El-Sawy : Hajj Arrangements
“Pilgrimage to the Ka’ba is a duty owed to Allah by all people who are able to undertake it”
The Holy Qur’an Surah 3 v.97
“Proclaim thou unto all people the (duty of) pilgrimage: they will come unto thee on foot and on every (kind of) fast mount, coming from every far-away place (on earth)”
The Holy Qur’an Surah 22 v.27
EL-Sawy Travel Ltd will arrange a pre-Hajj briefing with a panel of scholars at the Islamic Cultural Centre, to help you to obtain the most from your visit and to answer any queries. A reputable scholar recommended by the Islamic Cultural Centre will accompany the group to Saudi Arabia on a voluntary basis, to serve as a religious guide during the Hajj.
VISA
FLIGHT DETAILS
Please refer to the itinerary information sheet distributed by El-Sawy Travel for precise travel details concerning the full hajj package. The sheet gives the dates of travel, flight departure and arrival times, and flight numbers.
Important Note: in exceptional circumstances, EL-SAWY TRAVEL LTD reserves the right to modify travel arrangements, should the need arise.
DEPARTURE
All members of the Hajj group are required to assemble at the Saudia Airlines check-in desk at Heathrow Terminal 4 on the date of departure, five hours before take-off time. The early arrival at the airport is necessary to allow sufficient time to meet up with the rest of the group, check in and complete security clearance. Due to the large number of pilgrims making the journey to Saudi Arabia and the numerous friends and relatives seeing them off, you should expect the airport to be very crowded.
MEDINAH AIRPORT
Upon arriving in Medinah, one should expect to wait for up to 5 hours at the airport before proceeding to the Hotel depending on the immigration queues etc. This is due to the large number and frequency of flights arriving, resulting in delays in respect of baggage collection and customs clearance.
ACCOMMODATION IN MEDINAH
ACCOMMODATION IN MEDINAH
ACCOMODATION IN MINA AND ARAFAT
During the main days of Hajj accommodation is provided in upgraded tents.
Mina tents are set up for maximum comfort with A/C and plasterboard to keep the tent cool in hot weather.
Each pilgrim will be given a sofa bed to sleep and sit on.
During our day in Arafat, the tents come with A/C – but no sofa beds will be supplied as we are only there for the day.
During the main days of Hajj accommodation is provided in upgraded tents.
Mina tents are set up for maximum comfort with A/C and plasterboard to keep the tent cool in hot weather.
Each pilgrim will be given a sofa bed to sleep and sit on.
During our day in Arafat, the tents come with A/C – but no sofa beds will be supplied as we are only there for the day.
PERSONAL POSSESSIONS
One should travel very light, taking only the minimal amount of essential items, such as ihram clothes, underwear, slippers, toiletries, a towel, umbrella, etc. Cameras or camcorders may be taken to Saudi Arabia, but it is forbidden to use them inside the mosques, airports or any public places. Everybody is responsible for taking care of his or her own personal belongings, including documentation, money etc.
MONEY
It is recommended that each person should take with them a minimum of £500.00 to cover personal expenses and gifts etc.
IDENTIFICATION DOCUMENTS
All passports will be kept with the Hajj authority which is responsible for the group during its stay in Saudi Arabia.
In London, El-Sawy Travel Ltd will issue each member of the group with their own identification card. This should be carried by the individual at all times while in Saudi, starting from Heathrow airport till we arrive back to Heathrow.
MEDICATION
The level of medical care provided in Saudi Arabia is excellent. However, those who are taking regular, prescribed medication should ensure that they have an adequate supply for the duration of the trip. Usually, some doctors form a part of our Hajj group, and they will kindly offer their medical services voluntarily, should the need arise. Individuals will be required to cover any private medical expenses they may incur.
Hajj is physically demanding and requires a lot of walking. Intending pilgrims are advised to prepare themselves physically beforehand to avoid undue hardship, as a lot of walking will take place during the main days of Hajj.
TRANSPORTATION
Travel from Medinah airport to Medina hotel, from Madinah to Makkah, and from Makkah to Jeddah on the date of departure will be by upgraded modern air-conditioned coach. El-Sawy Travel reserves the right to allocate the seating arrangements on the coaches as it sees fit.
Transportation will be provided from Makkah to Mina, where the group will spend three days. EI-Sawy Travel will provide transport back to Makkah on the last day. Individuals wishing to visit Makkah to perform the tawaf al-ifadah during this three day period may do so, on condition that they make their own travel arrangements and ensure that they return to Mina before sunset, to meet the requirements of the hajj.
INSURANCE
Individuals should make their own insurance arrangements, should they so wish. El-Sawy Travel Ltd., in accordance with Islamic principles, cannot provide guarantees against illness, delays or cancellation.
REFUNDS
Once a confirmed booking has been arranged, no refund may be made for any part of the cost of the trip.
GROUP ETHOS
Finally, we would like to remind you that the Hajj group should act as one family, in a spirit of mutual co-operation. We should assist each other in all matters, including the transportation of luggage as no porter service is available.
