A-Comprehensive-Guide-to-Understanding-Hajj-Packages

Hajj Terminology Guide:

Let’s Break It Down

As you start getting further into your Hajj process, you’ll probably come across some words that might make you go, “Wait, what does that mean?” Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!

We’ve put together this list of common Hajj terms to help you get familiar with everything you need to know. If you spot something we missed or if there’s a word you’re curious about, feel free tcomment below—we’re here to help!

1. Travel and Service Providers

DST: Dar El Salam Travel, a travel agency that has been serving the guests of Allah for over 40 years. They act as a marketing partner
Seera: Seera Group Holding, is one of the 14 authorized service providers for Hajj, handling logistics and accommodations for pilgrims. DST partners with them to market and offer select Hajj packages.
AlBurj: Al Burj International Company, is one of the 14 authorized service providers for Hajj, handling logistics and accommodations for pilgrims. DST partners with them to market and offer select Hajj packages.

ALJ: Abdul Lateef Jameel Real Estate Investment Co. Ltd, is one of the 14 authorized service providers for Hajj, handling logistics and accommodations for pilgrims. DST partners with them to market and offer select Hajj packages.
Saudia Hajj: Saudi Hajj and Umrah, is one of the 14 authorized service providers for Hajj, handling logistics and accommodations for pilgrims. DST is their exclusive marketing partner.
Almosafer: The official booking platform used by Nusuk for all customized Hajj flight arrangements.

2. Types of Hajj Packages

Custom Packages: Tailored for specific groups or countries, these packages include flights and personalized services, offering a seamless and exclusive Hajj experience through the service provider.
Public Packages: Standardized options open to 126 countries (Phase 2), excluding flights, allowing individuals to arrange their own travel while accessing Nusuk’s broader offerings.
Shifting Package: A hajj package where accommodations in Makkah change during the stay. Typically, travelers check out of their Makkah hotel to move to Mina for the Manasik period and are usually accommodated in Aziziya during this time.
Non-Shifting Package: A hajj package that provides consistent accommodations in Makkah for the entire duration of the stay, without requiring guests to check out during the Manasik period.

3. Islamic Calendar & Hajj Dates:

DH: Dhul Hijjah: The 12th month of the Islamic calendar—this is when all the action happens for Hajj.
DQ: Dhul Qa’dah: The 11th month of the Islamic calendar, often seen as the “prep month” for Hajj.
8th Dhul Hijjah (June 4) – Arrival in Mina
9th Dhul Hijjah (June 5) – Day of Arafah & Night in Muzdalifah

10th Dhul Hijjah (June 6) – First day of Stoning, Eid Day & Possible Tawaf Al-Ifadah
11th Dhul Hijjah (June 7) – Stoning all three Jamarat (small, medium, and large) & Stay in Mina
12th Dhul Hijjah (June 8) – Stoning all three Jamarat (small, medium, and large) & Possible departure depending on the program.
13th Dhul Hijjah (June 9) – Final Stoning & Departure from Mina

4. Key Locations During Hajj

Manasik (or Manasek): Refers to the religious rituals and acts of worship performed during Hajj, specifically from the 8th to the 13th of Dhul Hijjah. These include essential rites such as Tawaf, Sa’i, standing at Arafat, and stoning the Jamarat.
Mashaer: Refers to the sacred sites where the Hajj rituals take place during the same period (8th to 13th Dhul Hijjah), including Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah.
The terms Manasik and Mashaer are often used interchangeably, but while Manasik focuses on the actions performed, Mashaer refers to the locations where these rituals occur.
Mina (Tent City): This is where you’ll spend most of your Hajj days. Although traditionally known as a tent city, newer accommodations include hotel-style buildings. You’ll be in Mina on the 8th, 10th, 11th, 12th, and sometimes the 13th of Dhul Hijjah, depending on your itinerary and madhab.
Arafat: The big day—9th Dhul Hijjah. It’s what you’ve been preparing for. This is the day of standing in deep supplication, and everything builds up to this moment.
Getting there:
- Al Muaisim package: You’ll go from Mina to Arafat by bus.
- Kidana package: Also by bus.
- Majar Al Kabsh package: You’ll take the train.
Muzdalifah: Think of it as your first test after Arafat. You’ll spend the night (9DH) under the stars with minimal facilities, which challenges your patience and willingness to submit to Allah’s will.
Getting there:
- Al Muaisim package: You’ll go from Mina to Arafat by bus.
- Kidana package: Also by bus.
- Majar Al Kabsh package: You’ll take the train.
Aziziya: A Makkah district that now refers to any accommodation on the outskirts of the Haram. These hotels often require shuttles to the Haram and are used as resting stops before or after the main Hajj days.
Majar Al Kabsh (previously VIP tents): These tents are assigned to Western countries under Nusuk and are the closest to the Jamarat, making them a preferred option for convenience.
Al Muaisim (formerly North American tents): A budget-friendly option for Western hujjaj, but it comes with a long walk—around 45 minutes to 1 hour each way to the Jamarat.
Kidana Al Wadi Tower: A new building-style accommodations in Mina, offering a more comfortable and upgraded experience for pilgrims.
Jabal Omar: A premium hotel complex conveniently located near Masjid Al-Haram, offering upscale accommodations with direct access to the Haram, particularly the newer expansion areas.
Abraj Al Bait: The famous clock tower complex next to the Haram that includes hotels, malls, and food courts—one of the most convenient locations to stay in Makkah.

5. Modes of Transportation

Mashaer Train: The train used between Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah during Hajj for the Majar Al Kabsh packages.
Haramain Train: A high-speed train connecting Madinah, Jeddah, and Makkah, offering a fast and comfortable travel option.
Government Buses: Standard shuttle buses run by the Hajj ministry, used to transport pilgrims between airports, hotels, and Hajj sites. These are common in Al Muaisim packages and follow a set schedule.
Private Buses: These buses, often used in Majar Al Kabsh and Kidana Al Wadi packages, offer more flexibility in scheduling since they’re directly contracted by the service provider.

6. Airports and Entry Points

Jeddah Hajj Terminal: A terminal in the old Jeddah airport that operates only during Hajj to manage the massive influx of pilgrims.
Jeddah Terminal 1: The newer international airport that services most Western flights year-round.
Madinah Airport (Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport): The main airport serving the city of Madinah
Taif Airport (Taif International Airport): A regional airport often used by pilgrims traveling to Makkah.
Yanbu Airport (Prince Abdul Mohsin bin Abdulaziz Airport): A smaller airport serving the coastal city of Yanbu, often used by pilgrims traveling to Madinah.

7. Important Hajj Rituals

Ihram: The sacred state hujjaj must enter before starting Hajj, marked by specific dress (white garments for men) and certain restrictions.
Tawaf: Walking around the Kaaba seven times—something you’ll do multiple times throughout your journey.
Sa’i: The walk between Safa and Marwah, retracing the steps of Hajar (RA) in search of water.
Jamarat: The three pillars symbolizing Shaytan (Satan), which you’ll stone as part of your Hajj rituals.
Hady (Sacrifice): The ritual sacrifice of an animal, typically done on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah.
Tahalul: The act of shaving (for men) or trimming (for women) hair to exit the state of Ihram.
Tawaf Al-Ifadah: A mandatory circumambulation performed after returning from Mina to Makkah.
Tawaf Al-Wida (Farewell Tawaf): The last act to perform before leaving Makkah.

8. Other Key Terms to Know

Miqat: The designated boundary where pilgrims must enter into the state of Ihram before reaching Makkah.
Zamzam Water: The blessed water that you’ll see other hujjaj drinking and taking home.
Ramy Al-Jamarat: The act of stoning the three Jamarat pillars in Mina.
Yawm Al-Tarwiyah (8th Dhul Hijjah): The day pilgrims head to Mina to start their Hajj journey.
Yawm Al-Nahr (10th Dhul Hijjah): The day of sacrifice and one of the busiest days of Hajj.