your travel agent may have arranged buses for pick and drop at specific timings. Buses usually drop 1 to 1.5 km away from Haram (the Marwa side). In Azizia you will also find mobile signal issues. There is not so good mobile coverage there. MOVEMENT AND STAY IN MASHAYER REGION On the 7 th of Zil Hijj night or 8 th Zil Hijj morning Moallims of various Maktabs mobilize pilgrims from Mecca to Mina which is around 8 Kms. More than 20 lakhs pilgrims move almost within the same time frame from Mecca to Mina. The travel time from Mecca to Mina can take long hours. Pilgrims should be patient. There are also possibilities of breakdown of buses which might lead to delay in reaching Mina. Mina has identical tents and pilgrims have to remember their Moallim Number and also the number written in the poles located within the tents. Preparation for Mina Departure: Before you go to Mina and Arafat, you must buy a handbook for dua. This can be bought from the store on the ground floor in Abraj Al-Bait mall. Buy a couple, in case you lose one or someone asks you to share. It s better to go through all of them in Azizia. Note down list of people whom you will be praying for during hajj. Note down prayers for yourself as well (to be recited in Arafat) Absolutely start ignoring trouble. These first 3 days of Mina are critical. So if you can ignore troubles in Azizia, IA you can also ignore them in Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifah. When you prepare for Mina, you keep following items in the back pack. Don t make it too heavy. 1 Jeans/Trouser (for wearing after you open ihram) 2 T shirts 1 Shalwar Suit with azar band 4 under wears 3 to 4 Zikar Hand books 1 Hawai Chapal 1 Chitai Page 60 of 86

62 1 Torch (might be required in muzdalifa // almost not required) 1 charger for mobile. 1 battery bank 1 socket converter 1 pair of glasses Small lotion/ cream for 7 days 1 sun block 1 umbrella 2 0.5L water bottles to be kept in side pockets. 1 five (05) L foldable water bottle for emergency Wudu specially in Muzdalifah. Keep it empty. ID card/travel agent card/mecca Card/Mina Card etc. Mina hand BAND. 2 to 3 plastic bags 1 small biscuit 1 razor (good quality, mach3 is best for head shave) 1 tooth paste (v small) 1 shampoo (small) 1 small soap or use the same shampoo. 1 hand sanitizer. 2 Medical Masks Some medicines (including leg bandage) Lock your suit case before leaving Azizia. Please note that there is one Bindawood close to Azizia. Taxi will take 20 to 30 SAR. Sleep bags are useless and don t buy any. Lock your room and place the key at the reception so if any of the room member ever want to come back to access room, key shall be available to him. It s recommended to have a Mina Map with you. Page 61 of 86

63 Accommodation at Mina Mina is a valley with limited space and pilgrims have to share their living space with many others inside large tents. Pilgrims have to stay in Mina for 5-6 days. Arrangements in Mina are made through Moallim and each Moallim accommodates around 5000 pilgrims in his tents. Space is extremely scarce in Mina and pilgrims should carry only essential baggage with them. The stay at Mina and Arafat falls under three categories i-e. A, B, C. Even the food you are served there can be customized depending upon how much you pay and how much your travel agent knows about this. Category A: Strong Camp with Iron Door. The camp is air conditioned. Form bed (Sofa cum bed) at floor, 1 shawl and 1 pillow. The customized menu may offer variety of juices, icecreams etc. You will have your independent freezer outside your camp. Page 62 of 86

64 Category B: Wooden Walls camp, plastic door, foam bed (sofa cum bed) at floor, 1 shawl and 1 pillow, air cooler installed & with basic food. Category C: Plastic paper Walls. Cloth carpet on floor as bed. Please note that there are VIP Mina Camps as well for special use. Page 63 of 86

65 It is the responsibility of the Maktab to provide 3 times meal, fruit, juices, leban (Lassi) etc. as per the package. The distribution lies with the agents, who usually fail to perform this obligation and the haji brothers and sisters have to distribute by themselves. Usually cooler are available with ice in them that keeps the drinks and water bottles cold. The provided food plates are divided into 3 sections. Usually rice, daal/ beans and meat are provided to hajjis and sometimes only mutton and rice. The agent has already paid the Maktab in advance as per the category and the facilities. The sofa cum bed is 1.5 feet wide and 6 feet long. And they are all tightly placed together. Even the luggage has to be placed within that place, most probably under your feet. Once you reach Mina, you will be given a pocket Quran as a gift by Moallim. Page 64 of 86

66 Remember the location of your camp through nearby sign boards and of course through GPS. There are 1 or 2 pillars available inside each camp. You may use metal hooks and stand to hang your bag. However I have seen hooks breaking and luggage falling down, so use strong hooks and don t lie underneath. Page 65 of 86

67 The wheel chairs & shoes are placed just outside the door. Please note that corridors are narrow and placing a lot of stuff outside may block it. A strange thing I saw near Wudu place Page 66 of 86

68 In each group there always are people who keep on giving advice/fatwas on you doing the things wrong way. Just ignore them and don t get into any debate. It s the toughest thing to ignore any such debate. Arafat: Arafat is a very peaceful place. It s not like open sunny ground. Arafat is also a mini city of tents. Temporary stay also has classes. The class of the tent assigned to you is same as that of the Mina and the one assigned to you by the Moallim. Avoid taking bag to Arafat or it will be thrown away by shurtas on your way back from Muzdalifa to Jamrat via Mina. Usual image of Arafat (Jabl e Rehmat) is as under. However you don t need to go to the Jabl-e-Rehmat. You may stay in the tents and pray. Page 67 of 86

69 Category A: Strong Camp. The camp is air conditioned, have refrigerator as well. Foam bed (Sofa cum bed) at floor and 1 pillow. The customized menu may offer variety of juices, icecreams etc. Page 68 of 86

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71 Category B: simple cloth tent, foam bed (sofa cum bed) at floor, Air Cooler. Category C: simple cloth tent, carpet on floor as bed. No Air Cooler or fan available. Page 70 of 86

72 Journey to Arafat: After offering Fajr prayer in Mina on the Ninth of Dhul-Hijjah (second day of Hajj), pilgrims leave for Arafat. The journey to Arafat is 1 hr journey by bus. People start leaving early after fajar. Usually you get Buses by 8:00 AM. Once you reach there you thank Allah that you have reached Arafat. Without reaching Arafat there is no Hajj. Once you are here. I would recommend you not to indulge in talking infact just go to sleep till 12:00 PM. Once awake, listen to the hajj Sermon (Khutba), offer 2 rakat zuhar salat and 2 rakat asar salat combined at Zuhar time. Once free take the lunch provided by the Moallim. This is usually provided in a big thaal (plate) good to eat for 5 to 6 people on sharing basis. Usually this is mutton rice. Toilets are available however you will have to wait in a queue of two to 3 people. There are also places for Wudu here. Page 71 of 86

73 Wuquf-e-Arafat: After lunch Wuquf-e-Arafat starts at declining of sun and ends at the sunset. This whole time is spent reciting Talbiyah, repenting on sins, uttering supplications and asking Allah (swt) for His forgiveness. Zuhr and Asr prayers are offered combined at Zuhr time, if prayed in Masjid-e-Namrah, and offered separately, if away from Masjid-e-Namrah. Usually you will have 4 hrs for Zikar. I would recommend to plan it wisely & not to get time wasted. It s almost not possible for anyone to do zikar without any plan for these many hours. An example plan is provided below for reference. [Don t forget to bring along with you the pocket books for zikar and the mechanical counter. One such pocket book which is highly recommended is Hasan Al Muslim]. 2. Reciting Masnoon Dua (500 Times) Abu Huraira (RA) reported that the Prophet (SAW) said, "Renew your faith." "How can we renew our faith?" they asked. The Prophet replied: "Say always: la ilaha illallah." [Ahmad with a fair chain of authorities] La illaha ilallahu, wahdahu la shareeka lahu, lahul Mulku, wa lahul Hamd, wa Huwa ala kulli shaiy'in Qadeer (There is No God But Allah Alone, who has no partner. His is the dominion and His is the raise, and He is Able to do all things) Whoever says the above ten times, will have the reward for freeing four slaves from the Children of Isma'il (AS) [Sahih al-bukhari; 7:67, Muslim; 4:2071] 100 times 100 Times SubhanAllahi wa bihamdihi, SubhanAllahil adheem (Glory be to Allah, and Praise, Glory be to Allah, the Supreme) Muhammad (SAW) said: "Two words are light on the tongue, weigh heavily in the balance, they are loved by the Most Merciful One" [Sahih al-bukhari; 7:67, Muslim; 4:2071] La Hawla wa la Quwatta illa Billah (There is no Might or Power except with Allah) [the above is] a treasure from the treasures of Paradise. Sahih al-bukhari; al-fath al-bari #11:213, Sahih Muslim #4: Times Astaghfirullah al-'adheemal-ladhi la ilaha illa Huwal-Hayyul-Qayyum wa atubu ilaih (I seek the forgiveness of Allah the Mighty, Whom there is none worthy except Him, the Living, The Eternal, and I repent unto Him) Whoever says the above words, Allah will forgive him even if he deserted the army's ranks.[ Abu Dawud 2/85, At-Tirmidhi 5/569] 100 Times 200 times Surah Al-Ikhlas SubhanAllah, walhamdulilah, wa La illaha ilallahu, waallahu Akbar (Glory be to Allah, All Praise is for Allah, There is No God but Allah, Allah is the Greatest) Page 72 of 86

74 The above are mentioned as the four most beloved words to Allah. It does not matter with which one of them is begun. [Muslim; 4:2072] 3. Prayer in own native language. For this please go out of your tent into one of the corner where you find yourself confirmable. Face towards Qibla and raise your hands to pray to Allah Almighty. Distribute the remaining time till maghrib as follows and pray. 50% time Your own self 20% time Parents 15% time Family 15% time Relatives, neighborhood, country, Muslim brotherhood. This is one example just as a suggestion how to distribute the time. You may plan and choose your own way please. Also please suggest your family members the same as well. Praying alone in your native language is the best part of the hajj. People literally weep and cry. The day of Arafat is the time you will ask your creator of forgiveness as if you have decided not to leave without HIM forgiving you. For me these hours were the best hours of my life, I wish the same for you too IA. Journey towards Muzdalifa: You may find people start sitting in the buses even before Maghrib. However this doesn t matter as the buses will leave only after Maghrib. Once people start leaving, search out for empty nearby class A tents. These can be identified by their outdoor AC units. Ask your group to shift to these tents as they are more comfortable, till your bus arrives. You may find laban and other refreshments in the refrigerator. You will get a bus between 6 to 9 PM. Active and well linked agents with better packages get early buses. These buses are usually new. Usually 3 rd class agents get the worst treatments, getting the worst buses and getting them very late. So please choose better agents, with bigger groups and better package. In case you are a victim of a poor agent, and you get a bus that has nonfunctional air conditioner, then you must use Medical Mask to avoid the exhaust fumes of other buses. Drop at a location closer to Mina in Muzdalifah. However, the later you arrive at Muzdalifah, far away from Mina you will get a place to settle. Don t sit on road as the buses will keep on coming and disturbing you the whole night. Don t expect a peaceful night, its crowded and buses keep coming. Page 73 of 86

75 At Muzdalifa sleep bag is a waste. Use simple Chitai made of palm leaves. This will cost 10 SAR if bought earlier while leaving Azizia. At Muzdalifa locals sale them at 50 SAR. Use your chitai and the Air Inflated Pillow. Don t forget to offer Maghrib and Isha before you sleep. Toilets are dirty. Drinking water is available however it s better to keep your own along with. Page 74 of 86

76 Journey from Muzdalifa to Mina: Use GPS map to travel to Mina. Leave early morning after fajar. Leave unnecessary items like Chitai etc. behind and move to Mina. Even if you take these items with you before you enter Mina, the Shurta will take all such unnecessary stuff and throw away. Pilgrims should not take any baggage with them while going for Jamarat ritual. The police at the entry points may snatch the bags and throw it in the Garbage. Hence kindly do not take your bags for Jamarat rituals. Pilgrims who are unable to walk should give the responsible of stoning the Satan to other pilgrims. Wheel chairs are also prohibited in the Jamarat region, except at night. The main purpose is to create space for crowd and not for the luggage. Journey will take 1 hr. The path is steep upwards. This is covered and has lots of toilets. Condition wise the toilets are just fine. Page 75 of 86

77 If you are pushing a wheel chair, you will find it tough in the end. Usually the main entrance is closed and Shurtas or the available staff tells you to come from behind. Maps are available once the Mina starts. Once you reach your Maktab, ask gate entry person to open gate for you. If they don t open and ask you to come through some other door, then do not hesitate to show your wrist band, your identification card that shows you belong to that Maktab. Local Saudis do not understand English. They also do not like to fall into discussion with the pilgrims and usually want you to go ahead. Advice is not to leave the maktab door as the way is one way and they will not allow you to come back and you can t walk all the way back in a circle at that part of the time. Arrival at Mina and Rami Jamrat: Take Breakfast. Sleep in case you have sore legs. Please note that recommended place to collect stones for rami is from Mina. Rami is open till night. However it s better to leave for Rami early to avoid crowd or leave after Zuhar when you think the crowd has reduced. Don t forget to take the umbrella alongwith as the way back from Jamrat to Mina has no shade and hot sun literally burns you. Though there are water sprinklers installed on the back but not very affective. Avoid crowd during rami. While you are going for rami you will find lots of places with small pebbles. Collect them in plastic water bottles. It s a best way to keep and carry them. Use small pebbles, of the size of peas. Jamrat has multiple floors. Use first floor. Do not hurry in throwing stones at Page 76 of 86

78 Jamrat. Simply cross them till you reach the end of that jamrat. At the end you will find almost no crowd. Surprisingly so less people are there, that not only you can throw stones at jamrat, but you can also throw stones on behalf of others. Also you can even make a video. Seriously the last part of each jamrat is absolutely out of crowd. People are in such a hurry that 90% of the people start throwing at jamrat at the very start and leaving the far end empty. On 10 th of Zilhaj, only stones are thrown at the 3 rd Jamra, the Jamrah Akbar. It s better to stay in corners on your way back. Once you come out of Jamrat, you will find lots of barbers sitting there doing head shave. It s your choice to do it there at 10 SAR cost or back in Mina toilet with your own Mach III. Returning from Jamrat, Shaving Head and Ghusal: On your way back between Jamrat and Mina you will find outlets of Zain and mobily who offer free umbrellas. You may collect one from there. Once you reach back take Breakfast if you haven t already taken. Last 12 to 15 hours were tough and you haven t slept much. So its best time to sleep. Wake at 12:00 PM Offer Zuhar. Take your clothes and go to Ghusal area. Shave your head and take bath and open Ihram. Mina Bathrooms are ok. Page 77 of 86

79 This is the most comfortable time. By this time expect ADIHA to have performed the animal sacrifice on your behalf. The Ihram you were wearing was full of sweat and dirt. People sometimes throw away Ihram, some keep it for offering the Tawaf e ziyarat, other keep it aside and wash it when reach back Azizia. It is required that Tawaf e Ziyarat be done in Ihram. Tawaf e Ziyarat & Sa ee: I would recommend Tawaf-e Ziyarat with old people to be offered late and not in day as it is way too crowded, however it is Afzal doing it the first day. You have to spend at least half the night in Mina. Spending 4 hours after maghrib is good enough. You wear Ihram again and leave for Tawaf at 12:30 AM. Leave Mina through Jamrat. Completely cross Jamrat and you will end up on road to Azizia at 1:30 AM. Either wear a new Ihram here or take a taxi. You will only find taxis from Azizia and not from Jamrat and Mina. Drop at haram, opposite to clock tower. After 1 to 2 Km of walk you will reach Marwa side. Once reached, you will find least possible crowd. Infact very little crowd. Take outside circle or use shortcut to directly reach Mataf. Offer Tawaf. On left of Marwa there are available elevators to reach different sa ee levels. Usually top floor is least crowded. Scooters are also available at SAE third floor at the cost of 50 SAR or people who are already using might give it to you for free. Once free from Saee offer the Fajar Salat. No head shave is required as it is already done. Go to Abraj Al-Bait Mall, P3/P4 floor and take your breakfast. Donut and coffee from Krispy kreme is highly recommended. Once you are done, move to the basement of the mall. Once out you will find taxis there. Take one and leave for Aziza. Taxi might take 100 SAR (usual rate is 30 SAR). Travel To/From Azizia & Mina (through Jamarat): Please note that Masnoon time for Rami is from Noon till Maghrib from 11 th till 13 th Zilhajj. Though elderly may also perform rami after maghrib as per Fatawas. Jamrat has two exits, one straight at the end and one on the right side. The one straight goes to Mecca and the one on the right goes back to Mina. One both exits you will find Albaik restaurants. Albaik offers fried chicken. Their production and sales are huge. At one time you will find around 100 people waiting in queue. However it takes them 15 min through their 18 counters to clear the entire queue. During hajj days they only offer limited menu due to time limitations they avoid customized ordering. Usually you will get 10 to 12 nuggets and 2 buns in 12 SAR. Page 78 of 86

80 Dar-e-salam is one of the topline service providers. Their special passenger car offer passenger pickup and drop facility from Jamrat to Azizia. Saving few Kms of walk for 25 SAR is a best idea. Once leaving Jamrat, whether you head towards Mecca or to Mina, the entire way is too long and has no shade. The entire path is hot and sunny. You can t afford to walk without umbrella. Use sun block as well. Always take two bottles of water for that journey. Page 79 of 86

81 Leaving Mina: On 12 th Zilhajj people start leaving Mina via Jamrat to Azizia. They will stay in Azizia till the last day. Then will pack luggage and load on buses and go to offer Tawaf e Wida and will leave for Jeddah and home country. On 12 th Taxis are especially hard to find by and traffic is usually Jam packed. Therefore do not delay your Tawaf e Ziyarat. It s better to offer it max by night between 10 th and 11 th of Zilhajj. Tawaf e Wida & Departure: If you are leaving on 13 th zil hajj, you don t need to rush. Unlike 12 th Zil Hajj, on 13 th the crowd is reduced and taxes are available in abundance. Reach Haram before Zuhar. Taxi will still charge high rates of 100 SAR. Offer Zuhar. Offer Tawaf and spend time in Zikar. Enjoy lunch at food court of Abraj Al-Bait mall floor P3/P4. Leave after Maghrib. Offer Isha at home. Leave Mecca at mid night. In general you must leave Azizia 12 hrs before your flight from Jeddah (a safe calculation, considering traffic delays, and airport delays). Jeddah Airport Terminal: The Jeddah Airport Terminals are expected to be heavily crowded. You will not find luggage trolleys. These are very hard to find by. People bribe the airport staff for arrange one for them. It takes a long time to get the boarding card. Even when the boarding card is issued the staff are not sure which plane will be available and at which gate. It may take few hrs for you to wander entire airport before someone confirms you the gate number at which your plane might be boarding. Once you reach lounge you will find passengers of other cancelled flights sitting there and you will find them least cooperating, sitting on the floor not giving ways. This is seriously a mess. Bringing Zamzam Back Home: Saudi Authorities officially don t allow taking Zamzam water in suit cases or in hand-carry. However people carry water in 5 L bottles in their suit cases. Authorities usually neither open the cases and therefore do not object. However in my opinion they know what inside the case as they scan and they stay quite on that as if they haven t seen it. Officially you will receive a 5 L Zamzam bottle through your Airline once you reach back home city airport. You will show the coupon, given to you by the airline along with the boarding card in Jeddah. One coupon means 5 L of Bottle of Zamzam. Page 80 of 86

82 Tour Feedback: At the end of the Hajj, your travel agent will request you to fill the feedback form issued by the government and submit back to him. Do not hesitate to fill it as per actual and submit back to the address provided by the government at the bottom of the form yourself. Every complaint and feedback is important and is replied back. I would not recommend to handover the feedback form to the travel agent. Link to feedback form: Feedback form Private.jpg MAPS: For reference purpose I am sharing following maps along with the link. This will help understand the sort of journey you will be performing. Page 81 of 86

83 Link A (Inter-city Travel Map): Map (Pakistan to Saudi Arabia) Bus Route (Jeddah Mecca) Page 82 of 86

84 Bus Route (Mecca Medina) Bus Route (Medina Mecca/Azizia) Page 83 of 86

85 Miqat Points: Link B (Hajj Maps): Walk Map (From Mina to Azizia), (From Azizia to Mina) & (From Muzdalifah to Mina) Page 84 of 86

86 Bus Drop Map (From Azizia to Mina Camp) Walk Map (Rami Jamrat) Purple route Page 85 of 86

87 Bus Route (From Mina to Arafat) Hotel Distribution Mecca Page 86 of 86