Hajj information (Pilgrimage to Saudi-Arabia)

 ===== The Hajj season is here and some of you are probably getting ready to proceed to Hajj. In this short post, you can find some basic information that can help you improve your Hajj planning.

Here are a few snippets of information for your consideration –

• The Ministry of Hajj in Saudi-Arabia has issued an approximately 15 minute long video for pilgrims who visit Saudi-Arabia for Hajj and Umrah rites. For first time visitors, it includes a lot of useful information, including safety tips, avoiding overcrowding and more of such information. Click here to save the video on your computer.

• Recent expansion projects at the two Haram mosques have increased the capacity of the mosque at Makkah to more than 2 million worshippers, while the mosque at Al-Madinah can hold approximately 1 million worshippers.

• While you are in Makkah and Madinah, healthcare for basic health issues is mostly free of charge. However, you will be responsible for buying medicines yourself from pharmacies. You should also be aware of the potentially large number of pilgrims who may have a need to visit these healthcare facilities.

• Electronic Umra Visas will be issued starting early 2008. This also means that licensed representatives can start applying for Umra visas electronically for their clients thus expediting the entire visa process.

• More information about Hajj can be found at the official Hajj site of the Ministry of Hajj in Saudi-Arabia at http://www.hajinformation.com/

We wish you a blessed Hajj journey ! In the meantime, do share with everyone any experiences that you may have had on prior Hajj or Umrah trips that may be informative for others!  

(Prophet Muhammad’s Burial Site)