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Saudi authorities approve electronic Umrah system

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Saudi authorities have approved electronic Umrah system, which will organize the sector to get rid of the brokers.
It will also save between 10 and 15 percent of the cost of hotel accommodation for those performing Umrah, according to the chair of the national committee for Haj and Umrah for Umrah Affairs, Abdullah Omar Qadhi.
The Makkah Chamber of Commerce and Industry held a meeting in the presence of representatives of Umrah service companies and Sajjil, the company responsible for running the electronic system, Saudi Gazette reported on Friday.
The company also explained the method of registration in the system and how those performing Umrah could book hotel rooms.
Qadhi said he expects a 25 percent increase in the number of Umrah performers this year against 6 million last year.
He said owners of Umrah companies and hotels in Makkah and Madinah would benefit from the new system.
All hotels will come under the new system with the objective of facilitating hotel bookings by Umrah companies.
The relationship between Saudi Umrah companies and hotels will move to electronic formats as bookings that used to take 24 hours can now be carried out in a few seconds, he added.

Article by: aaj.tv

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1.25m Umrah pilgrims a month from next year

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1.25m
JEDDAH —

A new Umrah system and its executive bylaws will be issued soon with a view to increasing the number of Umrah pilgrims every year. Haj Minister Bandar Al-Hajjar has said.
He told Okaz/Saudi Gazette that starting next year. 1.25 million pilgrims are expected to arrive every month compared to the present number of 400,000.

Hajjar said the new system is aimed at increasing the number of pilgrims. The government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques so as to fully utilize the gigantic projects implemented.
The minister said he would soon meet Umrah company owners to discuss plans for the Umrah season of 1437H which will begin in mid-November.
He called for deeper coordination among all agencies to provide excellent services to Haj and Umrah pilgrims.
Hajjar said the ministry will continue to use.

e-portal

Its e-portal under which procedures to issue visas will not take more than a few minutes.
“We are going online as an ambitious plan to double the number of Umrah pilgrims during the next five years,”.The minister said.
, five million Umrah visas were issued in 2013 and six million each during 2014 and 2015.

Hopefully,10 million visas to be issued in 2016 and 60 million in  2018
Meanwhile, about 600,000 Haj pilgrims had left the Kingdom for their home countries until Sunday. onboard 2,282 flights which took off from King Abdulaziz International Airport (KAIA) in Jeddah.
Turki Al-Deeb, director of the airport’s department of information and public relations, expected about 900,000 pilgrims to depart from the airport until late October.
Many other pilgrims will depart from Prince Muhammad Bin Abdul Aziz International Airport in Madinah. This is in addition to those leaving by sea and land. About 1.4 million pilgrims had come from abroad for this year’s Haj.

Article by: saudigazette.com.sa

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How to perform Umrah (Minor Pilgrimage)

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Holy-Kaaba-(view-from-Makkah-Royal-Clock-Tower)
Umrah  (Minor Pilgrimage)

·Preparation for Ehraam :

Before making intention for Ehraam take two white cloth sheets, one sheet around the lower half of the body and another over the shoulder. Must wear this before entering hadde Haram. Those who are traveling directly from their countries must wear this before boarding the flight. 
After wearing the clothes : 

  • Recite two Rakats of Nafil Salat
  • During reciting salat cover head with the cloth
  • No sooner you finish salat by saying salam ,remove the sheet over the head (for men only)and then MAKE INTENTION (Niyyat) for Umrah. Now a person is in Ehraam.

INTENTION  (Niyyat)
 “ `O` Allah, I make intention for Ehraam to perform Umrah to please You. Please make the things easy for me and guide me to perform Umrah in the most right manner. Please also accept it with all your kindness “
Then recite Talbiyah loudly for three times :
 لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ، لَبَّيْكَ لا شَرِيكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ، انَّالْحَمْدَ، وَالنِّعْمَةَ، لَكَ وَالْمُلْكَ، لا شَرِيكَ لَكَ

Transliteration :

Labbaik Allah humma Labbaik ! Labbaik Laa sharika laka Labbaik ! Innal Hamda Wan Nemata Laka wal Mulk ! Laa Sharika Laka !

Translation :

I respond to Your call O Allah, I respond to Your call, and I am obedient to Your orders, You have no partner, I respond to Your call All the praises and blessings are for You, All the sovereignty is for You, And You have no partners with you.
Immediately after this Talbiyah the person is in Ehraam . As a matter of fact this Talbiyah is a reply to the call of Prophet Ibrahim as he called the people by the decree of Allah to perform Hajj.

The things restricted after the person is in Ehraam are as under :

  1. Stitched clothes (for men only )
  2. Covering head or face with a cloth (for men Only)
  3. Wearing a shoe which hides the back of foot’s bone
  4. Going for haircut or plucking any hair of body
  5. Nail cutting
  6. Applying scent
  7. Doing the things which enhances your hormonic activity which leads to some sort of sexual satisfaction
  8. Hunting the animals or killing of head louse
  9. Sharing bed with the wife
  10. Quarrel with other people

For Women :
The Ehraam of women is like men only with only three exceptions .

  1. They can wear stitched clothes
  2. They have to hide their heads with scarves
  3. They should keep their faces exposed
  4. TheyShould not share bed with their husbands 

Border of Haram : 

20 KM ahead of Mecca there is a big arched gate, on the top you will find one huge structure resembling a stand (Rahel) of Quran. From here the border of Haram Sharif starts and very near to it there is a place where the Mushrekeen of Mecca had stopped the Prophet (saws) to proceed to Mecca for Umrah in 6 AH . This is a place where the agreement of Hudaibiyah was signed.

As soon as you reach here,  recite a dua :
“ `O` Allah ! This Haram belongs to You and Your apostle. I Pray that the blazing fire to be forbidden on my flesh ,on my blood ,on my skin and on my bones. “
 When you enter Mecca bring inert feeling of love and respect for this sacred city  and recite a dua :
“ `O Allah ! I am your slave and came here to perform and seek your kindness and blessings. Please open all the doors of blessings and forgive me and help me to complete my Umrah in a perfect way.
.Attendance in Masjid e Haraam and Tawaaf :

  • Enter the Masjid with your right leg first .
  • When you see the K`abatullah for the first time ,recite the following : 

          اللّهُ اَكْبَرُلآ اِلهَ اِلّا اللّهُ، وَ اللّهُ اَكْبَرُ
Translation :
“ Allah is the Greatest ,There is no God except Allah ,Allah is the Greatest .”

  • Make another dua :

Translation :
“ O `Allah you are the peace and the peace is from you only. O` Lord Keep us alive peacefully and O Allah enlighten the respect, honour and the dignity of this house of yours and give reward to those who are paying respect to this house. I seek refuge of the owner of this house from any borrowings , poverty and from punishment in the graves.

TAWAAF :

  • TAWAAF : Now you are ready for doing tawaaf. Tawaaf means taking a round of any fixed object. Completing seven anti clockwise rounds makes one tawaaf of Ka`aba .

Method of doing Tawaaf

  • Before tawaaf you must make intention (Niyyat) as under :

“ O` Allah I am doing this tawaaf to please you and seek your help to make this tawaaf easy for me. “
 After making intention , one has to do Izteba (One end of the sheet of Ehraam should be under the right arm and another end should be put over the left shoulder ). If possible, go straight to Hajre Aswad (Black stone) which is embedded in one the corner of the holy Ka`aba, then kiss it (This action is known as ISTELAAM ). If you are not able to reach Hajre Aswad then on the opposite side of Hajre Aswad there is a green light, you be in the line of that light, face your both palms towards Hajre Aswad and do Istelaam and make this dua :
“ Bismillahe Allaho Akbar ! Laa ilaha illallaho ! Wa lillahil Hamd.”
Then kiss your both hands and start the Tawaaf.

  • Care should be taken to avoid facing chest towards Ka`aba during tawaaf.
  • During first three rounds of tawaaf the men should do the Ramal,which means make your body stiff and raise shoulder and walk quickly. In rest of the four rounds there should be a normal walk.
  • Please bear in mind that no sooner you start the tawaaf reciting of talbiyah comes to an end.

VII . ONE IMPORTANT THING
 There are no specific dua in tawaaf however, it is better if you make dua at different spots and While making various dua you should use your own language so that you can understand them and can concentrate.

DUA IN TAWAAF :
 1. When you start encompassing (tawaaf) and when you reach in line with the door of Ka`aba , then recite :
 “ O ` Allah ! The peace is only from you therefore please save me from the punishment in the Hell with your mercy.”
2. When you reach infront of Place of Ibrahim ( Muqaam e Ibrahim), then you make this dua :
“ O` Allah ! This is the place of your Ibrahim, Please restrict the fire to approach my body and my flesh.
3. By the time you finish the above dua, you reach the first corner of the Ka`aba which is known as “Rukne Iraqi “here you can make the following dua :
“ O` Allah, I seek your refuge from the doubts and from any association with you of any partner.
4. In the meantime you will reach infront of “ Meezabe Rahmat “ this is a place where water from the roof of Ka`aba falls in Hateem through a pipe. You make a dua here :
“ O`Allah ! I seek nearness to your apostle in his Paradise ( Jannatul Khuld). O` Allah ,I also seek your shadow in the day of judgement. That day ,none will be there except You . Please offer me drink from kausar so thereafter I will not feel thirst.
5. When you reach the next corner of the Ka`aba which is known as “Rukne Shaami “
then make the following dua “
“ O ` Allah ! My Umrah should be great, please accept my labour, forgive my sins. Yaa` Aziz, Yaa` Ghafoor “
6 . You will be reaching at the third corner Which is known as “ Rukne Yamani ” here you can make the following dua “
O ` Allah Please forgive me and also relax me, in this world and also in the life Hereafter
7 . From here you move towards hajre Aswad and while walking you recite
o رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ
Transliteration :
“Rabbana Aatena fid duniya hasanatau wa fil aakharate hasanatau wa qena azaaban naar “
Translation :

“Our Lord! Give us good in this world and good in the Hereafter and save us from the torment of the fire!”

8.. You will reach back at Hajre Aswad means one round is completed . This is known as “ Shooth ” When you complete seven shooths then one tawaaf is finished.
9 . Please remember that Taawaf can be performed without reciting anything .
VIII.  Reciting two rakats of Wajib salat :
1. After completion of the tawaaf you recite two rakats of wajib salat possibly at the place of Ibrahim otherwise recite it wherever you get place in Mataaf (Space around Ka`aba). After reciting these two rakats you seek Allah’s blessings, make dua for best reward in the life Hereafter, request Allah for forgiveness and for life long and real faith,and finally for welfare of your children and other relatives and friends.
IX.  After dua, if possible you can go to Multazim (this part of Ka`aba is between Hajre Aswad and the door of Ka`aba) and make dua. If it is not possible to go near the Multazim then you may keep yourselves in line with Multazim in mataaf and make dua from there itself. While making dua, you request for Jannatul Firdous, Mercy from Allah, relief from blazing fire of Hell, forgiveness from all the sins, Welfare for your children, relatives, friends etc.
X . Zamzam Sharif
After Multazim you come near the taps of Zamzam, recite Bismillah then face ka`aba and drink zamzam in three instalments. Then make following dua :
“ Yaa Allah ! Help to increase my knowledge, give sustenance and give me relief from all diseases. “
 
XI . Sa`i
Safa and Marwa are two hills near the Masjide Haram. The literal meaning of Sa’i is to run. To make seven rounds between Safa and Marwah, is called Sa’i. This action is observed as a memorial of Hazrat Hajra, the wife of Hazrat Ibrahim and mother of Hazrat Ismail. The Sa’i is ‘Wajib’ both in ‘Hajj’ and Umrah. You must keep in mind that one round is complete when you run from Safa to Marwa , and second round is finished when you run from Marwa to Safa.
How to Perform Sa`i
It is to be performed after Tawaaf ,if it is performed before Tawaaf it will not be valid. It is not necessary to perform a Sa’i immediately after Tawaaf, though it is a Sunnat to do so, but there is no harm if there is a pause in between on account of any human necessity. Although Sa’i is ‘Wajib’ to be performed on foot but in case of some excuse the person is allowed on wheel chair. If someone performs Sa’i on a wheel chair without any valid reason ,he will be liable to give Dum .i.e. offering a sacrifice.
1. After Tawaaf ,when you drink Zamzam Water you are ready to go for Sa’i. You have to go again to Hajr-e-Aswad ,if possible kiss it . In case it is not possible then face both your hands towards hajre Aswad ,kiss them and proclaim.
“ Yaa Allah ! I am making this sai to please you, therefore You make this easy for me and approve my action.
2. Lift both your hands as you do in dua and recite :

لا الهَ اِلَّا اللّهُ وَحْدَهُ لا شَرِيْكَ لَهْ، لَهُ الْمُلْكُ وَ لَهُ الْحَمْدُ يُحْى وَ

يُمِيْتُ بِيَدِهِ الْخَيْرُ وَهُوَ عَلى كُلِّ شَئ ٍ قَدِيْرٌ

Transliteration :

“ La ilaha illal-laho wahdahu la šharika lahu lahul-mulko wa lahul-hamdo yohi wa yumito be yadehil-khayr wa howa ala kulle šhayin qadeer. “

Translation :

There is no God but Allah. He is only One. He has no partners. For Him (is) the Kingdom. And for Him (is) the Praise. He gives life and acuses death. In His hand (is) the goodness. And He has power over everything..

While doing sai, which ever dua you have in memory you can make and along with it remember Allah also. When you reach the green pillars, you are to start running and keep running upto the other green pillars. (for men only) Then again you have to walk with normal speed . When seven rounds are completed then to offer two Rak’ats of salat by the side of ‘Mataaf’ (where Tawaaf is performed in the Haram). 

Now all the restrictions pertaining to Ehraam of Umrah have come to end .

After being free from Sa’i you may shave your head or at least have hair cut equal to a finger’s joint (about an inch) in length. For women the hair cut is equal to one fold of hair over the finger. You have now completed Umrah therefore the Ehraam formality has ended.

Article by: islamforamal.com

 
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Hajj and Umrah for disabled pilgrims

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hajj1023013-4_3
Hajj and Umrah are physically demanding and should be done only by those who meet the physical and financial requirements. The Holy Quran clearly states that Hajj is obligatory to only those who are physically and financially able. Umrah is similar to Hajj and poses a lot of physical challenges. Many Muslims have some physical or medical disability but still wish to perform Hajj and Umrah. If adequate preparations are made they can fulfill their religious obligation. These preparations can be discussed with us before the booking so that we can notify the local handlers about the requirements of the pilgrim.
At the airport there are several facilities for the disabled. The Hajj and Umrah flights land at the Jeddah and Medina airport and all kinds of necessary arrangements like wheel chairs, escalators and ramps are available so that the disabled pilgrims can move about easily. All these facilities are free of charge but your travel agent should notify the airport management about your needs. Wheel chair assistance can also be requested to the airline and they are happy to provide wheelchair assistance on the basis of passengers mobility, starting from passenger can walk to the seat to “passenger needs to be lifted to the seat”.
Local transport of all kinds is available in Makkah and Medina during the Hajj and Umrah season. Buses are not equipped to handle wheel chairs. Disabled pilgrims must ensure that their travel agents have made arrangements with private transportation and taxi firms in Makkah and Medina so that they can properly be dealt with. Making necessary arrangements in advance will ensure that the disabled pilgrims can perform their religious duty with full concentration.
Accommodation during Hajj and Umrah is usually at hotels. Hotels in general are equipped for the disabled with lifts and wheel chairs. Certain hotels can also be requested to provide passenger with rooms that have toilets designed specially for the special people. It is also recommended that the hotels you choose when accompanied by a special person is as close to the Haramain as possible. This will save you loads of time and effort during your visits to the hotel. The Grand Mosque in Makkah is well equipped for the disabled. It has escalators and ramps to enable wheel chairs to move easily from one level to another. Wheel chairs are provided free of charge and can be acquired from the management at any time. If the pilgrim is accompanied by someone to push the wheel chair then it is good otherwise you can ask someone to push your wheel chair, the pusher may charge for his service. Although wheelchair is easily available as stated above, it is best to take a fold-able one with you right from home. This will save you time looking for one or requesting for one.
It is the wish of every Muslim whether disabled or not, to perform Hajj and Umrah. Some people can bear the financial cost of Hajj but are unable to meet the physical requirements. These people can also appoint someone else who is physically fit to perform Hajj in their place. This facility is provided to the Muslims by Allah (SWT) so that every Muslim can perform their obligation. If a disabled Muslim still wishes to perform Hajj and Umrah, they can do so by making prior arrangements with their travel agents.
We as an agent specialize in making these arrangements on the basis of individual and family circumstances. Please let us know the details of disability of the passenger and leave the rest to us.

Article by: umrahpackagesuk.co.uk

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Packing List and Tips for Hajj & Umrah

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When you travel for the holy land of Mecca & Madina is great journey that is not only far off but is also a journey that reminds us of after life and our duties to the people behind us.
According to Islam you should clear all your liabilities and pay off all your dues before the spiritual journey. You are also bound by Islam to write a Will before you leave.
Download a Sample of Islamic will for you and print it.
Following is a check list of items to be carried for the pilgrimage you may need more things it is always better to prepare the list so at last moment you do not forget any items which you might need.

  1. Ahram
  2. Towel
  3. An Umbrella
  4. Pair of Sleepers
  5. Tooth Brush, Tooth Paste mouth wash if necessary
  6. Shampoo & Soap
  7. Few packs of biscuits and other dry food items
  8. Packet of tissues and Toilet Tissue Roll
  9. Alarm Clock
  10. Basic Medicines Disprin, Ponstan, Strepsils, Cough Syrup, Immodium
  11. Face and hands washing soap, Detergent of cloth washing Soap
  12. One or 2 Cups and glasses
  13. Few pairs of socks
  14. Nail Cutter
  15. Scissors
  16. A small Knife for cutting fruits (Keep this in your big luggage not in hand Luggage)
  17. Camera and Sufficient batteries take extra batteries (Keep this in your big luggage not in hand Luggage)
  18. A prayer mat if needed.
  19. One or two Extra Travel Bags this is for when you go to some place for a longer period or for bringing gifts on way bak.
  20. Some Extra Packed Juices of soft drinks they are available but its better to have one or two in your bag as well.
  21. Face cream or cold cream or Patroleum Jelly Its very hot but due to Air-conditioning its also very dry.
  22. A Travel Iron
  23. Tea Bags and Water Heater for making tea

Some of the other things you need to make sure you know.

  • Attend the hajj seminars and workshops conducted by your Hajj tour company (tour-operator)
  • Make sure you have all the travel documents necessary before you leave for Hajj These Items are
  • Your Passport
  • Your Identity Card
  • Your Airline Ticket
  • Hotel Vouchers
  • Transport Vouchers or tickets
  • Although most airlines flying out from Jeddah allow hajj passengers to carry zam zam water on board in addition to the maximum weight allowance it is better to find out when you arrive at airport when you arrive about carrying zam zam
  • Allow some flexibility in your departure schedule as it may not be possible for you to depart on scheduled dates due to some unforeseen circumstances  particularly for women if the have to delay tawaf of hajj (tawaf-ziyarah) due to menstrual cycle
  • For women they may want to should consult with their doctor and take proper medications to delay or differ the menstruation cycle during the Hajj or Umrah
  • All the flights to Jeddah airport cross the miqat before they land in Jeddah therefore you must be in the state of Ihram when landing in Jeddah airport
  • If you are traveling direct to Jeddah, you will assume Ihram before you board the plane other wise you enter Ihram at any transit stop enroute to Jeddah.  Your group leader will advise you about it.  You will have lots of help from your fellow hajjis, or your group leader who accompany’s your group.

Some of the other things you need to make sure you know.

  • Develop an understanding, the respect and love for the prophet Muhammad (s) and his mission for mankind
  • Develop humility and the highest degree of patience.
  • Dont shout Do not liter at airports or spill water in Toilets or try to impose to other that you are VIP In Allah’s house everyone is VIP.  Some of these old humble poor people around you may be a lot closer to Allah than your royal highness.
  • So become a kinder, gentler person at during hajj and umrah and try to keep the same spirit forever.
  • Once you are there, do not yell, do not be overly demanding or rude with your Hajj group leader or staff performing
  • Always Say Please and wait for your turn
  • Reduce your expectations regardless of what you may have paid for your hajj package and of what you were promised for this journey.  Even if you felt cheated and if you did not complain and remain patient Allah surely will compensate you insha Allah
  • This journey is may be different from any other journey you may have ever taken.  Tour operators and their associates however, may try to fulfill their promises, but may not able to do so because situations will arise in which they have no control over
  • Once inside Saudi Arabia, expect delays from the airport to your hotel and do not look or feel frustrated, angry and take it out on your group leader.  He has no control over the local entrants no matter what you paid.
  • Perform 2 rakats of Salaat-al-Tawbah (repentance of the past bad deeds).  Be conscious of doing good deeds always. Understand tawheed and behaviour in it.
  • Follow the sunnah of the Prophet Muhummad (P.B.U.H)
  • Be regular in five daily prayers while you are on this journey and also when you return
  • Read Quran with meaning to understand and practice sincerely
  • People from all over the world and different backgrounds will be there. Do not engage in meaningless arguments and quarrels.  Give others preference over yourselves.  Seek forgiveness immediately should you hurt or offend anyone.
  • If you wish to express your dissatisfaction write a detailed letter to your tour operator and make suggestions on how to improve services.

BEFORE YOU LEAVE YOUR HOME

  • Plan to do hajj with the intention of obeying Allah ‘s command while avoiding riya
  • Pray two rakahs salah and seek help from Allah and pray for a safe journey.  Ask Allah for His help and protection from the harm of evil.  At the departure gate, take taqwa with you and leave behind your heartfelt duas’ for your family so that they may remain in Allah’s protection
  • Check all your travel documents (i.e. passport, airline tickets and all relevant coupons, verify with airline yourself)
  • Make extra copies of your passport, visa, tickets and the traveler’s cheques.  Take one set with you and place it in a separate location along with a couple of identification photos.  Leave an extra set of documents at home.
  • Take only one good bag/suitcase
  • Take one with wheels so that you can pull it.  Tie some good rope firmly b/c in some cases, the baggage may fall and burst open scattering the contents
  • Make a few personalized identification tags or marks that you can spot from a distance
  • Your carry on bag should contain survival items for 2 to 3 days, just in case your main bag gets lost
  • When loading and unloading to and from bus or taxi, be sure to check your baggage.  Make sure that what you pack belongs to you
  • If you break away from the group, you are on your own, don’t put the blame on your tour operator for leaving you behind
  • Get to know your travel companies and your group leader before hand, in order to understand the schedule and one anthers expectations
  • Learn Arabic: at least a few words and phrases will be helpful.  Most of the locals understand some English and other eastern languages rather well

MONEY MATTERS

  • Traveller’s cheques are not recomended as they hard to cash since you won’t be carrying your passport, which will be taken from you just before boarding in Jeddah or at madinah airport.  You will receive your passport upon your return at Jeddah airport for the flight back to your home country

  • Carry US Dollars or Pounds or Euros larger bills of 100 or 50 dollar bills or pounds.  You can exchange Dollars every where in Saudi Arabia into Riyals

  • Do not carry all your money with you; place your money at different locations on yourself.  This is a precautionary measure.
  • Take approximately 1000.00 dollars per adult for miscellaneous expanses or emergency needs.  This amount is in addition to all other hajj related expenses

REFUNDS

  • Should be obtained at the airport before returning home or any unused travel coupons attached to your passport

 Special Note: In case your tour operator has arranged for private buses for transportation during the entire trip, you should be refunded for all your transport vouchers attached in your passport before you leave Jeddah Airport.  Ask your tour operator about it.  Nobody can cash it for any reason or pretence except you.

BEFORE YOU LEAVE HOME FOR THE AIRPORT

  • Call the airport beforehand to find out the status of your departure flight.
  • Be on time at the airport as instructed by your group leader. If you miss your flight, you are responsible for costs incurred
  • Leave your home early enough to arrive to the airport on time for your flight. Consider the weather, road conditions, and traffic laws
  • Check all your travel documents once again before you leave your home

DURING THE FLIGHT

  • Use the washroom as soon as you feel the need. Do not wait too long
  • If you are in Ihram, do not use cologne/perfume products available on the flight
  • When you come out of the washroom, make sure you leave it very clean, with no water on the floor, or used tissues in the sink or wash basins

JEDDAH AIRPORT – HAJJ TERMINAL

  • Upon arrival, your group will be received the staff of ministry of Hajj. They will help you process the travel documents
  • You will be waiting in the arrival halls until your turn comes.  These halls have no facilities except washrooms, wudu areas and drinking water. It is going to be approximately a 4-6 hour wait, depending on the date and time of arrival. Eat the snacks you have packed in your carry-on.

AFTER CUSTOMS

  • Your baggage is your responsibility. Work on a baggage supervision plan with your group. Stay together.
  • Next – you will show your passport for the removal of the Hajj fee. Cashiers cheques, and bus travel vouchers will be stapled to your passport. Before you move on, check these items and your passport for accuracy
  • Your group will then move into the waiting area platforms, opposite of the terminal halls. There will be restaurants, banks, ministry offices, prayer areas and airport malls where you can buy hajj related items. By this time, you may be exhausted and hungry
  • Always keep your passport in your possession. Go to the bank (cubicles) and convert your money into Saudi Riyals. Eat and rest, sitting watching your luggage.  You may shop for your needs in these malls.
  • Your group leader will collect passports to make arrangements for the bus to Makkah or Medina according to your travel itinerary
  • When the bus arrives at the platform, enter your bus and sit in your seat.  Luggage will be handled by the airport porter and loaded into the bus.
  • All your passports are with the bus driver.
  • Before the bus leaves the terminal platform, a passenger count will be taken by cross referencing with the passports by Ministry staff or driver and your group leader
  • According to your travel itinerary, the bus will travel to Medina or Makkah. Upon arrival, before entering the city, you will pass through a reception centre, where your passports will be registered in the data centre and your Muallim’s office.  If you leave your bus to go to the washroom or any other reason, make sure you note your bus number and isle number so you may return to your respective bus
  • When you enter Medina, the bus goes to the Muallim’s office where your passports will be deposited and receipts will be given to your group leader. Every Hajji will receive a wrist-band and the Muallim’s address card.
  • Next, your bus will go to your hotel for accommodations according to your Hajj package.

YOUR ACTIVITIES IN MAKKAH

  • Once you have unloaded your luggage, assigned your rooms, rested and refreshed, you are ready to do Umrah.
  • Your group leader or accompanied religious scholar will brief you on how to perform Umrah. You will then be lead to the Masjid Al-Haram.
  • When you get to the 1st sight of the Ka’aba, Stop, and make takbir and recite dua
  • Complete a one tawaaf of Umra with Idtibah and Ramal and Sa’ee
  • Men will cut their hair at a barbershop near the doors of Marwah while the ladies will be waiting near the door of Marwah
  • After that, you will go to your hotel rooms and help in cutting the ladies’ hair (approx. 1 inch of hair in length)
  • After this, come out of Ihram, take shower and change into regular clothes. At this point, your Umrah is complete
  • From now until the 8th of Dhul Hijjah, you are free to do any activity
  • During your stay in Makkah:
    • Attend 5 daily prayers in Haram –Ka’aba
    • Do as many nafil tawaaf as possible
    • Do extra Umrah’s if you wish
    • Consult your religious scholar at all times for any/all religious matters
  • According to your itinerary, if your are visiting Medina before Hajj, follow the instructions of the group leader about packing luggage for traveling and departure to Medina either by Saudi Air or by bus

VISIT TO MEDINA

  • After arriving to your hotel room, freshen up, eat some food if hungry and leave for Masjid-e-Nabawi.
  • In the masjid, pray 2 rak’ah Tahayyah-tul-Masjid and recite durood on the Prophet (saw).
  • Walking with humility & respect, join the existing line, walking towards the grave site (rowdka) which will be on your left side.  As you come closer, facing the screen, say a sincere Salaam to the Prophet Muhammad (saw) “As Salaam Alaikum ya Rasulullah”
  • Do not raise your hands in front of the grave site for a du’aa
  • Avoid all forms of shirk (4:48)
  • Next, move onwards to your right and say your salam to Hadrat Abu Bakr (R) and then to Hadrat Umar (R)
  • Next to the marked pillars area called Riyaz-ul-Jannah and prays at least 2 nawafil and without hurting or disturbing anyone. Pray and make your dua’a here, sincerely for this is a high place of acceptance.  This is part of Jannah as it is narrated in a hadith
  • Spend as much time as possible in this masjid to do Salah, durood-e-Ibrahim, dhikr of Allah (swt) and study the Quran.  Additionally, you may offer salaam (if possible after every salah) and durood.
  • Your group leader will arrange a guided tour of the historical and religious sites in and around Medina that include a visit to Masjid Quba

START OF HAJJ

  • Pack your small carry-on bag, provisions for 5 days and nights. You will be staying in crowded dusty camps. Mentally prepare yourself for such an experience for which you have traveled so far to get mercy and blessings from Allah (swt)

8th OF DHUL HIJJA – HAJJ STARTS TODAY

  • If you are in Makkah, take a shower and put on Ihram and make the intention for Hajj and say Talbiya as you did for Umrah, observing the restrictions of Ihraam.
  • Those coming from Mina, enter the state of Ihraam in Medina or Dul Hulaifa making intention for Hajj. Say Talbiya and start observing Ihram restrictions.
  • All hujjaj in ihram from Medina, Makkah or from anywhere proceed to Mina arriving before noon on 8th of Dhul HIjjah.  You will stay over night in Mina.
  • During your stay in Mina, do Ibaadat – avoiding all worldly conversations
  • Be helpful to the needy

9th OF DHUL HIJJA – DAY OF ARAFAH

  • After Fajr prayer, proceed to the tents in within the boundary of Arafat with your group
  • Remember to stay with your group at all times
  • Remember that you came all the way here for today’s event – i.e.  The day of Hajj you will stay here from noon to sunset during which you pray Zuhr, Asr shortened and combined with one adhan and two aqama
  • Some pilgrims may do these prayers at their respective times. Do not get into arguments. Follow your imam.
  • After Zuhr and Asr prayers, eat lunch get some rest and start waqoof Arafat.
  • Today is the climax of Hajj for the Hujjaj. It is the day you came here for physicality and spirituality. You must do some taubaa and istigfar, reciting words of Tawheed. This the day of the largest gathering of all Hujjaj, when everyone is and should be begging from the one and same Master his Majesty, Allah (swt)
  • All will stand in the same location, with the same address, uttering the same words, asking for the same requests and following the protocol He invited to come there and to ask questions. You must produce Khuzoo, Kushroo, Taqwa and Rija’a (hope) – expect only good from Allah (swt) regardless of how meager but must be sincere).
  • He answers all prayers. Today is the best day for acceptance of your dua’a
  • The biggest loser amongst us is one who does not ask for nor has Rija’a (hope)
  • Observe the waqoof from late afternoon to sun down. Remember to pray for your parents, family, relatives, friends and those who helped and assisted you to prepare for this important journey

LEAVE ARAFAT FOR MUZDALIFAH

  • Follow the group leaders instructions
  • Upon arrival in Muzdalifah, after sunset, first pray Maghrib and Isha Salah. Combined and shortened.
  • Combine 49-70 pebbles to throw at Jamarat on 10, 11, 12 & 13th.
  • Stay in Muzdalifah. Pray Fajr early at the starting time and engage in dua until day break
  • After sun rise, leave for Mina tents with your group

10th OF DHUL HIJJAH

  • This is the day of Sacrifice
  • First, go to Jamarat site with your group, throw stones at the last Jamarat only and return to the tent.
  • If you have purchased Qurbani vouchers, assume Qurbani is done. Shave your head.
  • Discard Ihram, take shower and come out of Ihram. Put on regular clothes.
  • After that, go to Makkah, with your group leader. Perform tawaf of Hajj followed by Sa’ee and return to Mina and spend one night in Mina.

On 11th, 12th throw pebbles on the three Jamarat – 7 pebbles each, any time after zuhr salaat until late evening.
If you are in a hurry, you can return to Makkah on the evening of the 12th day.
Otherwise, stay until the 13th. Leave Mina after throwing pebbles after Zuhr salat.  When you have returned to Makkah, perform a farewell tawaf before returning to your country.
If you have not yet visited Medina, this is the time to go to Medina after farewell tawaf.
Your hajj trip has come to an end. May Allah accept your Hajj

Article by: travel-culture.com

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Saudi high-speed railway to dramatically improve Haj, Umrah travel

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Saudi Arabia’s new high-speed railway is expected to transport more than three million passengers a year and rising numbers of Haj and Umrah pilgrims, an official statement of the Haramain Highspeed Railway project said.
“It will bring about a dramatic improvement in the Kingdom’s transport system,” the statement said.
ASuccessfulexperimental operation of the railway was held last month. “It will be launched next year,” the statement said without giving a specific date for the inauguration.

An unnamed railway project official was quoted by Saudi Gazette as saying that the trains would transport 20,000 passengers every hour. There will be trains between Makkah and Jeddah every 10 minutes while trains between Makkah and Madinah would be available every 30 minutes.
In addition to stations in Makkah and Madinah, the 480-km railway has five stations located in Jeddah, King Abdulaziz International Airport and King Abdullah Economic City in Rabigh.

The railway will operate seven trains per hour to and from Jeddah, two trains between Makkah and Madinah and four between Makkah and Rabigh. Each of the 35 electric trains, which were manufactured by Talgo, a Spanish manufacturer of intercity, will have 13 carriages and will run at a speed of 300km per hour.

“There will be a two-line railway between Jeddah and Makkah with a length of 78-km, reducing the distance between the two cities to less than half an hour,” the statement said.

The unnamed project official also said that the project, which is estimated to cost SR63 billion, would achieve 90 percent of its revenue in 12 years.

 In addition to separate arrival and departure lounges, a mosque, a helipad, a civil defense center, a lounge for VIP passengers, shops and restaurants at every stop, the project also includes construction of 140 bridges and 860 rainwater drainage systems.
Article by: arabianbusiness.com

Mataf bridge to be removed after 3 months

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MADINAH: The process of dismantling the Mataf bridge encircling the Kaaba will begin after three months and will be completed by Ramadan to make room for 105,000 pilgrims to perform tawaf in one hour. Before the expansion, only 48,000 pilgrims could perform tawaf in one hour.
The final stages of the project are now underway.

Around 15,000 laborers are working to expand the Mataf area to prepare it for around six million Umrah visitors expected this year.
The third expansion phase is expected to ensure the movement of at least 1.6 million Umrah visitors, while around 6,000 workers and technical advisers are expected to be employed in the expansion process.

This is in addition to the seasonal workers employed by the Presidency of the Two Holy Mosques. This project is the biggest in the history of the Grand Mosque expansion.

When the expansion began the number of columns on the ground floor decreased by 30 percent. This is to provide those performing tawaf comfort to create more space.
The project includes the reconstruction of the old Haram area in the first expansion phase and the expansion of the adjacent area by 50 meters instead of just 20 meters on the surface.

Article by: arabnews.com

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Over 5.8 million Umrah visas issued this year

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JEDDAH: The Foreign Ministry has issued 5,808,675 Umrah visas until the month of Ramadan this Hijri year through 110 embassies of the Kingdom across the world.
Meanwhile, a Jeddah airport official said that things were moving smoothy and that all facilities and manpower were ready for departure of passengers for the Eid Al-Fitr holiday and return of Umrah pilgrims to their countries.
Prince Khaled bin Saud bin Khalid, assistant foreign minister, said the government, under the guidance of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman, has helped in providing all sorts of facilities to Muslims from around the world to enable them to perform Umrah at ease.
The prince said that 500,000 pilgrims reach for Umrah at one time, thanks to the group system made possible with the help of the Ministries of Foreign, Interior and Haj.
Abdul Hameed Aba Al-Urri, director general of King Abdul Aziz International Airport of Jeddah, told Arab News that the airport was coordinating with the Haj and Umrah lounges, aviation companies and the Ministry of Haj.
There are approximately 120 Umrah flights from Haj and Umrah lounges daily.
A pilgrim, Fayez Nooruddin, 45, said that the services at the airport were very good. “But we were surprised by the cancelation of my and my family’s reservation by the Saudi Arabian Airlines. I didn’t get any explanation from the airline about this.”
Naimah Al-Eidani, a 55-year-old Tunisian passenger, expressed her satisfaction at the facilities and management at the airport. “There is no mismanagement at the airport. We completed the formalities easily,” she said.

Article by: arabnews.com

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History and Importance of Maqam-e-Ibrahim

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Maqam-e-Ibrahim also was known as the Station of Ibrahim is the large stone block on which Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) stood while building the upper walls of the Holy Ka’aba. It is believed that this rock was sent from heaven to Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) along with three other rocks one of which is the Sacred Black Stone, also known as Hijr-e-Aswad. The second one is the rock of the children of Israel and the third one is Maqam-e-Ibrahim.
The block was moved further when the construction of one part was completed and in this way, all the upper portion of Ka’aba was constructed.  When the construction was completed, the block was left there on the eastern side of the Holy Kaaba.
One of the miracles of Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S), which many of us might be unaware of, is that when He stood on that rock, it became soft and his feet dived into the rock which resulted in making the impression of his feet on the rock.  After several hundred years, those impressions are still on that rock
Sa’eed bin Jubair (RA) reported that the Prophet (PBUH) said: “The stone is the station of Ibrahim. Allah made it soft and made it a mercy. Ibrahim would stand on it and Ismail would hand the stones up to him.”
During the khilafat of Hazrat Umer (RA), he got it moved from the eastern side of holy Ka’aba to the front of Ka’aba just close to the door of the sanctuary. It was done so that the Muslims may not face any difficulty while performing tawaf as it used to come in their way. The present place where it is located now is the place where Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) offered two rakah prayers after finishing the construction of Ka’aba. During Tawaf at the time of Hajj and Umrah, it is desirable if the Muslims offer two rakah prayers behind Maqam-e-Ibrahim. A person may offer pa rayer from a distance so that no trouble is caused to other Muslims performing tawaf. It is mandatory to offer prayer after finishing tawaf or the tawaf will not be accepted.  Allah said in the Holy Quran in Surah al-Baqarah:

“Remember We made the house a place of assembly for men and a place of safety; and take ye the station of Abraham as a place of prayer; and We covenanted with Abraham and Isma’il, that they should sanctify. My House for those who compass it round, or use it as a retreat, or bow, or prostrate themselves (therein in prayer).” [2:125]

Article by: umrahpackagesuk.co.uk

4 Amazing Rewards of Performing Umrah That Every Muslim Needs to Know

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Umrah is one of the most beautiful Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him). This is a particular act of worship that now millions of Muslims do throughout the year. It is done with intensity, love, desire and gratitude. Umrah is a spiritual journey to the house of Allah and in return there are rewards for the travelers. The journey will be one of the most beloved journeys of your life. This is guaranteed. It is such a blessed journey that
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Reward 1 – Being a guest of Allah!

Abu Hurairah (RA) said: Allah’s Messenger (PBUH) said, “The guests of Allah are three: The Ghazi (i.e. the warrior who fights in Jihad), the Hajj (i.e. the pilgrim who performs Hajj) and the Mu’tamir (i.e. the pilgrim performing Umrah).” – Hadith No. 2626, Book of The Rites of Hajj, Sunan An-Nasa’i, Vol. 3.
Just imagine what a guest of Allah will enjoy! On the other hand simply contemplate that Allah is the host. And what a magnificant  host. His grace and bounties are limitless. This is a magical moment to be in the company of Allah and his rewards. Once you visit and perform Umrah you will also realize and feel the inner gratitude, calmness and peace. May Allah reward this gift to all.
The rational is simple. You have come so far to visit Him and have left so many things behind. Money, family and friends only to ask forgiveness. And for that, Allah will ensure He is the host of such a pilgrimage.

Reward 2 – Removal of Poverty

Ibn Abbas (RA) said: Allah’s Messenger (PBUH) said, “Perform Hajj and Umrah consecutively; for they remove poverty and sin as bellows removes impurity from iron.”
And on many accounts and experiences of people that perform Umrah, they keep on telling us that this is certainly a wonderful reward and it comes unexpected. Millions of muslims do not perform Umrah just to eliminate poverty. However, this is a blessing of Allah. People who witness and perform Umrah have found their financial problems crumble and a sound financial model kicks in. What a beautiful gift for all mandkind!

Reward 2 – Removal of Poverty

Ibn Abbas (RA) said: Allah’s Messenger (PBUH) said, “Perform Hajj and Umrah consecutively; for they remove poverty and sin as bellows removes impurity from iron.”
And on many accounts and experiences of people that perform Umrah, they keep on telling us that this is certainly a wonderful reward and it comes unexpected. Millions of muslims do not perform Umrah just to eliminate poverty. However, this is a blessing of Allah. People who witness and perform Umrah have found their financial problems crumble and a sound financial model kicks in. What a beautiful gift for all mandkind!

Reward 4 Equivalent to Jihad for some Muslims

It was narrated from Abu Hurairah (RA) that Allah’s Messenger (PBUH) said, “Jihad of the elderly, the young, the weak and the women, is Hajj and Umrah.” – Hadith No. 2627, Book of The Rites of Hajj, Sunan An-Nasa’i, Vol. 3.
For this Jihad is one of the greatest feasts and actions of Man. Jihad is of many types. However, the importance of Jihad has been told and retold. Muslims of great honor and wisdom wish and beg for martydom and await a chance of Jihad. The reward of Jihad is shahadat. This is the magnitude and significance of Jihad.
So imagine what it will be like if this reward is equivalent to Jihad itself. This is the beauty of Islam. See through this hadith that Allah is giving this reward to the people who are not strong. And gives them hope and precious rewards.

Umrah is a blessing of Allah. And millions of Muslims need to perform Umrah to enjoy the inner satisfaction and calmness that comes with performing Umrah.

Article by: hajjumrahtravelpackages.com

Umrah stay cannot exceed 15 days, says Haj Ministry

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The Haj Ministry has informed 145 Umrah service-providing companies that the maximum stay on an Umrah visa in the kingdom is 15 days.

Abdullah Marghalani, the ministry’s undersecretary for Umrah affairs, told Makkah daily on Wednesday that the instructions were conveyed in writing to all companies.

“Earlier we used to inform the companies of these instructions verbally but now we have conveyed them officially in written form,” he said.

Marghalani, who is also director of the ministry’s branch in Jeddah, said earlier Umrah companies used to turn a blind eye to pilgrims who might extend their stay in the Kingdom to 30 days.

He warned companies that do not abide by the new rules could face sanctions including not receiving any Umrah visas in the future.

He said: “The procedure is aimed at facilitating the entry of new batches of Umrah pilgrims and extending new visa quotas to the companies after the passage of 15 days.”

Marghalani noted a large number of Umrah pilgrims were able to arrive in the kingdom following the implementation of the 15-day stay rule.

“A number of Islamic countries have reacted positively to the new system and have expanded their visa granting procedures,” he said.

He said according to the ministry’s calculations, pilgrims on Umrah visas usually stay eight to 10 days. “Sometimes it is much less than this,” he added.

Marghalani said Umrah companies could be issued with more Umrah visas after 15 days instead of a month, as was the case in the past.

Ahmed Bajaiefer, member of the Haj and Umrah committee of the Makkah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, hailed the decision.

Article by: english.alarabiya.net

Difference in Ihram for Men and Women

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Getting into the state of Ihram does not merely mean putting on the clothes; rather it includes getting your body and mind into the specified sacred state with an intention of performing Hajj or Umrah. A Muslim must enter into the state of ihram before he enters the boundary of Miqat.
The Ihram of men is far different from the ihram of women. Ihram of men consists of a two pieced white or any other colour cloth that must not be stitched. One is wrapped around the waist and is tied with the help of a belt or pin. This sheet must be above the ankles.  The other sheet is used to cover the upper body excluding the head, covering both the shoulders and the body. The right shoulder is exposed only at the time of performing tawaaf. It is prohibited for men to cover their head while in the condition of Ihram.  Men can use any shoes as footwear but it should not cover the ankles or toes therefore socks and covered shoes are also not allowed for men in the state of Ihram.
For women, there is no clear prescription. Their ihram consists of stitched clothes that can be white or any other colour It should be in loose fitting covering your body completely including your head. However the hands and the face must be exposed. It is forbidden for both men and women to cover their face and hands during ihram. Women can wear any type of shoes unlike men.
It is restricted for both men and women to wear perfume of any kind or used perfumed soaps while in state of ihram.
It must be noted that you can change your ihram for cleaning purposes if you want to. Some people have the misconception that you cannot change the Ihram clothing after making the intention of it. You can change it as often as you like because in case of hot weather, it may get untidy.
Ihram is a serious matter of concern for all the pilgrims and assistance must be sought to get over any kind of confusions or misunderstanding. Several seminars for the sake of guiding the pilgrims are held in the season of Hajj or Umrah which are recommended not to be missed. Moreover, you may perhaps meet the religious scholars to steer you aright in any queries you might have in your mind. May Allah guide us the best!

Article by: umrahpackagesuk.co.uk

Want To Perform Umrah Then Here Are Important Search Terms for Umrah: