The Hajj, or pilgrimage to Makkah is a central duty of Islam whose origins date back to the time of the Prophet Ibrahim (PBUH). It brings together Muslims of all races and tongues for one of life's most moving spiritual experiences. For 14 centuries, countless millions of Muslims, men and women from all over the world, have made the pilgrimage to Makkah, the birthplace of Islam. In carrying out this obligation, they fulfill one of the five "pillars" of Islam, or central religious duties of the believer.

Q1: Why Did Almanasik Select the North American tents?
The American tents are assigned and controlled by the Saudi Government but they have some major advantages:

• The American tents are generally cleaner.
• Much quieter and less congested.
• Shorter travel time;
o Traveling time from tents near Jamarat in Mina to Arafat is usually 4-6 hours. While traveling from North American tents is 30-45 minutes. The same applies in departing from Arafat to Muzdalifa and then back to Mina
• Cost.

Q2: Are the Tents Air-conditioned?
The Tents are assigned and controlled by the Saudi government.

• In Mina; Yes.
• In Arafa; No (4-5 Hour Wait).
• Muzdalifa; No Tents at all, it’s Flat (4-5 Hour Wait).

Q3: My Parents live in another country; can they stay with me in the American Tents?
Yes.

Q4: What age qualifies as an infant, Child or Adult?
Almanasik has no control what so ever over what qualifies as a child, infant or adult.

• Infant: one day to two years
• Child: Two years to 12 years
• Anyone over 12 is an adult.

Q5: I have a one year old, how much am I getting charged?
You will be charged 20 % of the published Air Fair.

Q6: I have a 4 year old, how much am I getting charged?
You will be charged 40 % of the Package Price.

Q7: Do they have day care in Hajj?
No day care, in-fact we recommend that you do not take your kids to Hajj.

Q8: Is it easy to find Food if I take program # 1?
Yes, it’s very easy to find food.

Q9: Is Food provided in Mina?
Yes, open buffet breakfast and dinner.

Q10: My Wife has an F2 Visa and I have an F1. Can she perform Hajj with me?
Both Visas must have multiple entries to the United States. You will also need to provide us with the original copy of the I-94 for both.

Q11: My family is visiting from overseas; can you get them Visas for Hajj?
We can only get visas for people that reside in the United States on F1, F2, work Visas, green cards, and obliviously U.S citizens.

Q12: What will happen to my Cashier’s checks 116 + 158.40 = 274.40?
These checks will remain stapled to your passport until you arrive to Saudi Arabia. They will then be collected by the Saudi officials during entry.

Q13: Are the hotels nice?
You will be staying in a 4-Star hotel. Pictures are available on our website. http://www.almanasik.com/gallery.html

Q14: How far is the hotel from the Haram in Mecca?
The hotel is approximately 90 Meters away from the Haram for program 2, 3, 4 and approximately 250 Meters away for program 1.

Q15: How far is the hotel from the Mosque in Madinah?
The hotel is approximately 180 Meters away from the Mosque for program 2, 3, 4 and approximately 250 Meters for program 1.

Q16: What kind of food do you serve at the hotels?
We alternate between indo-Pakistani, Middle Eastern and Persian cuisine.

Q17: How many people do you have working for you in Hajj?
We are fully staffed in Saudi Arabia; our staff includes 40 people dedicated to your help and support from 6:00 A.M to Mid-night everyday.

Q18: Why am I staying in apartments (residential units) near Mina?
The trip from Madinah to Mina usually takes 10 to 14 hours and based on our experience the apartments provides our Hajj groups time to relax and reenergize. This rest will also give you the opportunity to perform Umrah again if you like.

Q19: Can the elderly perform Hajj if they can’t walk? Can they use a Wheel chair?
Yes they can. A wheel chair can be purchased from the United States or Saudi Arabia
Brothers can be hired in Saudi Arabia in order to assist the elderly & handicap in performing Hajj functions.