Tour Itinerary

TENTATIVE USA HAJ MISSION’S DELEGATES ITINERARY 2007 (1428)

Dear Brother/Sister,

The following Itinerary is temporally and it will be change flight schedule and departure date later and it could be one day of minus or plus on either side of departure.

DAY 1: - SUNDAY 09, December 2007 (29 Dhulqadah 1428).
InshaAllah, on this day you will be departing from New York JFK airport at (Time will be announced) by Flight direct to Madina via Jeddah. You will be arriving at 1600 HRS on next day which will be 10 December, 2007. (Please be at the airport 4 hours prior to departure time. No extra baggage please, international rules apply. Any extra luggage you will be responsible to pay the cost if any.)

DAY 2: - MONDAY 10, December 2007 (29 Dhulqadah 1428)
Arrive at Jeddah at evening and stay in Transit to catch the Madina Saudi flight.

DAY 3: - TUESDAY 11, December 2007 (01 DhulHajjah 1428).
Arrive at Madinah airport. After completion of Saudi governmental formalities, USA HAJ MISSION representatives will meet you and transfer you from the airport to 5 Star - Ansar Hotel Palace for check-in. After check in you are allowed to move around in Masjid-e-Nabawi.

NOTE: according to Ministry of Hajj notification the last date for pilgrims to travel from Jeddah to Madinah by air is 2/12/1428 H (12th December, 2007)

Day 4: - WEDNESDAY 12, December 2007 (02 DhulHijah 1428).
Visit your own to Masjid-e-Nabawi. Enjoy your stay in Madinah and the privilege of offering all daily prayers in Al-Masjid Al Nabawi with your fellow pilgrims.

BAQIA: Please visit the Jannatul Baqi graveyard after Salaat Fajr. (See guide book & map for important graves of Sahaba and Ahlulbaiyet.

Day 5: - THURSDAY 13, December 2007 (03 DhulHijah 1428).
Today you will visit the Mazarat and various other historic sites in and around the holy city. Enjoy the privilege of offering your prayers in the prophet Mohamed's Mosque.

MASJID SHAMS:
It is narrated that the Prophet (pbuh&hf) fell asleep on the lap of Imam Ali (as) just before Duhor/noon time till nearly (Maghrib) sunset. Imam Ali said his Duhor and Asar afternoon Salaat prayer sitting down. Near the time of Maghrib, the Prophet woke up and pointed his finger at the setting sun, which came up and the Prophet prayed his Duhor and Ssar Salaat.

MASJID QIBLATAYN:
The previous Qibla was Bait-ul-Muqaddas. The Jews used to taunt the Holy Prophet because the Muslims first turned towards Jerusalem for their prayers. One day when the Prophet of Allah was leading the Salaat Duhor, a revelation came to him after the second (Rakaat) prostration to change his direction of salaat, from Bait-ul-Muqaddas to the Ka ' aba.

MASJID QUBA:
This was the first Masjid that the Prophet of Allah built on his arrival from Makkah. It is narrated that the Prophet of Allah was heard saying that if you say two Rakaats Salaat in this Masjid you will get the (Thawab) reward of one Umra/small pilgrimage.

SABA MASJIDS:
This was the place where the battlefield of Khandak was fought and these Masajid were erected thereafter. There are 5 Masjid near each other. The name Khandak was given because Salman Farsi dug a very big trench during this battle so that the army of the non-believers could not jump over the trench. This was the battle strategy used in Iran where Salman Farsi’s native country.

MASJID FATAH:
This Masjid is situated on the hilltop. It is narrated that the Prophet of Islam stayed (in this tent) for three days in his tent and prayed for the success of the Muslims.

MASJID SALMAN FARSI:
This Masjid is just at the bottom of Masjid Fattah. It is said that at this Masjid the tent of Salman Farsi was erected.

MASJID ALI:
This Masjid is on the hill opposite to Masjid Fattah.

MASJID FATIMAH ZAHRA:
This Masjid is at the bottom of Masjid Ali that was used by Fatima Zahra. Unfortunately this Masjid is closed since 1997 and there is only door with plaster.

UHUD: HAMZA:
The lion of Allah, Hamza the uncle of the Prophet of Islam is buried with many martyrs of Uhud here. The Prophet was heard saying that whoever does his Ziyarat and does not do the Ziyarat of his uncle Hamza has been unfaithful to the Prophet. This is the place where the second Islamic war took place. At the beginning of this war the Muslims were winning, but a group of archers who were stationed at the entrance of the mountain to block the army of unbelievers, left their position to go and loot the belongings of the running away soldiers of the unbelievers, in spite of strict instructions not to leave their position, thus the battle was almost lost. It is also narrated during this battle Jibra ' el brought the sword ' Zulfiqar ' from heaven because Imam Ali had broken many swords.

MASJID-E-NABAVI Visiting the Prophet's Mosque:

1. Pilgrim can go to Madinah before or after the Hajj with the intention of visiting the Prophet's mosque and praying in it. Prayer there is better than a thousand prayers elsewhere, except in the Sacred Mosque in Makkah.

2. Upon reaching the Mosque, he should pray two Raka ' at of salutation or perform any obligatory prayer that is due.

3. He then should go to the grave of the Prophet (saws) and stand before it. He should send his greeting on him, saying: “May the peace, mercy, and blessings of Allaah are upon you, O Prophet.

The visit to the Shrine of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) is highly recommended, especially for the hajjis. A tradition says a person while coming to Hajj and not visiting the Shrine of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) has done great injustice to himself. After entering the limits of Madina, one should first take a shower (Ghusl), wear clean clothes and put up some scent (perfume) and visit the Shrine of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) from the side of the Gate of Gabriel and seek permission to enter by reciting the Salaam.

Religious Reverence: The town owes its religious reverence to the Prophet Mosque, which is visited by millions of Moslems every year from all over the universe, the thing that gave it an ever-lasting importance. It is no doubt the religious importance to the whole Moslem world. Madinah is said to be four-dimensioned location, only resembled by Holly Mecca and Holly Qudds, as any other spot in the universe is only two-dimensioned i.e. as time and place are the major criteria in determining location. But in the case of Madinah, two more dimensions are added, which are the relations with God through Revelation (Archangel) and its relation with the Paradise promised by Almighty Allah for his pious worshipers, where as there is great simile in terms of (mount UHUD) and the (Holly Rawdha) as they are part of the Paradise as approved in the (Book of stories) about the Prophet, prayers and peace be upon him.

Another thing that added more significance and reverence to it, which is a blessing that includes every thing ranging from soil, animals, plants and other things within the borders of the Holly Mosque. In addition to this the Prophet had advised people to dwell it. Owing to this, all ever since the Prophet’s migration (Hijra) 1400 years ago, the town has been enjoying a very special posture.

Location Significance: Owing to its central location to the Islamic world and even before Islam Period, Madinah has had its significance as a trade center in olden days (Bakhour Route), which joins the south of Arabia with Sham. This location has had enough water resources, fertile soil and the natural fortification. With 25 years of Islam spread, Madinah has drastically developed from a trade center to a political Capital of vast country, extending from Persia in the east to Egypt in the west. Though the political transformation that took place during the Khalifas ' Period and moving of the Political Capital to (Kula) and (Damascus) afterwards and (Baghdad), but still it maintained that religious reverence as it is the sacred land visited by people.

One more emphasis on the significance of Madinah was the Ottoman Empire, which connected it to Sham, the thing that helped economy flourish. But with the 1st world war breakout and the so much damage that happened in 1914-1917 the town lost much of its glimmer. This depression continued until the establishment of the Saudi Kingdom in 1351 H, when it all began to flourish again and owing not only to its location but also to the so much finance pumped in development scheme in the past decades.

Further more, to the other regions, Madinah is mesh connected in various ways. Worth mentioning it is found that Madinah tops all other towns in the kingdom in terms of communication. It is also noted that Madinah is not only regionally connected but also internationally to Jordan, Syria, and Egypt and Arab Gulf countries. A top of this the sacred relation that binds it to Holly Mecca ever since the rise of Islam.
Madinah also plays a major economic role as it contains some industry activities of small scale in addition to gold mining. Besides, Madinah witnesses a massive shopping force on Haj and Umrah times adding to the economic power in the region in particular and the kingdom in general
Significance: For several religious, strategic and economic considerations, the area is highly significant and holy place.

Day 6: - FRIDAY 14, December 2007 (04 DhulHijah 1428).
Visit your own to Masjid-e-Nabawi. Enjoy your stay in Madinah and the privilege of offering all daily prayers in Al-Masjid Al Nabawi with your fellow pilgrims. BAQIA: Please visit the Jannatul Baqi graveyard after Salaat Fajr. (See guide book & map for important graves of Sahaba and Ahlulbaiyet.

• HAJ SEMINAR:
In the evening we would have HAJ SEMINAR and briefing about the Haj Manasek and traveling plan. Enjoy your stay in Madinah and the privilege of offering all daily prayers in Al-Masjid Al Nabawi with your fellow pilgrims. Today we have Seminar with religious advisor who will deliver a lecture on the performance of Hajj and Umra, and we will answer any questions regarding the trip. In this lecture, gifts Ihram will be distributed.

Day 7: - SATURDAY 15, December 2007 (05 DhulHijah 1428).
Visit your own to Masjid-e-Nabawi. Enjoy your stay in Madinah and the privilege of offering all daily prayers in Al-Masjid Al Nabawi with your fellow pilgrims. BAQIA: Please visit the Jannatul Baqi graveyard after Salaat Fajr. (See guide book & map for important graves of Sahaba and Ahlulbaiyet.

• HAJ SEMINAR:
In the evening we would have HAJ SEMINAR and briefing about the Haj Manasek and traveling plan. Enjoy your stay in Madinah and the privilege of offering all daily prayers in Al-Masjid Al Nabawi with your fellow pilgrims. Today we have Seminar with religious advisor who will deliver a lecture on the performance of Hajj and Umra, and we will answer any questions regarding the trip. In this lecture, gifts Ihram will be distributed.

Day 8: - SUNDAY 16, December 2007 (06 DhulHijah 1428)
Visit your own to Masjid-e-Nabawi. Enjoy your stay in Madinah and the privilege of offering all daily prayers in Al-Masjid Al Nabawi with your fellow pilgrims. BAQIA: Please visit the Jannatul Baqi graveyard after Salaat Fajr. (See guide book & map for important graves of Sahaba and Ahlulbaiyet.

• HAJ SEMINAR:
In the evening we would have HAJ SEMINAR and briefing about the Haj Manasek and traveling plan. Enjoy your stay in Madinah and the privilege of offering all daily prayers in Al-Masjid Al Nabawi with your fellow pilgrims. Today we have Seminar with religious advisor who will deliver a lecture on the performance of Hajj and Umra, and we will answer any questions regarding the trip. In this lecture, gifts Ihram will be distributed.

Day 9:- MONDAY 17, December 2007 (07 DhulHijah 1428).
Today you will prepare yourselves for UMRA, after Salatul Asr. Prepare your luggage (Please label your baggage clearly (example: Name, Program. # 1 OR 2 OR 3 OR 4), and leave them outside of your room by 4 PM to be collected. All luggages will be transferred to your Buses / Azizia Guest House / Hotel in Makkah. USA HAJ MISSION will make all the arrangements.

Enjoy your stay in Madinah and the privilege of offering all daily prayers in Al-Masjid Al Nabawi with your fellow pilgrims. AT Salatul Asr make farewell to Prophet Grave and get ready for Haj Journey. InchAllah we shall leave after Salaat UL Maghrib. Please Pray Maghrib and Isha Salat together.

IMPORTANT FOR HAJ TRIP PACKING:

Make your Umra & Hajj packing available with you when you are traveling on the bus. Your other baggage which you only need in Makkah will be shipped separately on the TRUCK and you will have no excess to this luggage until you arrive in the Hotel on 13 DhulHajjah.

1. You are kindly requested to travel light, please don not forget your medicine or any important belongings you might need.

2. During this trip from Madina to Makkah Haj Ministry have three check posts where approximately we will spend total three to four hours duration. Please do not change the buses since all the passport will be transfer according to seating in the bus.

3. At the check post except in emergency no one allow to leave the buses with out information to Bus Group Leader.

At the Hotel take complete bath, change your Ihram for Umra, do the following: clip fingernails, trim mustache, shave pubic hair, shave underarms, comb beard & hair then wear the two white garments of Ihram and Sandal. Ladies wear any cloths prefer white chuddar on top of the dress. Pray 2 rakaat Salaat but make intention at ABIAR ALI which is Meeqa'ad then do your intention for Umra say THREE TIMES:

“LABBAYKA ALLAHUMA LABBAYK LABBAYKA LA SHARIEK LAKA LABBAYK EINNAL HAMDA WANNAIEMATTA LAKA WAL MOULK LA SHARIEKA LAK”

From Meeqa'ad after Salatul Maghrib, now we are ready to go to Makkah / MINA, you are in Ihram all the rules & regulation of Ihram are applicable on you (read chapters: Alkafrun & Alikhlas and make Doua during your trip, keep wadho all the time)

InchaAllah, we will reach Makkah before the Salatul Fajr, Upon arriving at MAKKAH to the holy mosque to start your Umra as follows:

Start Tawaf (circulating in 7 circles ), from the dark brown line on the floor and green tube light on your right side, having Ka’aba to your left, raising your hand, saying Bism Ellah, Allahu Akbar then your supplications. Remember: the 1st 3 circuits being faster than the other 4 are possible. But Remember; walk at your own pace, pushing fellow pilgrims is prohibited. (This is accordance with the Hanafi.) Note: For Jafri Fiqha you should cover both shoulders.

Pray 2 Rakat behind the station of IBRAHIM (pbuh) if possible, otherwise anywhere. Drink from Zam Zam ' s water then make your supplication Go to Al-safa hillock: begin your Sa ' ai by facing Al-Ka ' aba then you shall start with what Allah started with then walk from Al-safa to Al-marwa. Remember you supplications and between 2 green marked posts only men should jog.

Day 10:- TUESDAY 18, December 2007 (08 DhulHijah 1428).
Today is Yome Tarweyeh. You will spend this day in Mina from Dhour Prayer and we will offer our prayers from Salatul Dhuar, Asar, Maghrib and Isha and stay in VIP tents area in front of Jammarat.

Day 11: - WEDNESDAY 19, December 2007 (09 DhulHijah 1428).
Day of Arafat HAJJ DAY: after Fajr prayer will leave Mina to Arafat to spend our day till Sunset, so please follow your group leader instructions and stay with your group.

Night of Muzdalifa after sunset leave for Muzdalifa, staying there till Fajr of 10th Zulhajja, people has excuses shall leave after midnight. Collect your stones (49-70 pebbles) small size.

Day 12: - THURSDAY 20, December 2007 (10 DhulHijah 1428).
Day of Eid-UL-Adha, as reaching Mina go to Jamarat Al-aqaba (Large Devil) throw 7 pebbles saying Bisme Ellah WA Allah Akbar with each pebble. Turn to tents: cut or shave (better) your hair. This way you are released from all restrictions to Ihram except your woman.

Day 13: - FRIDAY 21, December 2007 (11 DhulHijah 1428).
Put your regular cloth go to Makkah make Tawaf-ul-Ifadha ( 7 circuits, pray 2 rakaat behind Ibrahim ' s Station, drink from Zam Zam then make Sa-ai between Al-Safa and Al-Marwas) as similar as what you have done before. So, this way you are released from all restrictions of Ihram (in accordance with Hanafi).

Stay in Mina: where today, you are going to throw 21 pebbles (7 pebbles to each Jamarat theirs are 3 places (small, middle and large) Remember time of throwing after Zuhr tilling late night.

Day 14: - SATURDAY 22, December 2007 (12 DhulHijah 1428).
Stay in Mina: where today, you are going to throw 21 pebbles (7 pebbles to each Jamarat theirs are 3 places (small, middle and large) Remember time of throwing after Zuhr tilling late night

Day 15: - SUNDAY 23, December 2007 (13 DhulHijah 1428).
Another day and last Half Day to stay in Mina: where today, you are again going to throw 21 pebbles (7 pebbles to each Jamarat theirs are 3 places (small, middle and large) Remember time of throwing after Zuhr tilling late night... After Jamarat we will go to Azizia and spend the night than go to Makkah to your Hotel, where you will spend the rest of the time till your departure.

STAY IN HOTEL UNTIL DEPARTURE DATE:

Your Hotels are available for your comfort in Makkah; however, our group will start leaving from:

16TH, 17TH, 18TH, AND 19TH, DhulHajjah 2007.

Day 16: - MONDAY 24, December 2007 (14 DhulHijah 1428).

Day 17: - TUESDAY 25, December 2007 (15 DhulHijah 1428).

Day 18: - WEDNESDAY 26, December 2007 (16 DhulHijah 1428).

Day 19: - THURSDAY 27, December 2007 (17 DhulHijah 1428).

IMPORTANT NOTE;
During your stay last day of departure to your home country make Tawaf al Wada (Farewell Tawaf) SEVEN CIRCLES of KAABA and then TWO RAKKAH pray behind Maqam Ibrahim. May Allah accept your Hajj and ask Him to allow you visiting these places more and more times.

No shopping at Makkah after Tawaf al Wada.

Note: For the Jafria Fiqh you make another Tawaf named as Tawaf-un-Nisa and Salat for Tawaf al Nissa. (After this act you are allow to have relationship with your spouse).

It’s Hadies that do not share the hardship of your Hajj with others because they may not go for Hajj. You are responsible if they don't go to Hajj. May Allah accept your Haj. Amen!

• If you are sick go to the Doctor for check up and rest at least one or two days.

• Unpacked your baggage and distribute the gift such like Zam Zam, Misbah or Musalla.

• Invite your close friends and relative for Hajj Walima (Its Sunnah of Prophet SAW).

• Make sure you send a thank you note to all those who make your trip easy.