Frequently Asked Questions
Hajj Questions:
1. What is the first thing that I should do to make a reservation for Hajj?
The first thing to do is choose a program that we offer, you can view the programs either on our website, or on our brochure that was mailed out to our clients on our mailing list. Once you choose a program, you may reserve online or mail the reservation form that is in the brochure, or on our website and mail a deposit of $3,500.00 / person.
2. What happens after I make a reservation and pay the deposit?
Once you have made a reservation and paid a deposit , if there is any additional information missing, you will be contacted by a sales representative to assist you in the remaining information needed to complete the reservation. After the reservation is complete, you will receive a confirmation, a visa application, and an invoice of your remaining balance to your preference on either mail, fax, or email.
3. What happens after I receive the invoice and my confirmation?
You will be required to fill out the visa application and provide us with the required documents needed for the visa. Then you will mail all the documents to us so we can process your visa and all other required procedures. You will also need to review your confirmation and make sure that your reservation is accurate. If you need changes to your reservation you must do it at this stage of time, as your reservation will not be changeable after a certain period of time.
4. What is the next step after I send my remaining balance and proper documents?
Medi Travel will then start on your visa processing, while confirming your land package, as well as you flight itinerary. Once everything is complete you will receive a package with you day-by-day itinerary, passport with visa, airline tickets, and finalized invoice, confirmation, and your identification card and laminated luggage tags to place on your luggage.
5. When am I supposed to receive my documents?
Once all your documents and full payment is received you should expect your documents to be returned within 2 to 3 weeks.
6. After I receive my complete package with all finalized documents, what is next?
You must review all documents and confirmations to make sure there is no mistake in the arrangement made for you. If there are any mistakes please make sure to contact Medi Travel as soon as possible so We may be able to correct it. Please note that this does not mean you can make changes in your reservation.
7. If I do not have any errors in my package what should I do next?
By not informing us of any errors, we assume that your package is complete and accurate. Your next step is to prepare for your travel and make sure you are in the airport for the day of your flight at least 3-4 hours prior to your flight departure.
8. Will I be met in the airport before my departure?
If you will be traveling from New York or connecting through New York on either EgyptAir or Saudi Arabian Airlines, you will be met by a Medi Travel Travel representative to provide you with any assistance that you might need. Please remember to have your ID on and remember to have your luggage tags attached to your luggage prior to your departure to the airport so you may have a quick check-in process.
9. What is the significance of my ID card and luggage tags?
You will need to have your ID card on at all times starting from your departure from USA until your departure back from Saudi Arabia. It is very important that you do so, so any Medi Travel representative can recognize you and can assist you in any needs that you may require. The luggage tags are very valuable so the luggage can be identified throughout the trip.
10. After we arrive in Saudi Arabia, will a representative meet me?
Yes you will be met by a representative, but after the customs process. Please keep in mind that you cannot be assisted during the customs process, but will be assisted after you receive your luggage and exit the customs area. One of our representatives will inform you of your next destination and provide assistance.
A. Hajj Procedures Prelude:
Before the 8th of Dhul-Hijjah, a person who wants to perform pilgrimage (Hajj) pronounces the intention to perform Umrah while approaching the Miqat. A second intention for the actual Hajj is pronounced at a later period. There are several rites to properly complete the Hajj and Umrah.
The rites of Umrah and Hajj may include but are not limited to:
Putting Ihram, performing supererogatory (Sunnah) prayers, making several types of Tawaf, reciting Talbiyah, doing Sa’ee between Safa and Marwah, trimming and/or cutting hair, praying and staying in Mina, praying and standing in Arafah, praying and staying in Muzdalifah, throwing pebbles in three Jamrahs, sacrificing an animal, praying behind Maqam Ibrahim, and drinking from the well of ZamZam.
In the case ofHajj at-Tamattu, after completing the Umrah, the pilgrim trims his/her hair,showers,and changes into everyday clothes. These steps complete the Umrah portion. Allrestrictions of the Ihram are temporarily lifted. The pilgrim waits until the 8th of Dhul-Hijjah to start the rites of Hajj.
On the 8th of Dhul-Hijjah, the pilgrim pronounces a new niyyah at the place to perform Hajj. There is no need to go to Miqat for this.The pilgrim changes into Ihram in the prescribed manner and proceeds to Mina soon after the Fajr Prayers.Back to top back to Hajj procedures.
Proclaiming the Niyyah for Hajj:
All acts of worship are preceded by an appropriate proclamation of
Niyyah.Niyyah for Hajj
O Allah! I intend to perform Hajj. Make it easy for me and accept it from me. I makethe niyyah for Hajj and enter into the state of Ihram for the sake of Allah alone, theMost High.
Puting on Ihram After Fajr: The distinctive garb of the male pilgrim worn during Hajj or Umrah. It consists of two pieces of white, un-sewn and plain cloth. One of the pieces is wrapped around the midriff to cover his body from just above his navel to his ankles, and the other is draped around his shoulders to cover the upper body. For ladies, their ordinary and unpretentious clothes of everyday wear constitute their Ihram.
During Ihram, the following acts are forbidden: Cutting hair, shaving any parts of the body, clipping nails, putting perfumes or colognes, killing or hunting animals, sexual intercourse, making marriage proposals, or marriage contracts.
Praying 2 Rak'at Nafl At Miqat: An imaginary boundary around Makkah. A prospective pilgrim cannot cross this boundary without first changing into Ihram. The pilgrim changes into Ihram at Miqat and pronounces the intention to perform Hajj or Umrah.
The Miqat boundary is anchored by different townships and locations in different directions around the Kaabah. They are a-Thul-Halaifa in the North, b-Yalamlam in the South-East, c-That ' Irq in the North-East, d-alJuhfah in the North-West, e-Qarn al-Manazil in the East. For people living inside the Miqat area permanently, their place of residence is their Miqat.
Making Tawaf: The devotional act of circumambulating (i.e. walking around) the Ka'bah while reciting prayers and supplications. One complete circuit around the Ka'bah constitutes a shawt (pl. ashwat), and seven ashwat complete one Tawaf.
During Tawaf (circumambulating), the pilgrim cannot enter the Ka'bah nor stop anywhere around it. He/she must enter into and disappear from the crowd, getting drawn into the roaring river of people who are circumambulating. This is the collective invitation to whoever wants to come to this house. Everyone is dressed in one color and pattern. There is no distinction nor personal promotion: true totality and universality is demonstrated.
Performing sa'ee: The devotional act of walking seven times between the knolls of Safa and Marwah. This act retraces the footsteps of Hajar, wife of Prophet Ibrahim (pbuh), during her desperate search for water for her infant son Ismail (pbuh) after they were left in the desert by Prophet Ibrahim in response to a Divine vision.
Safa: A small knoll approximately 200 yards from the Ka'bah inside the Masjid Al-HaramMarwah: A small knoll (i.e., hillock) located approximately one hundred and fifty yards from the Ka'bah.
Reciting Talbiya: A devotional recital of the following words by the piligrim during Hajj and UmrahLabbaik Allahumma Labbaik. Labbaik La Sharika Laka Labbaik. Innal-Hamda, Wan- Ni'mata Laka wal-Mulk. La Sharika Lak.
Going to Mina: The Pilgrim goes to Mina on the 8th of Thul-Hijjah anytime after Fajr prayer but before Zuhr. Mina is a desert location approximately three miles from Makkah where several Hajj rites are performed.
Going to Arafah: After leaving Mina, the pilgrim heads toward Arafah. Arafah is a desert location approximately nine miles from Makkah. Pilgrims don't have to get crowded on the Mount of Rahmah (Mountain of Mercy). They can stay in any place WITHIN the boundaries of Arafah.
Prayer Upon Entering Arafah: O Allah! Forgive my sins, help me repent to you, and grant me all that I beseech of You. Whenever I turn, let me see goodness. Allah be praised! All Praise is due to Allah! There is no deity except Allah! And Allah is The Most Great.
Praying in Arafah: After settling down in the tents at Arafah, the pilgrim offers the Zuhur and Asr prayers in qasr (shortened) and Jam' (combined) modes, that is, 2 rak'ats each prayer instead of 4 rak'ats, and the two prayers are offered at the same time, with one adhan and two separate Iqamahs, one each for Zuhur and Asr.Once in Arafah, the pilgrim should spend as much time in prayer and remembrance of Allah as possible. This is a very special day and the pilgrim may never see it again. Everyone must make the most of out it. No Nafl or any other prayers are performed, either before or after the obligatory prayers.
Staying in Arafah: The pilgrim stays in Arafah until sunset. It is recommended to spend the entire time reading the Quran, reciting the Talbiyah, offering supplications, and repenting to Allah.
Standing in Arafah: In the late afternoon just before sunset, the pilgrims may stand outside the tent facing the Qiblah, and raise their hands supplicating to Allah. There are no prescribed prayers for Wuquf (standing) Arafah. During these sacred moments, the pilgrim is alone with Allah, praying to have his/her sins and lifelong shortcomings get forgiven. Communication with Allah in any language is acceptable.
Leaving to Muzdalifah: After sunset, the pilgrim departs for Muzdalifah quietly, always reciting the Talbiyah and other prayers. Muzdalifah is a desert location approximately midway between Mina and Arafah. The pilgrim spends the night of the 10th of Thul-Hijjah here. Toilets and ablution facilities are available. Naturally, they are very crowded at all times. The pilgrims must be patient, courteous, and understanding to other fellow pilgrims.
Offering Prayers in Muzdalifah: The pilgrim offers Maghrib and Isha prayers combining them and shortening the Isha. Thus, after the adhan is called, three rak'ahs of Maghrib are offered following the usual iqamah.Another iqamah (but not adhan) is called and then two rak'ahs of Isha are offered. The pilgrim stays under the sky at Muzdalifah. No tents or other lodging facilities are available.
Collecting Pebbles: The pilgrim then walks to the foot of nearby hills, and collects about 70 pea-size pebbles for throwing. It is a good idea to collect additional pebbles to make up for accidental losses. The pebbles lying around the bathrooms facilities should not be collected. No one should leave Muzdalifah before Fajr without a legitimate excuse: only women, elderly, and weak people can leave after midnight.
Completion of Second Day: The pilgrim spends the night at Muzdalifah and offers Fajr there. Before sunrise, the pilgrim leaves for Mina on the morning of the 10th of Thul-Hijjah. After Fajr prayer, the pilgrim goes through the al-Mash'ar al-Haram and makes du'a until brightness of the sun is widespread. The pilgrim must speed up the walk when passing by the Muhasir valley.
Going to Mina: Due to the large crowd going to Mina, the pilgrim must remain calm, avoid pushing people, and must be respectful to others. Weak and sick people can appoint others to throw stones at the Jamrahs in Mina on behalf of them.
Throwing Pebbles: The pilgrim stones the Jamrat al-Kubra (Jamrat al-Aqabah) only, preferably before midday. Stoning the pillar symbolizes stoning the devil. the pebbles must touch the inside of the Jamrat's fence. The Jamrat al-Kubra is the closest to Makkah. While throwing the stones, the pilgrim recites Bismillah, Allah-u-Akbar with each pebble. The size of the pebbles should not be big: anywhere between 1-1.5 cm. The pilgrim may throw either from under the bridge or from over it.
Sacrificing an Animal: A sacrifice is now required for the pilgrim performing Hajj al-Tamattu or Hajj al-Qiran. The choice of the animal is either a sheep, or 1/7th of a cow or a camel shared with other people.Additional Info: For the pilgrim performing Hajj al-Ifrad, sacrificing the animal is recommended but not required. The pilgrim should always choose the best animal and avoid animals which don't look healthy or have defects. The pilgrim can slaughter him/herself or appoint someone to do it on his/her behalf. One third of the meat can be consumed, one third offered as a gift and one third distributed to the poor people. The sacrifice can be performed between the 10th and the 13th of Thul-Hijjah but not after the 13th.
Cutting Hair: The pilgrim may now shave/trim the hair, shower, and change into everyday clothes. The hair may be shaved or trimmed for men. It is recommended to start from the right side. For women, trimming only a finger tip's length is required. Sacrificing an animal, cutting hair, and performing Tawaf al-Ifadah are alternate rituals. There is no specific order to perform them. All ritual places must be kept clean. At this point in time, the regulations for Ihram no longer apply except that the pilgrim can not have conjugal relations with his/her spouse until after Tawaf al-Ifadah and Sa'ee. This is known as at-Tahalul al-Asghar, or a partial ending of the state of Ihram.
Celebrating Eid El-Adha: Starting from the 10th of Thul-Hijjah and on, Muslims around the world celebrate this special occasions.
EID-AL-ADHA is celebrated on the tenth day of Zul-hijjah, the 12th and the last month of the Islamic calendar. It is a very joyous day; it is a feast of self-sacrifice, commitment and obedience to Allah. It commemorates the great act of obedience to Allah by the Prophet Ibrahim (pbuh) in showing his willingness to sacrifice his son Ismael (pbuh). Allah accepted his sacrifice and replaced Prophet Ismael (as) with a lamb.
Going to Makkah: The pilgrim proceeds to al-Masjid al-Haram in Makkah for Tawaf al-Ifadah. The pilgrim has the option to postpone Tawaf al-Ifadah to a later time. Menstruating women should not make tawaf until their period stops. If the pilgrim selected Hajj Ifrad or Qiran and has already made Sa'ee with the first Tawaf (the visiting Tawaf), there is no need to make Sa'ee again.
Drinking from Zamzam: After completing the prayer at Maqam Ibrahim, the pilgrim may visit the Zamzam area and drink from the water.
Prayer at ZamZam: O Allah! I seek from You profitable knowledge and bounteous sustenance and a cure from all ailments through Your Mercy, O Most Merciful of the mercifuls!
Returning to Mina: The pilgrim returns to Mina and stays there until the 12th or 13th of Thul-Hijjah for throwing the pebbles.
Performing Prayers in Mina: Back in Mina, the pilgrim performs all of the daily prayers, shortening the 4 Rak'ats prayers to 2 Rak'ats, but without combinig them. The minimum stay in Mina should exceed most of the night. Otherwise, the pilgrim is required to make a sacrifice. This is one of the best opportunities to acquire knowledge from the scholars on duty.
Stoning the Jamrahs: The pilgrim stones the The first Jamrah, then the Middle, and finally the Big one in the same consecutive order, after midday on all three days. Throwing on the 13th of Thul-Hijjah is optional. The pilgrim may return to Makkah after throwing pebbles on the 12th of Thul-Hijjah to perform Tawaf al-Wada (farewell circumambulation).
Throwing at the First Jamrah: Scene from the first stone pillar in the line, also known as the small one. Each throwing is constituted of 7 pebbles with the pilgrim reciting Allahu Akbar and making Dua.
Throwing at Second Jamrah: Scene from the second stone pillar in the line, also known as the middle one. Each throwing is constituted of 7 pebbles with the pilgrim reciting Allahu Akbar and making Dua.
Throwing at Third Jamrah: Scene from the third stone pillar in the line, also known as the big one and the al-Aqaba.his throwing is constituted of 7 pebbles with the pilgrim reciting Allahu Akbar but this time, without making Dua.
Staying in Mina: The pilgrim should stay in Mina minimum from Fajr until Midnight.It is very important to keep Mina clean, and maintain proper contact with the pilgrims.
Extending the Stay: For the pilgrims who intend to stay only two days, they must leave before Maghrib. For those intending to stay more, they can collect more pebbles.
Stoning the Jamrahs: On the 12th of Thul-Hijjah, the same procedures as the 11th take place. The pilgrim stones the The first Jamrah, then the Middle, and finally the Big one in the same consecutive order, after midday on all three days. Throwing on the 13th of Thul-Hijjah is optional. The pilgrim may return to Makkah after throwing pebbles on the 12th of Thul-Hijjah to perform Tawaf al-Wada (farewell circumambulation).
Returning to Makkah: Pilgrims return to Makkah before Maghrib time after completing the stoning to perform Tawaf al-Wada. At this point, the crowd is very large and pilgrims should not push, but instead be courteous and offer help to those who need it.
Tawaf al-Wada: This is the farewell Tawaf that a pilgrim performs just before leaving Makkah for other destinations. It is the same as other Tawaf, going in 7 circuits, starting from the black stone line. After completing the Tawaf, it is good but not required to pray 2 Rak'ahs behind Maqam Ibrahim, or, if not possible, to pray any other 2 Rak'ahs facing the Kaabah. Though it is neither obligatory nor related to Hajj, it is recommended for a pilgrim to visit Prophet Muhammad's mosque in Madinah. This could be done before or after performing Hajj.
Departing from Makkah: This completes the Hajj journey. It is recommended to leave Makkah as soon as the pilgrim completes the pilgrimage. The pilgrim also asks Allah to accept the rituals and promises to abide by the divine commands.Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said: "Whoever goes to Hajj without obscenity he or she will be forgiven as a new-born."