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How do I perform Hajj? There are three ways of performing the Hajj. Hajj al-Tamattu' Hajj al-Ifrad Hajj al-Qiran Hajj al-Tamattu' Hajj al-Tamattu' involves performing Umrah and then Hajj, with one Ihram for each. This form of Hajj is considered the best of three forms of Hajj. It is the one that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) urged his followers to perform and is the one adopted by most pilgrims from overseas. Hajj al-Ifrad Hajj al-Ifrad involves performing Hajj only. A sacrificial animal is not obligatory when performing Hajj al-Ifrad. Hajj al-Qiran Hajj al-Qiran involves combining Umrah and Hajj, with only one Ihram for both. What is the difference between Umrah and Hajj? Umrah may be performed at any time of the year, but Hajj should be performed during the month of Dhu'l-Hijjah every year. Who can perform Hajj? How long does it take to perform Hajj? Normally 5 to 6 days, but there are exceptions. For Hajj pilgrims the actual Hajj rites take place during the 8th to 12th days of this month. Dhul Hijjah or Zil-Hijja. November 29, 2008, is the first day of the lunar month of Zil-Hijja, and accordingly Arafat Day will be on Sunday, the 9th of Zil-Hijja, corresponding to December 7, 2008, and Eid al-Adha day will be on Monday, the 10th of Zil Hijja, corresponding to December 8, 2008. See main section on The Rituals/Stages of the Hajj How long does it take to perform Umrah? A few hours. See main section on Rituals of Umrah. Clothing What kinds of clothing and bedding should I take with me to Saudi Arabia? The essential thing is two or three sets of Ihram. The Ihram consists of two pieces of white plain cloth, either100 % cotton or light terry-cloth. These are cool to wear and also provide for better absorption of the heavy perspiration you will inevitably experience during Hajj. Also take with you light and airy clothes for street wear. Take enough clothes to make your stay comfortable, but do not over-burden yourself with unnecessary clothes. Professional laundry facilities are available in Saudi Arabia. If going on Hajj during winter months, take some woolen clothing as the early mornings tend to be cool. Take also three or four pairs of rubber slippers for use during Ihram, as well as couple of pairs of comfortable shoes or sandals for walking. Also take two large and two small towels. You may also need sleeping bag for bedding, an inflatable pillow and thick sheets. Where can I wash my clothes? There are professional laundry services, but not that many coin-operated launderettes. Detergent to wash your light clothing is also available in the local market. What is the weather like in Makkah and Madinah? It is very hot during summer months, with temperature reaching upper40 °C (100°F) during day. During winter times the weather is mild, but early mornings and late nights could be cold. What is the time-difference in Makkah? Standard time zone: UCT/GMT + 3 hours. No daylight saving time at the moment. What is the Saudi currency? The Saudi riyal is the official currency of Saudi Arabia. Each riyal is composed of100 hallalahs. The Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency (SAMA) issues banknotes in denominations of1 ,5 ,10 ,20 ,50 ,100 , 200 and 500 riyals and coins in denominations of5 ,10 ,25 , 50 and 100 hallalahs. Are there any banks in Makkah and Madinah? There are branches of some big national and international banks in Makkah and Madinah. What are the opening and closing hours of banks? In Saudi Arabia the banks are usually open9 . 00am to12 . 00pm and5 . 00pm to7 . 00pm, Saturday to Wednesday. (Thursday mornings only). Do banks change foreign currency? Yes. Do banks cash travelers' checks? Travelers' checks could be cashed almost anywhere. Since your passport will be taken away for the duration of your stay by the Saudi authorities in Jeddah, the ID card issued by your Tawafa Establishment will be used for check cashing purposes. Make sure you have travelers checks 'Purchase Receipt' with you, as without it it will be harder to cash them in. Umrah Visas Where do I go to get an Umrah visa? Contact your nearest Saudi Consulate to get a visa application form. Complete it carefully and return it to the Consulate. What do I need for an Umrah visa? You will need the following: * A completed original Umrah visa application form. The statement written at the end of the application form must be carefully read and signed. (To obtain a visa application form by post, send a large, self-addressed envelope to your nearest Saudi Consulate.) If someone has a non-Muslim name, he or she should submit a certificate from a mosque or an Islamic center stating that the applicant is a Muslim. One recent passport size color photograph with a white background should be attached to the application form. The photograph must be a full-face view in which the visa applicant is facing the camera directly. Side or angled views are NOT accepted. Passports should be valid for at least 6 months from the date of submission of the application form. Confirmed and non-refundable airline ticket. Departure from Saudi Arabia should be within two weeks from the date of entry. Women and children should be accompanied by husband/father or a male relative (Mahram). Proof of relationship is required (a marriage certificate for a wife, a birth certificate for a child indicating the names of both parents). The Mahram must travel into and out of Saudi Arabia on the same flight as his wife and children. If a woman is 45 years old or older, she is allowed to go without a Mahram if she travels with an organized group or family and submits a notarized No Objection Certificate from her Mahram. If the applicant is not a national of the country he/she is applying from, a valid residency permit must be submitted with the application. A vaccination certificate against Meningococcal Meningitis should be attached. The certificate of vaccinations should have been issued not more than three years and not less than 10 days prior to entry to Saudi Arabia and it should be valid for three years. The vaccination certificate must be with the applicant on entry to Saudi Arabia. Umrah visa is valid for 30 days only. This does not mean that you can stay in Saudi Arabia for 30 days. Within these 30 days you should perform Umrah, making sure your departure from Saudi Arabia is within two weeks of the date of entry. The visa for Umrah in Ramadan cannot exceed the last day of Ramadan. You should leave Saudi Arabia by the end of Ramadan and cannot have Eid-ul-Fitr there. Do I have to pay for these visas? If yes, how much do they cost? The Umrah and Hajj visas are free but you will still have to pay for services you get in Saudi Arabia. Hajj Visas Where do I go to get a Hajj visa? The application form is available from your nearest Saudi Consulate. But it is advisable to appoint a licensed travel agent, who will arrange a visa, as well as your travel and accommodation and anything else you may need to perform the Hajj. The travel agent will send your application form to the Saudi Consulate. What do I need for a Hajj visa? You must comply with all the following requirements: * The applicant must have a passport valid for at least six more months and acceptable both for entry to Saudi Arabia and entry to the next destination; the passport should have at least two empty visa pages adjacent to each other. Each applicant must submit one recent passport size color photograph with a white background. The photograph must be a full-face view in which the visa applicant is facing the camera directly. Side or angled views are NOT accepted. (Some travel agents require two color photos, one for the visa application and the other for the group identification card). The applicant must submit a completed application form filled in with black ink pen or printed; the form must be signed and stamped by the authorized travel agency. The Mahram should write on the application forms complete information on his spouse and children or any relative with whom he is traveling. He should also provide copies of marriage or birth certificates. Women are required to travel for Hajj with a Mahram. Proof of kinship must be submitted with the application form. Any woman over the age of 45 may travel without a Mahram with an organized group, provided she submits a letter of no objection from her Mahram authorizing her to travel for Hajj with the named group. This letter should be notarized. The applicant must be in possession of a non-refundable roundtrip ticket with confirmed reservations. The applicant must submit proof of vaccination for meningitis and ACYW135. For infants and children up to 15 years of age, a vaccination report is required for polio as well as meningitis. Children over 15 years of age should present the same vaccinations requested for adults. The certificate of vaccination should have been issued not more than three years and not less than 10 days prior to entering Saudi Arabia. Each pilgrim should submit two certified checks or cashier checks payable to 'Unified Agents Office' in Jeddah for pilgrimage services (guides, Zamzam water agents, tent accommodation in Mina and Arafat and transportation costs). These checks should include the name and the passport number of the pilgrim and date and place of issue. Each applicant must pay the appropriate fees. Pilgrims have the option to submit one check combining both fees. Children between the ages of seven and fifteen should only pay half of the amount. Children under the age of seven do not need to pay. Please check with the Saudi Consulate in your country for correct charges. Applicants who are not nationals of the country they are applying from should submit documented proof of legal residence status. Passport authorities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia reserve the right to return (at his or her own expense) any pilgrim who has provided wrong or false information about their residence. No applicant under the legal age of eighteen will be granted a Hajj visa if not accompanied by his family. If the applicant has converted to Islam, an Islamic certificate must be presented which must be notarized by an Islamic Center. Can children accompany me on Hajj? Children can accompany their parents. When applying for a visa, you should include their names in your passport and attach their birth certificates. Children and women under 45 should be accompanied by a Mahram (a male relative). Do I have to pay for the Hajj visas? If yes, how much does it cost? The Umrah and Hajj visas are free. For Hajj you need to pay two checks to cover the cost of guides, Zamzam water agents, tent accommodation in Mina and Arafat and transportation costs. Please ask your nearest Saudi Consulate about the current level of these charges. Health Matters Do I need any kind of vaccinations? It is the requirement of Saudi Ministry of Health that all visitors should have a valid vaccination certificate against Meningococcal Meningitis The certificate must have been issued not more than three years and not less than 10 days before arrival in Saudi Arabia. See International Health Regulations. Where do I go if I am ill? Are there any hospitals in Makkah? There are many hospitals which provide free healthcare for pilgrims. Are over-the-counter medicines available in Makkah? Where do I buy them? Most over-the-counter medicine is available at pharmacies in Makkah. If you are used to a particular brand of medicine or if you take prescribed medication, it is recommended you bring adequate supplies of these. Disability What are the facilities for disabled pilgrims? The Hajj is physically demanding and should be undertaken only by those who are fit enough to perform the rites. The Holy Quran makes it clear that only those who are physically and financially able are under an obligation to perform Hajj. That said, there are many disabled Muslims who wish to perform Hajj and, if adequate preparations are made, many can fulfil their wish. Below, we give some guidance but it is imperative that any disabled person thinking of performing Hajj should consult in detail with their travel agent before making any bookings. Airport: There are facilities for the disabled at Jeddah airport. Your travel agent should ensure the airport staff are advised of your needs in advance. Transport in the Kingdom: Buses are not equipped to handle wheel-chairs. Disabled pilgrims must ensure that they or their carers have made arrangements with private taxi firms for transportation in the Kingdom, either through your travel agent or though your service provider in the Kingdom. Hotels: In general, hotels are not equipped for the disabled, with the exception of some of the top hotels. Again, it is crucial that you check with the hotel before booking, to explain your needs and to ensure they can be met. Houses: Houses are not generally equipped for the disabled. Grand Mosque in Makkah: The Grand Mosque is well-equipped for the disabled. It has escalators and ramps to enable wheelchairs to move easily from one level to another. Wheel-chairs are provided free of charge in the Grand Mosque but, if you need to ask someone to push your wheelchair, the pusher will charge for his service. To make sure arrangements are adequate, always check with your travel agent before you set out for the Kingdom and with your service provider in the Kingdom. General Safety Instructions In general, how can I keep safe at Jamarat? For your own safety and that of others, please observe the following instructions when proceeding to the casting of the Jamarat: 1. Adherence to the schedules designated for you by the Mutawwif. 2. Adherence to the lanes designated for proceeding to the Jamarat and returning therefrom. 3. Avoid pushing your fellow pilgrims and proceed quietly and calmly. 4. Do not carry personal effects. 5. Do not walk against the direction of the traffic. Ihram What is an Ihram and how should I wear it? The Ihram garments for men consists of two pieces of white sheet. Wrap the larger sheet around your waist to cover your body from the navel to the ankles. Secure the Ihram either with a belt or by a strip of fabric torn from Ihram material. Drape the other sheet over the back and shoulders and wear a pair of stitched or unstitched sandals or shoes which do not cover the ankles. The head should not be covered, and no underwear should be used. The Ihram should preferably be white. Should women wear the Ihram? Women are allowed to make Ihram in any dress they wish which fulfills the Islamic conditions of public dress, regardless of the color. Women's hands and face should be uncovered in Ihram. Their heads should be covered. Are there things I should and shouldn't be doing while I am in a state of Ihram? Yes, a Muhrim (someone who is in state of Ihram) must observe certain obligations and prohibitions. These are: - Keep your head uncovered at all times. Women should keep their heads covered - Do not shave, cut your hair, clip your nails, use perfume, or wear sewn clothes of any kind - Do not perform Nikkah/Akad - Do not kill an animal of any kind for any reason, unless it poses a danger to you and to the others. - Do not enter into conjugal relations with your spouse. How do I choose a travel agent? Choosing a right agent is the most important aspect of planning for your Hajj. There are two types of tour guides: authorized licensed agents and sub-agents. Authorized licensed agents are companies or groups who hold their own licenses from the Saudi authorities. Sub-agents are those who use the name of the agents to get the visas. These sub-agents simply get their people together, take their passports and go to the agent who gets them the paperwork to get you into Saudi Arabia. After that the main agent is not necessarily aware of who you are, so you have no protection if you are let down. You should choose an authorized licensed agency, recognized by Saudi Arabian authorities. Obtain a list of authorized licensed agencies in your country from the Saudi Arabian Consulate. Below are examples of questions that you should ask your agent: 1. Do you hold your own license or are you a sub-agent? 2. If sub-agent, what is the name of the main licensed agent? 3. Are you responsible for the accommodation or is it the main agent? 4. What is the package dates? 5. Are these dates firm and have you booked the seats? 6. Which airline are you using? 7. Is it a direct or indirect flight? 8. Will there be someone accompanying the group? 9. Can I have a leaflet advertising your package? 10. What type of accommodation will you provide and has it been booked? 11. Can I have details of the accommodation in writing? I need to know the quality of room, number of people sharing and its distance from the Haram. 12. How many people are in the group and how many helpers will we have? 13. Do you provide the food in Makkah and Madinah? 14. Do you provide the food in Mina? 15. Do you provide our own transport to and from Mina? 16. Are we taking a sheikh/imam with us? 17. Do you and your helpers speak Arabic? 18. How will you organize the Tawafas? 19. Is the sacrificial animal (qurban) included in the package? 20. How will you organize the stoning of Jamarats? 21. What kind of accommodation will there be in Arafat? 22. Do you provide the food in Arafat? 23. How do we travel from Makkah to Madinah? How do I get to Saudi Arabia? There are more than24 air, land and sea inlets for receiving pilgrims in the central, eastern, northern, western and southern regions of the Kingdom. Among the land inlets are: Halat Ammar, Jadidat Arar, Al Ragei, Salwa, King Fahd Causeway, Al Khadra, Al Tewal, Elab and Al Wadeah. Among sea inlets are: Jeddah Islamic Sea Port, Yanbu Port and Dammam Port. Among the airports are: King Abdul Aziz International Airport in Jeddah, King Khaled International Airport in Riyadh, Prince Muhammad bin Abdul Aziz Airport in Madinah and King Fahd International Airport in Dammam. Most pilgrims travel by air to Jeddah and then travel by bus to Makkah via Jeddah-Makkah expressway. Are there direct flights to Makkah? No. There isn't a civilian airport in Makkah. The nearest civilian airport is in Jeddah. How do I get to Makkah? Once you arrive in Jeddah and your documents are checked, you will travel to Makkah by bus. These buses are provided by the local transport companies through the General Cars Syndicate. How long does it take to travel from Jeddah to Makkah? The distance between Jeddah and Makkah is about 50 miles. If you go by taxi it may take about one and half hours. It will take longer by bus. Taxis from Makkah to Madinah cost about SR50 - 60per person. I've heard my passport will be taken from me. Is this true? Yes. Once you have gone through customs and immigration, travel coupons for internal travel in Saudi Arabia will be attached to your passport and you will be escorted to a bus to travel to Makkah. At this point your passport will be taken away and will be kept by the mutawwif (a guide assigned to you by the Government). It will be given back to you at Jeddah airport on the day you return home. You will be given a photo-ID card by your mutawwif in place of your passport. You will also be given a tag (a rubber bracelet which will identify you to the mutawwif in case you get lost) and a Hajj security badge. Make sure you carry the ID card and wear your bracelet at all times and take care of them. It is also advisable to carry with you notarized copies of your passport. What things should I NOT bring to Saudi Arabia? You are not allowed to bring any perishable or uncanned food in large quantities. You must not bring alcohol or drugs into the Kingdom. The punishments are severe and can include capital punishment. Where do I stay in Makkah? Your accommodation should be arranged by your authorized licensed agent. There are different qualities of accommodations, from four star luxurious hotels to rooms through to apartments you share with others. Your agency should give you details of the hotel where you will be staying. If you are sharing, your travel agency should also let you know how many people will share your room. How do I move around Makkah. Is there public transport? Travel within Saudi Arabia is highly restricted. Pilgrims' travel will be limited to the cities of Makkah and Madinah, to the tent cities of Mina and Arafat and to Muzdalifah. Inter-city travel will require the pilgrim or his travel agent to inform the Tawafa Establishment office 24 to 48 hours before departure. Pilgrims travel by buses provided by the General Cars Syndicate, using one of travel coupons given to them by the Tawafa Establishment. Buses are of different standards and are allocated on an availability basis. Pilgrims can also travel by taxis at an extra cost to them. How long is the distance between Makkah and Mina? The distance between Makkah and Mina is 8 kilometers ( 5miles). Depending on traffic it could take anything between 2 to 4 hours. It may be better to walk the distance sometimes. How long is the distance between Mina and Arafat? The distance between Mina and Arafat is14 . 4kilometers ( 9miles). Where do I stay in Mina? Mina is a well-organized tent city, with sectors and a secure precinct. Each tent can house between 20 to 40 people. Each tent has air conditioning unit and several power points. There are separate cooking areas and there are toilets with showering facilities in each precinct. Your travel agent should organize your accommodation in Mina. Sacrificing If I need to sacrifice an animal, how do I arrange it? Booths around Makkah and Mina have been set up by the Islamic Development Bank to facilitate buying coupons for slaughtering and distributing sacrificial animals. During Hajj, the sacrifice can be made in Mina or Makkah, after the stoning of the largest Jamarat. The sacrifice can be done by your agent on your behalf. The types of animals which may be sacrificed are camels, cows, sheep and goats. A sheep or goat can be sacrificed on behalf of only one person; whereas, a cow or camel can be shared by seven people. The age of the goat or sheep should be at least one year, the cow two and the camel at least five. It is forbidden to sacrifice sick, crippled or wounded animals. The sacrifice should be performed on the10 th of Dhu'l-Hijjah but it is allowed to sacrifice up until the dusk of the13 th. The pilgrim should say the following Du'aa when slaughtering the animal: "In the name of Allah and Allah is the Greatest. O Allah! This is from You and for You." The animal should be turned on its left side facing the Kaaba, but this is not a strict rule and is recommended practice of the Prophet (peace be upon him). The one performing the sacrifice should eat a part of the meat and a portion should be distributed to the needy and the poor. The butcher should not be given any part of the animal in lieu of his wages, as it is meant for charity. Food and Drink Is the drinking water safe? You may either drink bottled mineral water or drink from water fountains available for drinking throughout the holy sites. Use of boiled or sterilized water is not a must. Zamzam water is always safe. Is the food safe? What foods should I avoid? Avoid eating exposed food and meat from the counter. Make sure you eat cooked meat and fish, preferably hot. Cook vegetables and eat peeled fruit. Also always boil the milk. Language What languages are spoken in Saudi Arabia? Arabic is the main language of Saudi Arabia. English is spoken by some professionals. Do the Hajj guides speak English? If your agent is good, he should provide guides who speak English. Mobile Phones Can I use my mobile phone/cell phone in Saudi Arabia? You can use mobile phones to keep in touch with your group and also to phone home. SIM cards, only valid for a month, are available over the counter in most phone shops in Makkah and Madinah. Before leaving, make sure your phone can accept any SIM card. Getting Lost What do I do if I am lost? Where do I go for help? If you are lost, there are "Pilgrim Assistance Booths" set up all over and they will help you to find your hotel, tents, etc. Make sure you have your ID card and your ID bracelet with you at all times. If you are traveling with a group, it is advisable to agree on a well-known location/landmark to gather in case somebody gets lost. Lost Property Where do I go if I lose my passport? Your passport will be taken from you after you enter Jeddah by the Unified Agents Office representatives, so that the latter can complete all travel formalities to Makkah and Madinah. If you lose your passport, you should immediately report it to the same office appointed to take care of you during Hajj (Field Service Group, FSG). You should obtain a report from the Unified Agents Office in which the loss of passport is mentioned. It is advisable to carry with you notarized copies of your passport. If my money is stolen where do I go for help? How do I report the crime? Report any crime to the police and your Tawafa Establishment. Hajj: Each year in the 12th month of the Islamic calendar, Muslims in America and around the world begin observing activities associated with the annual Hajj, or pilgrimage to Mecca. The obligatory and optional activities of Hajj include: 1) Ihram: Each pilgrim first enters into ihram. Men signify the state of ihram by bathing, and wearing two pieces of unsewn white cloth: "one covers the body from waist to ankle and the other is thrown over the shoulder." Women usually wear a simple white dress and "a head covering, but not a veil." The pilgrim enters the Holy Mosque at Mecca, right foot first, and recites the prayer: v The pilgrim then performs the sa'i. He hurries seven times between two small hills near the Ka'aba, called Safa and Marwah. The Hajj formally begins on the eighth day of Dhul-Hijjah (Zul-Hijjah) - the 12th month of the Muslim lunar calendar. On this first day of the Hajj, the pilgrims walk a few miles to Mina and camp there overnight. The pilgrims spend the "Day of Arafah" (ninth day of Dhul-Hijjah) in Arafah, an empty plain. They commit the entire day to supplication and devotion. In the evening, they move to Muzdalifa. They camp there overnight and offer various prayers. On the tenth day of Dhul-Hijjah, they return to Mina and throw seven pebbles at a pillar that symbolizes Satan's temptation of Abraham. Muslims worldwide gather for prayers on the first day of Id al-Adha (Eid-ul-Adha) -- the Feast of Sacrifice or Day of Sacrifice. The first day of this celebration is held on the 10th day of Duhl-Hijja, the last month of the Muslim year. 2) Circling of the Kaaba, the stone building originally built by Prophet Abraham and his son Prophet Ishmael. The Ka’aba is the first sanctuary on earth dedicated to the worship of the One God. It is a symbol of unity for Muslims because all prayers, wherever they are performed, are oriented in the direction of the Ka’aba. 3) The Sa’i, or "hastening" between two small hills near the Kaaba. 4) The "Day of Arafah" on the 9th day of Dhul-Hijjah. Arafah is the empty plain near the city of Mecca. 5) The stoning of three pillars representing Satan’s temptation of Abraham. The stoning indicates the muslims’s rejection of evil deeds. 6) Cutting the hair to symbolize the completion of Hajj. 7) Sacrifice of an animal to help the poor, and in remembrance Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son Ishmael at God's command. The meat is distributed to relatives and to the needy. When the major portion of the pilgrimage is completed, Muslims worldwide gather for prayers on the first day of Eid ul-Adha. Q: What does the Quran say about Hajj? A: In the Quran, Islama's revealed text, God says: "Thus We settled Abraham at the site of the House (the Kaaba) [saying]: "Do not associate anything with Me, and purify My house for those who walk around it, and those who stand there (praying), and those who bow down on their knees in worship. Proclaim the pilgrimage among mankind: they will come to you on foot and on every lean (beast of burden); Let them come from every deep ravine, to bear witness to the advantages they have, and to mention God's name on appointed days..." Chapter 22, verses 26-28 Q: What do Muslims believe they gain from Hajj? A: The main benefit of Hajj for many people is the sense of purification and spiritual renewal it instills. Q: Why does Hajj begin on a different day each year? A: Because Dhul-Hijjah is a lunar month, it begins about eleven days earlier each year. Q: Why do Muslims sacrifice a lamb or other animal during the festival of Eid ul-Adha? A: The sacrifice commemorates the Prophet Abrahama's readiness to sacrifice his son, identified in Islam as Ishmael, at God's request. This is not a blood offering. In the Quran God states: "Neither their meat nor their blood ever reaches God, but heedfulness on your part does reach Him." (Chapter 22, verse 37) The meat is distributed to relatives and to the needy. Q: Is Hajj an obligation on all Muslims? A: Yes, but only for those who are physically and financially able to make the trip. Q: What are the most visually striking aspects of Hajj? A: All pilgrims must do tawaf, or circling the Kaaba. This obligation creates a stunning scene as thousands of people circle the building at all times of the day and night. Also, the standing at Arafah on the 9th day of the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah presents a scene in which several million people all dressed alike and with the same intention to worship God, gather on a barren plain. Q: How should non-Muslim friends and co-workers interact with someone who is going on Hajj or celebrating at home? A: Hajj is a high point in a Muslim's life. Questions are welcome and congratulations are in order. |
