For Pakistani pilgrims, 4^th of Zil Hajj is the last day to enter Saudi Arabia for performing Hajj. However, this policy vary country to country and Saudi Airline can take Hajj pilgrims till 6^th of Zil Hajj.

For Pakistani pilgrims, 14^th of Zil Hajj is the 1^st day to leave Saudi Arabia after performance of Hajj. This policy again vary country to country.

There are 3 main different types of Hajj;

1. Hajj-ul-Ifrad
2. Hajj-ul-Qiran
3. Hajj-ul-Tamattu

Hajj-ul-Ifrad

It is also known as the isolated Hajj, Hajj-ul-Ifrad is performed by the residents of Miqat, haram, and Jeddah. While the pilgrims do wear ihram, they do so only to perform Hajj, not to perform Umrah. It is this intention that differentiates Hajj-ul-Ifrad from the rest of the forms of Hajj, both of which involve Umrah.

As a Mufrid, you are not supposed to exit the state of ihram until you’re done throwing stones at Jamarat. The practice of stoning Jamrah Al Aqabah is performed on the day of Eid. Although you are not required to offer animal sacrifice when performing Hajj-ul-Ifrad, you may do so if you want to.

Hajj-ul-Qiran

Hajj-ul-Qiran is truly a blessing for Muslims who live far away from the sacred Mosque, Masjid al-Haram. It allows them to perform both Hajj and Umrah in a single visit. In fact, the Qarin (a person who performs Hajj-ul-Qiran) must enter the state of ihram with the intention to perform both Hajj and Umrah.

The pilgrim is supposed to perform Umrah first and then proceed for Hajj. Regardless of the length of duration between the two rituals, the Qarin must perform Hajj and Umrah in the same ihram.

Upon arriving at Masjid al-Haram, Makkah, the pilgrim begins with Tawaf and Sai’e, the two key rituals Umrah. After performing Umrah, you should not clip your hair or shave until you’ve performed Hajj and offered animal sacrifice. Keep in mind that animal sacrifice is a mandatory in Hajj-ul-Qiran, unlike the case for Hajj-ul-Ifrad.

Hajj-ul-Tamattu

Hajj-ul-Tamattu is the third type of Hajj, and the person performing this Hajj is referred to as Mutamatti. Again, the pilgrim is supposed to perform Umrah before Hajj, but he is not obliged to perform the two rituals in the same ihram.

A Mutamatti enters the state of Ihram with the intention of performing Umrah only. Once the Umrah is performed, the pilgrim exits the state of Ihram and put on a new Ihram when proceeding to Hajj on the 8^th of Dhul-Hijjah. This way, the pilgrim is relieved of the restrictions imposed by Ihram during the time between Umrah and Hajj.

t’s important to understand here that Umrah must be performed during the Hajj season. Any Umrah that is performed before the start of Shawwal or during the days of Hajj is considered invalid. Also, anyone who performs Umrah as part of Hajj-ul-Tamattu can’t leave without performing Hajj. No matter what, they must perform Hajj before going back to their destinations.

As in the case of Hajj-ul-Qiran, a pilgrim must offer animal sacrifice when performing Hajj-ul-Tamattu. If for some reason, you can’t offer animal sacrifice, you must do a 10-day fasting as a substitute.  However, do not fast during the day of Eid-ul-Adha; it’s forbidden to fast on any of the Eid days.

Hajj Tamattu is the most type of Hajj that is performed by the pilgrims. It is performed as briefly narrated hereunder;

1. Preparation and Intention – You need to make niyyah or intention to perform Hajj.
2. You need to put om Ihram and recite Talmiyah at least once.
3. When you reach Makkah, you need to first perform Umrah which starts Tawaf. Tawaf is when the pilgrim walks in circles around the Kaa’bah. This is in an anti-clockwise motion. A single Tawaf consists of seven complete circles. You can even offer voluntary prayers so as to thank Allah (SWT) for reaching safely and to begin this special journey.
4. After Tawaf, you need to do Sai meaning walking and running particularly between the two hills that are of Safa and Marwa.
5. After Sai, the men need to get their hair clipped or shaved. A women will clip her hair which will be to the length of her fingertip. When this is done, the Umrah is completed. You can now put off Ihram till the 8^th of Zil Hajj . In the intervening period, you may perform tawaf, offer prayers as much as you can and seek mercy of Al Mighty Allah
6. On the 8^th day of Zil Hajj , you will again put on Ihram and it will be the start of the days of Hajj. It will be the next stage of the spiritual journey.
7. You will go to your allocated tent in Mina. Here you pray and offer prayers of Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, ‘Isha and Fajar. You will spent the night in Mina and leave for Arafat after offering Fajr prayers.
8. After sunrise you will go to the plains of ‘Arafat. You will recite Istaghfar and make supplications.
9. After sunset you will leave ‘Arafat and go to Muzdalifah. When you reach Muzdalifah you need to offer Maghrib and ‘Isha Salah. You can collect small pebbles from here to perform Rami. In all, you will be requiring 49 pebbles for 10^th, 11^th and 12^th of Zil Hajj
10. The 10^th of Zil Hajj is the Day of Sacrifice, After Rami you will offer Qurbani-
11. After Qurbani, you will shave or trim the hair if you are a man. A women will trim her hair that will be by the length of a fingertip. You will come out of Ihram restriction and perform Tawaf-e-Ziarat.
12. On the 11^th of Zil Hajj , you will carry out second day of Rami.
13. Third day or Rami- On the afternoon of the 12^th of Zil Hajj  will be the final stoning day.
14. From 10^th to 12^th Zil Hajj, spend as much time as possible in your tent in Mina.

Tawaf al-Wida- This Tawaf will be performed before leaving the boundaries of the Haram

The Saudi Hajj ministry has allowed women to perform the pilgrimage without a male relative or Mehram. This is if they go in a group.

What are the main considerations in choosing on travelling to Madinah before Hajj or after Hajj?

This largely depends on individual preference. One of the considerations may be the ease of travelling, especially for those with flight time of over 6-8 hours. If you are travelling to Madinah before Hajj you don’t need to be in the state of Ihram and your travelling is quite similar to a regular international travel. Apart from this convenience, it is comparatively easy and quicker at Madinah Airport to get through immigration, collect luggage and to arrange private pickups as compare to Makkah / Jeddah Airport.

If you choose Madinah after Hajj, you might face more challenges. There’s more paperwork, and you’ll need to travel for about 2 hours to reach Mecca. After arrival, you might have to wait at the terminal for 2 to 3 hours after immigration and getting your luggage. Private transportation options can be tricky to manage in Jeddah, and is expensive as well.

However, this decision remains linked with specific requirement of the pilgrim and the package that is selected for performance of Hajj. At Ar Rahim, we offer packages for both “Madinah before Hajj” and “Madinah after Hajj” to cater varying requirements of our valued guests.

 There may be three types of Qurbani;

1. Hajj Qurbani
2. Dum Qurbani.           
3. Eid Qurbani.

1. Kindly note none of the Hajj packages offered by Ar Rahim includes Qurbani. However, Ar Rahim do provide assistance, if requested by guest, in extending Qurbani services at an additional cost. Qurbani is obligatory for Hajj-e-Qiran and Hajj-e-Tamattu.
2. On the 10th of Zil Hajj, the Qurbani is offered. Hujjaj who have chosen Ar Rahim Qurbani service are recommended to complete the Rami on the first day by 11 am or earlier as the standard duration for the Qurbani process is approximately 6 hours. Hujjaj have the flexibility to make independent arrangements for Hajj Qurbani from a reputable source.
3. If the Rami on the first day is completed after 4 pm, the Qurbani is rescheduled for the 11th of Zil Hajj.
4. Ar Rahim also provides assistance for Dum Qurbani, which is a precautionary measure against any error / omission done in the state of Ihram. Dum Qurbani is offered after the 14th of Zil Hajj and should be completed within a week in the Makkah region, as Dum Qurbani must be performed within Makkah Regional Limits.

The last type, Eid Qurbani, is something that Hujjaj can arrange in their home countries. However, Ar Rahim may provide assistance at additional cost if the guest wants to do Eid Qurbani in Makkah.

On the 9^th Zil Hajj, the pilgrims have to reach Arafat before noon Here they offer supplications, repent for sins they have committed, seek the mercy of Allah and listen to the sermon delivered by Islamic scholars. They stay in Arafat from noon till sunset, known as wuquf. It is said to be one of the most important rites of Hajj. The pilgrims need to spend the afternoon in Arafat or else the Hajj is regarded as being invalid. The pilgrims leave Arafat before Maghrib prayers and offer Maghrib and Isha prayers in Muzdalifah

Mina is a valley that is surrounded by mountains. Pilgrims spend the nights of 9^th, 11^th and 12^th of Zil Hajj here. They occasionally can spend the night of the 13^th here as well.

It is important to stay in Mina because pilgrims spend a full day as well as night within the tents located at Mina. This is knowns as Layali al Tashriq. Pilgrims will read the Holy Quran and offer prayers. They will worship Allah SWT and perform Zikr. They also listen to Islamic lectures.

The night of 10^th Zil Hajj is spent at Muzdalifah. This will be under the open sky and the Hujjaj pray to Almighty Allah for His blessings and forgiveness. Here pilgrims will gather pebbles to throw at the pillars of Jamarat.

When at Muzdalifah the pilgrim can pray to Allah SWT. They will ask for blessings and forgiveness. Here they can rest to prepare themselves for the next three days of Hajj

Seven small stones are thrown at Jamarat.

Hajj includes a series of rituals which are offered by Hujjaj in and around Mecca and cover a period of five to six days.

There is no obligatory dua that you need to recite during Tawaf. You can read the verses that are from the Holy Quran. You may take the name of Allah. One can recite personal Duas in any language. There are some recommended Duas that you can read while circling around the Holy Kaaba.

Ali ibn Talib (RA) recited the following dua:

سْمِ اللَّهِ وَاللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ، اللَّهُمَّ إِيْمَاناً بِكَ وَتَصْدِيْقاً بِكِتَابِكَ، وَوَفَاءً بِعَهْدِكَ، وَاتِّبَاعاً لِسُنَّةِ نَبِيِّكَ مُحَمَّدْ

Translation: In the name of Allah, Allah is the greatest. O Allah, out of faith in You, conviction in Your book, in fulfilment of Your covenant, and in emulation of Your Prophet’s Sunnah (PBUH). [Al-Tabarani]

At the Rukn al-Yamani

It is recorded by Ibn Majah, that whoever recites the following Dua at the Yemeni corner, seventy thousand angels say “Amin” to it:

 There is no obligatory dua that you need to recite during Tawaf. You can read the verses that are from the Holy Quran. You may take the name of Allah. One can recite personal Duas in any language. There are some recommended Duas that you can read while circling around the Holy Kaaba.

Ali ibn Talib (RA) recited the following dua:

سْمِ اللَّهِ وَاللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ، اللَّهُمَّ إِيْمَاناً بِكَ وَتَصْدِيْقاً بِكِتَابِكَ، وَوَفَاءً بِعَهْدِكَ، وَاتِّبَاعاً لِسُنَّةِ نَبِيِّكَ مُحَمَّدْ

Translation: In the name of Allah, Allah is the greatest. O Allah, out of faith in You, conviction in Your book, in fulfilment of Your covenant, and in emulation of Your Prophet’s Sunnah (PBUH). [Al-Tabarani]

At the Rukn al-Yamani

اللهم إني أسألك العفو والعافية في الدنيا والآخرة 

Translation: O Allah, I ask You for Your forgiveness and protection in this life and the next.

Between the Rukn al-Yamani and the Hajar al-Aswad

The following supplication was recited by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH):

رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِيْ الدُنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَّفِيْ الآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَّقِنَا عَذَابَ النَار

Translation: O our Lord, grant us the good of this world, the good of the Hereafter, and save us from the punishment of the fire.

Generally speaking, there is no other supplication specified in the Sunnah to recite during the Tawaf. One should endeavour to recite as many supplications and remembrance they can from their heart at this point.

Sa’i tends to be the ritualistic walking that occurs between the two mountains that are of Safa and Marwa. Between the green lights you need to slowly run without affecting other Hujjaj.

When going between Safa and Marwa one should say:

رَبِّ اغْفِر وَارحَم، تَجَاوَز عَمَّا تَعلَمْ، إِنَّكَ أنتَ الأَعَزُّ الأَكرَمُ .الَلَّهُمَّ آتِنَا فِي الدُّنيَا حَسَنَةً وَ فِي الآخِرةِ حَسَنةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ

Translation: Oh my Lord, forgive, have mercy, and pardon that which You know. Truly You are the Most Mighty, the Most Noble. Oh Allah, grant us good in this world and in the Hereafter, and protect us from the punishment of Hell-Fire

Ar Rahim Hajj Group choose the locations of Azizia accommodations very carefully. One of the things Ar Rahim Hajj Group consider is making it easy for you to reach the Jamarat bus station and escalators. You only have to walk to this station or point twice to perform Ramy.  Hajj.

Ar Rahim Hajj Group’s accommodations are in a good spot that’s convenient for daily activities, traffic flow to the Haram, and getting taxis or other transportation. On the 10th and 11th days of Zil Hajj, when you need to go to the Jamarat escalators or the Jamarat bus station, it’s a short walk. For older folks and kids, Ar Rahim Hajj Group has handy carts and air-conditioned vans (subject to approvals) to help you cover this short distance of a few hundred meters.

New pilgrims often have a question: “How do we get from Azizia to the Haram for our daily prayers?” Well, Ar Rahim Hajj Group has made it simple. They’ve set up a special bus service just for this, and you can find the schedule on boards and screens. Here’s how it works: All the buses take you to a certain point. From there, you switch to buses that go right to the Haram through a tunnel. This is how you get there and back. The bus service goes until the 4th of Zil Hajj and then starts up again after the 14th of Zil Hajj. This follows the local rules, so you can easily reach the Haram for your daily prayers.

Now, if you don’t want to take the bus, you have other choices. You can get to the Haram by taxi, Careem, Uber, or even Makkah’s public transport. There’s an app you can use to manage this. When you hop in a taxi, just tell the driver to drop you under the Ajyad tunnel, which is a well-known spot above the tunnel gate called Abdul Aziz of Haram. Taxi prices can vary, and you can usually negotiate. On average, it might cost around SAR50 to SAR100 each way. But during the busiest Hajj days (the 10th, 11th, and 12th of Zil Hajj), some taxi drivers might charge SAR50 to SAR100 per person for those days.

Usually, between the 10th and 12th of Zil Hajj, most pilgrims (hujjaj) make a single visit to the Haram for Tawaf-e-Ziarat. If you’ve opted for Ar Rahim one-way bus service to the Haram’s Bus Terminal on the 10th or 11th Zil Hajj (subject to availability, and this service is not included in the package cost), you will only need to cover the expense of a one-way taxi ride back to your Azizia accommodation. To be on the safe side, it’s a good idea to budget around USD$100 per person for potential taxi expenses from the 5th to the 13th of Zil Hajj. Also, it’s always prudent to have some extra cash on hand.

Tawaf-e-Ziarat: Tawaf-e-Ziarat, also known as the “Tawaf of Ifadah,” is an obligation (one of Faraiz) for all Hajj pilgrims. This significant ritual occurs on the 10th, 11th, or even the 12th of Zil Hajj, before sunset. After returning from Muzdalifah, many pilgrims follow a specific sequence of rites, including symbolic stoning of the devil (Rami) on the first day, offering Hajj Qurbani (animal sacrifice), getting a haircut, and removing the Ihram. Following these steps, pilgrims perform Tawaf-e-Ziarat, which can be done while wearing regular clothing. After Tawaf-e-Ziarat, it’s customary for pilgrims to engage in Sa’i, the ritual walks between Safa and Marwah.

Tawaf-e-Wida: Tawaf-e-Vida, known as the Farewell Tawaf as well, is conducted as pilgrims prepare to depart from Makkah, marking the conclusion of their Hajj pilgrimage. This Tawaf takes place after all other Hajj rituals have been fulfilled. Unlike other specific days, there is no set day for Tawaf-e-Wida; it can be performed during the pilgrim’s final visit to the Kaaba before leaving Makkah.

Upon your arrival at your hotel or accommodation in Makkah, here is a straightforward guide for your first Umrah;

1. When you arrive in Makkah, you need to be in the state of Ihram, whether you’re coming from Medina or Jeddah. This is done before crossing the Miqat zone.
2. You’ll be taken to your first accommodation in Makkah, which could be a hotel near the Haram or Azizia, depending on your package.
3. Your luggage may take around 5 to 6 hours to reach your room. During this time, rest, have a snack, or make up for any missed prayers.
4. We suggest doing your first Umrah after the Eisha prayer, around 9 pm. At this time, the Haram is less crowded, and there are shorter prayer lines. To complete Umrah, you’ll need to do Tawaf and Sa’i.
5. If you’re in Azizia and want to return to your accommodation, note the location and landmarks to guide the taxi driver. Have a map and important contact numbers on hand, including your group coordinator’s number for assistance.

This makes your first Umrah experience smoother and more fulfilling.

The key distinctions for Category A camps in Mina, with additional details:

1. Closest to Jamarat, between 1-2 KM meters from Jamarat.
2. Each camp typically has one split air conditioner. Camp walls are made of temporary gypsum material.
3. Equipped with sofa cum beds that can be converted into mattresses. These have a standard size of 54cm width. Larger beds may be available, subject to availability and additional charges.
4. Generally, very few single camps in Mina. Multiple important camps are often merged into one large hall. This results in an average of 14 to 16 Hujjaj per camp. When three camps are merged, this can accommodate 48 Hujjaj on average per camp/hall. If two camps are merged, it accommodates 32 Hujjaj on average.
5. The availability of extra toilets in Mina depends on permission and varies. On average, there is around 1 toilet per 30 to 35 Hujjaj as of 2023. These approvals are subject to last-minute changes and are not guaranteed.
6. Meals are provided buffet-style. Buffets are set up at corners or dedicated areas, offering a variety of food choices, along with unlimited soft drinks, water, and juices.
7. Category A camps are known for providing the highest level of comfort and amenities for Hujjaj during their stay in Mina, as per Saudi Arabian Mashair services for Pakistani Hujjaj.
8. Hujjaj can have a personalized upgrade to the A+ or Royal category in Mina. This tailored upgrade could include a private camp, proper beds, larger sofa beds, a private living area, personal toilets, a dedicated butler, private transportation with GMC, and other fancy services. However, the permission / availability of these upgrades and any associated costs depend on availability. This customized A+ or Royal category upgrade offers a higher level of comfort and luxury, providing a special and individualized experience for Hujjaj during their time in Mina.

Category B camps in Mina, offer below services;

1. Situated at a decent distance from Jamarat, approximately 2 kilometers away.
2. Typically, each camp shares one air conditioner for every two camps. The outer camp walls are constructed from temporary gypsum material, while the inside sections are separated through camp curtain material.
3. Camps are equipped with sofa cum bed mattresses. The mattresses have a standard size of approximately 47cm in width.
4. There are very few single camps in Mina. Instead, two or sometimes more multiple camps are merged. Generally, 18 Hujjaj are accommodated in one single camp.
5. There are no special or additional toilet facilities in this category. Hujjaj use government or Kidana toilets located nearby, which are shared by all groups.
6. Buffet meals are served to Hujjaj at dedicated areas. However, there is limited variety of meal choices.
7. Category B camps offer a decent level of comfort and considered the second-best category in terms of amenities and services.

Category C camps in Mina, offer below services;

1. Camps are located at a distance of 4-6 kilometers from Jamarat.
2. Camps are provided with air conditioner and/or with water coolers as basic standards. The outer camp walls are made up of gypsum material, while the inside sections are separated with camp curtain material.
3. These camps are provided with sofa cum bed / mattresses. The mattresses have a standard size of approximately 40 cm to 45cm in width.
4. Generally, 4 to 8 camps are merged into one large hall with around 20 Hujjaj per camp.
5. There are no special or additional toilet facilities in this category. Hujjaj use government or Kidana toilets located nearby, which are shared by all groups.
6. Boxed meals are provided with one bottle of water and one tea are provided in the morning.
7. Category C camps offer an average level of comfort but rated high in terms of value for money.

Category D camps in Mina, offer below services;

1. Camps are located quite distant from Jamarat, sometimes bordering or even outside the old Mina region.
2. These camps are provided with standard Mina water coolers The camps are constructed with general curtain camp material, not gypsum.
3. These camps are equipped with thin mattresses, and standard size mattresses are provided by the Muallim or local companies.
4. Typically, 8 to 12 camps are merged into one large hall with each camp accommodating an average of 22 to 24 Hujjaj.
5. Hujjaj use government or Kidana toilets located nearby, which are shared by all groups.
6. Meals are provided as packed meals per person or as 2-person sharing combos with a fixed menu. Along with the meal, one bottle of water and one tea are provided in the morning.
7. Comfort: Category D camps offer a basic standard level of comfort and can accommodate a larger number of Hujjaj during their stay in Mina, as per the services provided by Saudi Arabian Mashair for Pakistani Hujjaj.

“Mashair” refers to the important holy places that pilgrims visit. These places include Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah. During this journey, pilgrims spend at least five (05) days in these locations:

1. Mina: Pilgrims stay in Mina on the 8th, 10th, 11th, and 12th days of Zil Hajj for the symbolic stoning of the devil (Rami al-Jamarat). The 13th day of Dhul-Hijjah is optional for this ritual.
2. Arafat: On the 9th day of Zil Hajj, pilgrims come to Arafat before Zuhr to pray and offer Zikr. This is stay is referred to as “waqoof-e-Arafat” time, which starts at noon and goes until sunset. It’s a very important ritual, often called “Hajj Day.”
3. Muzdalifah: After leaving Arafat, pilgrims spend the night of 10^th Zil Hajj in Muzdalifah. This night is spent in the open sky by the roadside with very limited facilities. They collect between minimum 49 or maximum 70 pebbles during this time for a special ritual. On this night, they combine their Maghrib (evening) and Isha (night) prayers. The Maghrib prayer is offered, which they didn’t do in Arafat. Then they wait until the Fajr (dawn) prayers, perform the Fajr prayer, and proceed to stoning of Jamarat.

These days in the Mashair are a vital part of the Hajj journey, with specific rituals and prayers performed at each location.

Arafat day is a most important part of the Hajj, on the 9th of Zil Hajj. Pilgrims remain in Arafat from noon till sunset of the 9^th Zil Hajj. This stay is referred to as “waqoof-e-Arafat,” it’s preferrable for pilgrims to arrive in Arafat early in the morning of the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah or, at the latest, before noon.

For Category A, buses typically commence their journey at 4 am, right after Fajr prayers and before sunrise. However, this timing may be adjusted per local regulations and traffic conditions.

In Categories B, C, and D, the journey from Mina to Arafat starts after dinner and Isha prayers of 8^th Zil Hajj, generally at around 11 pm. The purpose is to ensure that all pilgrims reach the Arafat camps well in advance of the Fajr prayers. This early arrival allows them to rest before and after Fajr, preparing for their worship starting at noon. Buses are conveniently parked near the Arafat camps. Moving during the night offers certain advantages, such as reduced traffic and additional time to reach Arafat. In Category A, the possibility of departing after Fajr depends on local conditions and permissions

Category A Camps in Arafat offer the following features and services:

Waqoof-e-Arafat: The main Hajj ritual is the “waqoof-e-Arafat,” which takes place on the 9^th of Zil Hajj. This stay in Arafat is from noon to sunset.

1. In Arafat, large air-conditioned marquees are provided. Category A camps in Arafat have sofa beds, although these are typically used for seating due to limited space. Each big marquee accommodates 300 to 400 Hujjaj or more.
2. Buffet meals is served in Arafat. The weather can be very hot, so it’s advisable to keep your meals light, allowing you to focus on your main acts of worship and prayers in Arafat. Water, drinks, snacks, and tea are available in Arafat.
3. This category is provided with some tiled washrooms prepared by the local authorities / Kidana. However, since Arafat stay is very short, the toilets are generally temporary construction type.
4. Pilgrims begin moving out from Arafat camps at least half an hour before sunset. They head toward the buses that are usually parked within a 10 minutes walking distance. However, Hujjaj must stay within the defined Arafat limits until sunset. The final rituals (Waqoof) and prayers are done near the buses.

In Category A, Ar Rahim provides high-quality, latest model buses with seat-to-seat sitting for all Hujajj. These luxury buses are equipped with ambient lighting, toilets, cold water, drinks, and sometimes sleeping bags for use in Muzdalifa.

Category B Camps in Arafat offer services:

1. In Arafat, you’ll find large, low-height air-conditioned marquees. Category B camps in Arafat provide small sofa beds or mattresses, although these are primarily used for sitting due to limited space. Each big marquee accommodates 400 to 500 Hujjaj or more.
2. Buffet meals is served in Arafat. The weather can be very hot, so it’s advisable to keep your meals light, allowing you to focus on your main acts of worship and prayers in Arafat. Water, drinks, snacks, and tea are available in Arafat.
3. This category is provided with some tiled washrooms prepared by the local authorities / Kidana. However, since Arafat stay is very short, the toilets are generally temporary construction type.
4. Pilgrims begin moving out from Arafat camps at least half an hour before sunset. They head toward the buses that are usually parked within a 10 minutes walking distance. However, Hujjaj must stay within the defined Arafat limits until sunset. The final rituals (Waqoof) and prayers are done near the buses.

In Category B as well, Ar Rahim provides high-quality, latest model buses with seat-to-seat sitting for all Hujajj. These luxury buses are equipped with ambient lighting, toilets, cold water, drinks, and sometimes sleeping bags for use in Muzdalifa.

Category C & D Camps in Arafat offer the following services:

1. These camps are provided with standard old-style fabric tents with standing fans or air coolers. Category C & D camps in Arafat provide mattresses or mats, although these are primarily used for sitting due to limited space. Each hall or large compound accommodates 600 to 700 Hujjaj or more.
2. Boxed meals is served to Hujjaj. Given the hot weather, it’s advisable to keep your meals light, allowing you to concentrate on your main acts of worship and prayers in Arafat. Water is available with meals in Arafat.
3. Category C & D camps are provided with government / Kidana toilets.
4. Pilgrims in Arafat leave for buses parked nearby before sunset, where they complete their rituals. Some Hajj groups offer shared transport in Categories C & D, while others may recommend walking to Muzdalifah. Remember to check with your Muallim or refer to your package for guidance.

1. Pilgrims leave Arafat for Muzdalifah right after the Maghrib (sunset) time.
2. Maghrib and Isha prayers are combined and offered in Muzdalifah as per Hajj rituals.
3. Ar Rahim provides dedicated buses on a seat-to-seat basis, reducing travel time to approximately 3-4 hours. However, due to traffic congestion it may take up to 8 hours.

Muzdalifah Stay Guidelines:

1. Muzdalifah is an open area with parking lots and some small Rocky Mountains. Many buses are parked, and there can be bus smoke.
2. Public toilets are available but often have long queues and may not meet cleanliness standards.
3. Pilgrims stay under the open sky, combining Maghrib and Isha prayers, collecting stones for the Jamarat ritual, and praying / resting until Fajr.
4. Fajr prayers and the Waqoof (standing in devotion) are performed after Fajr.

Accommodation Arrangements:

1. Staying on the roadside or near buses and parking areas.
2. Category A and B pilgrims are provided with disposable light sleeping bags by Ar Rahim.
3. Other pilgrims can bring their own disposable mats.
4. For those who can’t sit on the ground, it is recommended to bring a light wheelchair, portable chair, or stool.
5. Category A pilgrims can also bring additional comfort items, but they need to consider the responsibility of carrying these items during the journey.

It’s essential to be mentally prepared for this unique and challenging experience. After spending two days in the state of ihram following their journey from Mina and Arafat, pilgrims may find staying on the roadside with small rocks and buses moving around to be unsettling. However, by discussing their expectations with Ar Rahim representatives or seeking advice from those who have experienced Muzdalifah before, pilgrims can better prepare themselves.

Snacks in Muzdalifah:

1. Pilgrims receive snack boxes from Muallim or may find them stored on the buses.
2. Toilets are limited, so pilgrims are advised to keep their meals light.
3. Consider carrying items like biscuits, energy bars, and necessary vitamins for convenience.
4. Ensure your phone is fully charged or carry backup batteries, as charging ports may not be available.
5. Note that Muzdalifah is a temporary setup, and there’s no specific location allocation for each group’s buses. Pre-arrangement for any supplies is not possible.
6. Exercise caution when buying food from vendors in Muzdalifah due to hygiene and toilet availability concerns.

Movement Out of Muzdalifah:

1. Buses depart after Fajr prayers and are generally parked at a distance.
2. Murshids and coordinators will facilitate bus boarding.
3. Walking is discouraged due to congestion, especially for elderly, ladies, and children.
4. Ar Rahim strategy is to transfer pilgrims from Muzdalifah to Azizia accommodation to avoid congestion in Mina, especially on the first day when all pilgrims head to the Jamarat.
5. This strategy ensures a smoother Rami (stoning of the pillars) for Day 1 with reduced rush

Please note that Jamarat bus service can be unpredictable due to rush and bus availability, without prior notice, and without responsibility

Handling of Pakistani Passports during the entire Hajj journey / trip involves unique international travel procedures:

Hajj pilgrims (Hujjaj) may notice that Saudi authorities handle passports of different nationalities differently. Our focused and below guidelines and procedures are based on Pakistani Machine Readable Passport with Valid Hajj Visa Only.

1. Upon arrival in Saudi Arabia as a Hajj passenger, you’ll encounter a distinct process. This includes receiving polio drops and a warm welcome from immigration officials, creating a sense of Saudi hospitality and the special “Ya Hajji” feeling.
2. Luggage handling is notably organized, with efficient porters ensuring the swift movement of your belongings. It’s advisable to ensure to labelled your bags with Ar Rahim Luggage Cards.
3. After immigration and collecting your luggage, a Saudi team will identify you based on your Maktab number and group name (like ArvRahim). They will prepare the necessary documents and collect your passport, which they will safeguard.
4. Some pilgrims might refer to the experiences of their relatives or friends who have held onto their passports during Hajj and have traveled with different groups.
5. However, it’s important to understand that Ar Rahim or any other group does not set the condition to hold and submit passports to the relevant department in Medina and Makkah (Mecca). These are local guidelines and mandatory conditions set by Saudi authorities for Hajj visas.
6. If any other group or individual passenger holds Pakistani passports and does not submit them to the relevant department, specifically for Hajj visas, it is considered illegal and may lead to issues during Hajj or in the future when records are retrieved.
7. Since passport handling is unique and time consuming, be mentally prepared for a journey that would typically take 1.5 hours, like the one from Jeddah to Makkah (Mecca) after luggage counters. During Hajj, it can take 4 to 5 hours.
8. Whether you arrive in Medina or Jeddah, your passport remains under the custody of a designated authority or driver. They will issue a hand band and /or a card against your passport.
9. Depending on your Hajj plan, Ar Rahim team will manage the transfer of your passport to train stations, buses for travel between Medina and Makkah (Mecca), or airports.
10. Saudi authorities are generally efficient and responsible when it comes to handling passports. It’s advisable to keep a complete scan of each page of your passport as a record, which can be handy.
11. It is important to follow Saudi procedures, and avoiding passport submission to the authorities is not recommended. Passports are scanned at various points, and your movements are tracked by local authorities, ensuring compliance with legal requirements.

In short, handling of Pakistani passports during Hajj follows specific Saudi guidelines and is a legal requirement for the pilgrimage. It’s important to adhere to these guidelines to ensure a smooth and trouble-free Hajj experience. Nonetheless, maintaining a scanned copy of your passport and complying with necessary procedures will contribute to a smooth Hajj experience.

Hajj packages are typically categorized into two main subcategories: shifting (fix Azizia) packages and non-shifting (fix Makkah hotel) packages. Within these categories, pilgrims are presented with a diverse array of options to suit their varying budgets, preferences, and specific requirements. These choices encompass factors such as the type of accommodation, budget constraints, room preferences, hotel star ratings, service quality, and proximity to the Haram. Pilgrims carefully select from these options based on their individual preferences, financial considerations, and any recommendations they may have received. Additionally, further categorization occurs based on Maktab categories, which are tailored to specific Mashair Hajj days.

Shifting Packages (Azizia Packages)

1. These packages offer accommodations in various areas of the Makkah region, including Azizia.
2. In Shifting Packages, either the entire period of Makkah stay is provided in Azizia region which is 6-9 KM from Haram or the Hujaj are provided 2-3 nights’ stay in Hotels in close proximity to Haram and the rest of Makkah stay is provided in Azizia region. This is offered in various packages to cater varying requirements of Hujjaj.
3. Recent developments have led to the availability of excellent furnished apartment buildings and hotels in these areas, making shifting packages more attractive and budget friendly.
4. Pilgrims opting for shifting packages need to use transportation like taxis and shuttle services to reach the Haram for prayers, managing their timing accordingly.
5. During the peak days from the 5th to the 14th of Zilhajj, all pre-paid shuttle services are closed, and only taxis and cabs are available, which may result in additional / higher transportation costs for the pilgrims.

Non-Shifting Packages (Fix Makkah Packages)

1. These packages are designed for those seeking a seamless and uninterrupted Hajj experience.
2. In Non-Shifting Packages, Hujjaj are provided accommodations in hotels located near the Holy Mosque. These properties are in in close proximity to the Haram and may include Makkah Tower, Clock Tower Complex (Abraj Al Bait Hotels), Jabal-e-Umar Hotels, depending upon the varying preferences of our valued guests.

These accommodations ensure pilgrims enjoy unparalleled services and comfort, with effortless access to the Haram throughout their pilgrimage.