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Preparing for Hajj
Alhamdu-Li-LLah, the decision to go for Hajj is a great step. Nevertheless, it requires spiritual, physical & mental preparation and financial planning. It is important to realize that a Haji or Hajja is a "Guest Of Allah". And, ONLY the people who are fortunate are invited by Allah to visit His House. Consequently, he or she must learn to behave like a slave planning to visit the House of his or her lord, Allah SWT.
Furthermore, it is the duty of the person to be ready, to the best of his or her ability, to undertake the Holy Pilgrimmage to the House of Allah SWT and the Mosque of our dear Prophet Muhammad  . The essence of Hajj is humility and piety.
Pre-Travel Arrangements for Hajj
- Important Arrangements:
- Obtaining vacation from employer/school and other arrangements since you will be away for at least two weeks.
- Arranging for house-sitters and family care-givers for the children, parents or other members of the family not going with you.
- Making COMPULSORY FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS.
- Paying the bills: electricity, water, internet, phone, garbage, house-rent, schoolbus, groceries, healthcare, etc.
- Notifying friends and relatives. Contacting people you could meet in Arabia while you are there.
- A Pilgrim must complete a regular "Will" ("waseeyyat") before departing. A Sample Islamic Will.
- Getting in touch with other Muslims planning to go for Hajj:
- Decide whether you want to organize or join a group of Hujjaj. A team of like minded people are better able to help each other and failitate each other's Hajj. Plan on going with a comaptible group of people to avoid arguments and perform Hajj correctly.
- Visiting Hajj related websites for vital information.
- Selecting a Hajj Organizer, Hajj Package or Travel Agency:
- Obtaining Travel Papers:
- Passports, permits, certificates, and other documents required to obtain Saudi VISA.
- Saudi VISA requires time and careful planning. Although, the forms appear straightforward, any minor discrepancy can result in a refusal.
- Plan your trip and flight connections.
- You could fly:
- Saudi Airlines: for reservations you can contact them at: 1-800-4SAUDIA or visit their website.
- New York-Jeddah-Riyadh departs Tuesdays
- Washington,D.C.- New York-Jeddah-Riyadh departs Thursdays
- New York-Riyadh-Dhahran departs Fridays
- Washington, D.C.-New York-Riyadh-Dhahran departs Sundays.
- For reservations you can visit airline websites and online reservation services.
- Some basic luggage packing suggestions for your trip. (suggestions from Al-Mu'adhdhan Hajj Committee)
- Inventory everything you pack. Use this list if your luggage is lost or stolen.
- DO NOT pack any valuables or breakables in your luggage.
- Put your name on the outside of your luggage and name, address, and phone number on the inside (use passport name only).
- Make sure carry-on luggage and checked-in luggage conforms to federal aviation requirements.
- Living arrangements in Jeddah, Makka and Madina for your trip.
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Arriving in Arabia
Travelling in Saudi Arabia
- Your Mutawwif takes your passports and other travel papers, vouchers and passes for safe-keeping. It is required that you hand them over to the Mutawwif. The documents will be returned to you shortly before you board your return flight.
- When you arrive in Makka, request your Mutawwif to issue you identity cards. These are rquired for encashing traveller's checks and travelling to/from Makka, Jeddah, Medina or for Umrah. The ID's also help while you are in and around Madina.
- : The Saudi Authorities can ALWAYS prevent you from returning to you hotel in Makka or Madina if you do not have proper travel documents and identification in possession.
- More advice on travelling within Arabia during the Hajj season...
Lodging In Arabia
Food and Beaverages
- A wide variety of food is available near the Haram Sharifs in Makka and Madina.
- Sudanese, Indian, Pakistani, Indonesian, Turkish, Middle Eastern, American and Western restaurants are found around the perimeters of the sacred mosques.
- Give your self enough time for eating out since, Al hamdu Lillah, during the Hajj season the the sheer number of Hujjaj can cause queues and delays. So be patient.
- During the Hajj season some stores are open 24 hours.
- Most amenities are easily available for a price at the various Super Stores.
- There are many smaller convenience shops where Hujjaj can purchase, juice, sodas, milk and dairy products, at better prices compared to major shopping malls or super stores.
- The prices for the food products tend to go up significantly around the peak times.
- It is the main commercial season and the vendors eagerly wait for the visitors and do brisk business.
- More information on what to take...
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