Hajj, which purifies man of all sins, is really a very sacred journey whose spiritual aspect can be overshadowed when up against logistical troubles. Therefore choosing the "perfect" hajj package is crucial to permit you to concentrate on the spiritual part of the journey wholeheartedly.
Following are some aspects to consider whenever choosing a hajj package:
Choosing an agency registered with the Ministry of Hajj over a sub-agent boost your likelihood of a smooth journey. Registered agencies tend to be more conscious of the latest rules and regulations of processing visas, can contact Ministry of Hajj to solve a challenge, are accountable to Ministry if pilgrims file a problem and tend to be more resourceful in making airline, hotel and transportation arrangement. They're also cheaper because travel arrangement in Saudi Arabia can only just be achieved by authorized agencies. Sub agents have to get services from these agencies and therefore sell the package at a level up price.
Despite all of the features of licensed agents mentioned previously, you can select a sub agent when you have heard good reasons for them. All Authorized agents might not provide a good service though some sub agents are extremely professional. Therefore you need to select a hajj package provider centered on referrals More details.
Company of a knowledgeable and experienced guide in your group is necessary. Regardless of how much information you've accumulated from books and lectures, you might face questions, you'd not anticipated before. It is also important to know if the travel agency seeks advice from their guide. For logistical ease, some agents may plan departure to Arafat and Muzdalifah before enough time recommended by Islamic law. Choosing an agency that plans the trip under a reliable imam can mitigate risks of taking shortcuts or going against Sunnah.
Make sure to check that the Imam can do the hajj with the pilgrims of the package you've selected. It is difficult to make contact with the Imam if he is staying in a different hotel, travelling in a different bus or living in a different tent in Mina from yours. This dilemma is particularly common with agencies offering large selection of packages underneath the guidance of one or two Imams only.
Having a female guide could be of added benefit for sisters performing pilgrimage.
It is beneficial to determine if the travel agency features a full-time employee in US and Saudi Arabia. The more an agency utilizes outside resources, the much more likely it is to suffer with mismanagement. Also the longer an agency has provided Hajj services, the better equipped it is to offer a organized service.
Most Hajj packages advertise price with fare from New York to Jedda. If you reside elsewhere, make sure to include the cost of domestic air fare to New York whenever choosing a package. Also add the cost of Hajj fees and Zabiha to obtain an estimate of the precise amount you will undoubtedly be spending per person.
Accommodation in an easy site is very useful. Hotel near the Haram and Masjid - e- Nabwi is more important than the number of stars of a hotel as it would cut travel time, conserve energy for worshiping and save time by devoid of to stand in long lines to accomplish wudu or use restrooms. It may be better in cases to share your room with 4 people in a hotel close to Haram and not sharing room with an added person but at a larger distance from the Haram. Moreover hotel ratings are per Saudi Government standards which are different from the American standards of rating hotels.
Do not worry too much if your hajj package doesn't offer meals in Makkah and Medina. There are many of options around Haram to consume and drink among prayer times, but may use up a lot of your own time waiting in a line. Hotel buffets might be a time saver or perhaps a big distraction, as often people may spend a lot of time socializing too much. It is however good to receive food in Mina and Arafat as options will undoubtedly be limited. If you are performing Hajj with family it might be better to choose a package that gives meals through the entire trip.
Choosing hajj packages that land in Medina first, can save time spent in immigration lines. Pilgrims landing in Jedda can experience 14 - 18 hours in immigration before leaving for Makkah. However choosing package where pilgrims land in Jedda opens up a lot more flight options and may be cheaper. Same does work for leaving Saudi Arab. Medina as a port of entry or exit could save a lot of time.
Ask the agent about the located area of the tent in Mina. VIP Tents are mostly (if not all) at a quick walking distance from Jamarat. However regular tents in the North American Camp are in terms of a 50 minute walk to Jamarat one way. In reality some tents are not even pitched in Mina. They're located beyond huge sign boards that say "Mina ends here"!
Hajj packages promising access to private apartments during stay in Mina is really a plus. Tents in Mina are small with only room enough for individuals to sleep. Pilgrims can thus leave their luggage inside their rooms throughout their stay in Mina. Additionally, it opens up the option to utilize the bathrooms and showers of the room and not the ones put up in Mina camp.
Hajj packages offering free shuttle service from Mina to Haram can allow you to save money. Taxi fares increase exponentially during Mina days. Lured by the profits, a number of people result from other cities to are taxi drivers and may even get lost while trying to drive pilgrims to Haram. Buses though cheaper take quite a while to arrive. Therefore a shuttle service given by your agent could be quicker and free.
Most hajj packages give out SIM cards. This might be a time saver too. Otherwise you might have to attend in lines to acquire a SIM card.
Considering these logistical issues while choosing the right hajj package will hopefully cut your worldly worries of performing hajj and permit you to pay attention to your worship to your heart's content.
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