Haj is a supreme religious experience. It is however, also physically rigorous and emotionally taxing. Pilgrims are therefore advised to prepare themselves physically and mentally so as to face the difficulties that are likely to confront.
Each pilgrim is entitled to only two baggages such as one suite case and one carry on bag. You are sharing accommodation with some one else respect each other rights and give respect of his & her right and to accommodate each other space for himself and his baggage. This translates into very limited space availability during stay in hotels, transportation and in tents.
Hotels in Saudi Arabia classify as Star as per the Saudi Government rating to the Hotels industry therefore do not compare with the USA standard.
Each Pilgrim will be provided with a single mattress space in Mina Tents, however you will be getting Sofa Bed for his/her comfort, each pilgrims will be getting one bed sheet, one light blanket and he/she is advised to bring towel for his personal use.
The measurement of most of accommodation is not more than 300 meter; it's recommended that most of the time to reach some place is the shortest possible route on foot.
Pilgrims should try to use the lift judiciously, avoiding use at the same time and similarly those on the near floors such as first and second floors may resort to possible use of stairs.
Do not over crowd the lift. It is a safety hazard.
It's recommended that you should not use the hotel phone it will cost you more than you expecting. After you check in inform relative or love one your Room # and main phone #.
The refrigerator is to be shared by all the pilgrims. Therefore, Pilgrims are requested to use it optimally.
Pilgrims should not leave their room / building with food being cooked. It is observed that this could lead to fire and is a serious safety threat. This applicable only if you using own cooking or making tea.
Pilgrims should remember their hotel location and phone numbers, main landmark nearby and the nearest gate of Haram Sharif. If they miss their buddy, they can reach by the above information. In case they cannot, they may contact the nearest police post.
Pilgrims must strictly follow the departure time schedule from Madinah to Makkah and also from Makkah to Mina, Mina to Arafat, Muzdalifa, and back to airport Makkah to Jeddah airport.
Pilgrims are advised to bring their warm clothes since Madinah & Muzdalifa is expected to be cool and windy.
The total check-in baggage entitlement is 45 Kgs. along with 10 Kgs. of standard size hand baggage and 10 liters of Zam Zam.
Pilgrims are strictly advised against carrying excess baggage. Airline will not accept Zam Zam more than 10 liters and it should be in the packing of 10 liters jerry can only. Airline has the right to accept excess baggage on a payment of excess baggage rates or to refuse it.
While coming to the Kingdom, on the baggage the name, cover number and flight embarkation of the pilgrim should be not mentioned clearly boldly in English in a manner that it is neither fade able nor be tempered.
PACKAGE VIP, 1, 2, 3 & 4 In Mina pilgrims will be staying Momiez' Camp in front of Jamarat. The space entitlement is slightly more than one square meter per pilgrim. Kindly ensure your movement from Makkah to Mina, Mina to Arafat, Arafat to Muzdalifah, Muzdalifah to Mina and Mina to Makkah from the Charter Buses which you will be traveling all the time. Please do not change the buses or seats. Each Bus in front will be allocated for handicap or designated person by the Bus Guide.
ince Moallim is responsible for your passport and it's the procedure that pilgrims must go their office to get the passport therefore pilgrims will go from Hotel to Moullim Maktab (office) in order to retrieve the passports. Pease make sure Bus Driver should not by pass the Moullim, your passport must be registerd with the Maktab other wise a great difficult would cause you at the time of departure.Our charter buses will go from Hotel to Maktab and than your destination..
PACKAGE: Regular Package if Any: In Mina pilgrims will be staying only in Moallims' camps. The space entitlement is slightly more than one square meter per pilgrim. Kindly ensure your movement from Makkah to Mina, Mina to Arafat, Arafat to Muzdalifah, Muzdalifah to Mina and Meena to Makkah from the Moallim's office. Moallim is responsible for these arrangements and providing bus service.
Since Moallim is responsible for your passport and it's the procedure that pilgrims must go their office to get the passport therefore pilgrims will go from Hotel to Moullim Maktab (office) in order to retrieve the passports. Buses will be provided by them.
Do not carry large amounts of money in the crowded places.
Ensure that your luggage is loaded in the same bus as you.
Wear the plastic wristband given by the Moullim as well as the name tag given by USA Haj Mission which carries all the important phone #.
In case you are lost, you ask the way to any of the Lost & Found Offices or dispensaries or call our SOS # which is on the back of your ID card.
Do not waste water. Always drink spring water.
Do not encroach into another pilgrim's space allotment or room.
Keep valuables and money in safe custody or with your Group Leader.
Do not give money for sacrifice to any person. Either you do the Sacrifice yourself or buy the coupon from the Islamic Development Bank. Group Leader can also arrange for you.
Do not become friendly with unknown person even in Haram Mind your business.
Do not keep extra persons, not even relatives in your rooms / tents. Visitor allows meeting with you in lobby. Remember you are sharing room and must respect other privacy.
In crowded places please take care of the old, infirm, ladies and children. This is Hajj give courtesy to others. Allah will reward you.
Be patient and considerate with fellow pilgrims. Do not lose your temper. Haj is a spiritual exercise.
Haj entails many difficulties and hardships. Be mentally prepared.
Please reconfirm your departure in advance from your Group Leader.
Toilets would also be of eastern style. The pilgrims coming for Haj may prepare themselves for its use. Although pilgrim have found in Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifa many western style toilets.
Transportation charges for Mashaer area (Makkah-Madinah-Arafat-Muzdalifah-Meena-Makkah) is not refundable. Apart from this sector the refund on other transport sectors can not be done by pilgrim himself so we observe the cost in your package.
During this phase of Haj pilgrims should not panic or be a part of a crowd which is not moving because of the chances of the stampede.
While stoning Jamarat, pilgrims should form batches and coordinate with the group Leaders/ Maktab / Moallims to provide them guides etc.
NOTE: Pilgrims undergoing specific treatment could bring their prescribed medicines along with the prescription and diagnosis. Those with very weak eyesight may like to carry an additional pair of spectacles.
Consciousness of Allah - The best thing to please Allah is to watch constantly for Him and be conscious and fearful of Him in all your actions and speech.
Correct Aqidah - Every Muslim should understand that if his/her belief or `Aqidah is not sound, the Hajj or any other `Ibadah (Worship) is not accepted. So always try to correct your belief.
Pure Intention - Almighty Allah does not accept what is not directed to Him alone. Therefore, you should always be sincere and have pure intention for Hajj.
Correctness of Rituals - Any ritual is not accepted unless it is made correctly, exactly as Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) did it. "Whoever adds something new to our religion, it is rejected."
Patience - The difficulty of rituals requires every pilgrim to be patient and forgiving of others.
Repentance - Do your best to make Hajj repentance for all your sins. This repentance requires you not to commit any of these sins again.
Mercy - Do your best to help Muslims, avoid pushing or hurting them in any of the Hajj rituals, especially in Twaf, Sa'ee pebble throwing, which are crowded.
Cleanliness - Cleanliness is a true sign of faith. Therefore, you should always keep your heart, body, food, drink and everything clean. Also ask others to keep ritual and worship places as clean as possible.
Know the details about Wudu (ablution), and the performance of daily prayers, Friday prayers and funeral prayers.
Know about the concept of Ihram and how to put on the ihram clothes.
Get to know about the full procedure of Umrah. Familiarize yourself thoroughly with it.
Get to know about the full procedure of Haj and the details of Ziarat. [If you have and doubt on any of the above, ask your companions or get guidance from a reputed book].
Carry a prayer mat also if you anticipate that you may have to offer prayers on open grounds.
There are very good toilets and Wudu-Place at both Haram Shariefs and pilgrims should avails of these Facilities.
Either you do the sacrifice yourself or pay the money to your leader to make arrangement or you can buy the coupon from the Islamic development Bank.
It is best not allow old, infirm and children to go for pelting and even ladies have to be either disallowed or they must go at a time when there is not much rush. The pelting of stones can be done on behalf of the old, aged infirm, children and women by others.
Remember that you are the guests of Allah and always keep in mind that you conduct during the whole Haj should be of high standard that one associates with the guest of Allah.
Be patient and considerate with fellow pilgrims. Give charity Sadaqa Zakkat to power if you can. Or help for the sake of Allah.
Have a helpful attitude. Haj is a spiritual experience which is unique and for many pilgrims it is once in a lift time. Try to get the maximum reward from Allah by spending your time in Ibadah and repentance. Be on good behavior. Be very particular especially when you are in the state of Ihram as there is lot of precautions that you have to observe.
Haj is not easy. Haj entails many difficulties and hard ships. You have to be mentally prepared to bear with them. Always have a positive attitude.
Allah says that from the time you decide to perform Haj you must start praying to Allah to make Haj easy for you. Please keep this in mind.
Spend your maximum time in pry and warship.
Go out of your accommodation much before prayer time as exactly at prayer time you will find a lot of rush and you may miss your prayer. You are here to PRAY, PRAY, PRAY and Eistghfar
Do not give money for sacrifice to any person. Do not get cheated by individual persons offering cheap sacrifices.
Do not allow the old, infirm, ladies and children into very crowded places where there is likelihood of their getting injured or suffocated. Especially during the pelting of the Jammarat, great care and extreme caution have to be exercised.
Avoid stoning Jammarat at times when there is heavy rush.
Do not go near the “Black stone” if Mutaff is over crowded. You may kiss from the distance. Allah knows your intention. InchAllah you will get the chance to Kiss.
Refrain from idle gossip, anger or loose talk. You have to be on your best behavior. You conduct has to be such that Allah is pleased with you and accepts your Ebadah.
You must sincerely repent any sin that you may have committed during lifetime. Be truthful, show compassion to fellow beings, good conduct, and exemplary behavior and desist from anger, outburst and physical violence.
If you are enchasing your bank draft at the airport or else you should count your money carefully.
Guard against pick-pocket and theft, especially of money and important documents.
Mark all your baggage and luggage so that others can also identify them.
Always wear the plastic wrist band given by USA Haj Mission and always carry the ID Card.
Carry a plastic packet for keeping your slippers/sandals in the Haram Sharif. Keep them at a place where the cleaners will not sweep them away.
At night, especially in Madinah and Mina you will you feel cold and, therefore, you must have sufficient warm clothing to protect yourself. Sleeping Bag highly recommended using in Muzdalifah.
If you have valuables and money which you do not require immediately, you should keep them in safe custody or with your Group Leader and get a receipt for the same.
In case you are lost in Makkah or Madinah or Mina or Muzdalifa or Arafat DOES NOT panic. Some one will find you or guide you to your correct destination though it may take some time. But please do not panic. Ask for direction to your building or camp by showing your wrist band (issued by Moallim) ID card has all the information. Remember to keep cool and do not panic.
In crowded places like areas of Tawaaf and Sayee, during boarding buses in Arafat and Mina, during pelting of Jammarat or in queues for toilets or shopping areas, please take care of the old, infirm, ladies and children.
Be careful in crossing roads, do not run but wait for traffic to ease, even if it means waiting.
Be prepared for emergencies like fire and stampede. Keep watch for signs of trouble.
Remember that the USA Haj Mission / Moallims' photo card is not valid for going to Jeddah on a visit. You are liable to be caught at the check-post and sent to jail.
You must keep telephone numbers of your Group Leader SOS number, Building, Moallims, and his Maktab and of your relatives in back home so that you can telephone them at the time of need. Do not call them for any reason. Keep focus on praying
If, Good forbid, any emergency arises during the course of Haj, and even if does not affect you personally, you must immediately inform you relatives in back home about your welfare. Remember they get NEWS faster than you.
Do not get the help of unauthorized persons to count your money.
Do not carry large amounts of money in crowded places and during Tawaaf or Sayee.
Do not leave your Slippers/Sandals outside Haram Sharif. On your return, you may not be able to identify them.
Do not try to become friendly with unknown persons and not try to establish contact with unknown persons, not even the guards of your buildings/tents.
Do not stand behind buses, even if they are stationary. Be careful in walking inside/outside the Haram Sharif as the marble is slippery. Even one drop of water makes is slippery.
Do not visit Jeddah without informing or taking clearance from your Moallims. You may be caught and send to jail.
Do not throw Bidi or cigarette butts in your room, your tent between two tents or from bridges in Mina.
Do not climb on mountains or heights in Mina.
Do not carry any gift or packet given to you by any one. If carrying such a thing is essential, then you must thoroughly inspect the packet.
Do not carry opium, marijuana, brown sugar, sleeping pills, liquor or drug with you. These are banned in Saudi Arabia and invoke the death penalty.
Acquaint yourself about using the Eastern/European style commodes in the toilets. You know how to keep the toilets clean and how to wash properly. Do not be ashamed or embarrassed in asking about these things. We know at home you do or some one else does it for you.
If there are others staying in your room apart from your own group, you have to be accommodating towards. Do not lock your room in such a way that others are stranded outside. Leave the KEY at front desk all the time and last person will bring up stare.
For cooking, use the kitchen facilities. Cooking in Mina is not allowed even on gas stoves.
Please identify your accommodation and surrounding areas very carefully once you reach Makkah, Madinah, Mina. This will help you in getting your bearings and prevent you from getting lost.
While entering the Haram Sharif in Makkah and Madinah identify the doors and remember through which door you are entering and in Makkah once you are inside the Tawaaf area you must identify the colored of the main gates. You must know which of these colored gates leads to direction of your building.
You must meet visitors outside your building. This is Saudi Government law.
Be vigilant about fire hazards. Know the exit routes from your buildings and tents in case you have to evacuate quickly.
Ensure that exit routes are not blocked or locked.
If there are fire extinguishers read the instructions on them so that in case you need to use them you are familiar with their operation.
Maintain personal cleanliness and hygiene and do not litter waste or garbage. Use dustbins for throwing things.
Whenever you leave the room you must switch off the air conditioners, lights, fans, etc.
Do not waste water as water is a scarce commodity and there is acute water shortage, especially from the first of DhulHajjah. Do not leave water-taps open.
Do not encroach upon other pilgrim's allotment or room.
Do not cook in the rooms. Cooking on kerosene stoves is discouraged as these are fire hazards.
Do not keep extra persons, not even relatives in your rooms or tents as each pilgrim gets only 2.5 sq. Meters. of space and you never know about the character and antecedents of unknown persons.
Do not litter your things in the room. It may cause discomfort to your co-pilgrims staying with you in the same room.
Speaking with loud voice may cause discomfort to weak, old and sick person pilgrims.
Do not store flammable substances in your rooms or tents.
TRANSPORTATION:
While traveling please ensure that your luggage is loaded in the same bus as you.
In case of lost baggage, contact the Lost & Found Office.
Be prepared for delays that occur in transport to Makkah, Madinah, Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifa. Be patient do not panic.
Be practical; do not purchase so many things that would render you liable to excess baggage on your return journey. You would also have to keep aside money for payment of excess baggage if you are carrying excess baggage. Also we are not responsible of your extra baggage to transport.
You have to reach Jeddah Haj Terminal for departure 12 hours before the scheduled time of departure. Be prepared to stay at the airport for so long and have enough money to buy food and water.
MEDICAL ARRANGEMENTS:
Drink plenty of water and liquids to protect you from dehydration and heat stroke. Also take care that you do not suffer from cold, cough and sore throat or upset stomach.
There are 2 doctors in a team one male and one female who will take care of emergency only. They are at your service. Please avail of these opportunity and thanks Allah Subhanaowa Taa'la that these physicians offer their services.
Keep yourself fit for the 5 main days of Haj, which are very arduous and require you to be fully fit.
If there are old, ill, infirm, wand weak pilgrims in your group, you have to take care of them. Do not abandon them and ensure that they take proper medicines at proper times.
MAY ALLAH KEEP YOU IN HIS PROTECTION AND GRANT YOU THE REWARD OF HAJ.
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