Hajj & Umrah Guide
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    • 5. Hajj Part 2
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    • W. Women's Guide
    • P. Practical Guide
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Practical Guide to Saudi Arabia

Everything you need to know for a smooth Hajj & Umrah journey

P.1 Getting to Saudi Arabia

Airports, terminals, immigration and luggage tips

P.2 Saudi Visa & Documents

Hajj visa, Umrah visa, tourist visa and requirements

P.3 Mobile & SIM Cards

STC, Mobily, Zain and staying connected

P.4 Money & Currency

Saudi Riyal, exchange, ATMs and budgeting

P.5 Transport in Saudi Arabia

Trains, taxis, buses and getting around

P.6 Accommodation

Hotels in Makkah, Madinah and Hajj camps

P.7 Food & Dining

Saudi cuisine, restaurants and Zamzam water

P.8 Health & Medical

Vaccinations, hospitals, heat and first aid

P.9 Weather & Clothing

Temperatures, what to wear and best times to visit

P.10 Footwear in Ihram

What men can wear, the four madhabs, and tips for breaking in sandals

P.11 Shopping & Souvenirs

What to buy, where to shop and bargaining tips

P.12 Women's Guide

Ihram, menstruation rulings, safety and packing

P.13 Useful Arabic Phrases

Essential phrases, numbers and common signs

P.14 Emergency Contacts & Apps

Emergency numbers, embassies and useful apps

P.15 Hajj with Elderly or Disabled

Wheelchair services, accessibility and proxy rituals

P.16 Hajj with Children

Practical tips, safety and what to pack for kids

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About This Guide

This guide was developed by Abdul Akbar to assist Muslims performing Hajj and Umrah around the world. It is free to use and distribute without restriction.

It is dedicated as a Sadaqah Jariyah for my blessed mother, who passed away on 19 May 2019. She loved visiting the House of Allah.

Bushra Ghafoor at Masjid al-Haram during her last Umrah

Bushra Ghafoor's last Umrah on Earth, November 2018.

A month before, she called me and said she felt she needed to go and perform her Umrah, upon which I immediately obliged. She passed away some 6 months later.

May Allah bless her and all our passed mothers with peace and tranquility. Ameen.

akbur@thehajj.guide

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