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Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before your sacred journey
The King Abdulaziz Complex for the Holy Kaaba Kiswa in Makkah is where the Kiswa, the sacred cloth covering the Holy Kaaba, is made by skilled craftsmen. Visiting the factory is a unique opportunity to learn about the history and craftsmanship of the Kiswa.
How to Book a Visit
- Register on the official Kiswa Factory booking portal.
- Log in and submit your visit request.
- Complete the required verification.
- Choose your preferred date and time.
- For group or official visits, a request letter may be required.
- Wait for approval before visiting.
Important
- Visits are by prior appointment only.
- Entry is subject to the latest rules of the King Abdulaziz Complex.
- Carry a valid ID and follow all visitor guidelines.
Tawaf is an important act of worship in Hajj and Umrah, where pilgrims walk around the Holy Kaaba in Masjid Al-Haram, Makkah, seven times in an anti-clockwise direction. It is a beautiful way to express love, devotion, and obedience to Allah.
If a person is physically unable to perform Tawaf due to illness, disability, or old age, they may perform it with assistance, such as using a wheelchair if possible. However, Tawaf cannot be performed independently on behalf of another living person. If Tawaf is part of a valid Hajj or Umrah performed on behalf of someone who has passed away or is permanently unable to perform the pilgrimage, it is included within that Hajj or Umrah.
The Prophet Muhammad (???) said that whoever performs Tawaf around the Kaaba seven times and offers two Rak'ahs of prayer afterward receives a great reward. Every step brings blessings, sins are forgiven, and the person's rank is raised by Allah.
Yes. Hajj and Umrah can be performed on behalf of another person in certain situations. This is generally allowed for someone who has passed away or is permanently unable to perform the pilgrimage due to old age or a serious illness.
A well-known Hadith mentions that a woman asked Prophet Muhammad (???) if she could perform Hajj on behalf of her elderly father, who was too weak to travel. The Prophet (???) gave her permission, showing that performing Hajj or Umrah for someone who is genuinely unable to do so is permissible in Islam.
If you are planning Hajj or Umrah on behalf of a loved one, Alif Hajj and Umrah Services, Nagpur, India can guide you through the process and help you choose the right pilgrimage package.
Hajj is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and is compulsory once in a lifetime for every Muslim who is physically and financially able.
1. Make Your Intention (Niyyah)
Begin your Hajj with a sincere intention to perform it only for the sake of Allah.
2. Enter the State of Ihram
Wear Ihram before reaching the Miqat and recite the Talbiyah.
3. Perform Tawaf
Walk around the Holy Kaaba seven times in Masjid Al-Haram.
4. Perform Sa'i
Walk seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah.
5. Stay in Mina
On 8th Dhul Hijjah, travel to Mina and spend the day in prayer.
6. Stand at Arafat
On 9th Dhul Hijjah, spend the day in Arafat making Dua and asking Allah for forgiveness.
7. Stay at Muzdalifah
After sunset, travel to Muzdalifah, pray, rest overnight, and collect pebbles.
8. Perform Rami
Throw pebbles at Jamrat al-Aqabah in Mina to symbolize rejecting evil.
9. Offer Qurbani
If required, perform Qurbani (animal sacrifice) according to your Hajj type.
10. Shave or Trim Your Hair
Men shave or trim their hair, while women cut a small portion of their hair.
11. Perform Tawaf Al-Ifadah
Return to Makkah and perform Tawaf Al-Ifadah and Sa'i (if required).
12. Complete Rami and Farewell Tawaf
Continue Rami on the following days, then perform Tawaf Al-Wida (Farewell Tawaf) before leaving Makkah.
Tawaf is one of the most important acts of worship during Hajj and Umrah. During Tawaf, pilgrims walk around the Holy Kaaba seven times in an anti-clockwise direction as an act of obedience, love, and devotion to Allah.
This beautiful ritual follows the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (???) and symbolizes the unity of Muslims from around the world. Regardless of nationality, language, or background, millions of believers worship together around one sacred center???the Kaaba in Masjid Al-Haram, Makkah.
Tawaf also reminds Muslims to keep Allah at the center of their lives, showing complete faith, humility, and submission to Him.
How to Plan Your Umrah Trip
Planning your Umrah journey is an important step towards a peaceful and memorable pilgrimage. A little preparation before you travel will help you focus on your worship without unnecessary stress. Whether you are traveling alone, with family, or in a group, following these simple steps can make your Umrah from India smooth and comfortable.
1. Choose the Right Time
Umrah can be performed at any time of the year. Select travel dates that suit your schedule, budget, and weather preference. If you prefer fewer crowds, avoid peak seasons such as Ramadan and school holidays.
2. Set Your Budget
Decide how much you want to spend on your trip. Include the cost of your Umrah Visa, flights, hotel, meals, transportation, shopping, and personal expenses. A clear budget helps you choose the right Umrah package.
3. Select a Trusted Umrah Package
Choose an Umrah package that includes the services you need, such as:
- Saudi Umrah Visa assistance
- Return flight tickets
- Hotel accommodation in Makkah and Madinah
- Airport transfers
- Ziyarat tours
- Customer support throughout your journey
Always book with a reliable and experienced Umrah travel agency.
4. Complete Your Visa Process
Make sure your passport is valid and submit all required documents on time. Check the latest Saudi Umrah Visa requirements before your travel date.
5. Book Your Flights Early
Booking your flights in advance gives you more options and often helps you get better prices.
6. Choose Comfortable Accommodation
If possible, stay in a hotel close to Masjid Al-Haram in Makkah and Masjid An-Nabawi in Madinah. This makes it easier to attend prayers and saves time.
7. Learn the Umrah Rituals
Before traveling, learn the basic steps of Umrah, including:
- Ihram
- Niyyah
- Talbiyah
- Tawaf
- Sa'i
- Halq or Taqsir
Understanding these rituals will help you perform Umrah with confidence.
8. Prepare Yourself Physically
Umrah involves a lot of walking. Try to walk regularly for a few weeks before your trip and carry any medicines you may need.
9. Pack Smart
Carry only the essential items, including:
- Passport and travel documents
- Ihram clothes
- Comfortable footwear
- Personal medicines
- Mobile charger and power bank
- Prayer mat
- Water bottle
- Toiletries
10. Get the Required Vaccinations
Follow the latest health guidelines issued by the Saudi Ministry of Health. Complete all required vaccinations before your departure.
11. Plan Your Local Travel
Know how you will travel between the airport, hotel, Makkah, Madinah, and Ziyarat locations. Most Umrah packages include transportation for your convenience.
12. Spend Time in Worship
After completing Umrah, make the most of your stay by offering prayers, reading the Holy Qur'an, making Dua, drinking Zamzam water, and visiting important Islamic places in Makkah and Madinah.
Umrah in Ramadan is a blessed opportunity for Muslims to increase their worship, prayers, and closeness to Allah. It is one of the most rewarding times to visit Makkah and Madinah.
Yes. Performing Umrah during Ramadan carries great spiritual rewards. Many Muslims choose this holy month to seek Allah's mercy, forgiveness, and blessings.
It is best to book your Ramadan Umrah Package several months in advance, as flights and hotels near Masjid Al-Haram fill up quickly.
The last 10 nights of Ramadan, especially the odd nights, are the busiest because many pilgrims hope to worship during Laylatul Qadr (The Night of Decree).