Hajj, which purifies man of sins, is a very sacred journey whose spiritual aspect can be overshadowed when confronted with logistical troubles. Therefore choosing the "perfect" hajj package is essential to permit you to focus on the spiritual part of the journey wholeheartedly.
Following are some aspects to think about 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 are more aware of the most recent rules and regulations of processing visas, can contact Ministry of Hajj to resolve an issue, are accountable to Ministry if pilgrims file a complaint and are more resourceful for making airline, hotel and transportation arrangement Dar ul Tawheed Intercont. They are also cheaper because travel arrangement in Saudi Arabia can only just be done by authorized agencies. Sub agents have to purchase services from these agencies and therefore sell the package at a mark up price.
Despite all the features of licensed agents stated earlier, you are able to pick a sub agent when you have heard good reasons for them. All Authorized agents may not provide a good service though some sub agents are extremely professional. Therefore you need to pick a hajj package provider based on referrals.
Company of a knowledgeable and experienced guide in your group is necessary. Regardless of simply how much information you've accumulated from books and lectures, you might face questions, you had not anticipated before. It is also important to understand if the travel agency seeks advice from their guide. For logistical ease, some agents may plan departure to Arafat and Muzdalifah before the 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 will do the hajj with the pilgrims of the package you've selected. It's difficult to contact the Imam if he is residing in a different hotel, travelling in a different bus or living in a different tent in Mina from yours. This problem is especially common with agencies that offer large selection of packages beneath the guidance of 1 or 2 Imams only.
Having a lady guide would be of added benefit for sisters performing pilgrimage.
It's beneficial to check if the travel agency has a full-time employee in US and Saudi Arabia. The more an agency depends on outside resources, the much more likely it's to have problems with mismanagement. Also the longer an agency has provided Hajj services, the better equipped it's to offer a organized service.
Most Hajj packages advertise price with fare from New York to Jedda. If you live elsewhere, make sure to include the price of domestic air fare to New York whenever choosing a package. Also add the price of Hajj fees and Zabiha to get an estimate of the exact amount you will undoubtedly be spending per person.
Accommodation in an easy site is quite useful. Hotel close to the Haram and Masjid - e- Nabwi is more important than how many stars of a hotel as it would cut travel time, conserve energy for worshiping and save time by not having to stand in long lines to do wudu or use restrooms. It may be better in cases to generally share your room with 4 people in a hotel near Haram and not sharing room with one other person but at a greater distance from the Haram. Moreover hotel ratings are per Saudi Government standards which are very different from the American standards of rating hotels.
Do not worry a lot of if a hajj package does not offer meals in Makkah and Medina. There are lots of options around Haram to eat and drink between prayer times, but may occupy lots of your own time waiting in a line. Hotel buffets is actually a time saver or perhaps a big distraction, as often people may spend lots of time socializing too much. It's however good to receive food in Mina and Arafat as options will undoubtedly be limited. If you should be performing Hajj with family it could be better to decide on a deal that provides 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 many more flight options and might be cheaper. Same does work for leaving Saudi Arab. Medina as a port of entry or exit could save lots of time.
Ask the agent in regards to the precise location of the tent in Mina. VIP Tents are generally (if not all) at a short walking distance from Jamarat. However regular tents in the North American Camp are so far as a 50 minute walk to Jamarat one way. In fact some tents are not even pitched in Mina. They are located beyond huge sign boards that say "Mina ends here"!
Hajj packages promising use of private apartments during stay static in Mina is a plus. Tents in Mina are small with only enough room for people to sleep. Pilgrims can thus leave their luggage inside their rooms in their stay static in Mina. In addition it opens up the option to use the bathrooms and showers of the space and not the ones create in Mina camp.
Hajj packages that offer free shuttle service from Mina to Haram can allow you to save money. Taxi fares increase exponentially during Mina days. Lured by the gains, a number of people originate from other cities to act as taxi drivers and may even get lost while trying to operate a vehicle pilgrims to Haram. Buses though cheaper take quite a while to arrive. Therefore a shuttle service supplied by your agent would be quicker and free.
Most hajj packages give out SIM cards. This is actually a time saver too. Otherwise you might have to wait in lines to get a SIM card.
Considering these logistical issues while choosing an ideal 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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