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This section has all Hajj related FAQ’s
The rituals of Hajj are important as they make pilgrims enter a state of spiritual purity referred to as “ihram” which aims to get rid of symbols of materialism. The pilgrim gives up worldly pleasures so as to focus on their inner self instead of their outward appearance. The rituals test pilgrims’ patience as well as tolerance.
On the 9th Dhul Hijjah before noon the pilgrims come to Arafat which is a barren and plain land. Here they stand in contemplative vigil. They will offer supplications, will repent for sins they have committed, and seek the mercy of Allah. They will listen to the sermon carried out by Islamic scholars. Lasting from noon through sunset, or known as wuquf, it is said to be one of the most important rites of Hajj. The pilgrims will offer noon and also afternoon prayers at Masjid al-Namirah together at noontime. The pilgrim needs to spend the afternoon on Arafat or else the Hajj is regarded as being invalid.
The Hajj is regarded as one of the pillars of Islam. All able-bodied Muslims need to perform it at least once in their lifetime. Hajj allows one to wipe clean their past sins and begin fresh. Many people aim to deepen their faith and some ladies take on “hijab” or the Islamic hair covering when they return from Hajj.
Hajj is the greater Muslim pilgrimage that occurs to Mecca. It happens in the last month of the year. All Muslims need to at least perform Hajj once in their lifetime, if they are able to afford to do so. It is also one of the Five Pillars that Islam has.
There are three forms of Hajj, i.e. Tamattu, Ifraad and Qiran. The following tells you about the Tamattu form of Hajj. This is what the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) encourages people to perform. It consists of:
Tawaf al-Wida- This Tawaf will be performed before leaving the boundaries of the Haram.
Mina is a valley that is surrounded by mountains. Pilgrims spend the nights of 8th, 11th and 12th of Dhul Hijjah here. They occasionally can spend the night of the 13th here also. Mina Hajj is even an important symbol for the stoning ritual because it is where the three stone pillars of Jamarat are present.
It is important to stay in Mina because pilgrims spend a full day as well as night within the tents located at Mina. This is knowns as Layali al Tashriq. Pilgrims will read the Holy Quran and offer prayers. They will worship Allah SWT and perform Zikr. They also listen to Islamic lectures.
At Mina three hard stone pillars get struck by pilgrims. This is part of the ritual of stoning the devil.
Pilgrims spend two or three days in Mina.
Muzdalifah consists of an open and level area close to Mecca in the Hejazi region of Saudi Arabia. It is southeast of Mina and on the route present between Mina and Arafat.
The 9th of Dhul Hijjah is spent at Muzdalifah. This will be under the open sky. Here pilgrims will gather pebbles to throw at the pillars of Jamarat.
When at Muzdalifah the pilgrim can pray to Allah SWT. They will ask for blessings and forgiveness. Here they can rest so that they are prepared for the next three days of Hajj.
In simple terms, choosing whether to travel to Medina before or after the Hajj depends on a few important factors. An important consideration is the airport experience when arriving without being in the state of Ihram. This experience is quite similar to regular international travel, although the visa procedures, paperwork, and transfer processes are distinct from any typical international arrivals.
Before Hajj: If you’re not wearing the special Hajj clothes called Ihram, many people find it easier to arrive at Medina Airport. The paperwork is less, and you don’t have to travel in the state of Ihram. After landing, it’s quicker to get through immigration and collect your luggage. Plus, it’s often easier to arrange private pickups from Medina Airport, even though it may cost a bit more.
After Hajj: On the other hand, if you arrive at Jeddah Hajj Terminal, you might face more challenges. There’s more paperwork, and you’ll need to travel for about 2 hours to reach Mecca. After arriving, you might have to wait at the terminal for 2 to 3 hours after immigration and getting your luggage. Private transportation options can be tricky to manage in Jeddah, and they can be quite expensive.
So, the decision often depends on the Hajj package that fits your schedule and flight connections for the specific date you choose. Sometimes, people are okay with longer connecting flights, as arriving in Medina without Ihram allows for a few days of relaxation before the physically demanding part of the journey in Mecca, which includes performing Umrah.
In the end, the decision should revolve around your individual preferences and circumstances to ensure a hassle-free and comfortable Hajj journey. A package that aligns with your needs and those of your family is often suggested by an SPO at The Khan Travel.
Makkah is divided into two Azizia areas: North and South. Al.Khair’s Azizia Accommodations are located in South/Junoob Azizia, which is closer to Mina and often referred to as the downtown area of Makkah. This part of the city boasts numerous well-known brand stores and renowned eateries.
The Azizia Area in Makkah is approximately 6-8 kilometers from the Haram, the Grand Mosque in Makkah. The journey from Azizia to the Haram typically takes around 15-20 minutes.
Notable Landmarks and Conveniences:
The Al.Khair’s Rafahya Hotel features the only 24/7 Starbucks in Makkah within the premises.
Kudos is located right next to the Al.Khair’s’s Rafahya Hotel.
KFC is situated opposite the Al.Khair’s Rafahya hotel.
The Al.Khair’s Rafahya Hotel is positioned at the Main Jamia University Signal.
Al Baik Azizia is just 1.5 kilometers away.
The Mobily Azizia Main Outlet is conveniently located only 100 meters from the accommodations.
The significant Jamarat Second Floor Bus Terminal is situated at a distance of 500 meters.
The Khalid Bridge, connecting Azizia and Mina through a tunnel, is conveniently situated near Al.Khair’s Rafahya Hotel Starbucks Tower. Hajj pilgrims can easily walk to and from Al.Khair’s Azizia Accommodations to the Mina camps with just a 25-30 minute walk.
The Souq Salaam Mall of Azizia is conveniently located just 300 meters away.
Hajj is the greater Muslim pilgrimage that occurs to Mecca. It happens in the last month of the year. All Muslims need to at least perform Hajj once in their lifetime, if they are able to afford to do so. It is also one of the Five Pillars that Islam has.
There are three forms of Hajj, i.e. Tamattu, Ifraad and Qiran. The following tells you about the Tamattu form of Hajj. This is what the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) encourages people to perform. It consists of:
Tawaf al-Wida- This Tawaf will be performed before leaving the boundaries of the Haram.
Staying in Azizia during Hajj is not merely a budget-friendly choice; it embodies a thoughtful and comprehensive concept that enhances your pilgrimage journey in multiple ways. Azizia offers a range of benefits, as explained below:
What’s more, this post-Hajj shopping experience offers a price advantage, a wide variety of options, and a hassle-free environment with less rush compared to the limited options and high prices near the Haram.
In summary, staying in Azizia during Hajj is a holistic choice that balances affordability with quality, convenience, and overall enriching benefits. This choice aligns with Al.Khair’s vision of dedicated service during Hajj and ensures a seamless experience, even amidst the challenges of restrictions and blockades. It’s a testament to being part of a well-organized team that prioritizes your needs while offering top-notch accommodations and services.
None of the Hajj packages offered by Al.Khair includes Qurbani. It’s important to understand that there are three types of Qurbani.
None of these types of Qurbani is included in the packages. However, Al.Khair offers assistance and provides Hajj Qurbani services at an additional cost upon the request of the Hujjaj. Qurbani is a crucial part of Hajj rituals and is compulsory for Hajj-e-Qiran and Hajj-e-Tamattu, but not for Hajj Ifrat.
After Muzdalifah, the sequence of rituals comprises the Rami on the first day, followed by Qurbani, a haircut, removal of Ihram, and concluding with the Tawaf-e-Vida. On the 10th of Zil Hajj, the Qurbani is conducted. Hujjaj who have chosen Al.Khair’s Qurbani service are recommended to complete the Rami on the first day by 11 am or earlier. This is because the standard duration for the Qurbani process is approximately 6 hours, subject to Qurbani terms and conditions. Nevertheless, Hujjaj have the flexibility to make independent arrangements for Hajj Qurbani from a reputable source. If the Rami on the first day is completed after 4 pm, the Qurbani is rescheduled for the 11th of Zil Hajj.
Al.Khair also provides assistance for Dum Qurbani, which is a precautionary measure against any misconduct during the state of Ihram. Requests for Dum Qurbani start after the 14th of Zil Hajj and should be completed within a week in the Makkah region, as Dum Qurbani must be performed within Makkah Regional Limits.
The last type, Eid Qurbani, is something that Hujjaj can arrange in their home countries, and Al.Khair does not entertain or assist with it.
The key distinctions for Category A camps in Mina, with additional details:
In the context of the Hajj pilgrimage, a “Maktab number” in Mina refers to the specific office or location where Hujjaj (pilgrims) are registered and organized during their stay in Mina. Each group or Hujjaj party is assigned a unique Maktab number, and this number is used for administrative and organizational purposes to help manage the movement and activities of pilgrims in Mina. It ensures that Hujjaj are grouped together and provided with the necessary guidance and services during their time in Mina.
Maktab numbers are allocated region-wise, with different series for pilgrims from South Asia, Europe, Africa, and other regions. These numbers help in organizing and managing Hujjaj based on their origin.
It’s important to note that Maktab numbers do not specify the category of services provided. The categorization of services, such as A, B, C, or D, is separate and is based on the level of amenities and facilities offered.
In some cases, the Maktab number may not necessarily dictate the level of service quality, as the Saudi authorities may make adjustments and sub-divisions within a Maktab to better accommodate Hujjaj from a specific category. For example, in 2023, all A-category Hujjaj had a Maktab 1 number, but they were further divided into sub-divisions like 1/1, 1/2, 1/3, 1/4, and 1/5 to identify specific locations within the camp area dedicated to A-category pilgrims.
The choice of a specific Maktab or its number matters less if Hujjaj have a good understanding of the service categories (A, B, C, D) and make their selection accordingly. The past experience and the dedication of the team, both from the Al.Khair’s team and the local Muallim team, play a crucial role in providing high-quality services, regardless of the Maktab number. For instance, Al.Khair’s Hujjaj in Category A were located in Maktab 2 in the years 2018, 2019, and 2022 and received awards for their service quality. In 2023, Al.Khair selected Maktab 1, sub 1/4 and again received recognition for providing outstanding services and comfort to their Hujjaj. The understanding of dynamics and dedication from the teams is what sets them apart and enables them to offer top-tier services.
Arafat day is a crucial part of the Hajj, occurring on the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah. Pilgrims remain in Arafat until sunset of the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah. To fulfill the non-compensatable time main ritual of the Hajj, known as “waqoof-e-Arafat,” it’s preferrable for pilgrims to arrive in Arafat early in the morning of the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah or, at the latest, before noon.
For Category A, buses typically commence their journey at 4 am, right after Fajr prayers and before sunrise. However, this timing can vary based on local regulations and traffic conditions.
In Categories B, C, and D, the journey from Mina to Arafat starts on the late evening of the 8th of Dhul-Hijjah, following dinner and usually beginning after 11 pm. The purpose is to ensure that all pilgrims reach the Arafat camps well in advance of the Fajr prayers. This early arrival allows them to rest before and after Fajr, preparing for their worship starting at noon. Buses are conveniently parked near the Arafat camps. Moving during the night offers certain advantages, such as reduced traffic and additional time to reach Arafat. In Category A, the possibility of departing after Fajr depends on local conditions and permissions.
Handling of Pakistani Passports during the entire Hajj journey / trip involves unique international travel procedures:
In summary, the handling of Pakistani passports during Hajj follows specific Saudi guidelines and is a legal requirement for the pilgrimage. It’s important to adhere to these guidelines to ensure a smooth and trouble-free Hajj experience. Nonetheless, maintaining a scanned copy of your passport and complying with necessary procedures will contribute to a smooth Hajj experience.
