Tips to help you plan your Hajj trip to Mecca and Medina

The pilgrimage to Mecca, also known as Hajj, is an Islamic pilgrimage to the holy city that is also the largest annual gathering of Muslims in the world. Mecca is the birthplace of Prophet Muhammed and site of the Kabaa making it the holiest and most sacred location on earth for Muslims.
1. Why do Hajj
The Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca is one of the five pillars of Islam and it is considered the sacred duty of all Muslims who are physically and financially able to perform the pilgrimage at least once in their lifetime.

2. Types of pilgrimage
There are 3 types of pilgrimage and you can choose different Hajj travel packages (Umrah package or Hajj package) depending on which type of pilgrimage want to carry out. The first is called Tamattu, which involves performing Umrah (not obligatory) only, before Hajj. the next is called Qiran, which involves the pilgrim’s intention to combine Umrah and Hajj together. And the third type of pilgrimage is called Ifraad, which involves the pilgrim’s intention to perform Hajj only.

3. When to go
Hajj must be performed during a specific period of time in the Islamic lunar calendar, beginning on the 8th day of Dhu al-Hijah and the 12th day. Dates may vary slightly depending on the sighting of the moon, but this year Hajj falls between 21st and 26th September 2015. Ummrah can be performed at anytime during the year.
4. Passport and Visas
You require a valid international passport in order to obtain a Hajj visa. Applications for a Hajj visa are available from your nearest Saudi Arabian consulate. Hajj visas are free and are issued for access to Jeddah, Medina and Mecca. The rules and regulations of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia forbid any pilgrims from staying in the country after the completion of Hajj. Carry extra passport size photos with you for various documentation that will be filled out on your arrival.

5. Vaccinations
All visitors need to carry a certificate of vaccination against Meningococcal Meningitis. The certificate must have been issued not more than three years and not less than ten days before arrival to Saudi Arabia. You’ll also need to carry vaccination certificates for oral polio and seasonal influenza. Certificates will be inspected by the Saudi Authorities at the port of entry.
6. What to pack
Remember to pack light and besides your passport, ID and vaccination certificates, do pack a prayer mat, pocket Qur’an and Dua book and any guide books you may have on Hajj and/or Ummrah. Note that you cannot carry food products into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

7. How to get to Mecca
Buses from all over the country arrive at the Mecca bus terminal.

8. Visit Medina
Almost all pilgrims choose to travel to the city of Medina and the Al-Masjid al-Nabawi (Mosque of the Prophet), which contains Prophet Muhammad's tomb.

9. Hajj Committee of India
The Hajj Committee of India is empowered by the Indian government to assist Indian Hajj pilgrims in India by providing information, guidance and assistance. Pilgrims applying through the Hajj Committee of India can get subsidised air fares and domestic travel to reach specially designated Hajj departure airport terminals. Please note that you should apply for Hajj through this committee only if you are a first-time pilgrim. Another importan information weblink is Ministry of Hajj, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
10. What to wear
Both men and women wear white during Hajj, as a symbol of the state of purity that they are entering into. Changing clothes is a part of the process one enters known as 'assuming Ihram.'

Konular

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• Hajj Requirements/Saudi Arabia
• Saudi Arabia: Hajj/Umrah Pilgrimage
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