Tips for Choosing a Hajj Package
Hajj, which purifies man of most sins, is really a very sacred journey whose spiritual aspect may be overshadowed when up against 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 take into account whenever choosing a hajj package:
Choosing an agency registered with the Ministry of Hajj over a sub-agent raise your likelihood of an easy journey. Registered agencies are far more conscious of the newest rules and regulations of processing visas, can contact Ministry of Hajj to eliminate an issue, are accountable to Ministry if pilgrims file an issue and are far 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 buy services from these agencies and therefore sell the package at a level up price Go here.
Despite most of the benefits of licensed agents mentioned above, you can pick a sub agent when you yourself have heard good things about them. All Authorized agents may not give a good service though some sub agents are extremely professional. Therefore you ought to pick a hajj package provider centered on referrals.
Company of a knowledgeable and experienced guide in your group is necessary. Irrespective of how much information you've accumulated from books and lectures, you could face questions, you'd not anticipated before. It can also be 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 enough time recommended by Islamic law. Choosing an agency that plans the trip under a trustworthy 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 is difficult to contact the Imam if he's residing in an alternative hotel, travelling in an alternative bus or residing in an alternative tent in Mina from yours. This issue is especially common with agencies that provide large number of packages underneath the guidance of 1 or 2 Imams only.
Having a lady guide would be of added benefit for sisters performing pilgrimage.
It is helpful to see if the travel agency includes a full-time employee in US and Saudi Arabia. The more an agency depends on outside resources, the much more likely it's to suffer from mismanagement. Also the longer an agency has provided Hajj services, the higher equipped it's to offer a organized service.
Most Hajj packages advertise price with fare from New York to Jedda. If you live elsewhere, be sure to include the expense of domestic air fare to New York whenever choosing a package. Also add the expense of Hajj fees and Zabiha to have an estimate of the precise amount you will undoubtedly be spending per person.
Accommodation in an easy site is very useful. Hotel close to 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 might be better in cases to share your room with 4 people in a hotel near Haram and not sharing room with an added person but at a better distance from the Haram. Moreover hotel ratings are per Saudi Government standards which will vary from the American standards of rating hotels.
Do not worry an excessive amount of if your hajj package does not offer meals in Makkah and Medina. There are many of options around Haram to consume and drink between prayer times, but may occupy a lot of your own time waiting in a line. Hotel buffets might be a time saver or a big distraction, as frequently people may spend a lot of time socializing too much. It is however good for 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 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 additional flight options and might be cheaper. Same holds true for leaving Saudi Arab. Medina as an interface of entry or exit could save a lot of time.
Ask the agent in regards to the located area of the tent in Mina. VIP Tents are generally (if not all) at a brief 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 fact 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 remain in Mina is really a plus. Tents in Mina are small with just room enough for visitors to sleep. Pilgrims can thus leave their luggage inside their rooms in their remain in Mina. In addition, it opens up the choice to utilize the bathrooms and showers of the area and not those setup in Mina camp.
Hajj packages that provide free shuttle service from Mina to Haram can help you save money. Taxi fares increase exponentially during Mina days. Lured by the gains, a number of individuals result from other cities to work as 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 provided by your agent would be quicker and free.
Most hajj packages give out SIM cards. This might be a time saver too. Otherwise you could have to wait in lines to get 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 concentrate on your worship to your heart's content.