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The Values of Hajj

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The values of Hajj is a collection of actions and recitations. These collections inspire the Muslim’s soul with spiritual sublime feelings.

Generally speaking,The values of Hajj includes a number of prayers performed by the pilgrim during a definite period. Every action, word, and prayer is a symbol that inspires the soul with a vivid feeling and encompasses a secret and an objective.

Ihram, Talbiyah (Tawaf) (circumambulation), Saa’y, Wuquf (staying at Arafat) to name but a few, are a mixture of actions and feelings which are spiritually experienced by the pilgrim. Every action has got a deep meaning and each rite aims at the accommodation of the values of Islam and the demonstration of its purposes in a symbolic and accurate way.

Rites are performed within the hugest gatherings of people. Crowds assemble to worship Allah, the Almighty.  Their target is Allah’s satisfaction and forgiveness, submission, and surrender to his will.

Once a Muslim decides to perform Hajj, his heart will long to reach his purpose, Allah’s satisfaction and the purification of the self.

Performing Hajj is the sacrifice of money and many physical desires and pleasures for the sake of Allah. It leaves an everlasting mark in the Muslim’s heart to constantly remember the Almighty.

It equally renewed society. Performing Hajj cannot be undertaken singly. Its rites have to be performed communally. Herein, lies the basic principles of Islam: Brotherhood, Unity, peace, and equality.

Pilgrims coming from different nationalities will get to know each other, pray and supplicate together so that the Almighty ease their hardships and forgive them.

Umrah Packages  | Hajj Packages | Ramadan Umrah Packages | December Umrah Packages

Source: go-makkah.com

Plan in place to deal with last 10 days of Ramadan

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Plan in place to deal with last 10 days of Ramadan

MAKKAH: Leaders and officials inside the Grand Mosque and its surrounding areas are working around the clock in preparation for the last 10 days of Ramadan, which are considered among the busiest in a year and test the capabilities of service agencies.

Government bodies are preparing the Grand Mosque, its yards and roofs, while the Presidency of the Two Holy Mosques has supplied the mosque with huge amounts of carpets, copies of the Qur’an, water coolers and waste containers to prepare all available spaces for worshippers whose numbers are expected to increase dramatically during the last 10 days.

The northern yards of the expanded Grand Mosque is at maximum alert to provide services and prepare locations. The lower toilets have been opened and the safety of the escalators has been checked. Security forces concerned with managing the crowds are preparing their plans for the last 10 days of the holy month, too. These plans aim to use empty spaces in the expansion to prevent stampedes and regulate entry and exit flows, in addition to preventing people from performing prayers in thoroughfares and sitting in hallways.

The service agencies are supported by a large voluntary group and charitable teams who work in the areas of food distribution, rescue, first aid, guidance, free transportation and pushing wheelchairs.

14 Nights Ramadan Umrah package 16 Nights Ramadan Umrah package 21 Nights Ramadan Umrah package Ramadan in Masjid Aqsa

Source: arabnews.com

The essence of fasting

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The essence of fasting

Ramadan is a month characterised by fasting and constant worhship, ibaadah. For the entire month, Muslims abstain from food and drink in order to please Allah.

But how many of us really understand the essence of fasting?

Fasting is not the mere abstention from food and drink. It is much deeper than that. Fasting affects the very core of our being; our soul. Allah has designed the month of Ramadan in such a manner that the spiritual uplifting gained from fasting is rewarding to the soul and body in this life and the hereafter.

Fasting is an obligation, as Allah commanded Muslims in the Holy Qur’an, {O you who believe! Fasting has been prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you that you may attain taqwa.} (Surah Al-Baqarah, Chapter 2, verse 183)

So, as believers of monotheism, we should abstain from food and drink as Allah has commanded us. However, as the continuation of the verse states, fasting helps believers to attain taqwah or God-consciousness. Thus, fasting of the stomach is not the only means of fasting, though it fulfils the basic condition for fasting. To attain taqwa, a believer should fast with all their limbs.

Fasting of the Heart:

The true fast can only be achieved if the heart is engaged in that which is pleasing to Allah. One’s heart should participate in the fast and it should abstain from corruptions, pride, and all that is evil. The believer’s heart should remain pure and sincere whilst enduring the ‘difficult’ conditions of lack of food and drink. They should fast from anger, impatience and frustration, all of which are emotions which could result from hunger and thirst. Among the signs of righteousness in Ramadan is that a fasting person remains calm, carries a smile, is gentle and maintains a good character.

Fasting of the Eyes:

The gaze was described by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) as “an arrow from among the devil’s arrows.” (Ahmad) Thus, it is only natural that whilst fasting, a person’s gaze should be restrained. The eyes should fast from gazing freely at that which it is forbidden to look at. As Allah says in the Qur’an, {Tell the believers to lower their gaze…}(Surah An-Nur, Chapter 24, verse 30)

This is for both the men and the women, to lower their gaze. The reward for doing so is that Allah replaces it with a sweetness of strong faith.

Fasting of the Tongue:

The tongue can be one of the best parts of the body or the worst. If used for the remembrance of Allah it can bring heap loads of benefit. However, if used incorrectly it can be the cause of entering the Hellfire, as the Prophet (peace be upon him) told his companion, Mua’dh ibn Jabal, “Shall I show you what will gather for you all of that (good)? Mu’adh replied, “Of course!” He (peace be upon him) said, “Restrain this,” and he took hold of his tongue. Mua’dh asked, “O Messenger of Allah are we accountable for what we speak?” He (peace be upon him) replied that some people will enter Hellfire as a result of what their tongues reaped. (Tirmidhi) The tongue should fast from abusive language, cursing, gossiping, lying, backbiting, and all that will earn you nothing but sins. This Ramadan, save your tongue and voice from uttering sinful and idle talk and instead, recite the Book of Allah. As the Prophet (peace be upon him) taught us, engage in phrases which are light on the tongue, heavy on the scales of our deeds on the Day of Judgment, and dear to The Most Merciful. Repeat phrases such as, “Glory be to Allah”, “All praise is to Allah,”, “Allah is the Greatest”.

I have only given a few examples of how the noble goals of fasting can be accomplished. The list of examples can go on. Each part of our body should fast from doing that which is forbidden and what is displeasing to Allah, so that we may attain taqwa, and draw closer to Allah.

Only when we fully engage ourselves in this respect can we realize and experience the true essence of fasting, and allow our souls to take full advantage of the spiritual treat that Ramadan truly is.

Article by: saudigazette.com.sa

Etiquette of Hajj and Umrah

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Etiquette of Hajj and Umrah

Etiquette of Hajj and Umrah

Hajj satisfies the fifth and last pillar of Islam. Every Muslim who is healthy and sane and who can afford it must undertake the pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in his or her lifetime.

The Almighty says:

The Hajj (pilgrimage) is (in) the well-known (lunar year) months (i.e. the 10th month, the 11th month and the first ten days of the 12th month of the Islamic calendar, i.e. two months and ten days). So whosoever intends to perform Hajj therein (by assuming Ihram), then he should not have sexual relations (with his wife), nor commit sin, nor dispute unjustly during the Hajj. And whatever good you do, (be sure) Allah knows it. And take a provision (with you)for the journey, but the best provision is At-Taqwa ( piety, righteousness). So fear Me, O men of understanding ! (Al-Baqarah 197)

People should perform the rituals of Hajj and Umrah with respect, veneration, love and submission to the Almighty, in a tranquil and dignified manner, following the ways of our beloved Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). 

These great rituals should be filled with Dhikr (remembering Allah), takbeer (proclaiming Allah’s greatness by saying Allaahu akbar), Tasbeeh (glorifying Allah by saying Subhaan-Allaah), Tahmeed (praising Allah by saying al-hamdu Lillaah) and Istighfaar (seeking Allah’s forgiveness by saying Astaghfir-Allaah), because he is in a state of worship from the moment he enters Ihram until he exits it; Hajj is not a time for idle talk or doing anything without restrictions. It is the time of real devotion and increase of good deeds.

The pilgrim and others should regularly observe the things that the Almighty has enjoined such as praying in congregation on time, and enjoining what is good and forbidding what is evil. 

The pilgrim should strive to benefit the Muslims and treat them kindly by guiding them, helping them when needed, and being compassionate towards the weak, especially in places where such compassion is appropriate, such as in crowded places. Showing compassion to people brings mercy from the Creator, for Allah shows mercy to those of His slaves who are merciful. 

The pilgrim should avoid obscenity, immorality, sin and arguing that does not support the truth. He should avoid aggressivity towards people or annoying them, so he should avoid backbiting, malicious gossip, cursing, swearing, hitting, and looking at non-mahram women, for these things are Haram (forbidden) whether one is in a state of Ihram or not, but they are even more HarAm when one is in Ihram. 

He should avoid things that many people do, such as saying words that do not befit the rituals. For example, when stoning the Jamarat, some of them say, “ We are stoning the Shaytaan” and they may curse the site or hit it with shoes etc., which is contrary to the idea of humility and worship, and defeats the purpose of stoning the Jamarat, which is to carry out the commands of the Almighty.

Article by: go-makkah.com

Ruling on Umrah

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Ruling on umrah is umrah compulsory or sunnah

Ruling on Umrah

Is Umrah mandatory or a Sunnah?

Muslim scholars are agreed that Umrah is prescribed in Islam and is an act of virtue.

They differed as to whether it is mandatory or not. Imam Abu Haneefah and Imam Maalik were of the view that it is a Sunnah and mustahabb (preferable) , but not obligatory; this was also the view favoured by Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah.

They quoted as evidence for that the hadeeth narrated by al-Tirmidhi  (931) from Jaabir, who said that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was asked whether Umrah is mandatory or not. He said, “No, but if you do Umrah it is better.”

But this hadeeth is da’eef (weak); it was classed as da’eef by al-Shaafa’i, Ibn ‘Abd al-Barr, Ibn Hajar and al-Nawawi; by al-Albaani in Da’eef al-Tirmidhi, and by others.

Al-Shaafa’i (may Allah have mercy on him) said: It is da’eef (weak) and cannot be used as evidence. There is nothing proven that says that Umrah is a voluntary act of worship.

Ibn Abd al-Barr said: This was narrated with isnaads that are not valid, and such reports cannot be used as evidence.

Al-Nawawi said in al-Majmoo’ (7/6): the scholars of hadeeth are agreed that it is da’eef (weak).

One of the things that indicate that this is da’eef (weak) is the fact that it was proven that Jaabir was of the view that Umrah is mandatory, as we shall see below.

Imam al-Shaafa’i and Imam Ahmad were of the view that it is mandatory. This view was also favoured by Imam al-Bukhaari. (May Allah have mercy on them all).

Those who say that it is obligatory quoted a number of things as evidence:

The report narrated by Ibn Maajah (2901) from ‘Aa’ishah who said: “I said, ‘O Messenger of Allah, do women have to engage in jihad?’ He said, ‘Yes, they must do jihad in which there is no fighting: Hajj and Umrah,’”

Al-Nawawi said in al-Majmoo’ (7/4): Its isnaad is saheeh according to the conditions of al-Bukhaari and Muslim. It was also classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh Ibn Maajah.

The point in this hadeeth is that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said alayhinna i.e., they must do, which means that it is obligatory.

The famous hadeeth of Jibreel (peace be upon him) in which he asked the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) about Islam, eemaan (faith) and ihsaan, and about the Hour and its signs. This was narrated by Ibn Khuzaymah and al-Daaraqutni from ‘Umar ibn al-Khattaab (may Allaah be pleased with him), in which Umrah was mentioned along with Hajj: “Islam means to bear witness that there is no god but Allaah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah; to establish regular prayer; to pay the zakaah; to perform Hajj and ‘Umrah to the House; to do ghusl to cleanse oneself from janaabah (impurity following sexual activity) and to do wudoo’ perfectly; and to fast Ramadan.” Al-Daaraqutni said, “This isnaad is proven and saheeh (true).”

The hadeeth narrated by Abu Dawood (1799) and al-Nasaa’i (2719) from al-Subay ibn Ma’bad who said: “I was a Christian Bedouin… I came to ‘Umar and said, ‘O Ameer al-Mu’mineen, I have become Muslim and I found that Hajj and Umrah are prescribed for me, so I entered ihraam for them.’ ‘Umar said, ‘You have been guided to the Sunnah of your Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him).”

The opinion of a group of the Sahaabah, including Ibn ‘Abbaas, Ibn ‘Umar and Jaabir ibn ‘Abd-Allah (may Allah be pleased with them all). Jaabir said, There is no Muslim for whom ‘Umrah is not obligatory. Al-Haafiz said: This was narrated by Ibn Jahm al-Maaliki with a hasan isnaad.

Al-Bukhaari (may Allah have mercy on him) said: “Chapter: The obligation of Umrah and its virtues.” Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) said: There is no one who does not have to do Hajj and Umrah. Ibn ‘Abbaas said: It is mentioned together with Hajj in the Book of Allaah (interpretation of the meaning): “And perform properly (i.e. all the ceremonies according to the ways of Prophet Muhammad), the Hajj and Umrah (i.e. the pilgrimage to Mecca) for Allah” [al-Baqarah 2:196]

Because it is mentioned together with Hajj, this means that it is obligatory like Hajj.

Shaykh Ibn Baaz said: The correct view is that ‘Umrah is obligatory once in a lifetime, like Hajj. Fataawa Ibn Baaz, 16/355.

Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen said in al-Sharh al-Mumti’ (7/9): The scholars differed concerning ‘Umrah and whether it is obligatory or Sunnah. It seems to us that it is obligatory.

It says in Fataawa al-Lajnah al-Daa’imah, 11/317

The correct one of the two scholarly views is that ‘Umrah is obligatory, because Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“And perform properly (i.e. all the ceremonies according to the ways of Prophet Muhammad peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), the Hajj and ‘Umrah (i.e. the pilgrimage to Mecca) for Allah” [al-Baqarah 2:196]

Source: go-makkah.com

Du’aa’s (Supplications) during Umrah

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Du’aa’s (Supplications) during Umrah

In the saheeh Sunnah are narrated du’a and adhkaar which you can recite during the rituals of Umrah, and from which the Muslim can benefit by memorizing them, understanding them and acting upon them. These include the following : 

A – At the Meeqaat when entering into a state of Ihram: 

It is Sunnah for the Muslim to recite tasbeeh (saying “Subhaan-Allaah (glory be to Allah)”), tahleel ( saying “Laa ilaaha ill-Allah (there is no god but Allah)” ) and takbeer ( saying “Allahu akbar (Allah is Most Great)” ) before entering ihram for during Umrah.

It was narrated that Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) prayed Zuhr with four rak’ahs when we were with him in Medina, and he prayed ‘Asr in Dhu’l-Hulayfah with two rak’ahs, then he stayed there overnight. When morning came he rode until he reached al-Bayda’, then he praised, glorified and magnified Allah. Then he recited Talbiyah with the intention of performing Hajj and during Umrah and the people did likewise. (Narrated by al-Bukhari, 1476.)

Al-Haafiz ibn Hajar said: 

This ruling – that it is (preferable) mustahabb to recite tasbeeh and the other (adhkaars) mentioned before ihram – is something that not many people do even though it is proven in the Sunnah. 

Fath al-Baari, 3/412 .

B – On the way to Mecca, between the Meeqaat and arrival in Mecca: 

It is Sunnah to recite the Talbiyah a great deal and to raise one’s voice – for men; women should recite in a low voice so that no non-mahram men will hear them. 

It was narrated from ‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Umar (may Allaah be pleased with him) that when the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) set out riding from the mosque of Dhu’l-Hulayfah, he recited the Talbiyah and said: “ Labbayk Allaahumma labbayk, labbayka laa shareeka laka labbayk, inna al-hamda wa’l-ni’matah laka wa’l-mulk, laa shareeka lak (Here I am, O Allaah, here I am. Here I am, You have no partner, here I am. Verily all praise and grace and dominion are Yours, You have no partner).” 

Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 5571; Muslim, 1184.

 C – During Tawaf 

Every time you come in line with the Black Stone in each circuit, say, “Allaahu Akbar.” Al-Bukhari (1613) narrated from Ibn ‘Abbaas ( may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet ( peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) circumambulated the House, and every time he came to the corner ( i.e., the Black Stone), he pointed to it with something he had in his hand and said takbeer. 

Between the Yemeni Corner and the Black Stone you should say the words that were narrated from ‘Abd-Allaah ibn al-Saa’ib, who said: I heard the Messenger of Allaah ( peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) say between the two Corners: “ Rabbana aatina fi’l-dunya hasanah wa fi’l-aakhirah hasanah wa qina ‘adhaab al-naar ( Our Lord, give us that which is good in this world and that which is good in the Hereafter, and protect us from the torment of the Fire).” Narrated by Abu Dawood, 1892; classed as Hasan by Shaykh al-Albaani in Saheeh Abi Dawood. 

D- Before climbing up al-Safa and when atop it: 

It was narrated that Jaabir ibn ‘Abd-Allah said: … then he ( the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him)) went out through the gate to al-Safa and when he drew near to al-Safa he recited: “ Verily, As-Safa and Al-Marwah (two mountains in Makkah) are of the Symbols of Allaah” [al-Baqarah 2:158 – interpretation of the meaning], (and he said:) “ I begin with that with which Allaah began.” He began with al-Safa and climbed it until he could see the House, then he turned to face the qiblah and proclaimed the Oneness of Allaah and magnified Him, and said: “ Laa ilaaha ill-Allaah wahdahu laa shareeka lah, lahu’l-mulk wa lahu’l-hamd wa huwa ‘ala kulli shay’in qadeer; Laa ilaaha ill-Allaah wahdahu anjaza wa’dah wa nasara ‘abdah wa hazama al-ahzaaba wahdah (There is no god but Allaah alone, with no partner or associate, His is the dominion and to Him be praise, and He is able to do all things; there is no god but Allaah alone, He fulfilled His promises and granted victory to His slave and defeated the confederates alone).” Then he made du’aa’ between that and repeated this three times. 

Narrated by Muslim, 1218.

E – When climbing al-Marwah 

You should do the same as you did when climbing al-Safa, without reciting the verse before starting to climb. 

Jaabir ( may Allah be pleased with him) said:  Then he came down towards al-Marwah and when his feet reached the bottom of the valley he ran until the ground started to rise, then he walked until he came to al-Marwah, and he did at al-Marwah as he had done at al-Safa. Narrated by Muslim, 1218. 

When drinking Zamzam water, you may say du’aa’ asking for the best of this world and the Hereafter, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “ The water of Zamzam is for whatever it is drunk for.” Narrated by Ibn Maajah, 3062; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in 5502. 

Similarly it is prescribed to remember Allaah a great deal (dhikr), which includes du’aa’, during tawaaf and saa’i, so the Muslim should make du’aa’ as Allaah inspires him. There is nothing wrong with reciting Qur’aan during tawaaf and saa’i. What some people say, that there are special du’aa’s for each circuit of tawaaf and saa’i is something for which there is no basis in sharee’ah. 

Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah said: 

It is (preferable) mustahabb during tawaf to remember Allah and call upon Him in ways that are prescribed in sharee’ah. If one recites Qur’aan there is nothing wrong with that. There is no specific dhikr that has been narrated from the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), that he either enjoined, said or taught to others. Rather ( the pilgrim) may say any du’aa’ that is prescribed in sharee’ah. What many people say, that there is a specific du’aa’  during Umrah to be recited beneath the downspout of the Ka’bah and so on has no basis.

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) used to end his tawaf between the two Corners by saying,  “ Rabbana aatina fi’l-dunya hasanah wa fi’l-aakhirah hasanah wa qina ‘adhaab al-naar (Our Lord, give us that which is good in this world and that which is good in the Hereafter, and protect us from the torment of the Fire),” as he used to finish all his du’aa’s with these words, and there is no specific du’aa’ for that, according to scholarly consensus.

Source: go-makkah.com

Worshippers relish iftar experience in Prophet’s Mosque

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Worshippers relish iftar experience in Prophet’s Mosque

MADINAH — Iftar or breaking fast at the Prophet’s Mosque during Ramadan provides a unique spiritual experience not only for the people of Madinah but also for the hundreds of thousands of pilgrims and visitors who come to the holy city from the different corners of the Islamic world.

One cannot witness such an atmosphere of social cohesion and harmony with tens of thousands of people joining a community meal anywhere else in the world barring the Grand Mosque in Makkah. People of different walks of life and different nationalities sit together inside the Prophet’s Mosque and its courtyards to break their fast.

“You can see this marvelous scene by sunset every day of Ramadan,” said Abdul Raheem Al-Haddadi, the reporter working for Al-Madina Arabic daily. “I have noticed that people of different races, colors, and cultures sit shoulder to shoulder to break their fast, helping and caring for each other.”

He added: “The most striking feature of this huge iftar gathering is that everyone gives priority to those who sit beside them while taking food and drinks.”

Adnan Dabour, a Madinah resident, said in the past most people of the city went to the Prophet’s Mosque before Asr prayer to perform the prayer in congregation. They try to find a place in Rowdah Sharief, the holiest section of the mosque between the Prophet’s tomb and his pulpit. Only a small number of them went to mosques in their neighborhoods.

“This was a custom we had followed may be until 50 years ago,” Dabour said.
“Only a few foreign pilgrims visited the mosque during Ramadan in those times. We used to carry water and various types of dates and bread and special Madinah dishes to break fast with other worshippers at the Prophet’s Mosque.

“We still do this every year to feel and enjoy the greatness of Ramadan sitting in the vicinity of the Prophet’s Mosque where we pray Maghreb, Isha, and Taraweeh with Muslims from different parts of the world. It’s amazing that hundreds of thousands break their fasts in the mosque without facing any difficulty.”

Fayez Al-Ahmadi said for the last 20 years he has been breaking his Ramadan fast with some old friends at the Prophet’s Mosque, enjoying its spiritual ambiance. “I have made it a point that I should not miss this opportunity throughout Ramadan,” he said.

“This is a tradition we have inherited from our forefathers as we used to accompany them when we were children,” Al-Ahmadi said. “I am extremely happy to see the competition between the faithful to do good and engage in philanthropic activities seeking the reward of Allah.”

Dates, bread, yogurt, and water bottles are supplied in abundance to meet the requirements of the increasing number of worshippers who break their fast at the mosque. “You can see the massive arrangements for iftar inside and outside the mosque with worshippers filling all its corners.”

Abdulwahab Al-Baluchi said he has been witnessing these marvelous iftar gatherings at the Prophet’s Mosque for several years.

“Ever since we were children we used to go to the Prophet’s Mosque for breaking the Ramadan fast and our fathers and relatives used to carry with them yoghurt, dates, bread, tea, and Arabic coffee, and we prayed Asr, Maghreb, Isha and Taraweeh at the mosque,” he added.

Article by: saudigazette.com.sa

Preparations For Hajj or Umrah

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Preparations For Hajj or Umrah

Preparations For Hajj or Umrah

Choose a travel agent who offers a wide selection of “packages” for Hajj. Not all of the products of travel agents are of equal quality and value. Choosing the right agent is of crucial importance. Hopefully, a representative of your travel agent will be your constant guide and trouble shooter during Hajj. Invest time and effort in this essential phase of your preparation

Talk to friends and acquaintances who may have recently used the services of various companies and ask them for recommendations. The quality of service and commitment to the comfort and well-being of the pilgrims vary significantly among travel agents. Whereas a good and responsible agent can “make” your Hajj, a bad one can just as easily “break” it.

Be sure to ask the travel agent specific questions and have him give you specific answers:

What will be the duration of your stay in Mecca and Medina? What dates? Is the program flexible or will it allow no changes once it is made? Is there any additional cost to such changes? If so, what is it?

How far away will you be staying from Haram ash Shareef, both in Mecca and in Medina? If your place of residence is not within easy walking distance (10-15 minutes), what type of transportation to and from Haram ash Shareef will be made available? How often during the day will it be available?

Will a representative of the travel agent who is fully conversant with the rites of Hajj, and Saudi rules and procedures for customs, immigration, and travel be with you at all times? Will he stay in Saudi Arabia for the duration of your visit? You do not want to be left in Saudi Arabia without adequate guidance and assistance. The laws and procedures there can be very difficult, frustrating, and time-consuming.

Will the representative of the agent be conversant with the Arabic language? If not, will an interpreter be provided in Saudi Arabia? Most Saudi authorities do not speak English, and your command of Arabic is likely to be limited.

Will you have the option of travelling within Saudi Arabia, (for example from Mecca to Medina), in a taxi hired by you at your own expense instead of the prepaid bus provided by your muallim? How about possible return by air from Medina to Jeddah on your way out of the country instead of the usual prepaid bus? Get a good idea of this additional expense.

You may want to use the above options in view of the fact that the bus journeys during Hajj season can be nerve-racking. For example, a bus journey from Mecca to Medina (approximately 400 km or 250 miles) can take as long as twenty to thirty hours, whereas a taxi will cover the same distance in three to four hours. The small additional cost you will incur is well worth the money in terms of time saved and physical discomfort avoided.

If you choose to use any of the alternate travel options (and it is highly recommend that you give them very serious consideration), be sure to redeem your unused bus coupons at Jeddah airport on your way out. Your travel agent should be able to help you in this.

What kind of arrangements will be made for your stay in Mina and Arafat? How about the food arrangements in Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah?

Does the price of your package include meals? See if the agents make an effort to vary the menu. You may have to supplement your meals with milk, fruits etc. Food supplied by the agents tends to be monotonous, and the lack of variety is likely to kill your appetite after a couple of days!

Will the agent arrange for a sacrifice on your behalf on the 10th of Zul Hijjah? This is a common service agents often provide for a small fee. They will inform you of the time of the sacrifice so that you may perform other rites accordingly.

source: islamicity.com