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Visa procedure and tips if your mahram is in a different country

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It has frequently been observed that Muslim ladies travel from other parts of the world to come for education or work and then settle here. At some point in their life, they feel the need to perform umrah. At this point in time, (until unless, they are 45 years of age), they face major problems. One of which is the Mahram rules for women performing umrah by Kingdom of Saudi Arabia government. These ladies (often young and under 45), feel that they are being deprived of a religious duty and if they were living with families back home, it would have been a lot easier to perform umrah. They sometimes drop the idea of umrah altogether due to conflicting advice, they get from agents and others around them. And this is true as well, to an extent, specially if you don’t know the modus operandi in such cases. This situation is worsened, when your mahram is in a different country, like India, Pakistan or elsewhere in the world.
Following is a step by step procedure, if followed to the letter carefully, can result in getting you going on umrah without any trouble.

Main key points:

  1. First of all, make sure that the person travelling is a Mahram for you. A mahram is defined as someone who, you are permanently forbidden to marry, due to blood or foster or marriage relationships. Remember, if you choose the wrong person, the whole procedure will be a waste.
  2. Now book umrah flights  for both of you. These flights should be indirect, making sure that you meet. For example in Dubai or any other airport and then take an onwards flight to enter Saudi together.
  3. Once you have booked the flights, consult your local umrah visa agent. To ask, which company will they be using in Saudi for processing your umrah visa. Write that down with proper pronunciation to avoid confusion with similar names.
  4. Now request your mahram in your home country to apply for an umrah visa, with a local agent, who is using the same company in Saudi Arabia. e.g Ajyaad etc. Ask them to initiate this process at least 1 month before departure date, due to reason explained in the next step.
  5. Once you have secured their visa, ask them to email you a scanned copy of the first page and visa page.
  6. Now give this copy to your local agent, along with your passport and request them to process the visa for you. The agent will apply fresh MOFA for both passports and will charge you for two passports.
  7. You will Insha Allah, receive visa for both you and the Mahram and can travel without problem.
  8. Remember, you also need to keep in mind, that in some countries, there is an age limit for males as well, on going for umrah alone. So, exercise caution and make sure all relevant rules are followed.
  9. Please note that this procedure is described as a guideline only and we are not responsible for results of following or not following this procedure. If you want us to take care of it, please call us at 0203 744 0052 and speak to Hira.

Article by: umrahpackagesuk.co.uk

For the benefit for those intending to perform ‘Umrah or Hajj

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hajj


General

  • One of the most important of all advices: Safeguard your eyesight. When travelling and especially in Makkah when men and women tend to mix more.

  • Protect your women; each woman travelling will have a maHram whose responsibility it is to ensure that no harm comes her way. The worst men are the dayyooth (those who lack ghayrah, i.e. do not care if (non-maHram) men approach their wives, mothers, sisters or daughters) and the worst women are those that flirt.

  • Don’t intermingle with the opposite sex (non-maHram), particular those in your group/hotel; this is impermissible under all circumstances… Tour leaders/representatives take note: beware of being over-friendly with the females!

  • Seek some necessary ‘ilm (knowledge) from trustworthy sources before going so you can perform your acts of worship independently and with confidence.

  • Spread Salâm wherever you go; remember: everyone’s a Muslim in the Haramayn, alHamdulillâh! The lack of greetings is a sign of Qiyâmah.

  • Always give precedence to the elderly and help them whenever you can.

  • Agree the price before making any transaction to avoid unnecessary disagreement later; situations where this will apply include shopping, having your luggage trolley pushed by persistent airport workers and getting the laundry done via one of the hotel workers.

  • Musical ringtones are a no-no; it’s beyond me why so many Muslims cannot comprehend this simple fact. This includes the Nokia tune as well. Change your mobile phone ring tone to the basic “ring ring” tone right now. And, whatever you do, do not answer your phone/talk while doing Tawâf; those who do this are showing scant regard for the sanctity of the blessed place they’re in.

  • Don’t take photos; unfortunately, that’s all you see nowadays: Muslims taking pictures/videos of anything or anyone in sight as if they need to prove to the world they were there. My advice: have some sincerity; you are there for Allâh and He doesn’t need you to record anything for He is All-Knowing of everything you do.

  • Be patient; you will meet all sorts of characters! You’re bound to come across situations where your patience will be tested; remain calm and don’t lose your temper. That way you won’t regret it later.

  • Be friendly; you will meet the most pleasant and interesting of Muslims. Don’t shy away from striking up a conversation. At the very least smile, for that in itself is a virtue.

  • Learning a bit of basic Arabic beforehand will prove very handy.

  • If you’re a smoker, please try to quit. If you can’t, please limit it to your hotel (room).

  • If you get into a taxi, don’t be surprised if one of the side mirrors is missing or the windscreen is cracked; just don’t forget to fasten your seatbelts!

  • Some Muslims (more likely in Makkah) might offer you some Naseehah, especially if you make a mistake. Be humble and accept it. If it is within your ability and the situation demands, do not shy away from giving Naseehah but be courteous and respectful.

Flight

  • Don’t miss your Salâh on the plane; it doesn’t become forgiven suddenly just because you’re no longer on land! More often than not on long-haul flights, when a Salâh has to be performed during the flight, there is ample space in the cabin area (where the food is prepared/food tray is kept). Outside of the serving times, most cabin crew will be more than happy to let you perform your prayers there. With minimal inconveniencing and just limiting it to the farâ’idh, perform your Salâh standing up and facing the Qiblah. If this is not possible, you may find space near the emergency doors although this may involve inconveniencing some passengers. If there is absolutely no space whatsoever, in the worst-case scenario, you may end up having to perform your Salâh at your seat. Ensure you are facing the Qiblah. Begin your Salâh standing up and only sit down for the sujood and jalsahs; prostrate on the food tray provided the Qiblah is towards the front of the plane. If you performed your Salâh in this manner, repeat your Salâh once you land to be on the safe side.

  • One issue that can cause a lot of confusion is Salâh time, especially Fajr. Unfortunately, airlines don’t provide Salâh timetables for the countries you are flying over. Use the time and the state of the sky as an indication of what prayer time it is; with a bit of common sense you won’t be far out, Inshâ-Allâh. It’s the effort and desire that counts.

  • Only watch the in-flight movies if you want to ruin the spirit and vigour of Imân you are going with or the state of Imân you are returning with. Recite the Qur-ân, do some Thikr, read Islamic literature or go to sleep instead.

  • Make sure you clean up the toilet (floor) after use; it really gives a bad impression of Muslims to other passengers and the air hostesses if they have to unblock the sink or mop the flooded floor.

  • Ensure you only eat vegetarian/Halâl on the plane; avoid meat.

Makkah al-Mukarramah

  • Perform Tawâf on your own (or, at most, with your wife). You don’t need to go around in a group and chant in unison for your Tawâf to be accepted. Doing so is a sign of ignorance.

  • Do not attempt to kiss the Hajar al-Aswad at peak times (you’ll know when these are) – you’ll simply harm yourself or someone else in the process. It is painful hearing screaming and the sound of scuffles each time one goes past this blessed corner of the Ka’bah. There are certain times (e.g. just before ‘Asr salaah) when one can quite easily line up in an orderly fashion around the Ka’bah and get to kiss the stone.

  • Try to perform your Salâh wherever the Imâm performs his Salâh. You will find that, apart from Zuhr, the Imâm will perform every Salâh in the MaTâf.

  • Getting into the MaTâf for Jumu’ah Salâh is easy because most people want to avoid the sun. If you can hack the heat, you should be able to get pretty close to the (white) Minbar. One trick I’ve seen being used by people coming in late and wanting a ‘good’ position is to bring two cups filled with Zam Zam and to offer it to two Musallees between whom the latecomer sees a potential spot. I’m not recommending it but it does appear to work!

  • You can fill your own Zam Zam water by buying your drum(s) locally (from a shop selling them near your hotel) and going to where the special taps are located near the library/birthplace of Rasoolullâh Sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam; you can get there by going anti-clockwise in the courtyard (left) from the big Zam Zam towers. You will find all the Zam Zam sellers lining up their drums so you may have to wait a while for your turn but apparently they are only allowed to fill 5 drums at a time before being forced to step behind and give others a chance.

  • You will be staying here for at least 1 week; try to complete one Qur-ân.

al-Madeenah al-Munawwarah

  • When coming to perform Salâh, don’t be misled by the number of people lined up towards the entrance of the Masjid at the back. Just move forwards; you’d be surprised how much free space there is towards the front of the Masjid.

  • When offering salaam to the best of all creations, Sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam, you will find that at peak times (usually after each Salâh) the policemen will cordon off the immediate lane every so often so people are forced to take the ‘outer lane’. You can loiter around the Imâm’s position until the coast is clear (policemen move away) and get in the ‘inner lane’. When you get close to the Qabr ash-Shareef, you will notice many people peering into the holes that appear before the actual resting position of Rasoolullâh Sallallâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam. This will allow you to skip past them and get right next to the proper position. But don’t all try at once…!

  • The best time to get a spot in the Rawdhah (green carpet area aka Riyâdh al-Jannah) is just before Tahajjud time and around 10am in the morning. It’s fairly easy to get a spot there after ‘Asr too but remember: you can’t perform Nafl prayer until Maghrib time (although you will see many Muslims performing Salâh even at Makrooh times).

  • Jannah al-Baqee’ (graveyard) is only open (to the public) after Fajr (till about midday) and after ‘Asr (till 6pm) these days. Apart from going there generally, try to go there immediately after one of these two Salâhs if there is a Janâzah and you should be able to join the burial(s) thus doubling the reward.

  • You will be staying here for at least 1 week; try to complete another Qur-ân.

Salâh

  • Get used to using the Miswâk when you’re there; there’s plenty available and a bargain really for so much reward and upholding a great Sunnah.

  • Take a shoe bag to avoid having your slippers/shoes taken by someone else. I’ve seen some splitting their pair of slippers and placing their right one in a separate location to their left one but I’m not sure if this method proves successful.

  • Women must make sure they do not apply any perfume when going to the Masjid; this is strictly forbidden in the Hadeeth.

  • Try to learn the various ad’iyah (du’as) reported in the Hadeeth, especially for the Qawmah and Jalsah postures; you will get ample time to pray these.

  • Make sure you learn how to perform the Janâzah Salaah and the various du’âs (male = ar-rajul; female = al-mar-ah [plural = amwât]; child = Tifl [plural = aTfâl]).

  • Try to avoid walking in front of Musallees performing Salâh, unless it is to fill a gap in front in which case there is no harm even to move slightly while in prayer.

Hotel

  • Don’t get into a situation where you are alone with a woman in the lift; if you are alone in the lift and a woman gets in, you must get out!

  • Don’t ever watch (the wide-screen, spanky-looking) TV in your room; if you know you’ll be tempted, take the plug out as soon as you step in to your room!

Food

  • Don’t touch meat/chicken with a barge pole; most of it comes from non-Muslim countries and is, at the very least, doubtful (see How genuine is Halâl stamp?, for example). Better safe than sorry. This applies to Asian restaurants as well as Saudi fast-food chains. Tâzaj, however, is said to be an exception (their chickens are slaughtered locally, though I cannot confirm this).

  • Don’t ever waste food. If for whatever reason there is some left over, offer it to the needy, e.g. the women selling stuff on the streets, Haram/hotel workers.

Shopping

  • Avoid shopping if you can help it; this may be difficult if you’ve got your Mrs with you (no offence intended) or you’ve got loads of requests from back home. On a more serious note, you will notice the difference in environment and its negative effects when you leave the Haram and enter the shopping malls… the less the better.

  • Don’t let women shop alone; I wouldn’t trust the shopkeepers. At times, there are as many as 5 workers in one tiny shop and if a woman walks in they almost huddle around her. Insist the men talk to you and not your womenfolk. This is what ghayrah demands. If they fail to comply, rebuke them and walk out (along with your women of course) in protest.

  • If you decide to exchange some gold/silver at a jewellery shop, remember that you cannot sell gold for gold or silver for silver except when it is like for like, otherwise it is classed as interest. The solution is to first sell your gold/silver to the shopkeeper in exchange for riyals and then buy the gold/silver you want with riyals.

  • Always leave (each shop) on a happy note; if you are simply browsing let the shopkeeper(s) know first so that if you leave without having bought anything they will not get offended. If you don’t decide to buy anything and the shopkeeper has made an effort to sell you something, apologise to him before leaving. Basic social etiquettes really.

  • Ladies, don’t buy colourful, tight and shiny/flashy jubbahs. Doing so defeats the purpose of wearing jubbahs.

  • Make sure you check with your airline beforehand so you know how much luggage you can take back. Most allow 30kg per passenger but some, like Swiss Air, only allow 20kg (excluding hand luggage). Check you’re covered before buying those dates from the market.

Beggars

  • Never refuse a beggar; only Allâh knows the true state of each person. If what s/he is saying is true and you refuse to give, you could be taken to task in the Hereafter. Refusal can be interpreted as pride or stinginess. If at all possible, try to give them food so you know where your money goes and also because genuine destitutes don’t refuse food. At the very least, give 1 riyâl; on average, that’s only 15-20p! You will be rewarded according to your intentions, Inshâ-Allâh.

Article by: darulihsan.com

Train for pilgrims’ Makkah–Madinah travel by end of 2016

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Buses will no longer be used for transporting pilgrims to and fro Makkah and Madinah when the Haramain Highspeed Railway commences operation by December next year, according to an official of the Haramain Railway project.

The official said that a total of 35 trains will be used to transport two million pilgrims, in addition to millions of Umrah pilgrims.

“Works on the railway stations in Madinah and Rabigh have been completed and the works on stations in Makkah and Jeddah are nearing completion,” he said adding that trial run of train on Madinah–Rabigh sector is in progress.

This article first appeared in the Saudi Gazette on Sept. 28, 2015.

What Westerners can learn from the Hajj

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The Mecca region of Saudi Arabia has recently been in the midst of the Hajj season. The Hajj, or pilgrimage to Mecca, is strongly encouraged by all Muslims who have the means to undertake it. Importantly, by bringing together 2 million to 3 million people from across the globe, the Hajj pilgrimage is a manifestation of the diversity and moderate nature of global Islam. This image of the Muslim world as cosmopolitan and reasonable stands in stark contrast to the militant Islamist fundamentalism we more regularly hear about in media coverage — with the Islamic State and Boko Haram being the most recent manifestation of this.

One of the more interesting observations for visitors to Saudi Arabia is that the area around the port city of Jeddah and the holy city of Mecca is one of the most progressive and open parts of the country. This often comes as a surprise to outsiders, because it is assumed that Mecca, as the central pilgrimage site for Muslims around the world, must be a conservative center of gravity in the country. The reality could not be more different.
Saudi Arabia is often associated with a more orthodox sect of Sunni Islam known as Wahhabism. Wahhabism clearly has had a huge impact on rules of personal comportment throughout the Saudi state, including a prohibition on alcohol and highly restrictive dress and conduct codes for women. It is, however, the Saudi Arabian political capital of Riyadh that is the core area for this Wahhabist set of beliefs and practices. As one moves west from Riyadh to the Red Sea, the social climate begins to change.
Jeddah is Saudi Arabia’s second-largest city and commercial capital. It is a port town with a long history of commercial exchange, the gateway to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina, and highly ranked in the Middle East as an innovation city.
In the past few weeks, Jeddah’s airport has been besieged by pilgrims from all over the world making their way to Mecca. Those who arrive are associated with a broad range of Islamic traditions and come from all walks of life. The pilgrims include French business people, Egyptian academics and Malian peasant farmers who’ve saved a lifetime to make such a trip.
In Jeddah, the pilgrims and others (such as myself) encounter a city that is bustling with commerce, airy boulevards and sea walks, and a region replete with institutions of higher education, such as King Abdulaziz and Umm Al-Qura universities.
The mix of religion, commerce, scholarship and cosmopolitanism that we see in the Jeddah-Mecca region is nothing new and has deep historical roots in Islamic civilization. Where I work in Africa, there is no denying that long histories of exchange with the Arab world have led to dynamic, learned and hybrid cultures in the Sahelian cities of West Africa or along the Swahili coast of East Africa. Until very recently, the traditional character of Islam in these areas was that of tolerance and outward orientation.
This long history of openness and exchange, an Islamic form of globalization if you will, is so central to Islamic civilization that the more recent militancy of the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant and of Boko Haram seem oddly parochial and myopic. My concern is that by giving too much media attention to these splinter groups we distort public understanding of the more moderate and cosmopolitan nature of global Islam.
Rather than focusing on the activities of marginal, Islamist splinter groups, we need to continually recall that the Muslim majority is much more progressive, outward-looking and cosmopolitan. The Hajj season, as a global expression of the faith, gives us a more complete, nuanced and realistic picture of Islam and its practitioners.

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Article source Star Tribune

Physical Preparation Before Hajj

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Most of us think that Hajj is a spiritual journey so they only need to develop strong faith in order to perform the holy ritual. They are right, but only to an extent because Hajj not only requires a person to have strong faith but a strong body as well. By strong body we mean a hale and hearty and fit person, who can undertake a tough journey because Hajj requires a lot of physical strength. It can be judged from the fact that pilgrims have to walk miles and miles, bear hot weather, go through some tough conditions and face discomforts during this holy journey.
 
Thus, choosing the best package of the many Hajj packages is not the only thing that a pilgrims needs to do, as it is equally important for them to be physically fit. Otherwise, it will become quite tough for them to finish this trip. Tough weather conditions and long walks alone are enough to consumer their energy and raise aches and pains. Moreover, once a pilgrim loses their energy it will not possible for them to devotedly perform ibadaat or worship Allah. In contrast, if you are physically fit and strong then your body will be able to bear the hardships of this journey and you will be able to dedicatedly worship Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala.
 
Keeping this in view British Hajj Travel Limited that is known for offering cheap Hajj packages and 5 star Hajj packages, has devised a list of tips that will enable the pilgrims to get in shape for Hajj. In fact, they can benefit from them even during and after Hajj.

Tips to Stay Healthy During Hajj

(i) Emphasis on eating fresh and clean food as you can. In addition, consume small meals all through the day, as if you are preparing for a sport event. Try to give your body the best before the journey as much as possible. Furthermore, discard things from your menu that are unhealthy or not good for you.

(ii) Make walking a part of your daily routine. It would be best for pilgrims to walk outside their house. If for some reason it’s not possible for them then, they can always go for treadmill, but make sure that you should use an incline.
(iii) Opt for exercises that will strengthen your body like Total Body Resistance training. Focus on strengthening the lower part of your body as you have to walk a lot during Hajj. So exercises like squats and lunges are best for this purpose, as they will really strengthen your muscles.
Physical Preparation Before Hajj
(iv) Since pilgrims have to walk a lot during Hajj so it is important that they should try hydrate themselves whenever they get access to the facilities. Otherwise, restroom will be the place where they will spend most of their time instead of performing ibadaats during Hajj.
(v) Buying right shoes for Hajj is another important thing that every pilgrim must pay attention to. The best shoes in this case are hiking shoes, as they specifically designed to cover long journeys. Moreover, pilgrims should consider buying a 10 or 9.5 size shoe if they originally use a 9 size. For the reason that if your feet get swell you will not be able to wear your shoes.
(vi) During Hajj consume enough food that will keep you going without any trouble. Usually pilgrims have different Hajj packages, but if your package allows you to order the food you want to eat then there will be nothing like it. You should order a diet that should be rich in carb, fat and proteins, as it’s a balanced meal for such a journey. In case, your package offers just one time meal then, try to avail that option in the morning because breakfast is the most important mealtime.
(vii) To avoid rash or chaffing pilgrims should lubricate your thighs from inside with Vaseline or baby oil.

British Hajj Travel Launches 5 Star Hajj Packages for Pilgrims in the UK

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Prime travel agency of the UK, British Hajj Travel Ltd. is famous for offering the best Hajj and Umrah deals to British pilgrims. The reputable travel company has been involved in this business for more than a decade now and in this tenure, thousands of people have availed its first-class services. Therefore, today British Hajj Travel maintains a huge base of loyal customers.

To cater to these and other customers, British Hajj has come up with some new and exciting packages, so its customers would not have to look anywhere else. Following this tradition, the authorized travel agency of the Ministry of Hajj in Saudi Arabia has now announced some five-star Hajj packages for its customers, who can never compromise on quality services.

The names of these 5-star Hajj packages are VIP Hajj Package and Platinum Hajj Package. Both packages offer first-rate services to the pilgrims and enable them to spend 13 days in the holy land.

The British Hajj Travel has kept the difference between the prices of the two five star Hajj packages, so things should remain more manageable for its customers.

Whereas, in Madinah, they will stay in 5-star hotels like Dar Al Iman, Dar Al Taqwa, Madinah Hilton, and Madina Oberoi hotels. Both VIP and Platinum Hajj Packages will allow the pilgrims to spend three nights in Makkah and 10 nights in Madinah, so they will get plenty of time to perform their religious duty. British Haj will also make sure that its customers will be transported in the best available air-conditioned coaches or private car, whichever the client demands from the traveling company.

Moreover, pilgrims will get to spend the night in Mina in VIP tents whether they have opted for the VIP Hajj Package or Platinum Hajj Package. During the holy journey, British Hajj will also arrange Qurbani for the pilgrims with the group. In brief, there is no match to the five stars Hajj packages of British Hajj, whether you compare them in terms of price or quality of service.

VIP Hajj Package  | Platinum Hajj Package  |  Gold Hajj Package