hajj tour guide

Exploring Hajj Tours: A Full Guide for Pilgrims

• November 5, 2023
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Embarking on the sacred pilgrimage of Hajj is a lifelong dream for many Muslims around the world. To ensure a smooth and fulfilling experience, it is essential to choose the right Hajj tour. This article aims to provide an in-depth understanding of Hajj tours , what they include, where to find them, and valuable tips to help you select the perfect tour for your spiritual journey.

Understanding Hajj Tours

The tours are organized travel packages that cater to the needs of pilgrims wishing to perform the Hajj pilgrimage. These tours provide comprehensive services and guidance to ensure a hassle-free and spiritually enriching experience. 

They are designed to facilitate the religious obligations of Hajj and provide convenience and comfort to pilgrims.

What Hajj Tours Include?

Hajj tours typically include a range of services to support and guide pilgrims throughout their journey. These services often include:

• Visa Processing and Documentation: 

The tour operators assist in obtaining the necessary visas and completing the required documentation for pilgrims.

• Accommodation: 

Pilgrims are provided with accommodation in Mecca and Madinah , usually in close proximity to the holy sites, to facilitate ease of access during the pilgrimage.

• Transportation: 

The tours offer transportation services, including airport transfers and transportation between Mecca, Madinah, and the holy sites of Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah.

• Guidance and Support: 

Experienced tour guides provide guidance on the rituals of Hajj, ensuring pilgrims understand and perform the rituals correctly. They also offer support and assistance throughout the journey.

• Additionally, Meals!

The tours often include meal arrangements , ensuring pilgrims are provided with regular and nutritious meals during their stay.

Where to Find Hajj Tours?

The Hajj tours can be found through various sources, including:

Firstly, Local Mosque or Islamic Centers 

Contact your local mosque or Islamic center to inquire about recommended tour operators or if they organize Hajj tours themselves.

Secondly, Online Platforms

Numerous websites and online platforms specialize in providing information and booking services for tours. Ensure that the platforms you choose are reputable and offer reliable services.

Lastly, Recommendations and Referrals

Seek recommendations from friends , family, or community members who have previously performed Hajj. Their experiences and insights can help you find reputable and trusted tour operators.

Tips to Choose Hajj Tours

When selecting a tour, consider the following tips:

• Firstly, Research and Verify: 

Thoroughly research different Hajj tour operators, their reputations, and customer reviews. Verify their licenses and accreditations to ensure they are authorized and trustworthy.

• Secondly, Experience and Expertise: 

Choose a tour operator with extensive experience in organizing tours. Experienced operators are well-equipped to handle any challenges that may arise during the pilgrimage.

• Thirdly, Group Size: 

Consider the size of the group that the tour operator accommodates. Smaller groups often offer more personalized attention and a more intimate experience.

• Lastly, Cost and Value: 

While cost is a factor, prioritize value over the price alone. Compare the services and facilities offered by different tour operators to ensure you get the best value for your investment.

Key Takeaways

• Hajj tours are organized travel packages that cater to the needs of pilgrims wishing to perform the Hajj pilgrimage.
• These tours include services such as visa processing, accommodation , transportation, guidance, and meals.
• The tours can be found through sources such as local mosques, online platforms, and recommendations.
• When choosing a tour, it is important to research and verify the reputation and credentials of the tour operator.

In conclusion, Embarking on the Hajj pilgrimage is a profound and life-changing experience. By choosing the right Hajj tour, you can enhance this spiritual journey and ensure a smooth and meaningful pilgrimage. Understanding what Hajj tours include, where to find them, and following the tips mentioned, will enable you to make an informed decision and embark on your Hajj journey with peace of mind. May your pilgrimage be accepted and bring you closer to the divine.

About Writer

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What is Hajj? A step-by-step guide to the Muslim pilgrimage

Here’s how Muslims perform the rituals of Hajj every year, following an ancient example.

Every year, millions of Muslims from around the world gather annually in Mecca to perform Hajj – the sacred Muslim pilgrimage.

Hajj became obligatory for every able-bodied Muslim adult who has the financial means to do after Prophet Muhammad’s “farewell pilgrimage” in 632 AD.

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According to Islamic tradition, the Kaaba – a black silk-clad stone structure at the heart of the Grand Mosque in Mecca – was built by the Prophet Abraham and his son Ishmael.

Every year, between two and three million people participate in the pilgrimage.

However, due to the coronavirus pandemic, there were only 10,000 pilgrims in 2020 . The following year saw 58,700 pilgrims, and last year’s numbers picked up again to one million.

Hajj is a spiritual, emotional and physical challenge that tests the patience and temperament of the pilgrim.

It occurs in Dhul-Hijjah, the 12th and final month of the Islamic lunar calendar, between the eighth and 13th days of the month.

This year, Hajj is taking place between June 26 and July 1. Here is a step-by-step guide to the rituals on each day:

Intent and ihram – The very first rite of Hajj is to make a pure intention and to enter ihram – a pilgrim’s sacred state – when crossing the outer boundaries of Mecca, called Miqat.

Entering ihram entails wearing plain garments – two unstitched pieces of cloth for men, or loose-fitting clothing for women – as well as following certain rules, such as not giving in to anger or engaging in sexual activity.

Pilgrims then perform tawaf, which means circling the Kaaba in an anticlockwise direction seven times, and sai, which refers to running between the Safa and Marwa hills.

Mina, the tent city – After that, the pilgrims travel by foot on pilgrim paths or take a bus for the 8km (five-mile) journey to Mina, a tent city just outside of Mecca.

The pilgrims spend the day in Mina, setting out the next morning at dawn. Most of the time in Mina is spent in prayer, supplications and remembering Allah (God).

A day on Arafat –  The Day of Arafat is considered one of the most important days, not just of Hajj, but of the Islamic calendar. After making the 15km (nine-mile) journey from Mina, pilgrims spend the day at Mount Mercy in reverent prayer.

This is known as wuquf – the act of standing before Allah from noon to sunset.

The site is particularly revered as the place where the Prophet Muhammad delivered his last sermon.

Around the world, many Muslims choose to fast on this day.

Heading to Muzdalifah – After sunset, it is time to move again, this time to Muzdalifah – a 11km (7-mile) trip – where the pilgrims will spend the night under the stars. Many also begin collecting 49 pebbles here for the next day’s rites, for which they will depart again just before sunrise.

Nahr and stoning the devil (rami) – The 10th of Dhul-Hijjah is Eid al-Adha, a day celebrated by Muslims around the world as the greater of the two Muslim holidays.

Leaving Muzdalifah, the pilgrims arrive back in Mina before dawn to perform the first rami, throwing seven pebbles at the largest of three columns known as Jamarat al-Aqaba.

This act is a symbolic stoning of the devil, based on historical tradition. Muslims believe that God told Abraham to sacrifice his son as proof of his faith.

It is believed that at this spot in Mina, the devil appeared and tried to dissuade Abraham from heeding the command. Abraham responded by throwing stones to scare him off.

Muslim pilgrims should also sacrifice an animal, known as nahr . Either a camel or lamb is suitable, and the meat should be distributed to the needy. Pilgrims can either buy sacrifice coupons/vouchers, which state that the sacrifice has been made on their behalf or perform their own sacrifice.

Days 4 and 5

The act of throwing stones is repeated for the next two days, pelting the three pillars using seven pebbles each in order by starting with: Jamarat al-Ula (the small pillar), then Jamarat al-Wusta (the second/middle pillar) and finally, Jamarat al-Aqaba (the third/large pillar).

Halq or taqsir – Upon completion of rami, the 12th day of Dhul-Hijjah, the men shave their heads (halq) or trim their hair (taqsir). Women can trim their hair by the length of a fingertip.

The farewell tawaf – After that, the pilgrims can remove their ihram clothes. Many will then proceed to Mecca to perform tawaf and sai again.

When that has been done, they return to their campsite in Mina, marking the completion of Hajj.

Many pilgrims also visit Medina, the second holiest city in Islam, before heading home. Medina is not part of the pilgrimage but is regarded as the site where Prophet Muhammad is buried along with his closest companions.

Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam and should be undertaken once in a Muslim’s lifetime. Find out how to perform Hajj here.

Hajj (Arabic: حج), the pilgrimage to Makkah, is one of the five pillars of Islam, the others being the profession of faith, prayer, fasting and charity. It should be undertaken once in a Muslim’s lifetime, providing...

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• Days of Hajj

Day 1: 8th of Dhul Hijjah

This first day of Hajj is known as Yawm al-Tarwiyah (the Day of Quenching Thirst). It was given this name because on this day, the early pilgrims were instructed to drink a lot of water and fill their containers in...

Day 2: 9th of Dhul Hijjah – Arafat

On the second day of Hajj, known as Yawm al-Arafat (the Day of Arafat) or Yawm al-Wuquf (the Day of Standing), pilgrims travel to the plain of Arafat where they combine Dhuhr and Asr prayers and engage in Wuquf, the...

Day 2: 9th of Dhul Hijjah – Muzdalifah

Contents1 The Prophet ﷺ at Muzdalifah2 Arrival at Muzdalifah3 Maghrib & Isha salah4 Women, Children, the Elderly & Infirm5 Collecting Pebbles6 The Night7 Fajr salah & Wuquf8 Leaving for Mina9 Summary of Day...

Day 3: 10th of Dhul Hijjah

Contents1 Rituals in Mina2 Rami of Jamarah al-Aqaba2.1 Walking to the Jamarat2.2 Pelting the Jamarat2.3 After Pelting3 Hady3.1 Where to Perform Hady4 Halq/Taqsir5 Tawaf al-Ziyarah5.1 Travelling to Makkah5.2 Performing...

Days 4-6: 11th-13th of Dhul Hijjah

Contents1 Day 4: 11th of Dhul Hijjah2 Rami of all Jamarat2.1 Timing2.2 After Pelting3 Day 5: 12th of Dhul Hijjah4 Leaving for Makkah4.1 Wadi al-Muhassab5 Day 6: 13th of Dhul Hijjah6 Tawaf al-Wida (Tawaf al-Sadr)6.1...

Rites of Hajj

Tawaf (Arabic: طواف) is one of the principal rites of the pilgrimage and refers to circumambulating or walking in circles around the Kaaba in an anti-clockwise motion. Seven complete circuits, with each one starting and...

Sa'i (Arabic: السعي) is one of the integral rites of Hajj and Umrah and refers to the ritual of walking back and forth seven times between the two small hills of Safa and Marwa, located adjacent to the Kaaba in masjid...

Rami al-Jamarat

Rami al-Jamarat (Arabic: رمي الجمرات; meaning "stoning of the Jamarat"), sometimes referred to as the "Stoning of the Devil" is a rite carried out by Hajj pilgrims whereby small pebbles are thrown at three stone...

Hady (Arabic: هدي), also known as Damm al-Shukr (Arabic:دم الشكر), is an animal sacrifice carried out by pilgrims on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah. It is wajib for those performing Hajj al-Tamattu and Hajj al-Qiran and sunnah...

Halq & Taqsir

Halq (Arabic: الحلق) refers to the act of shaving the entire head and Taqsir (Arabic: التقصير) involves trimming the hair on the head by at least an inch. Performing Halq or Taqsir is the wajib (obligatory) act that...

Ihram (Arabic: إحرام) refers to the sacred state a pilgrim must enter before carrying out the rites of Hajj and Umrah. The pilgrim must enter into this state after cleansing the body, wearing the prescribed attire and...

Violations & Penalties

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7 Steps of Hajj – Complete Hajj Guide For Pilgrims

Table of Contents

Being one of the fundamental pillars of Islam, Hajj can be defined as an annual spiritual experience undertaken by Muslims at least once in their lifetime to express their servitude and faith towards Allah (SWT). Following the 1,377-year-old Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), millions of Muslims visit the Holy Kaaba every year in the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah to offer Hajj.

However, in order to be eligible to perform Hajj, a Muslim must be physically, mentally, and financially stable.

The condition to be financially and physically competent to perform Hajj is called “istita’ah,” where the Muslim who successfully fulfills the journey is called “Hajji” or “mustati.”

Allah (SWT) on the significance of Hajj says in the Holy Quran, “We have completed the shrine (Holy Kaaba), a focal point for the people and a secure sanctum. You can use Abraham’s shrine as a prayer house; we give power to Abraham and Ismail. You shall clean my house for those who make a visit and those who live there and those who nod and prostrate.” (2:125)

In another place in the Quran, Allah (SWT) states, “And to people the Hajj. They will come here to you on every sinewy camel: they will come here from every deep and distant.” (22:27)

The rituals of Hajj are performed in a five or six day’s duration, officially beginning on the 8 th Dhul-Hijjah to ending on the 13 th of the same month; Hajj is the largest annual religious event that takes place in Islam. Literally meaning “to take part in the journey,” The 7 steps of Hajj are as follows:

Step 1 – Ihram and Intentions

• Step 2 – Mina aka “City of tents”
• Step 3 – Mina to Arafat, 9th day of Dhul-Hijjah

Step 4 – Muzdalifah

• Step 5 – Rami – Stoning the devil

Step 6 – Nahr

Step 7 – farewell tawaf.

Making a pure intention and wearing the Ihram are the two of the first essential steps when going for Hajj. After making the niyat, Muslim pilgrims are advised to wear the Ihram- two pieces of unstitched white sheets for men and a loose-fitting Abaya for women, properly covering the whole body.

It is recommended that the pilgrim should wear the Ihram on Dhul-Hijjah before entering Miqat – the outer boundaries of Makkah. The five entry points or relevant Miqats for pilgrims are as follows:

• Abbyar Ali (Dhu’l Hulaifah) – This is the point of Miqat for pilgrims coming through Madina or from Saudi Arabia. They are advised to perform Hajj al-Tamatt’u.
• (As-Sail Al-Kabeer) Qarn-al Manzil – This is the point of Miqat for pilgrims coming through or from Taif or Najd.
• Al- Juhfah – Located near Rabigh, it is the point of Miqat for pilgrims coming through or from Egypt, Syria, or Morocco.
• Dhat’Irq – Is the point of Miqat for pilgrims coming from or through Iraq.
• Sa’adiyah (Yalamlam) – This is the point of Miqat for pilgrims coming through or from Yemen, India, or Pakistan.

Also, once in Ihram, pilgrims are advised to recite Talbiyah while abstaining from all sinful acts. The Talibyah should be recited in a loud voice:

لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ، لَبَّيْكَ لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ، انَّالْحَمْدَ، وَالنِّعْمَةَ، لَكَ وَالْمُلْكَ، لا شَرِيكَ لَك َ

Labbayk Allaahumma labbayk, labbayk laa shareeka laka labbayk, ‘innal-hamda, wanni’mata, laka walmulk, laa shareeka laka.

“Ever at Your service, O Allah, every at Your service. Ever at Your Service, You have no partner, ever at Your service. Verily all praise, blessings, and dominions are Yours. You have no partner.” (Muslim 2:841)

After arriving at Makkah, Muslims intending to perform Hajj al-Tamatt’u should combine the rituals of Umrah with Hajj . For this, Muslims walk around the Holy Kaaba 7 times in an anti-clockwise direction, also known as Tawaf .

They then perform the ritual of Hajr-e-Aswad (Black Stone) and move towards the next stage of Umrah, running between the Safa and Marwa hills. Once the Umrah is complete, pilgrims start their journey towards Mina.

Wearin ihram during Hajj can inspire believers to improve themselves as it is  is similar to the shroud used to wrap bodies before they are buried and death comes unannouncede

Step 2 – Mina aka “City of Tents”

Situated 5 to 6 km from Makkah, Mina is a small town. Arriving at the tent city of Mina, pilgrims are advised to rest there until the following day. Starting with the noon prayer (Zuhr) and ending with the dawn prayer (Fajr), pilgrims recite all five Salahs while staying in Mina.

Today, the land of Mina comprises modern tents that are equipped with all essential amenities. Muslims should recite both compulsory and non-compulsory prayers while staying at Mina.

Step 3 – Mina to Arafat, 9th Day of Dhul-Hijjah

On the morning of the second day of Hajj that is 9 th Dhul-Hijjah, the pilgrims start walking towards Arafat while reciting Talbiyah at the top of their voices. Muslim pilgrims observe Zuhrain – a combination of Zuhr and Asr prayer with Qasar prayer upon reaching the mount of Arafat.

This is known as Waquf – the act of standing before Allah (SWT) and is observed near the Jabal al-Rahmah from noon to sunset.

Located 14.4 km from Mina, Mount Mercy or Jabal al Rahmah of the Arafat was where the beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW) delivered the final sermon.

The pilgrims’ next destination for Hajj is Muzdalifah, a small town located between Mina and Mount Arafat. Upon arriving at sunset on the grounds of Muzdalifah, the pilgrims offer Maghribaen – a combined prayer of Maghrib and Isha. Muslims spend one whole night under the open sky and collect 49 pebbles of similar sizes for the ritual of Rami (stoning of the Devil). They then leave the town of Muzdalifah on the morning of 10 th Dhul-Hijjah.

As Muzdalifah is the place where pilgrims spend the night before pelting Satan, every pilgrim’s heart is filled with new resolutions as they make Dua while picking up the stones and during Jamarat, they should intend to throw their own bad habits alongside

Tawaf al-Ifadah and Sa’i

The pilgrims now head back to Makkah to perform Tawaf al-ifadah and Sa’I, the act of running between the Safa and Marwa hills. Once done, Muslims then go back to Mina to perform the acts of Rami, Nahr, and Halq.

Step 5 – Rami (Stoning the Devil)

On arriving at Mina, pilgrims perform the act of Rami by stoning the Jamraat al-Aqabah. Seven stones are thrown at the column structure. The stoning of Jamrat is performed in the memory of the act of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) when the devil tried discouraging him from following Allah (SWT) command.

In reply, Prophet Ibrahim (AS) threw small pebbles to make the devil go away. Rami should be carried out at noon each day. Rami is performed on the 11 th and 12 th of Dhul-Hijjah.

After the completion of Rami, on 12 th Dhul-Hijjah, Muslim pilgrims are advised to perform the sacrifice of an animal ; it can be a camel or lamb. For this, pilgrims can either purchase sacrifice coupons or vouchers, stating that the sacrifice has been made on their behalf. The meat of the sacrificed animal should be distributed to the needy.

Halq and Taqsir

Halq means shaving the head, while Taqsir means shortening or clipping of hair. After performing the sacred sacrifice, men pilgrims are advised to get their heads completely shaved or clipped.

While forbidden to shave their heads, women are advised to get a strand or lock of their hairs chopped. The act of Halq and Taqsir symbolizes a Muslim’s complete devotion to Allah (SWT) and detachment from worldly appearances.

After completing the ritual, pilgrims return to the Holy Kaaba in Makkah to perform the “Tawaf al-Ifadah,” also known as the “Farewell Tawaf,” followed by Sa’I. Though this officially marks the end of Hajj, many pilgrims also visit Madinah before heading home.

Why Do Muslims Go Around the Kaaba 7 Times?

There’s no specific explanation as to why Muslims go around the Kaaba seven times. Just like Muslims are advised to worship five times a day, they are told to take seven rounds around the Holy Kaaba while performing Umrah or Hajj.

However, the act of Tawaf is a reflection of the idea that a Muslim’s life should only revolve around obeying the commands of Allah (SWT) and following the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

Summary – 7 Steps of Hajj

Hajj is one of the five essential pillars of Islam. Being compulsory on every Muslim, it is advised that Hajj be offered at least once by financially and physically able Muslims.

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Step 1 - Ihram and Intentions

• Step 2 - Mina aka “City of tents”
• Step 3 - Mina to Arafat, 9th day of Dhul-Hijjah

Step 4 - Muzdalifah

• Step 5 - Rami - Stoning the devil

Step 6 - Nahr

Step 7 - farewell tawaf, step 2 - mina aka “city of tents”, step 3 - mina to arafat, 9th day of dhul-hijjah, step 5 - rami (stoning the devil), summary - 7 steps of hajj.

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How Hajj is performed-A step by step Hajj guide

  “And complete the Hajj and Umrah for Allah.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:196)

Importance / Virtues of Hajj:

1- Hajj is one of the best acts of worship and is one of the Pillars of Islam.

(Sahih Bukhari: 8)

2- Hajj purifies the sins and pilgrim becomes sinless as a newborn child.

(Sahih Bukhari: 1521)

3- Reward of Hajj Mabroor (the one accepted by Allah) is Paradise.

(Sahih Bukhari: 1773)

4- The pilgrims performing Hajj are guests of Allah.

(Ibn Majah: 2892)

5- For women, Hajj equals (in reward) observing Jihad for the sake of Allah.

(Sahih Bukhari: 1520)

Conditions that make Hajj obligatory upon a Muslim:

1- Has to be a Muslim . 

2- Has to be Sane and of Sound Mind .

(Abu Dawud: 4403)

3- Has to be an Adult .

4- Being Free ( Hajj is not obligatory for a slave ). 

5- One who has the ability to do it (both Bodily and Monetarily).

(Surah Al-Imran 3:97)

The Etiquette of Hajj:

Following points should be observed by a pilgrim for Hajj (these are not obligatory):

1- All expenses of the Hajj should be arranged from Halal earnings . 

2- Intention of Hajj should remain sincere i-e there should be no thought of trade or business or any other intention other than performance of Hajj.

3- During your entire journey of Hajj, don’t talk harshly with anyone , be gentle and loving with everyone.

4- You should not involve yourself in quarrels , indecent talks and conversations about the matters of this world.  Instead, you should busy yourself in recitation of the Holy Quran and Dhikr of Allah .

5- Do as much good deeds as possible during this blessed journey.

Essential (Fraidh) and obligatory actions (Wajibaat) of Hajj:

The essential parts (Fraidh) of Hajj are three:

1- Entering Ihraam with the intention to start the rituals of Hajj. 

2- Standing / Staying in Arafat (also called Wuquf at Arafat).

(Tirmidhi: 2975)

3- Tawaf Al-Ifadah , also called Tawaf Al-Ziyaarah.

(Surah Hajj 22:29)

Obligatory acts (Wajibaat) of Hajj are six:

1- Staying at Muzdalifah . 

2- Sa’yee between Safa and Marwah (This can be performed with Tawaf Al-Ifadah).

3- Stoning / Pelting of Jamarah (Rami) .

4- Sacrifice of an Animal (only for pilgrims performing Hajj-e-Tamattu & Hajj-e-Qiran).

5- Shaving the head or cutting the hair.

6- Tawaf-ul-Wada of Kaaba (Farewell Tawaf).

Remember that Hajj becomes invalid if any essential parts (Faraidh) is omitted, whereas if an obligatory act (Wajibaat) is omitted, Hajj is still valid, but the one who omits it must offer a compensatory sacrifice called “Dam” (a sheep) for each omission of obligatory act.

Ihraam & Talbiyah:

Ihraam is the state of purity and holiness. It is basically an intention to perform either Hajj or Umrah or both. Intention is an important element for Ihraam. 

Please CLICK HERE to know about "How to Wear Ihram"

Hajj-e-Tamattu:

• Those living in Makkah and its vicinity cannot perform Hajj-e-Tamattu .
• Before the Fajar prayer of eighth Dhul-Hijjah, pilgrims will put on Ihraam for Hajj only and carries out all of its requirements. There is no need for the pilgrims to go to Meeqat to enter Ihraam for Hajj and pilgrims can enter Ihraam from the place where they are staying in Makkah after completing Umrah.
• After entering state of Ihraam, pilgrim will proceed to Mina and must reach there before Zawal (Dhuhr Prayer) of 8th Dhul Hijjah. Don’t forget to recite Talbiyah on your way to Mina.
• Rest of the rituals of Hajj are same (please go to Day-1 mentioned below).

Hajj-e-Qiran:

• Before 8th Dhul-Hijjah (on 7th Dhul-Hijjah or before Fajar Prayer of 8th Dhul-Hijjah), enter the state of Ihraam from Meeqat with the intention of Umrah for Hajj-e-Qiran ( first Umrah and second Hajj ). 
• Start reciting Talbiyah. Then leave for Masjid Al-Haram (The Sacred Mosque). 
• Then complete all rituals of Umrah i-e Tawaf and Sa’yee but do not shave the head or trim the hair and remain in the state of Ihraam till completion of Hajj.
• It is Sunnah and not mandatory for the one performing Hajj-e-Qiran to perform Tawaf Al-Qudoom (Tawaf of arrival) after performing Umrah. This can be performed anytime after completion of Umrah. 
• Then, pilgrim will proceed to Mina and must reach there before Zawal (Dhuhr Prayer) of 8th Dhul Hijjah. Don’t forget to recite Talbiyah on your way to Mina.

Hajj-e-Ifraad:

• Before 8th Dhul-Hijjah (on 7th Dhul-Hijjah or before Fajar Prayer of 8th Dhul-Hijjah), enter the state of Ihraam from Meeqat with the intention of Hajj only . 
• Start reciting Talbiyah. Then leave for Masjid Al-Haram (The Sacred Mosque).
• Upon reaching Masjid Al-Haram, stop reciting Talbiyah and start Tawaf Al-Qudoom (Tawaf of arrival). This is Sunnah. 
• After completing Tawaf, perform Sa’yee of Safa and Marwa . This is also Sunnah. This is not mandatory and pilgrim can leave for Mina without performing Sa’yee but most scholars recommend to do both Tawaf and Sa’yee before leaving for Mina. 
• After completing Sa’yee, do not Cut or Trim the hair and remain in the state of Ihraam (no matter how long the period between pilgrim’s Umrah and Hajj may be.)
• Pilgrim will proceed to Mina and must reach there before Zawal (Dhuhr Prayer) of 8th Dhul Hijjah. Don’t forget to recite Talbiyah on your way to Mina.

1st Day of Hajj

Tarwiyah day (8th dhul hijjah).

‏ لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ لَبَّيْكَ لاَ شَرِيكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ إِنَّ الْحَمْدَ وَالنِّعْمَةَ لَكَ وَالْمُلْكَ لاَ شَرِيكَ لَكَ ‏

(Labbayk, Allahumma Labbayk. Labbayk La shareeka laka Labbayk. Innal-hamda wan-n'imata laka wal-mulk, La shareeka lak.) Translation: “Ever at Your service, O Allah, every at Your service. Ever at Your Service, You have no partner, ever at Your service. Verily all praise, blessings and dominions are Yours. You have no partner.”

2nd Day of Hajj

Day of arafah (9th dhul hijjah):.

لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ لَهُ الْمُلْكُ وَلَهُ الْحَمْدُ وَهُوَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٍ   (Laa ilaaha ill-allaahu, waḥdahu laa shareeka lah, lahul-mulku wa lahul-ḥamdu, wa huwa ‛alaa kulli shay’in qadeer)  Translation: "There is none worthy of worship besides Allah, He is all by Himself, He has no partner, His is the Kingdom, for Him is all praise, He has power over all things."

أَللّهُ أَكْبَرُ  (Allaahu 'Akbar) أَللّهُ أَحَدٌ  (Allaahu 'Ahad ) لاَإِلَهَ إِلاَّ اللهُ (Laa 'ilaaha 'illallaah)

3rd Day of Hajj

First day of eid (10th dhul hijjah): .

الله اكبر (Allahu Akbar) (Allah is Greatest)

بِسْمِ اللهِ واللهُ أَكْبَرُ اللَّهُمَّ مِنْكَ ولَكَ اللَّهُمَّ تَقَبَّلْ مِنِّي

4th Day of Hajj

Second day of eid (11th dhul hijjah):, 5th day of hajj, third day of eid (12th dhul hijjah):, 6th day of hajj – optional, (13th dhul hijjah)  (only for those who are still in mina):.

The Quran, written centuries ago, contains profound hints at future discoveries. It includes scientific facts that surpass the knowledge of anyone who lived in the 7th century. This serves as compelling evidence of the divine nature of the Quran.

This year, Nisf Shaban (Shab-e-Barat) will start after the sunset of Tuesday, March 7th, 2023.

Isra wal Meraj is a journey of faith and revelation that the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) took from Makkah to Jerusalem and then to the 7th Heaven.

Isra and Miraj (The Night Journey) is miraculous journey that Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) took in one night from Makkah to Bait al-Maqdas and then an ascension to the heavens.

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• 1.1 History
• 7 Stay healthy
• 8.1 Stampedes
• 8.2 Hajj scams

The traditional annual Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca , the Hajj is a mandatory religious duty for Muslims and is the largest annual gathering of people in the world. It occurs between the 8th and 12th of the last month of the Islamic calendar, Dhu al-Hijjah. Hajj is that symbolic pilgrimage when millions of Muslims from around the world belonging to different ethnic groups, socioeconomic strata and cultures travel to Mecca together and praise to Allah and ask for forgiveness of their sins.

The five day spiritual Hajj, which dates back to the 7th century of the Christian calendar, is designed to promote the bonds and affection between Muslim communities and shows that everyone is equal in the eyes of Allah by wearing simple white garment Ihram. Pilgrims spend days worshiping in and around the holy city of Mecca and perform rituals that make up the Hajj.

Understand [ edit ]

The Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam ; every adult Muslim is supposed to do it at some time in their life if health and finances permit. In poorer areas it is not uncommon for whole families or even whole villages to chip in to send one person.

It is an exceedingly cosmopolitan affair. Predominantly Muslim areas include most of North Africa , the Middle East and Central Asia , plus South and Southeast Asian countries such as Pakistan , Bangladesh , Malaysia and Indonesia and several countries in West Africa . Several other areas have large Muslim minorities and there are some Muslims nearly everywhere. The pilgrimage brings Muslims from all these places together.

It is also one of the largest human migrations. Every year over two million people visit Saudi Arabia for this pilgrimage. Since they all arrive at roughly the same time and visit the same places in the same order, and since a large number of Saudis go as well, this is a major logistical problem. The Saudi government has a ministry to manage it.

The Hajj can only be completed during the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah. A pilgrimage to Mecca at any other time is known as Umrah (عمرة), and while not compulsory is strongly recommended.

History [ edit ]

The early history of Hajj can be traced back to the time of Abraham, around 2000 BCE. According to Islamic tradition, Abraham was ordered by Allah to leave his wife Hagar and his son Ishmael alone in the uninhabited desert with little food and water, where Mecca stands today. When the food and water were gone, Hagar, in search of water for her baby Ishmael, desperately ran seven times between the two hills of Safa and Marwah but found nothing. Returning in despair to Ishmael, she saw him scratching the ground with his leg and a water fountain underneath. Later, the uninhabited desert area started to attract inhabitants due to availability of water and tribes started to settle in Mecca. When Ishmael grew up, he was married into a tribe in Mecca. At some point, Abraham was commanded by Allah to construct a building believed to be the Kaaba, which he did with the help of Ishmael. Abraham was commanded by Allah to invite people to perform pilgrimage in Mecca around the Kaaba.

In pre-Islamic Arabia, Meccans were idol worshippers and the Kaaba was surrounded by pagan idols. During the annual pilgrimage season, people would visit the Kaaba to perform rituals some of which were introduced by Arabs of that time. It is believed some pilgrims would perform tawaf around Kaaba in a naked state. During the initial years of Muhammad's prophethood, the pilgrimage season offered Muhammad the occasion to preach Islam to the foreign people who came to Mecca for pilgrimage. In 630 CE, after Mecca was conquered by Muhammad, he led his followers from Medina to Mecca, cleansed the Kaaba by destroying all the pagan idols, and then reconsecrated the building to Allah. In 631 CE, at the direction of Muhammad, Abu Bakr led some 300 Muslims to the pilgrimage in Mecca where Ali delivered a sermon stipulating the new rites of Hajj and abrogating the pagan rites. He especially declared that no unbeliever, pagan, or naked man would be allowed to circumambulate the Kaaba from the next year. In 632 CE, Muhammad performed his only pilgrimage with a large number of followers, and instructed them on the rites of Hajj and the manners of performing them. From then, Hajj became one of the five pillars of Islam.

In medieval times, pilgrims would gather in the big cities of Syria, Egypt, and Iraq to go to Mecca in groups and caravans comprising tens of thousands of pilgrims, often under state patronage. Some Hajj caravans were guarded by soldiers because there were risks of robbery or attack or natural hazards. Muslim travelers like Ibn Jubayr and Ibn Battuta have recorded detailed accounts of Hajj travels in medieval times.

Despite it being illegal for non-Muslims, a few Western explorers have managed the journey — most notably, Sir Richard Burton made the Hajj in 1853 and wrote an account of the trip .

Prepare [ edit ]

Unless you are a citizen of Saudi Arabia you will need a visa, obtained in advance from a Saudi embassy. Visas are allocated on a quota system, based on the number of Muslims in a country. You may need to provide evidence that you are Muslim, such as a letter from your local mosque. You are not permitted to perform the Hajj on a tourist visa; you will need a special Hajj visa for the purpose. However, you may perform Umrah on a tourist visa outside the Hajj season.

Citizens of most countries can register directly with the Saudi government on their Hajj website , where Hajj visas are allocated on a first come first serve basis. Some countries have domestic regulation on the Hajj; in these countries, you will need to register with the local governing body of Islam, who will allocate Hajj places based on their own domestic rules.

Women under 45 are required to travel with a mahram, a related adult male who is the head of her family (usually a husband or father), and proof of the relationship is required. Women over 45 may travel without a mahram if they're in an organized group and each has a letter of permission from the man who would be her mahram.

Proof of vaccination for meningitis (specifically the ACYW135 vaccine) between three years before and ten days before your entry into Saudi Arabia is required. Yellow fever vaccination is required if you arrive from any country with known yellow fever infections, and polio vaccinations are required for children up to 15. As millions of people from all over the world gather for Hajj and therefore you will be exposed to many diseases, you may want to discuss other vaccinations and preventative measures with your doctor.

Throughout Hajj you are expected to remove signs of wealth or class distinctions by replacing your clothing with simple white garments. These pieces are called ‘ihram clothing’, and for women comprise of a white abaya, scarf or shawl and socks. The ihram clothing of Hajj is a signifier of equality: all pilgrims are presented as equals in the eyes of God. The white clothing also symbolises purity, and the state of absolute devotion that the pilgrims are in.

Get in [ edit ]

In medieval times, people made the pilgrimage to Mecca by camel caravan or by ship; the journey often took months, sometimes even years.

Today, most pilgrims arrive via the airport at Jeddah . Airlines in most Muslim countries offer special flights specifically for Hajj and Jeddah has many regular commercial flights as well, in particular flights to most major European or Middle Eastern hubs. See Jeddah#Get_in for more information.

There are two special Hajj terminals, the largest buildings by roof area in the world at 260,000 m 2 (2.8 million ft 2 ). They are enormous tents of fiberglass fabric on reinforced concrete poles and steel cables. At Hajj time, there are dozens of large aircraft parked alongside these terminals. These are used only for the Hajj; the airport has other terminals for normal travel. Driving to the North Terminal, you pass between the two Hajj terminals.

From Jeddah — for most pilgrims, directly from the airport — there are chartered buses and taxis to Mecca. Many are painted in the yellow and black pattern used on school buses in North America; seeing dozens of those on the highway is a strange sight if you know them as school buses.

Medina is another entry point, with its airport handling many Hajj flights as well.

The Haramain High-Speed Railway connects Mecca to Medina via Jeddah, and is the quickest and most comfortable way to get to Mecca once you've landed in Saudi Arabia.

Umrah [ edit ]

Upon arriving in Mecca and checking into a hotel, pilgrims head to Masjid al-Haram and do Tawaf which involves walking around the Kaaba four times at a fast pace and three times at a slow pace. Tawaf is followed by sa'ay which is done by walking seven times back and forth between the hills of Safa and Marwah (both rituals done within the Masjid al-Haram ).

These first two steps, which can be done at any time of the year, are known as the "lesser Hajj" or Umrah , while the full course is known as the "greater Hajj" or al-Hajj al-Akbar .

Hajj [ edit ]

The traditional Hajj route is as follows:

• First day of Hajj – The 8th day of the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah is the first day of the Hajj pilgrimage. Pilgrims enter into a state of holiness by wearing the Ihram while inside Mecca and proceed to Mina, a neighborhood of Mecca and is some 10 km away from central Mecca. Pilgrims go by walking in large groups and camp overnight in Mina. Mina, the city of tents, has more than 100,000 air-conditioned tents which provide temporary accommodation to Hajj pilgrims. Pilgrims spend the day praying during their stay in Mina.
• Second day of Hajj – On the 9th, pilgrims started to move towards the desert plains of Arafat, some 15 km away from Mina. It is said that a pilgrim's Hajj is considered invalid if they do not spend the afternoon in Arafat. Arafat remains uninhabited most of the year except during Hajj season when it is jam-packed. Pilgrims spend time praying in Arafat until sunset. And as soon as the sun sets, the pilgrims begin to leave Arafat for Muzdalifah. Muzdalifah is some 10 km from Arafat on the route between Mina and Arafat. Pilgrims collect pebbles for the next day's ritual of the stoning of the devil in Arafat and camp overnight at open area of Muzdalifah, and often end-up sleeping in the open air.
• Third day of Hajj – Eid al-Adha begins . On the 10th of Dhu al-Hijjah , pilgrims proceed back to Mina and from Mina continue proceeding towards Jamarat Bridge, some 5 km from Mina. At Jamarat Bridge, a symbolic stoning of the devil is performed which involves throwing seven pebbles at the large wall representing the Devil. After performing the stoning of the devil, pilgrims do the sacrifice of an animal (often performed by proxy by buying a sacrifice voucher in Mecca). After which pilgrims move back to Mecca and do Tawaf and Sa'ii of Hajj. Now Ihram are removed and normal clothing can be worn. By night, pilgrims move back to Mina and spend the night there.
• Fourth day of Hajj – On the 11th, pilgrims again proceed to Jamarat Bridge and perform the stoning of the devil . Pilgrims spend the night in Mina.
• Fifth day of Hajj – On the 12th, pilgrims again proceed to Jamarat Bridge and perform yet another stoning of the devil . By sunset, they move back to Mecca.
• Sixth day of Hajj – On the 13th, pilgrims perform Tawaf Widaa , a final circumambulation of the Kaaba and start to leave Mecca for their homes.

A visit to Medina is optional (though highly encouraged) and not part of the Hajj, but most pilgrims visit Medina after completing the Hajj before heading home.

Buy [ edit ]

It is fairly common for pilgrims coming from carpet-producing areas (much of the Muslim world) to bring along a few rugs to sell along the way to help finance their trip. Places like the bazaar in Jeddah therefore often have a broad selection of rugs, some from quite far away.

Prayer rugs make particularly good souvenirs because they have religious significance and are small enough to be reasonably easy to transport and often moderately priced.

Medina dates are famously excellent.

Stay healthy [ edit ]

The Hajj brings together vast multitudes of pilgrims from all around the world. As of 2013, the Ministry of Hajj states that vaccinations for meningococcal meningitis are required for all pilgrims, and those from yellow fever zones must have a vaccination for that as well.

During major epidemics, Saudi health officials sometimes restrict travel to Mecca and Medina – for instance, during the MERS, Ebola, and COVID-19 epidemics in 2013, 2014, and 2020, respectively.

Stay safe [ edit ]

Stampedes [ edit ].

Hajj attracts dangerously huge crowds with multiple associated risks. From 1990 to 2015, 2777 pilgrims were killed in crushes or stampedes. A crowded tent city in Mina burned in 1997, killing 340. Another 402 died in 1987, when security forces broke up an Iranian demonstration against the United States of America . A construction crane killed 107 when it collapsed in 2015. All of the usual dangers with large crowds, including pickpockets , are very much present.

Stampedes are particularly likely during the stoning of the jamraat . Immediately after the noon prayer is the most crowded and thus the most dangerous time. Tight access controls and a new multi-level bridge spreading out pilgrims prevented a recurrence until 2015, when a stampede during the stoning of the jamraat again led to hundreds of deaths.

Hajj scams [ edit ]

Before the pilgrimage begins, scammers often operate by offering nonexistent air tickets and accommodation, which lands pilgrims stranded after they arrived in Medina or Mecca. Fake Hajj tour packages could also be advertised, with scammers disappear after they received payment. The following provides some advice:

• Always check for the tour operator's background and ensure they are properly licensed and accredited by your local authority.
• In some countries (such as the United Kingdom), tour operators that sells air tickets are also required to be licensed, which ensures booked air tickets are still valid if the tour operator collapses. You should also check for such licensing if they exist in your country. Recommendations from acquaintances may not be authentic.
• Always ensure the terms and conditions are clearly written and keep receipts. They will be useful evidence in case you fall into scam.
• Do not pay in cash or bank transfer, which makes recovering assets difficult. Legitimate tour operators can usually accept credit or debit cards.

Go next [ edit ]

Special visas for Hajj are strictly limited to Mecca , Medina , Mina, Arafah and Muzdalifah. Traveling anywhere else in Saudi Arabia will require an additional travel permit, which is difficult and time-consuming to obtain, and is rarely granted without good reason (e.g. medical emergencies).

Most pilgrims head to Medina after performing Hajj and stay there for few days before going back home. Medina is where Muhammad lived and taught from when he was driven out of Mecca until his triumphant return, and is also where he was buried.

During the Hajj season flights between Jeddah or Medina and any Muslim country are quite cheap since there are many flights full of pilgrims going one way (in before Hajj and out after) and airlines do not want to fly the other way with empty planes. Muslim expatriates working in Saudi Arabia often take advantage of this to visit home; Western expats use it for vacations.

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Hajj fifth pillar of Islam and one of the most important journey’s of a Muslim life . A perfect Hajj is one that can bring positive and permanent change in ones life into a new beginning.

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Umrah is a journey to the House of Allah, which can be undertaken at any time of the year. The performance of one Umrah to another is an expiation of sins.

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Hajj is a Holy Pilgrimage. It is one of the pillars of Islam and must be performed by all Muslims, if physically and mentally fit and financially able to afford the journey.

Haj & Umra Travel Limited has over 50 years experience in organising HAJJ & UMRAH Tours. Our tours are tailored to take care of all the planning associated with travelling abroad, so you the passenger can spend your time at ziyarat and prayers during your stay in Saudi Arabia. Our experienced staff will accompany you at each stage of the trip to make sure that everything runs as smoothly as possible.

AND WE WILL MOST CERTAINLY TRY YOU WITH SOMEWHAT OF FEAR AND HUNGER AND LOSS OF PROPERTY AND LIVES AND FRUITS; AND GIVE GOOD NEWS TO THE PATIENT. Holy Qur’an, Sura II, 155

FOR HAJJ – ARE THE WELL KNOWN MONTHS, SO WHOEVER INTENDS TO PERFORM HAJJ, THERE SHALL BE NO OBSCENITY, NOR WICKEDNESS, NOR WRANGLING DURING HAJJ, AND WHATEVER YOU DO, ALLAH KNOWS IT; AND MAKE PROVISION, BUT THE BEST OF PROVISIONS IS RIGHT CONDUCT, SO FEAR ME, O MEN OF UNDERSTANDING. Holy Qur’an, Sura II, 197.

On the 6th of June 2022 the Saudi Ministry of Hajj announced the introduction of a new system for European, American and Australian pilgrims to register for Hajj. This new system is under development, and there may be an option for us to support you during Hajj. You can email us a copy of your passport with your email address and mobile number, to [email protected]. Once we have the details of the packages for this year we will be in touch, inshaAllah.

The UK quota seems to be about 3,500 Hajj visas per year within this new system, however, there is a much greater number of people who would like to perform Hajj. In 2023 within 1 or 2 days of the packages being released all the UK quota was filled. Therefore it is important to be ready and act fast.

The first step is to register on the Saudi website at https://hajj.nusuk.sa, usually after a few days you should receive an email to inform you that the registration has been approved. Second step is to choose a category of package which you prefer from Standard, Premium and Luxury. The prices vary the price range for Standard packages is about £4500 – £7500, Premium £9000 – £10000, and Luxury £12000 to £16000. Third step is to activate your eWallet, and have sufficient funds in it for purchasing the required packages.

You can configure the package and have it ready for purchase.

It is important that the Saudi authorities inform everyone in advance about the exact date and time at which the Hajj packages are to be released so that everyone has a fair chance of purchasing a package.

Hotels booked for the whole duration of your stay in Saudi Arabia, including the 5 days of Hajj. No Apartments.

Limited number of places only. All prices are per person. The above dates may vary according to the sighting of the moon and local regulations.

* One night may be lost due to flight times and delays.

All Tours Include: Return air fares from London – All accommodation is fully air-conditioned – Round transfers by air-conditioned coaches, as per itinerary – Mina, Arafat, Mozdalifah and ziyarat in Madinah – Religious guides – Application for Visa – Meals in Mina and Arafat as per itinerary – Mattress, pillow and sleeping bags are provided in Mina – Pre Hajj reception – DVD and guide books.

Traditional Itinerary – Tours with full access to the accommodation in Makkah before, during and after Hajj rituals. This means that you can arrive at Makkah in good time before the Hajj rituals begin, check-in to your accommodation perform Umrah have a few days to rest and visit Masjid Al-Haram and prepare for Hajj [it is worth noting that the journey from Madinah to Makkah during Hajj can take 10 to 12 Hours, therefore a period of rest before the hajj rituals begin would be very helpful ]. Once the Hajj rituals begin you do not need to check out of your room and can access the accommodation for its private facilities. Upon completion of Hajj prepare to leave Makkah as per itinerary.

Tents in Mina and Arafat are in the European Section which means that (a) we have access to the shuttle system and hence the journey between Mina, Arafat and Mozdalifah each only takes 15-25 minutes, compared to the public road system that results in 5-8 hours for each trip and sometimes much longer [tents near Jamarat only have access to public roads] (b) generally cleaner, less crowded and practically incident free (c) we provide basic meals in all our tents InshaAllah. Mattress, pillow and sleeping bags are provided too.

Qurbani is a required part of the Hajj rituals (like Ihram, Tawaf, Saee etc…) for which you are responsible. We will have a representative of Haj and Umra Travel in Saudi Arabia  who can assist you with this task and the cost would be £100 – £120 per sheep per person depending on the method you choose.

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“Many of the flights and flight-inclusive holidays on this website are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. But ATOL protection does not apply to all holiday and travel services listed on this website. Please ask us to confirm what protection may apply to your booking. If you do not receive an ATOL Certificate then the booking will not be ATOL protected. If you do receive an ATOL Certificate but all the parts of your trip are not listed on it, those parts will not be ATOL protected. Please see our booking conditions for information, or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to: www.atol.org.uk/ATOLCertificate “

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Millions of people from around the world undertake the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca every year. Umrah is a pilgrimage that can be completed at any time of the year. 

Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah offers an electronic portal for Hajj registration and bookings. The portal allows for electronic Hajj visa applications and provides additional information, such as an FAQ page and awareness guides.

In order to participate in Hajj, U.S. citizens must have a permit issued through the Saudi Arabian Ministry Website. That rule applies whether you are visiting or living in Saudi Arabia.  If you participate in Hajj without a permit, you may be deported, detained, fined, or banned from future visits to Saudi Arabia.

Refer to https://hajj.nusuk.sa/ for all related information, including required vaccines and medical insurance, specific mobile apps needed to enter holy sites, and other details. Please also see the current Travel Advisory and Country Information page for Saudi Arabia.

Note: Once you arrive in Mecca for Hajj, you must get permission from the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah before leaving Saudi Arabia. This rule applies until Hajj is over.

Personal Security

Travelers seeking to perform Hajj and Umrah are often targets for scammers. Watch out for dishonest guides or people pretending to be tour operators, who may leave pilgrims stranded without paying their bills. Also, be cautious of hotels that demand fees to return passports.

There are reports of pickpocketing, theft, and other crime in Mecca, particularly in the area of the Grand Mosque. There are also reports of crime in Medina, where there are large crowds of people. Always carry contact information for your hotel and tour operator.

Keep travel documents (your U.S. passport or U.S. “green card” residency permit) secure during your trip.  Make two copies of your passport—including pages stamped with Saudi visas—with one saved digitally and the other in a safe place while you travel.

Emergency Contact Information for U.S. Citizens

• U.S. Embassy Riyadh: (966) (11) 835-4000
• U.S. Consulate General Jeddah: (966) (12) 220-5000
• U.S. Consulate General Dhahran: (966) (13) 839-5700

Between 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. local time in Saudi Arabia, Sunday through Thursday, ask for the American Citizen Services Unit. For emergency cases outside of those hours or during holidays,  use the same numbers listed above to reach a duty officer for assistance.

Visa Information

The Hijri calendar is used in Saudi Arabia for all official functions.  Please review the dates on your visa carefully, and make sure you know when it expires.

Do not overstay your Hajj or Umrah visa . If you stay in Saudi Arabia longer than you are allowed, you may have to pay fines in order to depart the country.  Fines can be thousands of dollars. You might also be held in detention until your deportation proceedings. Additionally, you could be banned from returning to Saudi Arabia in the future.

Permitted areas of travel and duration of stay:   If you are unsure, ask Saudi airport officials or the Passport Office (jawazat) for clarification upon arrival.

• Hajj and Umrah (pilgrimage) visas are  not valid for work or residency .
• Non-Muslims are forbidden to travel to Mecca and the portions of Medina which are considered sacred.
• All pilgrims visiting for Hajj must leave Saudi Arabia after the completion of Hajj.

Women Pilgrims

Women can register for Hajj without a male guardian if they go in a group with other women.

Travelers With Disabilities

Be prepared for standards of accessibility and accommodation below the minimum of what is required in the United States. While most of the Holy Sites, such as the Grand Mosque in Mecca, are accessible to disabled people , most hotels and transportation options are not. Check with your tour group provider to ensure your needs are well known and can be accommodated.

Photographs

You are not allowed to take photos (still or video, even with your phone) at the Holy Mosque in Mecca or the Prophet's Mosque in Medina. If you break this rule, your device may be taken away.

Safety and Emergency Information

Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.

Follow us on Twitter  @KSA_ACS  and  @TravelGov  as well as the U.S. Mission Saudi Arabia ,  Consulate General Jeddah , and Bureau of Consular Affairs Facebook pages.

Emergency Contact Information for Hajj Authorities

• The National Tawafa Company for Pilgrims of Turkey and Muslims of Europe, Americas, and Australia Telephone: +966-920-012-013 Fax:  966-920-006-620 Website:   http://www.teaa.com.sa/   Street Address: Mecca Al Mukarramah, Al Nuzha Road, near Alnuzha Bridge
• Health Affairs : 012-530-8812
• Lost Pilgrims: 012-530-8813
• Emergency Services : For all emergencies including ambulance service call 911.

What The United States Government Can and Cannot Do

We hope you have a trouble-free hajj or umrah like thousands of other pilgrims from the united states do every year. if something goes wrong, u.s. embassy riyadh and consulate general jeddah can help you with consular services, such as:.

• Arranging for emergency U.S. passports and “boarding foils” for lost I-551 (“green cards”) for U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents. After Hajj, please bring a report from the police station regarding the theft or loss, and a copy of your U.S. passport or green card if possible.
• Seeking to contact you within 24 hours of being told that you have been arrested . 
• Providing contact information for local lawyers and hospitals.
• Arranging for a spouse or next of kin to be informed if you are involved in an accident, are arrested, or die, and advising them on the appropriate procedures.

The U.S. government cannot:

• Arrange for travel outside of the designated areas in Mecca and Medina.
• Resolve alleged or actual immigration violations.
• Become involved in any disputes involving a travel agency, hotel, airline, or any other service provider.
• Manage airline, hotel, or other travel bookings.
• Pay for hotel, legal, medical, travel, or other bills.
• Obtain your release from prison.
• Provide legal advice or intervene in court cases or criminal investigations.

Enroll in STEP

Subscribe to get up-to-date safety and security information and help us reach you in an emergency abroad.

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Learn about your destination

Make two copies of all of your travel documents in case of emergency, and leave one with a trusted friend or relative.

External Link

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0207 702 1709    [email protected]

Sign up to find out more about the Hajj 2024 process and package details when released!

Alhamdulillah we have launched the most powerful global Umrah booking platform. Search, plan and book your flights, accommodation and transport all in one place in a few clicks. BookUmrah the easy way!

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Our current available umrah tours.

Umrah Guided Tours – Makkah First – October Half-Term 2024 – Flights From London (Qatar Air)

This package has been tailored for those wishing to perform Umrah in October 2024 for a guided, spiritual, and Educational Tour with Hasan Travel & Tours UK (awarded “Best UK Umrah Tour Operator 2019”- by the Hajj Awards 2019 of CBHUK). 9 Nights Package Includes:...

Umrah Guided Tours – Makkah First – 12 Nights Summer Holiday 2024 – Flights From London, Birmingham & Manchester (Turkish Air)

This package has been tailored for those wishing to perform Umrah in the Summer Holiday 2024 for a guided, spiritual, and Educational Tour with Hasan Travel & Tours UK (awarded “Best UK Umrah Tour Operator 2019”- by the Hajj Awards 2019 of CBHUK). Package...

Umrah Ramadan 2024 – Spend your Last 10 nights in Makkah and Madinah

This package has been tailored for those wishing to perform Umrah during the holy month of Ramadan 2024. An experience like none other during the blessed month spent on the grounds of the sacred masjids.Package Includes: Return flight on Saudi Airlines to Jeddah and...

Hajj 2024 – Register Interest with Hasan Travel Complete

Professionalism and reliability is what we look for when arranging our Umrah tours, and after three consecutive trips with groups booked with Hasan Travel, that’s exactly what we found. MashaAllah, a pleasure to work with their team both in the UK and on the ground in Saudi.

I recently experienced the service provided by Hasan Travel & Tours, and it was outstanding. The team demonstrated exceptional knowledge about all the destinations we visited, making the journey not only smooth but also enriching. From logistics to insightful information, Hasan Team ensured a seamless and informative experience. Overall, a top-notch service that I highly recommend.

We have just returned from an amazing Umrah with Hasan Travel & Tours and MashAllah they exceeded all expectations.

We took a group of 32 people for a work trip, most of whom were Deaf. The brothers from Hasan Travels (both Brother Muhtadi and Sh. Mishkat) were extremely diligent in the planning and execution. They went out of their way during every part of the process. Their communication was prompt, they made expectations clear and their advice was spot on.

Being seasoned Umrah and Tour providers, they knew exactly what would be suitable for our group and were very professional in their dealings with us. During the trip, Sheikh Mishkat was our tour guide. He made himself available pretty much 24/7 and there was never a sense of getting annoyed from all the questions, requests or anything we asked of him. We learned so much from him as a group. As someone who has resided in Saudi for a number of years, he knew he ins and outs. Their services are very well matched for working professionals or anyone that may wish to travel there.

I would highly recommend them. Being a family run establishment for decades now, they have a really good reputation and I understand now why!

Don’t settle for less when you’re booking the journey of a lifetime

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Unit 226 – 1310 Dundas Street East Mississauga, Ontario L4Y 2C1, Canada

Exciting Partnership Announcement!

Al-bait guests for pilgrims services & travel guide ..

We are delighted to share the exhilarating news of our newfound partnership—Al-Bait Guests for Pilgrims Services and Travel Guide are joining forces as Canada Marketing Partners. This collaboration is designed to offer unparalleled support and guidance to Canadian pilgrims embarking on their sacred journey.

Why Choose Us? ✨ Reputable Expertise: Al-Bait Guests is acknowledged as one of Saudi Arabia’s largest and most reputable Hajj providers, contributing years of invaluable experience and trust.

Global Reach: Travel Guide Inc, with its global perspective, collaborates to provide specialized marketing support tailored for the Canadian audience.

What Does This Mean for You? As we synergize our strengths, our mission is to ensure a seamless and spiritually enriching pilgrimage experience for Canadian pilgrims. From expert guidance to comprehensive services, we are devoted to making your sacred journey memorable and spiritually fulfilling.

Stay Connected: Follow us on social media for updates, insights, and exclusive offerings. Your journey matters, and we are here to support you every step of the way.

Welcome to a new chapter of enriched pilgrimage experiences! 🌟

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The epicenter of modern Russia, Moscow booms with shiny new skyscrapers, the bulbous onion domes of the tsars and politically-rich Red Square. Explore the metropolis with a tourHQ guide.

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Jorge De Reval

I am a happy, enthusiastic, amusing Spanish guy. Lively and hyperactive. Recently became qualified ...

Stephen Florian

Holds a Masters Degree in Theatre Arts.

Julia Koval

Hello!My name is Julia and I work as a guide last 4 years, but before together with my friends we ...

Ekaterina Smirnova

Please note: I'm away from Moscow June 11-26, 2021. I am a native Muscovite but traveled ...

Vasil Valiev

Occupation: Senior guide-translator. Guiding since 2012 in Altai mountains, North of Russia ...

Marina Spasskaya

Hi there! My name is Marina and I'm a licensed Moscow city guide.Moscow is like ...

Greetings from Saint Petersburg. This is your private tour guide Ali in Saint Petersburg. I was ...

Maria Deulina

Dear friends,My name is Maria, I am a licensed guide about Moscow. Being a native Muscovite I have ...

Ashraf Rabei

My name is Ashraf ...I'm graduated from faculty of tourism and hotel guidance department, in Egypt ...

Hengameh Ghanavati

My name is Hengameh Ghanavati. Im a licenced international tour guide since 2014 and I have ...

Todd Passey

We are a cooperative of highly experienced, certified, professional guides. Each guide takes ...

Tim Brinley

Young at heart, adventurous, organized, good people skills, a good speaker, entertaining, ...

Nikolay Borkovoy

Hace 32 años nací en la ciudad de Moscú. Tengo experiencia trabajando como guía turístico en ...

Anika Socotra-International

Our mission is to provide you with the kind of holiday you want: where you can relax in wonderful ...

The sprawling, mind-boggling metropolis of Russian Moscow has long been one of the theatrical stages on which the great dramas of Europe and Asia have been played out in grand style. Burned by Napoleon in 1812, immortalised by Tolstoy, utilised by the Bolsheviks and championed as a bastion of heroic defiance by the post-war communists, it’s almost hard to believe just how defining the historical events that found their home on Moscow’s streets have been. Moscow tour guides will easily be able to mark the major must-see landmarks on the map, from the onion-domed orthodox Saint Basil's Cathedral, to the political powerhouse of Red Square just next door, while others will be quick to recommend a ride on Moscow’s famous subterranean metro system, or a visit to the UNESCO-attested Novodevichy Convent on the city’s southern side. But Moscow is a city also in the throes of a cultural wrangling between the old and the new. Creative energies abound here: Boho bars and pumping super clubs now occupy the iconic mega structures of the old USSR; high-fashion outlets, trendy shopping malls and luxurious residential districts stand as testimony to a city that’s now the undisputed playground of the world’s super-rich, while sprawling modern art museums dominate the cultural offering of the downtown districts north of the Moskva River.  

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Moscow Tours from Dubai

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Our Available Tours Options for Moscow are:

• The Kremlin Tour (8 Hours)
• City Sightseeing Tours ( 8 Hours)
• Golden Ring Private Tour ( 10 Hours)
• Private Guide Walkin Tours Half Day (4 Hours) or Full Day ( 7 Hours)
• Best Moscow Food and Coffee (4 Hours)

Description

Day 1 arrival in moscow. city tour.

After the tour is over, you are taken to the hotel and check-in. Till the afternoon, you have spare time on hand, so you can either book extra tours or have a rest after the flight.

DAY 2 Kremlin, Cathedrals and the Armory

As a cherry on the pie, this excursion includes a visit to the Armory. Besides the genuine ancient armor collection, the Armory remains a range of Faberge eggs and Russian art pieces. Make sure you have a reservation in the Armory in advance, as it is quite hard to get there on the spot without a booking.

If you want to book an optional tour of Moscow Metro and Old Arbat, the Kremlin part will be rescheduled for the afternoon, as you can participate in metro guided tours only till 1 p.m. Here you will enjoy the most beautiful metro stations, looking like tsar palaces or exquisite theatre halls; when you leave the last underground station, you will be taken to a relaxing walk along the famous pedestrian Arbat Street, with cozy buildings, unusual shops, and restaurants. You may be lucky to see street performances while you are walking and fall into the stream of Moscow youth vibes.

DAY 3Tretyakov Gallery. Departure transfer

After the museum, you say goodbye to your guide and head to the airport with the driver. See you next time!

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Gaming the Middle East: History and humanists in the gaming industry

What role do historians have in the gaming industry? How are historical authenticity and accuracy balanced when mixing entertainment and market forces?

Join the J. Willard Marriott Library in exploring these questions during the presentation and Q&A “Gaming the Middle East: History and humanists in the gaming industry” on April 16 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. in the Gould Auditorium. Event speakers include Raphaël Weyland, an in-house historian at Ubisoft for “Assassin’s Creed Mirage” and Tyler Kynn, a professor at Central Connecticut State University and creator of “The Hajj Trail.” Light refreshments will be provided following the presentations.

Prior to the conversation, there will be open play of “Assassin’s Creed Mirage” and “The Hajj Trail” in ProtoSpace on the second floor to the library from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. From 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. there will be special game demonstrations from both creators in room 2751 on the Data Visualization Wall.

Tyler Kynn is an Assistant Professor of History at Central Connecticut State University. Kynn’s research explores the Hajj in the early modern world, examining both narrative and archival material related to questions of Ottoman sovereignty and power in the Hijaz. Kynn is one of the co-creators of “The Hajj Trail,” a classroom tool and digital simulation of a seventeenth-century Hajj journey coded via the Twine platform. A sequel to the game   entitled “Seyahat: A Journey to Mecca” is currently being worked on using the Unity Engine to present the stories of “The Hajj Trail” in the visual style of Ottoman painting.

Kynn is also working on a book, “A Season for Empire: The Hajj in the Early Modern World.”

Michael Christopher Low , University of Utah

Director, Middle East Center

Assistant Professor, Department of History

Environmental Humanities Research Professor

Alexis Christensen , University of Utah

Associate Professor (Lecturer),World Languages and Cultures

Alf Seegert , University of Utah

Professor, Department of English

Affiliate Professor in the Division of Games

Nathan Wainstein, University of Utah

Assistant Professor, Department of English

The event is made possible through a partnership with the Middle East Center, under the College of Humanities, the Department of English and the Marriott Library’s ProtoSpace.

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