Six Days of Hajj with Muassassas

Those Hujjaajj going by road to Mina etc., and wishing to stay with the Muassassas, should enquire a couple of days before the 8th of Zil-Hajj at their Muassassas office for the time of their bus and pick-up point.  Your reps. will be given a card for each one of you depicting your tent number in Mina, (which only accommodates a specific number of Hujjaajj), pick-up place and time in Makkah, and pelting time at the Jamaraat on the 11^th and 12^th of Zil Hajj, in batch mode!  However, many Hujjaajj do not even see these cards due to administrative logistics, and hence the throng of people at the Jamaraat.  In addition, the same office is supposed to issue two sturdy identity cards to each pilgrim to fasten securely one each on the upper portion of the Ihraam and the other on the lower portion.  (I personally have yet to receive these!).

Arrange private transport to the Makkah pick-up point for Mina if you are in a group of less than 50.  I f you are more than 50 then the buses will be sent to your place of accommodation.  Please note that the Muassassas may start ferrying the Hujjaajj from the 7^th of Zil Hajj, (and not the 8th of Zil Hajj).  Therefore it is better either to walk this sector, (most of which is either through pedestrian-only tunnels or covered walkways), or arrange for private transport, at a nominal fee.

During the six days of Hajj, make sure that you are in the correct area for each ritual. There are massive pillars that mark the boundaries of Makkah, Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifah. However, these areas are NOT regular geometrically.

Because of all the traffic and people, one tends to get confused and may not realize that one is not in the correct locality.

Do NOT rely on the bus drivers for directions. Most of them are from Egypt, Tunisia, and Nigeria and do NOT know the area well enough.

Be READY and WILLING TO WALK between the localities so you can be present at the correct locations at the required times if transportation is unavailable, due to traffic gridlocks or accidents. Even if transportation is available, it is easier to walk and get to the next location quickly.

Sadly enough, most bus drivers, some Mutawwif and travel agents are NOT VERY concerned about your Hajj "Arkaan" and may NOT help you get to the correct area in time. Every year Hujjaajj have horror stories to tell about their Hajj facilitators. May Allah SWT accept your Hajj and make it easy.

Furthermore, have patience. It only takes about a minute for each person to complete Ramee  so there is NO need to rush or push. With patience, you will Insha Allah be able to perform it properly.

Six Days of Hajj with Private Operators

Those Hujjaajj doing their 5 days of Hajj with private operators, (e.g. Khogeer, Bahauddin, Avoca etc., and not necessarily with their hotel staff), should also enquire with the private operator beforehand.

Six Days "Pedal" (Walking) Hajj

Those doing “pedal” (walking) Hajj will also inquire at the Muassassas office for the Mina card beforehand and on the 8^th of Zil Hajj follow the pedestrian tunnel opposite the Marwa gate.  It is advisable to link-up with someone who has done "pedal" Hajj before.

Hand Luggage

Some Hujjaajj take two bags for the Days of Hajj - one bigger one for their entire stay in Mina and one smaller one for Arafat & Muzdalifah.  They then leave the bigger one in Mina in their tent when they go to Arafat & Muzdalifah.

Two-Person Tent

One of a recent handy item during the Days of Hajj is a fold-up, (flip-open), two-person tent.  If you do not mind carrying it, it is very handy for privacy, (e.g. changing clothes/sleeping/eating), in Arafat and Muzdalifah.  this tent may be brought from your home country or bought in Saudi Arabia.

Traffic Jams During Six Days of Hajj

Vehicular traffic congestion especially can get very severe during these days, traffic moving at snail-pace.  In such instances, it may be quicker to go by foot, so be prepared to walk.  In addition, you may have undesirable company in the bus (!) hence again be prepared to walk.

Gender Separation

In Mina and Arafat the males and females are in separate tents.  Despite these tents being next to one another, work out a method of communicating with one another in case a need does arise.  In Mina each large tent has "roll-up, fall-down" canvas dividers and so each tent can be subdivided for some form of privacy.  However, these large tents are gender-specific!

Meal Times

During the Days of Hajj, meal times will be when the meal arrives!  There are usually no fixed times although the organisers do their level best to follow a  fixed routine.  This applies to those Hujjaajj whose package includes meals.  These meals are usually meat and rice although the more up-market packages have buffets, bar-b-q's,  desserts, juices, drinks, fruits etc.  Some packages include pre-cooked meals so be prepared to eat cold meals during these days!  If meals were not included in the package then about 150 Riyals per person should be sufficient during these days. 

Assisting Others

Ladies, (and those having a difficulty in moving from one place to another), should be taught how to go to and from the tent/toilet area.

Identifying Landmarks

Make a mental note of permanent structures around your tent area in Mina and Arafat, (e.g. police post, fire station, first-aid post, telecommunication centre, etc), in case of fear of being lost in the event of venturing out of the tent area.

Muzdalifah and Seasonal Variation

Muzdalifah can be very cold depending on the season when Hajj is due, so be prepared, especially the males, who are not allowed to wear a jersey/jacket in Ihraam by Shariah.

Petty Squabbles

You may have paid for air-conditioned transport for these 6 days, yet you may be assigned a vehicle which may not be so.  Do not waste too much time complaining; instead proceed on the available vehicles, (or else you may end up walking), as being at specific places within the allowable time frame is more important than trivialities, (albeit a bit uncomfortable).

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