The Hajj , that is pilgrimage to Mecca (Makkah), is the largest annual pilgrimage in the world. It is the fifth pillar of Islam, an obligation that must be carried out at least once in their lifetime by every able-bodied Muslim who can afford to do so. It is a demonstration of the solidarity of the Muslim people, and their submission to God. The pilgrimage occurs from the 6th to the 12th day of Dhul Hijjah, the 12th month of the Islamic calendar. Because the Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar, the event cannot be pegged to the Gregorian calendar, whose (solar) year is eleven days longer. In 2007, Hajj took place from December 17 to December 21. (subject to date change) The Hajj is associated with the life of Muhammad, but the ritual of pilgrimage to Mecca predates Islam, and was considered ancient even during his lifetime in the 7th century. Many Muslims believe that it goes back to the time of Abraham in 2000 BCE. Pilgrims would join processions of tens of thousands of people, who would simultaneously converge on Mecca for the week of the Hajj, and perform a series of rituals. Each person would walk counter-clockwise seven times about the Kaaba, the haga haga cubical building towards which all Muslims pray, kiss the sacred Black Stone on its corner, run back and forth between the hills of Al-Safa and Al-Marwah, drink from the Zamzam Well, go to the plains of Mount Arafat to stand in vigil, then proceed to Muzdalifah to gather pebbles, which they would throw at a rock in Mina to perform the ritual of the Stoning of the Devil. The pilgrims would then shave their heads, perform an animal sacrifice, and celebrate the four day global festival of Eid ul-Adha. As of 2007, an estimated two million pilgrims participate in this annual pilgrimage. Crowd-control techniques have become critical, and because of the large numbers of people, many of the rituals have become more stylized. It is not necessary to kiss the Black Stone, but merely to point at it on each circuit around the Kaaba. Throwing pebbles was done at large pillars, which for safety reasons were in 2004 changed to long walls with catch basins below to catch the stones. The slaughter of an animal can be done either personally, or by appointing someone else to do it, and so forth. But even with the crowd control techniques, there are still many incidents during the Hajj, as pilgrims are trampled in the crush, or ramps collapse under the weight of the many visitors, causing hundreds of deaths. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj has a website, with the message, "Be peaceful, orderly and kind. No crushing." Pilgrims can also go to Mecca to perform the rituals at other times of the year. This is sometimes called the "lesser pilgrimage", or Umrah. However, even if they perform the Umrah, they are still obligated to perform the Hajj at some other point in their lifetime. One can also perform the Hajj in the virtual reality game Second Life. The area which has been named Mecca was bought by the Egyptian owned Islam Online were both Muslims and Non-Muslims alike may perform most rituals which are undertaken during the Hajj. It must be noted, performing virtual Hajj is an educational exercise only, and is not an acceptable substitute for fulfilling the obligation of performing Hajj in real life.

2,454,325 registered pilgrims performed the Hajj in December 2007. 1,707,814 pilgrims came from 181 countries, and 746,511 pilgrims were from Saudi Arabia. 45% of the pilgrims were females. The Hajj has been described as "a struggle". We must help fellow Muslims to prepare themselves better for the Hajj by sharing our experiences. Everyone -- the local authorities, the foreign governments and agencies, the tour operators and the pilgrims themselves -- must act decisively to achieve a Hajj free of defects, insha Allah. Living the "meaning" of Hajj is as important as performing the rites of Hajj correctly. I seek your forgiveness for the errors and your inputs to rectify them. Allah The Almighty knows best. For the latest photo images of the Hajj of 2007, visit www.MuslimPhotos.net

The performance of Hajj is obligatory on all adult Muslims who have the means to make the trip to the Holy City of Makkah. Umrah is regarded as a minor pilgrimage with only part of the required rituals performed. Whosoever enters the Mi'qaat (boundary of the Holy Land) has to perform Umrah, which includes Tawaaf (seven circuits around the Holy Kabah) and Sa’i (seven times between Mount Safa and Mount Murwa). Good health makes it easier not only to enjoy Hajj and Umrah in the pleasure of Allah Subahanahu Wata’ala but also to make maximum use of the opportunity to make as much ibadah as possible. Health plays a major role in fulfilling the requirements of Hajj and Umrah as Hajj and Umrah can be physically demanding depending on circumstances prevailing at the time. The following is a guideline and must be accompanied by your own Doctor's advice pertaining to your own health needs. PHYSICAL FITNESS The more physically fit you are, the easier it would become to perform the many rituals associated with Hajj. If you have decided to perform a walking Hajj, then it would be very important for you to be as fit as possible. This will require walking as much as possible, starting about 6 to 8 weeks before departure, walking greater and greater distances as the time of departure arrives. A brisk walk for about an hour three times a week would be sufficient to prepare for a walking Hajj. During Hajj and Umrah, the footwear for men is specified in that the high arch on the top of the foot needs to be exposed. The sandals or slippers that are used need to be broken-in well before Hajj and Umrah. Using your new sandals well before departure helps to make the feet accustomed to the footwear. Women may wear any comfortable footwear. Total distance to walk – approximately 10 - 12 kilometers to Arafat and 10 - 12 Kilometers back to Makkah. Men are not allowed to cover their heads during Hajj and Umrah. Furthermore, in the case of Hajj, men may have shaven their heads recently from the performance of Umrah. It would therefore be advisable to expose the head to the sun whilst exercising before departure so that the head (scalp and face) and neck can become accustomed to the sun. This can also be done in Saudi Arabia before Hajj starts. The sooner exercise is started, the better. For those who can, brisk walking, stationary cycling, swimming, etc. would be excellent forms of exercise. Even if one is not performing a walking Hajj, these exercises will help tremendously. Tawaf - approximately 200 meters to 2 kilometers depending on the crowd present and where it is performed, e.g., 1st floor of the Haram. Sai (Safa – Marwa) - approximately 3.5 kilometers. Rasulallah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallum often spoke of the importance of physical fitness in general. Physical fitness is therefore very important. CLIMATE IN SAUDI ARABIA Jeddah is on the coast of the Red Sea and therefore enjoys a slightly humid climate in summer. It becomes less humid in winter. Makkah is about 70 kilometers inland. It has an escarpment around it. One of the most famous sources of drinking water is from the Holy well of Zam Zam . Most of the water from bore holes and wells is brackish, unfit for human consumption. Because of the escarpment, the climate is dry and harsh. There is very little vegetation in and around Makkah due to the low rainfall. The Great Arabian Desert is all around Makkah. The climate is dry. Temperatures are extremely high, usually in the forty degree Celsius range and sometimes going into the fifties in summer. Medinah is situated about 500 kilometers north and is about 150 kilometers from the coast. It is a large oasis with the Great Arabian Desert all around it. Because of the numerous wells providing excellent water, it has date orchards spreading out on to the outskirts of the city. The climate is dry and hot, the temperatures not reaching as high as in Makkah. In winter, it can become cool to cold especially around Tahadjud and Fajr times. DRINKING WATER Tap water is not safe to drink anywhere in Saudi Arabia. It is brackish water obtained from bore holes and brought to the hotels in tankers. Water is stored in huge tanks on the top of hotels. Drinking water has to be bought in the form of bottled water. However, Zam Zam is available freely in Makkah and in Medinah. Since this is an opportunity to drink as much Zam Zam water as possible, plastic containers easily obtainable can be filled with Zam Zam water and brought to the room. Because of the hot weather conditions, it becomes necessary to drink water in abundance. Less urine is passed due to the hot conditions. The body conserves water by concentrating the urine. It is not good to pass very concentrated urine for a variety of reasons. Drink enough water so that the urine is clear. Passing clear urine indicates good hydration. Drinking brackish water causes a sore throat, stomach cramps and a cough from the irritation in the throat. The sore throat can be confused with a throat infection. Zam Zam water is abundantly available in both the Huramain. Zam Zam water is also available from taps outside the Haram Shareef. Plastic containers may be purchased outside the Haram Shareef, either empty or full of Zam Zam water. Zam Zam water that is available in storage containers in the Harram Shareef is cooled in cooling chambers. Ice is not added to the Zam Zam water. Every group of Zam Zam water containers in the Haram has one container that does not have cooled water. Arabic writing on the container would indicate which container has Zam Zam water that is not cooled. Although the authorities provide disposable cups for drinking Zam Zam in the Haram, people unfamiliar with this practice often mix the used cups with the unused ones resulting in confusion. If one is unsure, rinse out the cup well before use. It is through the sharing of cups that infections can spread from one pilgrim to another. People come from all parts of the world with different hygienic control. What one may find offensive may be quite normal for another. The important thing to do is to avoid picking up infections from this source. The Hajj authorities in Saudi Arabia do an excellent job of keeping the Zam Zam water area and containers as clean as possible. Clean drinking cups are always available. Despite hundreds of thousands of people going through the Harram, the authorities keep the facilities exceptionally clean. Please make sure that drinking water is safe. Drink adequate amounts of fluids especially water throughout your stay.

1- The commencement of Hajj [2:189] They ask you about the phases of the moon! Say, "They provide a timing device for the people, and determine the time of Hajj." It is not righteous to beat around the bush; righteousness is attained by upholding the commandments and by being straightforward. You shall observe GOD, that you may succeed. The 12th month of the Islamic calendar is called Zul-Hijja and it is the first of the four consecutive months 12th , 1st , 2nd and 3rd during which God decreed the Hajj. The birth of the new moon of the month of Zu Al-Hijja signals the beginning of the four months of Hajj. 2- The Duration of Hajj The duration of Hajj is given in 2:197 which reads: " Hajj shall be observed in the specified months. Whoever sets out to observe Hajj shall refrain from sexual intercourse, misconduct, and arguments throughout Hajj. Whatever good you do, GOD is fully aware thereof. As you prepare your provisions for the journey, the best provision is righteousness. You shall observe Me, O you who possess intelligence." Some of the Muslim scholars corrupted the law of God and reduced the time of Hajj from four months to the first ten days of the 12th month. They've justified their claims by corrupting the meaning of verses such as: "....They shall commemorate God’s name during the specified days" 22:28 "......You shall commemorate God for a number of days" 2:203 They deliberately ignored the fact that Hajj itself can be completed in few days but observed during the four specified months. The example of fasting the month of Ramadan, makes it clear as God describes this fasting also as specific days although the ritual of fasting is for the whole month. [2:184] Specific days (are designated for fasting); if one is ill or traveling, ....." 3- Abstentions (Ehraam) during Hajj a- Hunting Hunting is prohibited during Hajj : "You shall not permit hunting throughout Hajj pilgrimage. GOD decrees whatever He wills. " 5:1 See also 5:2 and 5:95 b- War and fighting All warfare is prohibited in the Sacred months of Hajj except in self defense: "They ask you about the Sacred Months and fighting therein: say, ‘Fighting therein is a sacrilege." 2:217 c- Sexual intercourse, misconduct and arguments prohibited: "....Whoever sets out to observe Hajj shall refrain from sexual intercourse, misconduct, and arguments throughout Hajj." 2:197 d- The cutting of the hair During Hajj, Abstaining from cutting one’s hair is a requirement as per 2:196 " You shall observe the complete rites of Hajj and `Umrah for GOD. If you are prevented, you shall send an offering, and do not resume cutting your hair until your offering has reached its destination." 2:196 4- The ‘Tawaaf’ (circling the Ka’bah) Tawaaf is mentioned in the following verse : [22:29] "They shall complete their obligations, fulfill their vows, and visit the ancient shrine (Tawaaf)."

These are the verses (in sequence) that deal with Hajj (Pilgrimage) in the Quran; I seek refuge in God from Satan the rejected In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful [al-Baqarah 2:125] We have rendered the shrine (the Ka`aba) a focal point for the people, and a safe sanctuary. You may use Abraham's shrine as a prayer house. We commissioned Abraham and Ismail: "You shall purify My house for those who visit, those who live there, and those who bow and prostrate." [al-Baqarah 2:158] The knolls of Safa and Marwah are among the rites decreed by GOD. Anyone who observes Hajj or `Umrah commits no error by traversing the distance between them. If one volunteers more righteous works, then GOD is Appreciative, Omniscient. [al-Baqarah 2:189] They ask you about the phases of the moon! Say, "They provide a timing device for the people, and determine the time of Hajj." It is not righteous to beat around the bush; righteousness is attained by upholding the commandments and by being straightforward. You shall observe GOD, that you may succeed. [al-Baqarah 2:196] You shall observe the complete rites of Hajj and `Umrah for GOD. If you are prevented, you shall send an offering, and do not resume cutting your hair until your offering has reached its destination. If you are ill, or suffering a head injury (and you must cut your hair), you shall expiate by fasting, or giving to charity, or some other form of worship. During the normal Hajj, if you break the state of Ihraam (sanctity) between `Umrah and Hajj, you shall expiate by offering an animal sacrifice. If you cannot afford it, you shall fast three days during Hajj and seven when you return home - this completes ten -provided you do not live at the Sacred Masjid. You shall observe GOD, and know that GOD is strict in enforcing retribution. [al-Baqarah 2:197] Hajj shall be observed in the specified months. Whoever sets out to observe Hajj shall refrain from sexual intercourse, misconduct, and arguments throughout Hajj. Whatever good you do, GOD is fully aware thereof. As you prepare your provisions for the journey, the best provision is righteousness. You shall observe Me, O you who possess intelligence. [al-Baqarah 2:198] You commit no error by seeking provisions from your Lord (through commerce). When you file from `Arafaat, you shall commemorate GOD at the Sacred Location (of Muzdalifah). You shall commemorate Him for guiding you; before this, you had gone astray. [al-Baqarah 2:199] You shall file together, with the rest of the people who file, and ask GOD for forgiveness. GOD is Forgiver, Most Merciful. [al-Baqarah 2:200-201] Once you complete your rites, you shall continue to commemorate GOD as you commemorate your own parents, or even better. Some people would say, "Our Lord, give us of this world," while having no share in the Hereafter. [2:201] Others would say, "Our Lord, grant us righteousness in this world, and righteousness in the Hereafter, and spare us the retribution of Hell." [al-Baqarah 2:203] You shall commemorate GOD for a number of days (in Mena); whoever hastens to do this in two days commits no sin, and whoever stays longer commits no sin, so long as righteousness is maintained. You shall observe GOD, and know that before Him you will be gathered. [Al-Imran 3:96-97] The most important shrine established for the people is the one in Becca; a blessed beacon for all the people. In it are clear signs: the station of Abraham. Anyone who enters it shall be granted safe passage. The people owe it to GOD that they shall observe Hajj to this shrine, when they can afford it. As for those who disbelieve, GOD does not need anyone.

Original Passport Original visa application form 4 colour photos with white background – 2 for visa form / 2 for Sahuc form Copy and original air ticket of each pilgrim Copy and original tanazul of each pilgrim Medical Card attached to the passport Copy of signed and fully completed contract between Hajj operator and pilgrim Fully completed Sahuc form