Hajj Metro Train Mashaer Railway to Holy Sites

The Mashaer Railway at the holy sites (Haj Metro) is a quantum leap in the history of transporting Haj pilgrims and one of the largest projects achieved by the government over the past years.

The metro has reduced the travel time from hours to minutes and plays an important role in the movement of Haj pilgrims between the holy sites in general and from their camps to Al-Jamarat bridge in particular.

Haj pilgrims used to suffer because of the nature of the place and their huge number. Thousands of vehicles were required previously, some drivers violated traffic laws, not to mention breakdowns of vehicles which worsened congestion, forcing pilgrims to stay inside their vehicles for as long as six to seven hours. The Haj Metro has solved all these problems.

The 18.2-km railway project was launched during the Haj season in 2010, with each site having thee stations equipped with escalators and seven paths to offer services to pilgrims, in addition to a number of gates for groupings. These gates have sensors to recognize ticket holders. The stations have a waiting area that is equipped with safety means and air conditioning and can take more than 3,000 pilgrims.

Hao Koi Lin, the director general of the Chinese company that completed the metro, said the project integrated various specifications in the world, including the US specification in skeletal engineering, the local Saudi specification in road and residential buildings and the European specification in the operating system.

The Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs received the Fidic award for implementing the train project; the project was chosen from the best 24 projects in the world during the past 100 years for its distinction and contribution to improving life’s circumstances. The southern line of the Holy Sites Train project also won the Franz Edelman Award for the best applied and operational research.Hajj Metro Train Services to Holy Sites Arafat,Jamarat , Mina, Muzdalifa stations etc..

The Haj Metro connects nine major stations — three in Arafat, three in Mina and three in Muzdalifa, with the final station at the fourth floor of the Al-Jamarat bridge.Hajj Metro Train Mashaer Railway to Holy Sites

The project has 17 trains, with each train having 12 carriages and 60 doors on each side for boarding. Each carriage takes 250 Haj pilgrims, of which 50 are seated and 200 standing in addition to two front and rear cabins for operations.

The Mashaer train is among the longest in the world with each cabin standing at 25 meters and transporting 72,000 passengers per hour, at a speed of 80 and 120 km per hour.

The train is operated by remote control and transports more than 3,500 pilgrims in a single trip. Its path is elevated from the floor between nine and 45 meters in Al-Jamarat.

Around 27 Saudis were trained to drive the train for six months.

The crowd management project has been implemented by CIDIC Company, which has a contract from the Malaysian company Brazarana, under the supervision of Makkah Development Authority.

Hajj Metro Train Mashaer Railway to Holy Sites

No Backing Off on Umrah Fee Change

No backing off on Umrah fee, says Saudi Ministry of Haj

The Ministry of Haj and Umrah have denied rumors published in the Pakistani media and spread on social media that the ministry removed Umrah fees that were placed by the Kingdom on the second or additional Umrah visits.

New amendments were introduced to visa fees in Saudi Arabia at the beginning of 1438, when the government announced that the fees are fully paid by the Saudi government for all first-time pilgrims coming for either Haj or Umrah. The first entry of Haj and Umrah pilgrims will be free, but for the second and subsequent entries, they will be charged SR2,000.

Usama Khan, from the Ministry of Haj, Call and Guidance information center, confirmed to Arab News that no such information or announcement was made by the Ministry of Haj and Umrah that they removed the SR2,000 fee, and that whatever was published in the Pakistani media and on social media is false news or rumors.

Tahir Mahmood, chief executive of Global Haj and Umrah Private Service Ltd. from Pakistan also confirmed to Arab News that there has been no such instruction or announcement made by the Saudi Ministry of Haj and Umrah that the Umrah fees have been abolished.

On inquiry of the news published in the Pakistani media and spread on social media about the removal of Umrah fees, he said that it was not from an authentic source and was a rumor. However the Pakistani public are requesting that the Kingdom and Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman remove the extra charges, because a number of Pakistani families and people who want to come for Umrah would not be able to make it because of the fee.

“Many people from Pakistan will not be able to make their Umrah trip because they don’t have enough funds to pay this extra charges of SR2,000. It’s a request from the Pakistani people to the Kingdom to remove these charges so they can make their journey to perform Umrah,” he said.

The Pakistan Umrah Agent Association urged people not to spread rumors on social media, since there has been no announcement made by the Ministry of Haj and Umrah on the removal of Umrah fees.

According to the information, the news was published in Pakistani media and rumors were spread on social media that after boycott of Egypt on Umrah fees, the Ministry of Haj and Umrah removed the extra SR2,000 fees from the second or additional Umrah visits, and that the Saudi government informed their embassies in all countries about this, which was totally false, confirmed the Pakistan Umrah Agent Association.

No Backing Off on Umrah Fee Change

India Fraternity Forum Serving Haj pilgrims

The India Fraternity Forum (IFF) has been very active in serving Haj pilgrims since it started the Haj volunteer service more than a decade ago. It all began with an idea of how best to serve pilgrims.

‏Few of those who were spending Haj holidays in the Kingdom joined forces to serve the pilgrims, and the first group consisted of a few dozen of these volunteers, but as years progressed the numbers of volunteers grew along with a number of improvement in the modus operandi and the quality of the service.

‏During last Haj, IFF fielded more than 1,000 volunteers for the service of pilgrims.

‏Safety & Health Awareness classes in India: IFF has striven to improve the quality of service and expanded the area of service operation. For the last few years, the service of IFF starts with conducting of classes, educating the pilgrims on performing the rituals of Haj in a safe and healthy environment through awareness sessions at various locations in different states in India. Apart from conducting the awareness classes, IFF has prepared a Haj guide that provides details about health and safety tips to help perform the Haj rituals safely.

‏Receiving the pilgrims on arrival: Next phase of volunteer service starts with the arrival of Indian pilgrims in Madinah. IFF volunteers receive them at the airports and help them to identify their luggage, as all of them look identical and in same shape. IFF volunteers also assist the pilgrims to reach their accommodation building during their stay in Makkah, Madinah and Aziziyah. This service will continue till they leave the Kingdom after performing Haj.

‏The service in Makkah near Masjidul Haram premises is remarkable and was appreciated by the Indian Haj Mission and other authorities. Volunteers work round the clock in the Haram premises and Aziziyah guiding Hajis to their locations. Volunteers also distribute drinking water and slippers to the pilgrims.

‏Service Highlights – Mina & Arafat: Serving the pilgrims during the busiest days (7-13 of Dhul Hijja) in Mina is another major part and last year IFF had engaged 950 volunteers for this job. On the day of Arafat (9 Dhul Hijja) around 200 volunteers were engaged in Arafat and Muzdalifah. The volunteers are given all necessary training and Arafat Map about locating the tents and to help lost or stranded pilgrims.

‏Map of Mina – developed by IFF: Few years ago, IFF developed a map for Mina with grid lines that enables a pilgrim or a volunteer to reach any location easily and correctly. IFF makes use of the numbering system for the roads, streets and correlates them with the numbers on the high mast poles making it easy to find the exact location of the tents in Mina, which has proven to be a great relief for the pilgrims, who are often lost and stranded. The updated Map of Mina for 2016, included the tent locations for the pilgrims under the Mutawwif organizations of South Asian countries, South East Asian countries, African Non-Arab countries, Turkey & European Muslims.

‏Mina Tent Locator App 2015: Considering the widespread usage of Android phones and access to Internet, IFF has developed an app for the Haj Service 2015, which would easily and precisely guide the pilgrims to their tents in Mina. This android-based app. (Mina Tent Locator) is quite simple and easy to use and requires Internet connectivity only when it is downloaded for the first time.

‏Haj Navigator App. 2016 – For Makkah, Mina & Aziziyah: Taking yet another leap ahead to serve the Haj pilgrims, IFF launched an app, “Haj Navigator” which would easily and precisely guide the Haj pilgrims to reach their destination(s) in Mina, Makkah and Aziziyah. This app is supported by the Google map and based on the data of roads and streets of Mina, building details of Indian pilgrim accommodation, hotels, hospitals & medical facilities in Makkah and Aziziyah. When the pilgrim or a Haj service volunteer provides the data (of his location and his destination) in the app, he/she would find the route and distance with an approximate time to reach the destination immediately. If a pilgrim does not know his location he can select “my location” using the GPS, then provide his destination, which would mark the route to reach the destination together with the distance and time to destination. Once downloaded from Google Play store and installed in the mobile phone, the app does not require Internet for finding the details. Both these applications have been developed by Muhammed Mukhtar, an IFF member.

‏Dedication of IFF volunteers: IFF feels honored to serve the pilgrims from all over the world and thankfully remembers the support and cooperation of the Consulate of India, Haj Mission in Makkah and Madinah, Maraakiz Al Haya (Makkah) and Ministry of Health (MOH) and the selfless and sincere dedication of the volunteers.

‏IFF Haj service team is headed by Shamsuddheen (president of IFF) as the head of organizing the activities of the forum and Mudassir Nazer as the (coordinator) for the Haj service. Volunteer orientation is carried out by Mujeeb (volunteer captain) and Mohammed Sadiq (asst. volunteer captain). Besides, the forum has an efficient support team, which includes, logistics, training, media, medical, railway station, transportation and camp, that enabled a smooth and successful operation.

Source : http://saudigazette.com.sa/saudi-arabia/%e2%80%8fiff-holds-brilliant-record-serving-pilgrims-decade/

 “Selfless volunteer service of India Fraternity Forum has been exemplary, as it was a timely and valuable step that benefited thousands of guests of Allah, during Haj,” said Indian Consul General Mohammed Noor Rahman Sheikh here.

He was addressing a get-together in the Impala Gardens Hall at the felicitation ceremony of the Haj service volunteers organized by India Fraternity Forum (IFF) in Jeddah.

“India Fraternity Forum has been in the forefront to extend support to the consulate to solve the issues faced by the Indian expatriates when they become unemployed after the companies terminate them or the employee resigns from a company. It is quite remarkable that beside carrying out their jobs and assignments as expatriates, these volunteers did find time to help and support their fellow beings when faced with hardships,” he added.

Mohammed Shahid Alam, deputy consul general and Haj consul, recalled that the diplomats from other countries were full of praisie for the professionalism and sincerity in the services of the IFF volunteers during Haj 2016. He added that during Haj, the comments of the diplomats about the dedicated services of the forum volunteers with social commitments gave him pride and joy in front of others.India Fraternity Forum Serving Haj pilgrims

Sheikh Mohammed Bazaid, manager, Marakiz-ul-Ahyaa, also appreciated the support of the India Consulate in enabling the forum to serve the guests of Allah during Haj 2016 and expressed that the Marakiz-ul-Ahyaa will be glad to expand the area of their services in cooperation with India Fraternity Forum.

The function was presided over by Shamsudheen Malappuram, regional president, IFF, and large number of dignitaries and office bearers of various cultural organizations like India Forum, Indian Pilgrims Welfare Forum (IPWF), Bhatkal Community, Indian Community of Jeddah, Haj Welfare Forum, Tamil Sangham, Khak-E-Taiba Trust, Saudi India Football Forum, MEPCO who had enriched the gathering with their esteemed presence.

Mohammed Siddiqui (volunteer captain, Marakiz-ul-Ahyaa), Hassan Mukhtar (supervisor blood bank, King Faisal specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Jeddah) also spoke on the occasion.India Fraternity Forum Serving Haj pilgrims

Sheikh Mohammed Bazaid (Marakiz-ul-Ahya) gave away the certificates to IFF Haj volunteers, which was duly received by Mujeeburahman Malappuram. Mubashir T.P, Shamsuddeen Kondotty, Musthafa Pamangadan, who all worked behind the scenes to make the function a grand success.

The function began with the recitation of verses from the Holy Qur’an by Muneer Omer and Muddasir (IFF Haj coordinator) welcomed the guests and the gathering and Mohammed Ali Koonthala (regional secretary IFF) conveyed the vote of thanks.

India Fraternity Forum Serving Haj pilgrims

Pilgrim Cycles from China to Saudi to Perform Hajj

A Chinese Muslim has cycled 8,150 kilometers for two months from his home in the city of Xinjiang to Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj, UAE daily Gulf News reported.

The cyclist named only as Mohammad cycled by himself to the Saudi city of Taif, where he was welcomed by the local cyclist club, who joined him. From Taif they made their way to Makkah.

The report did not explain why he decided to make the vast trip – especially since this year there are 37 flights from China to Saudi Arabia for the purpose of Hajj - the fifth pillar of Islam.

According to the Saudi Administration for Religious Affairs about 14,500 Chinese citizens will go to Saudi to perform Hajj, 11,000 of which have already arrived.

In 2007, a 63-year-old Muslim man from Chechnya cycled about 12,000 kilometers to perform Hajj, according to Radio Free Europe Radio Liberty - because of a promise he made to his dying mother, who had asked him to perform Hajj, even if that meant he had to cycle.

A Chineese Pilgrim Man rides bicycle bike from China to Makkah to perform Hajj in Hajj 2016.

The rider reportedly left his home in Xinjiang, in northwest China, and cycled around 8,150km before arriving in the western Saudi city of Taif, where he was accorded a special welcome by the local cycling club.

Following a brief stay in the city, the Chinese rider, Mohammad, was accompanied by members of the Taif cycling club to Makkah, Saudi news site Sabq reported.

“We were the first cycling club in Saudi Arabia to welcome the Chinese rider and we look forward to other clubs reaching out to him and introducing him to their cities,” Nayef Al Rawas, the head of the Taif club said.

On Saturday, China’s State Administration for Religious Affairs (SARA) said that 14,500 Chinese Muslims would perform Haj this year.

China has by Friday sent 37 charter flights to carry Chinese Muslims for Haj, and a total of 11,000 Chinese pilgrims have already arrived in Makkah, Xinhua News Agency said.

Haj, the annual gathering of around three million Muslims to perform the fifth pillar of Islam, will be held next month.

Despite formidable challenges, the idea of riding into Saudi Arabia for Haj or Umrah had often been taken up by Muslims, mainly from Asia.

In May 2014, a group of Malaysians rode their bicycles from Kuala Lumpur to Madinah.

The 12 men left from the Malaysian capital and made their way on eight motorbikes and a small van across 12 countries with stops in 53 cities.

The group said the two-month ride was mostly smooth and that the only serious problems they encountered were at the borders of the countries they crossed.

They added that every time they crossed into another country, the Malaysian embassies had to come forward to facilitate their entry.

“It was mostly precautionary measures by the guards at the borders,” they said.

The team leader said that the main purpose of the 60-day ride was to perform Umrah in Makkah. He added that he had made the same trip on three occasions.

Total No of Hajj Pilgrims in Hajj 2016

Saudi Arabia says Hajj 2016 receives 1.8 million pilgrims

The General Authority for Statistics in Saudi Arabia said that this year’s Hajj has seen a total of 1,862,909 pilgrims, of whom 1,325,372 pilgrims came from outside Saudi Arabia, while the total pilgrims inside totaled 537,537 pilgrims.

The total non-Saudi pilgrims numbered 1,692,417 pilgrims, while the total Saudi pilgrims reached 170,492 pilgrims.

Male pilgrims made up of 1,082,228 persons while the total female pilgrims reached 780,681 persons, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

The annual Hajj pilgrimage to the Saudi Arabian city of Mecca, a tradition for millions of Muslims across the globe, commenced on 10th September this year

The five-day pilgrimage is known to be the world’s largest religious pilgrim gathering. Some 3.7 million people participate every year. Muslims celebrate the Eid al-Adha , starting on the third day of Hajj. The dates of the tradition are based on the moon, and the schedule was made official by authorities in Saudi Arabia Thursday “based on the sighting of the moon,” according to Al Jazeera.

The Hajj pilgrimage is one of the five major pillars of Islam and is undertaken by millions across the globe round the year.

Muslims from around the world pour to Makkah every year to perform Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam.

Every able-bodied adult Muslim who can financially afford the trip must perform Hajj at least once in a lifetime.

The Haj reached its high point on Sunday when Muslims from across the world converged on a hill in Saudi Arabia, a year after the worst tragedy in the pilgrimage's history.

More than 1.8 million gathered from sunrise at the hill and a vast surrounding plain known as Mount Arafat, about 15 kilometres from Makkah.

They are spending the most important day of the annual Haj in prayer and reading from the holy Quran.

Arafat is the site where Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) gave his last sermon about 14 centuries ago after leading his followers on the pilgrimage.

Toward an accepted Hajj

ALLAH has assigned a great reward for Haj Mabrur, as evidenced by the saying of the Messenger (peace be upon him) “There is no reward for Haj Mabrur except Paradise.” (Al-Bukhari)

The meaning of birr (from which the word ‘Mabrur’ is derived) involves the following two: Good behavior toward people, fulfilling one’s duties toward others and giving them their rights. In the Hadith, “Al-Birr is good behavior.” (Muslim) In the Musnad, from Jabir, Marfu narration states, “They said: ‘What makes Haj Mabrur, O Prophet of Allah (peace be upon him)?’ He said, ‘providing food to people and spreading (the greeting of) salam’.” (Fath Al-Bari) The following will help one ensure that his or her Haj will be accepted, inshaAllah.

First: Sincerity

Sincerity to Allah and seeking His reward and pleasure alone. Allah says in the Hadith Qudsi, “Whoever does an action for other than Me, I will leave him and his shirk.” The Prophet (peace be upon him) supplicated, “Allahumma Hajatan La riya’a fiha wa La suma” (O Allah, (enable me to make) Haj with no riya’ (show-off in the sense of desire that others witness one’s good acts) or suma (show-off related to desire that others hear about one’s good acts) in it.” (Ibn Majah, also see Sahih Sunan ibn Majah)

Second: Preparation for Haj

Servant’s preparation for Haj is from the most important matters that helps in performing the pilgrimage in the legislated manner and ensuring that one’s Haj is inshaAllah accepted.

Third: Symbols of sanctities

From the most apparent of goals and wisdoms of Haj is cultivation of the servant upon appreciation, esteem and love of Allah’s symbols and sanctities. Allah says, “That (is so). And whoever honors the symbols (i.e. rites) of Allah — indeed, it is from the piety of hearts.” (Qur’an, 22:32)

Fourth: Good characteristics

“Haj is (during) well-known months, so whoever has made Haj obligatory upon himself therein (by entering the state of ihram), there is (to be for him) no Ar-Rafath ...” (Qur’an, 2:197) Ar-Rafath is sexual intercourse or what leads to it from sayings or actions. Suppressing anger, leaving argumentation and disputes. Allah says, “and no (Jidal) disputing during Haj.” (Qur’an, 2:197) Ataa said, Al-Jidal is that you dispute your companion until you anger him and he angers you.

Fifth: Reminder of the Last Day

Haj reminds the servant of the Last Day and its states and conditions in a clear manner.

Sixth: Submission to Allah

Pilgrim is trained upon submission, surrender and complete obedience to Allah Lord of the worlds, as, for example, in the case of actions of Haj, such as abandonment of stitched clothing and adornment, Tawaf, Sayee, standing on Arafat, stoning, lodging and shaving or cutting of one’s hair and other such matters.

Seventh: Feel of brotherhood

Pilgrims, with all their differences in tongues, races and nationalities, gather in one same place at one same time, in one same appearance, pronouncing the same call of Talbiyah, and for the same purpose: Belief in Allah, fulfillment of His order and forsaking sinful acts, all of which develops deep love between them, which, in turn, becomes a motive for them to know each other, to cooperate, exchange thoughts, advice, news and experiences, reinforcing in them uprightness upon this Deen which joined them together, as well as performing acts aiming to reach higher levels.

Eighth: Attachment to past

Actions of Haj remind of the past, from the migration of Ibrahim (peace be upon him) with his wife and infant, to Hijaz, his story when he was ordered to sacrifice his son, his building of the Kaaba and his call to people to make Haj. Likewise, Haj is a reminder of the rising of our Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his farewell pilgrimage with more than 100,000 companions; when he said to them, “Take from me your rites (of Haj).”

Ninth: Remembrance of Allah

The servant who contemplates during rituals of Haj about Talbiyah, Takbir, Tahlil (saying La ilaha ill Allah), supplication, as well as the two revelations (Qur’an and Sunnah) which speak about them, will find that an increase in remembrance of Allah is from the greatest wisdoms and aims of Haj. From those texts is the saying of Allah, “Remember Allah at Al-Mash’ar Al-Haram (Muzdalifah).” (Qur’an, 2:198) And his saying, “Circumambulating of the house, (going) between As-Safa and Al-Marwah and stoning have only been legislated for establishment of remembrance of Allah on the earth.” (At-Tirmidhi)

Tenth: Discipline

Remember that Haj nullifies what precedes it from sins, and that because of Haj you return in a state like that on the day your mother bore you. So beware of opposing Allah with sins after this blessing. Open a new page in your life and fill it with righteous actions in steadfastness upon His Deen.

The evidence of Haj Mabrur is steadfastness of the servant after Haj, his practice of righteous acts and leaving of the sins. Al-Hasan Al-Basri said, “Al-Haj Al-Mabrur is to return abstinent from this world and desiring the Hereafter. This is witnessed in His saying, “And those who are guided; He increases them in guidance and gives them their righteousness (Taqwa, fearful awareness of Allah, care to avoid His displeasure). (Qur’an, 47:17)

Source : Arab news http://www.arabnews.com/node/978756/islam-perspective

16000 Buses Ready to Serve 1.33m Hajj Pilgrims

Twenty-three transport companies, under an umbrella of the General Cars Syndicate, have readied 733,000 seats in 16,000 buses to transport 1.33 million Haj pilgrims between Makkah and various holy sites, according to Osama Mulla, general secretary of the syndicate.

Mulla said that the syndicate has made its operating plans for Haj 1437H with well-equipped buses. It includes 1,106 new buses at a cost of SR380 million. They will have all means of safety and comfort, with the best international standards used for this type of transport means. All these facilities will be to provide safe transport facilities for Haj pilgrims and visitors to the Holy Mosque of Madinah.

He said that so far, 18 centers have been readied on the expressways between Makkah, Jeddah and Madinah for help and support in case of any breakdown of buses.

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All these centers are linked electronically with the head office of the syndicate.

He said that there will also be drivers, technicians, buses, workshops and baggage transfer facilities available at these centers to reduce the time in dealing with cases of breakdowns, and prevent accidents on the expressways.

He said that any breakdown on the Madinah-Makkah road will be dealt with within 58 minutes, which includes repairing of the buses, and the same service on the Makkah-Jeddah would require 53 minutes.

Mullah said that there is unified electronic system ready to follow movement of fleets of buses of various companies working under the umbrella of the syndicate during Haj. This electronic system aims to make sure that the movement of the buses is correct and the time of repairing of buses is reduced.

He said that this year after 11 p.m., in view of safety reasons Haj pilgrims would not be sent to and from Madinah.

He said that the work schedule of the drivers would be made so that they are not tired or exhausted in Makkah and Madinah, to avoid any kind of accidents. If any driver would be found to be tired or exhausted, he would be replaced by another driver, who be made available for such requirements at all these centers.

Hajj Umrah Checklist

Those embarking upon Hajj or Umrah are embarking upon a Journey of life time – a Journey like none other! They must prepare mentally, physically, emotionally and most importantly spiritually. Allah says:

“And take a provision (with you) for the journey, but the best provision is At-Taqwa (piety, righteousness, etc.).

So fear Me, O men of understanding!” (Quran 2:197)

So what ever you do don’t leave this behind!

Below a list has been compiled for preparation before leaving for Hajj or Umrah:

• Islamic things to learn
• Islamic things to do
• General things to do
• Issues and Questions to ask our Travel Agent
• Things to take/buy

Islamic things to learn

• What is Hajj, its history
• Why are we going to perform Hajj/Umrah
• What are the rewards of Hajj/Umrah
• How to perform Hajj/Umrah – its pillars, obligatory and sunnah actions (books, audio, videos, seminars) – the Prophet Muhammad (s) said: “Take yor hajj rites from me”
• Learn the relevant dua’s
• What violates the state of Ihram
• Review our prayers (Salah) and purification (Wudu)
• Ettiquettes of Duaa
• Wiping over our socks instead of washing our feet for wudu (know its rulings)
• Tayammum – when one does not have access to water (know its rulings)
• Janaza Salah (there are a lot of funeral prayers in both the Holy Masaajid)
• Learn how to perform Witr prayer
• Learn how to pray in congregation
• Learn the rulings to the travellers prayer

Islamic things to do

• Update/Make an Islamic Will
• Build on and improve on our ibadah (worship)
• 5 daily prayers on time: Build our relationship with Allah, seeking alot of forgiveness and making alot of dua (especially asking Allah to grant us a Mabrur Hajj / Umrah (one which is accepted)
• Purify our hearts from any bad habits or any action displeasing to Allah
• Purify our tongues – by speaking good, reduce idle talk and increase in dhikr
• Try to do the optional fasts (e.g. Monday & Thursday / middle 3 days of month)
• Try and pray Tahajjud (the night prayer)
• Build on your Taqwaa (consciousness of Allah(SWT)
• that He is watching us /Fearing Allah /Staying away from all that He has forbidden, etc.
• Reciting the Quran and reflecting upon its meaning and implementing them /Learn about Jannah and Jahannum, etc.
• Increase our Emaan (faith)
• Constantly renew your intentions to why you are going for Hajj – it is a duty we owe to Allah, we are going to please Allah alone
• Build on being patient
• Maintain a positive attitude
• Say Alhamdulillah for the good and bad
• Think of those in worse situations
• Make dhikr and istighfar when in difficult situation
• Increase on your love for Allah and His Nabi (S) by studying the life of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and the stories of the Sahaba and how they sacrificed their everything for Islam (their wealth, health, status, time and even lives)

General Things to do

• Pay off any outstanding debts (if possible)
• Make peace with those we have had a misunderstanding, dispute or fallen out with, or are not on speaking terms etc.
• Ask forgiveness from those whom we have wronged (remember a Muslim does should not let 3 days go by without giving salaam to your fellow Muslim)
• Finish all important jobs and tasks that need doing before leaving for Hajj
• Book with a Travel Agent
• Photographs for VISA
• Process and obtain VISA
• Vacinations, Meningitis Jab, Flue Jab etc – Obtain certificates

Questions and Issues to ask your Travel Agent

• Get references from others for the travel agents
• Flight dates / journey
• What’s the itinary / program
• How many bathrooms per room?
• On which floor is our room?
• Do the rooms have air conditioning, fridge?
• Do the receptionists speak English?
• During the Hajj days, what type of food will be provided to us?
• Hotel names
• When will we move to Azziyah?
• What which day will our group go to Makkah to perform Tawaf Ifadah? Is transport provided
• How far is our Hotel from Masjid al haram and Masjid an nabawi?
• What are the arrangements for our Animal Sacrifice (Hady)?
• Does anyone in our group speak English, who will translate the hajj khutbah to us?
• What airline are we flying on?

There are many more questions one can ask, please refer to the book “Getting the best out of Al Hajj” – written by Ismail Davids (publisher company – Darrusalaam)

Things to take / buy

Below are just suggestions of things to take with you to Hajj. They are not all necesary items – individually pick and choose what you feel is best suitable. Don’t forget to pack bags of Taqwaa, Patience and your best of manners/behaviour! You will soon be a guest of Allah at His House!

• Hand Luggage – Essentials to take (Max 5kg, Dimensions: H 56cm x W 45cm x D 25cm)
  NOTE: Everybody has black suitcases, so try and take one that is not black OR have a fluorescent tape /tag /ribbon attached so its easily recognisable.

Islamic resources

• Pocket Qur’an, dua books
• Hajj/umrah books
• MP3 player
• Pen and pencil
• Notebook
• Musalla (i.e. prayer mat)

Clothes & Accessories

• Ihram * 2
• Slippers
• Trainers
• Waist pouch
• Folding umbrella
• Extra clothing
• Underwear,socks

Toiletries and medicines

• Tooth brush
• Tooth paste
• Comb
• Toilet or Tissue paper
• Soap * 2
• Shower gel +  shampoo bottle – Simple range and perfume free
• Vaseline (small)
• Paracetamol
• Plasters
• Nail cutter
• Any regular medication you take
• Small scissors
• Towels – 2 large, 2 small
• Cough-drops
• Disposable razors
• Napkins
• Plastic soap dish
• Deodorant
• Hair Oil (perfume free)
• Cream/balm eg E45 – for cracked skin on heels
• Slipers (2 Pairs)

Misc

• Money
• Passport inc visa
• Medical certificates – vaccinations
• Spare glasses (if necessary)
• Suitcase locks + keys
• Mobile phone
• Phone charger
• Mobile power Bank
• Emergency contact numbers
• Small stringed bag (for sandals/stones)
• Universal adapter
• Spare Luggage tags
• Carrier bags
• Photocopy of passport
• Plastic zippered sandwich bags – to keep items secure and dry
• Snack bars
• Sunglasses
• Travel alarm clock
• Sleeping bag
• 1 heavy sheet
• Inflatable pillow
• FACE MASK (may become useful in a breakout, or prevention)
• small flash light with extra batteries (useful for finding stones in Mina/Muzdalifah), travel alarm clock.
• Small travel iron, Extra travel bag and rucksack (will be useful in Mina/Arafat/Muzdalifah).

Source From http://darulfiqh.com/what-do-i-need-for-hajj-or-umrah-checklist/  

Hajj Umrah Checklist