Hajj, which purifies man of all sins, is really a very sacred journey whose spiritual aspect can be overshadowed when confronted with logistical troubles. Therefore choosing the "perfect" hajj package is essential to enable you to focus on the spiritual part of the journey wholeheartedly.
Following are some aspects to consider when choosing a hajj package:
Choosing an agency registered with the Ministry of Hajj over a sub-agent raise your chances of a clean journey. Registered agencies tend to be more alert to the newest rules and regulations of processing visas, can contact Ministry of Hajj to eliminate a challenge, are accountable to Ministry if pilgrims file an issue and tend to be more resourceful to make airline, hotel and transportation arrangement Short Hajj Easy Umrah. They're also cheaper because travel arrangement in Saudi Arabia can just only be achieved 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 advantages of licensed agents mentioned previously, you are able to select a sub agent if you have heard good things about them. All Authorized agents may not provide a good service though some sub agents are extremely professional. Therefore one should select a hajj package provider centered on referrals.
Company of a knowledgeable and experienced guide in your group is necessary. Irrespective of simply how much information you have accumulated from books and lectures, you might face questions, you'd not anticipated before. It is also important to learn 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 respected imam can mitigate risks of taking shortcuts or going against Sunnah.
Make sure you check that the Imam can do the hajj with the pilgrims of the package you have selected. It is difficult to get hold of the Imam if he's staying in a different hotel, travelling in a different bus or surviving in a different tent in Mina from yours. This dilemma is particularly common with agencies that offer large number of packages beneath the guidance of 1 or 2 Imams only.
Having a female guide will be of added benefit for sisters performing pilgrimage.
It is helpful to see if the travel agency has a full-time employee in US and Saudi Arabia. The more an agency depends on outside resources, the more likely it's to suffer from mismanagement. Also the longer an agency has provided Hajj services, the better equipped it's to provide a organized service.
Most Hajj packages advertise price with fare from New York to Jedda. If your home is elsewhere, be sure to include the price of domestic air fare to New York when choosing a package. Also add the price of Hajj fees and Zabiha to obtain an estimate of the exact amount you is going to be spending per person.
Accommodation in an easy site is extremely useful. Hotel close to the Haram and Masjid - e- Nabwi is more important than the amount of stars of a hotel because it would cut travel time, conserve energy for worshiping and save time by lacking to stand in long lines to complete wudu or use restrooms. It could be better in cases to generally share your room with 4 people in a hotel close to Haram and not sharing room with an added person but at a greater distance from the Haram. Moreover hotel ratings are per Saudi Government standards which are different from the American standards of rating hotels.
Don't worry too much in case a hajj package does not offer meals in Makkah and Medina. There are many of options around Haram to eat and drink among prayer times, but may occupy a lot of your own time waiting in a line. Hotel buffets could be a time saver or even 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 is going to be limited. If you're performing Hajj with family it could be better to decide on an offer that gives meals through the 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 may be cheaper. Same is true for leaving Saudi Arab. Medina as a slot of entry or exit could save a lot of time.
Ask the agent in regards to the location 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 as far as 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 stay static in Mina is really a plus. Tents in Mina are small with only enough room for people to sleep. Pilgrims can thus leave their luggage inside their rooms throughout their stay static in Mina. Additionally, it opens up the possibility to use the bathrooms and showers of the room 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 earnings, a number of people originate from other cities to act as taxi drivers and might even get lost while trying to operate a vehicle pilgrims to Haram. Buses though cheaper take a long time to arrive. Therefore a shuttle service given by your agent will be quicker and free.
Most hajj packages give out SIM cards. This could 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 perfect hajj package will hopefully cut your worldly worries of performing hajj and enable you to concentrate on your worship to your heart's content.