Hajj and the British Muslims - A Historical Perspective

Hajj and the British Muslim Community

Dr. Mozammel Haque

Hajj is an obligatory duty in a lifetime for every capable, both physically and financially to perform Hajj in a lifetime. It is one of the five pillars of Islam. As it is an obligatory duty, it is essential that every Muslim who is planning to go for Hajj is to make himself abreast about different aspects of Hajj. It is necessary to know about the social, economical, moral, educational and religious aspects of Hajj.

British Muslim Community
25,000 British Muslims go for Hajj every year and many thousands do Umrah and there was a need for British Muslims facilities not only consular advice but more important health advice and other kind of advice. These intending pilgrims have to understand the challenges and the rules and requirements during the Hajj. There are health and safety issues; booking traveling and accommodation issues and more importantly to make them aware about the tour operators and travel agencies.

Hajj Awareness
Feeling the pain of some losses of British Muslim lives during the tragedy which occurred during Hajj in 1989 and realising the importance of proper preparation for Hajj, the Union of Muslim Organisations (UMO) passed a resolution as early as 1990 calling upon the British Foreign Office to consider the establishment of an official Hajj Mission in coordination with the UMO. Some organisations, later on, were also started thinking about the desperate need to make an appropriate arrangement to promote Health & Safety Awareness of the British Pilgrims.

Thus, two organisations came up, one Association of British Hujjaj (ABH), a charity organisation, and another initially Hajj Advisory Committee, composed of major Muslim organisations, later became British Hajj Delegation. Let us begin with the Association of British Hujjaj.

Association of British Hujjaj (ABH)
In order to prevent any future loss of human life amongst British Hajj pilgrims, the Association of British Hujjaj (Pilgrims) UK (ABH) the only National Hajj specific voluntary organisation in the United Kingdom, National charity, was formed in 1998 by professionals, senior doctors, religious scholars, and people from all walks of life to research and develop a positive plan to address these issues.

The aim of the Association of British Hujjaj is to provide up to date training and practical advice to pilgrims to perform a safe Hajj by distinguishing health and safety risks and devising strategies to curtail them and to create and update information regarding health and safety matters amongst the community, especially amongst those from relatively lesser educational background.

Hajj Awareness Week
The Association of British Hujjaj (pilgrims) U.K. has taken another initiative to launch first ever National Hajj Umrah (Health and Safety) Awareness Week in December 2004. It was launched by Lord Ahmed of Rotherham (Patron of ABH) at the House of Lords, London. Every year the ABH launches Hajj Awareness Week throughout the United Kingdom to make aware those persons who want to perform Hajj well ahead of the Hajj season immediately after the month of Ramadan.

The purpose of this national event was to raise awareness of the Health & Safety issues amongst the 25,000 prospective British Hajj & Umrah pilgrims who will start travelling from UK to join over 2 million other pilgrims in Makkah to perform Hajj. Every year after the month of Ramadan, the Association of British Hujjaj held a National Hajj (Health & Safety) Awareness Week at the House of Lords.

THE Association of British Hujjaj also carried out Meningitis Awareness Campaign every year. To make Meningitis Awareness Campaign a success, several events were organised, including the extremely successful re-launch of the meningitis campaign at the occasion of its annual conference in Birmingham, before the Hajj in January 2002.

Friends of the Association of British Hujjaj Award
This year, 2011, as usual, the National Hajj and Umrah (Health & Safety) Awareness Week was launched on 14 September, at the House of Lords by the Association of British Hujjaj (Pilgrims) UK (ABH). For the first time in 12 years the Association of British Hujjaj has decided to present its special Award for the community services and for the noble cause of Hajj. While announcing the Award, Dr. Syed Raza Hussain, senior doctor from the Association of British Hujjaj, UK, said, “ABH is totally dedicated and committed to provide up to date knowledge and information to British Hajj and Umrah pilgrims.”

Dr. Hussain said, “Today’s selected “Friends of the Association of British Hujjaj, UK” are both well-respected in the community for their integrity, sincerity, loyalty, reliability and upright dedication to their community voluntary services and the noble cause of the ABH.” Today’s chosen two Friends of ABH are Mr. Sarbuland and Dr. Mozammel Haque,” declared Dr. Hussain.

Lord Ahmed, the Patron of the ABH (UK), presented the Award to Dr. Mozammel Haque, Media Advisor of the Islamic Cultural Centre, London, on behalf the Association of British Hujjaj (ABH), UK, at the House of Lords, in recognition of his community services and the noble cause of Hujjaj.

British Hajj Delegation: Background
Another organisation which is devoted to the service of British Hujjaj is the British Hajj Delegation. Let us go back to the background history of the formation of British Hajj Delegation. It may be mentioned that as early as September, 1990, the Twentieth Annual Conference of the Union of Muslim Organizations, UK & Eire (UMO), under the leadership of Dr. Syed Aziz Pasha, held in London, called upon the UMO to “continue its negotiations with the British Government to establish an official Hajj Mission to assist the increasing number of British Muslims who are performing Hajj every year.” Next year, again in September, 1991, at its Twenty-First Annual Conference held at the Cavendish Conference Centre, London under the chairmanship of Dr. Syed Aziz Pasha, UMO General Secretary, passed resolution to the effect that this conference “called upon the British Foreign Office to reconsider its position with regard to the establishment of an official Hajj Mission in coordination with the UMO.”

The Association of British Hujjaj (ABH) approached the Foreign Office, and the first meeting between the ABH and Foreign Office Minister Baroness Symons was held on 15th July 1999, in the House of Lords. The Minister agreed to facilitate Hajj arrangements to provide healthcare, welfare and support services, such as bereavement, lost pilgrims, loss of luggage, passport, flight tickets and money etc. for British Hujjaj at Makkah in Saudi Arabia.

Dr. Pasha had been continuing calling upon the government till Lord Nazir Ahmed of Rotherham was appointed a Peer in the House of Lords when Lord Ahmed, as he has been in the House of Lords, asked the British government to form a delegation that can lead the Muslim members of the British community to Hajj. The Foreign & Commonwealth Office at that time under the leadership of Baroness Symons first established this service for the British Hujjaj. As a result, the British government was the first European or rather first Western government that actually appointed the British Hajj Delegation in 1999.

After a series of meetings at the Foreign Office, the first ever British Hajj Delegation, headed by Lord Ahmed of Rotherham, went to Saudi Arabia to help British Pilgrims at Makkah during the Hajj period in 2000. This delegation set up a camp in Makkah during Hajj 2000 to provide full range of free medical, safety and consular facilities to the British Hajj pilgrims. This delegation has dedicated services to the British Hajj pilgrims on annual basis each year since 2000.

Hajj Advisory Committee
After returning back from Hajj, Lord Ahmed resigned. And just one and a half month before the Hajj of 2001, Baroness Scotland sent the British Hajj Delegation led by Lord Adam Patel of Blackburn in 2001. There was no official launching of the Delegation as there was not enough time to do that.

In 2002, a Hajj Advisory Committee was formed. This Committee consisted of representatives of different shades of the Muslim community and representatives of the major Muslim organisations, such as Union of Muslim Organisations (UMO), Islamic Cultural Centre (ICC), Muslim Council of Britain (MCB), Al-Khoei Foundation and others. At that time, the office of the British Hajj Delegation was at the Islamic Cultural Centre, London. Even the British Hajj Delegation used to launch from the Islamic Cultural Centre, London. Foreign Secretary Jack Straw launched the British Hajj Delegation from the Islamic Cultural Centre, London, and addressed by Dr. Ahmed al-Dubayan, Director General of the Centre and Lord Patel the leader of the delegation.

British Hajj Delegation
From the very beginning, the British Hajj Delegation was sent to Saudi Arabia by the Foreign & Commonwealth Office in partnership with the British Muslim Community. From 2002 to 2006, every year, the British Hajj Delegation was launched by the British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw from the Islamic Cultural Centre, Regents Park Mosque, London and it was attended by Lord Patel and Dr. Ahmed al-Dubayan, Director General of the Centre. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office in partnership with the British Muslim community was sending British Hajj Delegation to Makkah to provide help and support to the thousands of British pilgrims.

In 2006, Margaret Beckett, the then Foreign Secretary, launched the British Hajj Delegation from the Islamic Cultural Centre and Dr. al-Dubayan and Lord Patel addressed the launching event. The British Hajj Delegation represented an exemplary cooperation between the British Government, the Saudi Government, and the British Muslim Community. When David Miliband, MP, became Foreign Secretary he moved the office of the delegation and launched the British Hajj Delegation from the House of Parliament in 2007 and it was addressed by Lord Patel only. In 2008, the British Hajj Delegation was launched again by Foreign Secretary David Miliband from the Lancaster House and addressed by Prince Mohammed bin Nawaf, Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to the United Kingdom and Lord Patel. And in 2009, it was again launched by David Miliband and addressed by Ambassador Prince Mohammed bin Nawaf and Lord Patel; but this time from the Blue Room of the Foreign Secretary’s Residence.

Thus British Hajj Delegation was started in 1999 and Lord Ahmed led the first British Hajj Delegation to Saudi Arabia in 2000 and from 2001 to 2009, Lord Adam Patel of Blackburn led the British Hajj Delegation. The British Hajj Delegation, since it has started, has directly supported over 23,000 British Pilgrims over the last 13 years.

The British Hajj Delegation, like the Association of British Hujjaj, used to launch every year its delegation before the Hajj. .The British Hajj Delegation used to go to Saudi Arabia every year; hold medical clinics, free medical treatment and offer consular advice in Makkah. There was a partnership among the British Government, the Saudi Government and the British Muslim Community. The Delegation used to comprise of 9 doctors, 3 consular officials and Lord Adam Patel of Blackburn, the leader of the Delegation.

Recollecting those days, Baroness Lady Symons of Vernham said at the House of Lords on 9 April, 2003, “Since 2000, we have supported and funded Hajj delegations. I remember well the valuable help that the noble Lord, Lord Ahmed, gave me in trying to set up that initiative. It involves a partnership between government and the Muslim community and has also been led by the noble Lord, Lord Patel of Blackburn. This year's delegation, which included eight medical staff, helped about 10 per cent of 15,000 British pilgrims. The noble Lord can take much credit for having been part of the trigger that got that going. We have also been running successful Islamic awareness training courses for our staff.”

British Hajj Consular Delegation 2011
In 2010, the British Hajj Delegation was launched from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) by the Baroness Sayeeda Warsi, Minister without Portfolio. “Lord Patel has done tremendous amount of work and Lord Ahmed who set up the delegation also did tremendous amount of work,” said Baroness Warsi, at the launching of the British Hajj Delegation on 27th of October 2010 from the Durbar Court, Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) London.

This year, 2011, the British Hajj Consular Delegation was launched from the Durbar Court of the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) in the presence of Baroness Warsi, Jeremy Browne, Foreign Office Minister and Ambassador Prince Mohammad bin Nawaf on Monday, the 10th of October, 2011. The launching event was attended by Ambassadors, diplomatic representatives of different Muslim Embassies in London, Community leaders and media personnel. This year Ms. Nagina Akhtar, an experienced Consular Officer from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) will be leading the British Hajj Consular Delegation.

While launching this year British Hajj Consular Delegation, Minister Browne, thanked the Saudi Government for their “excellent services to all pilgrims”. Mr. Browne said, “The government of Saudi Arabia provides excellent services to all pilgrims. We are very grateful for their close cooperation with the British Embassy and the Consulate Directorate here in London.”

The Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) has distributed a leaflet entitled “HAJJIS” which instructs and informs British Muslims what they have to do. The aim of the FCO Hajjis leaflet is to assist British Hajjis in preparing for the Hajj and to explain what services the British Hajj Delegation can offer British pilgrims in Saudi Arabia.

Mosque seminars and training programme
Generally, Mosques play an important role everywhere irrespective of Muslim majority and Muslim minority countries to inform pilgrims, train them, giving them a brief introduction and training how to perform Hajj and what are its different rites.

With special reference to United Kingdom, besides the above two organisations, many Mosques hold seminars and training programme throughout the different regions of the United Kingdom, particularly in Midland, in Yorkshire and Scotland to make people become more aware and mentally prepared.

British Hajj Consular Delegation 2011 Launch

Launch of British Hajj Consular Delegation 2011
At the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO)

Dr. Mozammel Haque

The British Hajj Consular Delegation 2011 was launched at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) in the presence of Baroness Warsi, Cabinet Minister without Portfolio, Jeremy Browne, M.P. Foreign Office Minister and His Excellency Prince Mohammad bin Nawaf bin Abdul Aziz, Ambassador of Saudi Arabia in the United Kingdom and Ireland on Monday, the 10th of October, 2011. The launching event was attended by Ambassadors, diplomatic representatives of different Muslim Embassies in London, Community leaders and journalists.

Saudi Arabia provides excellent services
Jeremy Browne, Foreign Office Minister
While launching this year British Hajj Consular Delegation, Foreign Office Minister, Jeremy Browne, M.P. thanked the Saudi Government for their “excellent services to all pilgrims”. Mr. Browne said, “The government of Saudi Arabia provides excellent services to all pilgrims. We are very grateful for their close cooperation with the British Embassy and the Consulate Directorate here in London.”

He also assured to make the pilgrimage “enjoyable and trouble-free experience as much as possible”. Foreign Office Minister also introduced Ms Nagina Akhtar who is going to be the delegation leader this year and she is a very experienced consular officer, said Browne and added, “I am told she will be the first woman to perform this duty on our behalf.”

Referring to last year activities of the Delegation, Mr. Browne said, “Last year Consular delegation provided a wide range of support; provide emergency travel documents; to replace stolen or lost passports; support the hospitalised pilgrims, provide consular assistance in the event of death and advice to the British pilgrims who were victims of tour operators.”

As a Minister responsible for the UK Consular, Mr. Browne mentioned, “I have taken a special interest in the preparation of this year Hajj Delegation along with Baroness Warsi.”

Hajj was a huge amount of investment
Baroness Sayeeda Warsi
In her Opening Remarks, Baroness Warsi, Cabinet Minister without Portfolio, mentioned, “I have the privilege of doing Hajj last year as the guest of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It provided me with the first hand experience how challenging, how rewarding, how amazing, how moving, how completely life-changing experience of Hajj is. Some 20,000 pilgrims from Britain have the privilege of performing Hajj every year.”

Baroness Warsi also mentioned about people that she was travelling who had performed Hajj and her own experience of performing Umrah in the last. She said, “Hajj was a huge amount of investment that is going on to make the experience of Hajj and Umrah easier on so many different levels, whether that is infrastructure, healthcare in which you are moving around in a very small place in a very limited time which is Hajj becomes.”

“Of course, by nature Hajj is a demanding and our consular services are there hopefully to provide a support,” Baroness Warsi said and she also added, “Nagina Akhina will be leading the Delegation along with consular offices in Riyadh and Jeddah. Our Consular General in Jeddah, Mr. Shaukat, may be many of you will be familiar with, will be there.”

Saudi Ambassador Prince Mohammad bin Nawaf
While thanking Baroness Warsi and Foreign Office Minister Jeremy Browne for their kind words, Saudi Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Prince Mohammad bin Nawaf bin Abdul Aziz, also thanked the Foreign & Commonwealth Office. “I would also like to take this opportunity to express my appreciation to the Gulf Team and the Hajj Desk at Her Majesty’s Foreign & Commonwealth Office for the invaluable support they extend, annually, to British Hajj Delegation. Such support has proven to be instrumental in the success of the many delegations throughout the years. Needless to say, the support offered by the British Government to the Hajj Delegation is an embodiment of the care and attention it gives to British Muslims as an integral part of this country’s demographic combination – a care and attention that unquestionably strengthens all British Muslims’ sense of belonging to their national homeland and reinforces their commitment and dedication to the well-being and development of their communities and the country as a whole,” said Prince Mohammed.

Hajj as the most beautiful and moving
Prince Mohammed mentioned, “In a world full of religious rituals, one must certainly list the Hajj as the most beautiful and moving, and it can be regarded so not only because it is the largest on earth, but for three further reasons; which I shall summarize as the purpose, the people, and the passion.”

Purpose of Hajj: to fulfil the obligation of the fifth pillar
Explaining and elaborating the three reasons, Prince Mohammed said, “First, the purpose: What is the purpose of the Hajj? It is, first and foremost, to fulfil the obligation of the fifth pillar which is that every Muslim of able body and means must do the Hajj. But, of course, in performing such an obligation the pilgrim carries out other profound and important tasks. He demonstrates his solidarity with the Muslim people. He exhibits his devotion to the birthplace and the life of the Prophet, peace be upon him. And, most of all, he actively proves what he verbally expresses during the first Tawaf: Bism Allah, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar wa lil Lahi Alhamd – In the name of God, God is Great, God is Great, God is Great and praise be to God.”

The People: They travel from Diaspora to divinity
Mentioning about the second reason, Prince Mohammed said, “The second reason that the Hajj is so unique and spiritually stirring is the people that perform it. For we must not forget that the individuals who call themselves Muslims, and who perform the Hajj, live within diverse cultures and cross numerous borders to carry out their Islamic duty. They are Malaysians, Canadians, Chinese, Kenyans, Azerbaijanis, Germans, and more. Yet for each, the reality remains the same - they travel from different lands to one land – from places where their religion can make them feel foreign at times to a place that has always been the home of their religion - in short, they travel from Diaspora to divinity.”

The Passion: passions of devotion, of commitment,
“Finally, the Hajj is an incredible experience due to the passions that are exhibited by the pilgrims – the passions of devotion, of commitment, of service; of community, of humility, and of the desire to live by the purest and most peaceful principles. For with its simple, unified and soul-touching rituals, the Hajj stands as a true reflection that is at the heart of Islam. For all are equal in the Hajj, all are motivated by the same force, and all go to serve the same God, blessed be Allah, humbly and obediently. It is rare in today’s world to find such deep and tireless devotion, especially to the performing of an act that is at its heart done to serve nothing more than the passionate cause of peace, love and unity,” said Prince Mohammed.

The Saudi Ambassador mentioned, the Hajj is an amazing journey, a profound religious ritual, and a testament to the power of Islam. I have no doubt that many of our British Muslim brothers and sisters have experienced the truth of this claim first hand, and I further trust that the members of this year’s Hajj Delegation will discover it as well as they undertake their blessed journey, he said.

Prince Mohammed said, “Of course, as a Muslim and as a Saudi, I feel exceedingly proud to be representing the nation that - as always - will have the honour and privilege of hosting this dedicated Delegation of Muslims – and millions more like them – who will be coming from all over the world this year to perform Hajj. In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, we believe that God Almighty has blessed our nation with the honour and responsibility of being the Custodians and servitors of Islam’s most sacred mosques in Makkah and Madinah. This is a blessing that we thank God for, and a responsibility that we take very seriously.”

Speaking about those who are in the Saudi Embassy in London, the Saudi Ambassador said, “We are honoured to be a part of the efforts exerted by our country to live up to its esteemed responsibility. It is no small task, as many of you know, to play host to millions of pilgrims, for it poses huge on-going administrative, organisational, logistical and safety challenges.”

“Fortunately, our leader, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz, his Crown Prince and the Second Vice Premier, personally lead all sectors of the Saudi government in putting forth sizeable efforts to face these challenges effectively and efficiently. This requires the allocation and proficient management of huge human, financial and cultural resources, but it is an effort that the Kingdom is only too honoured to be allowed to make in the name of Islam,” said Prince Mohammed.

Improving the services and expansion of Haramain
Referring to the improving the services and the expansion of the Haramain, the Saudi Ambassador said, “Throughout the past years, the British Hajj Delegation and the many other visitors to the Holy Places in Makkah and Madinah have seen a large-scale projects that have been launched and completed to continue improving the services provided to them. This year, however, the visitors to the Holy Places will notice an exceptionally impressive addition to these efforts. Under the direction of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques; King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz - who has already carried out the expansion of Al-Masaa and the construction of the massive Al-Jamaraat Bridge Complex – the foundation was laid just in the last few weeks for even more large scale projects in Makkah and Madinah, including the biggest expansion in history of the Holy Mosque in Makkah. This expansion will increase the capacity of the Holy Mosque in Makkah.”

Prince Mohammed also said, “This expansion will increase the capacity of the Holy Mosque by more than 150%; from six hundred thousand to over one and a half million worshippers will now be able to be contained within its walls. All of these massive construction projects are aimed at making Hajj and Umrah easier, safer and more comfortable for our honoured guests.”

Out of approximately 2 million Muslims in the United Kingdom about 25,000 British citizens are expected to perform Hajj this year. The Saudi Ambassador assured them “the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will spare no effort to ensure that their pilgrimage to the Holy Places begins and concludes safely and peacefully and that it is as fulfilling as befits such an important experience. Further, we in the Saudi Embassy hold it as our highest obligation to be at the service of these pilgrims should they require our assistance in any way”, said the Saudi Ambassador. .

Saudi Ambassador wishes blissful visit to the
Holy Places, an ideal Hajj and a safe return to their homes
The Saudi Ambassador concluded his speech by wishing the British Hajj Delegation, and all British Muslims who are performing Hajj this year, “a blissful visit to the Holy Places, an ideal Hajj and a safe return to their homes and loved ones.”

Foreign Office advises British nationals to prepare
Before travelling to the Hajj
Britons travelling to Saudi Arabia for the Hajj should prepare carefully and follow travel safety advice. Around 20,000 are expected to make the journey from 4-9 November.

The Foreign Office is urging Hajj pilgrims to get comprehensive travel insurance and essential vaccinations before embarking on their journey: The Foreign Office said:
- it is compulsory for travellers to the Hajj to have a Meningococcal Meningitis vaccination certificate in order to obtain a Hajj visa
- we strongly recommend that you have a seasonal influenza vaccination prior to embarking on your trip
-you should take out fully comprehensive travel insurance in advance
-check the Foreign Office travel advice for the latest on the situation in Saudi Arabia.

The Foreign Office will provide the full range of consular services and will be sending a delegation of consular staff. The majority of cases that the delegation handled last year were replacing travel documents. Pilgrims should ensure they look after personal belongings and should take particular care with travel documents, tickets and other valuables.

The delegation will be located at the Elaf Al Khalil Hotel, Makkah. You can find contact details and information on what the delegation can and can’t do in our travel advice for Hajj pilgrims.

Nagina Akhtar leading the British Hajj Delegation
Nagina Akhtar, an experienced Consular Officer from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) will be leading this year British Hajj Consular Delegation.

British Hajj Delegation: Background
Looking back at the formation of British Hajj Delegation, it may be mentioned that as early as September, 1990, the Twentieth Annual Conference of the Union of Muslim Organizations, UK & Eire (UMO), under the leadership of Dr. Syed Aziz Pasha, held in London, called upon the UMO to “continue its negotiations with the British Government to establish an official Hajj Mission to assist the increasing number of British Muslims who are performing Hajj every year.” Next year, again in September, 1991, at its Twenty-First Annual Conference held at the Cavendish Conference Centre, London under the chairmanship of Dr. Syed Aziz Pasha, UMO General Secretary, passed resolution to the effect that this conference “called upon the British Foreign Office to reconsider its position with regard to the establishment of an official Hajj Mission in coordination with the UMO.”

Dr. Pasha has been continuing calling upon the government till Lord Nazir Ahmed was appointed a Peer in the House of Lords when Lord Ahmed, as he has been in the House of Lords, asked the British government to form a delegation that can lead the Muslim members of the British community to Hajj. As a result, the British government was the first European or rather first western government that actually appointed Lord Ahmed as head of the British Hajj Delegation in 1999. British Hajj Delegation was started in 1999 and Lord Nazir Ahmed of Rotherham led the first British Hajj Delegation to Saudi Arabia. From next year, 2000 to last year, 2009, Lord Adam Patel of Blackburn led the British Hajj Delegation. The British Hajj Delegation, since it has started, has directly supported over 23,000 British Pilgrims over the last 13 years.

“Lord Patel has done tremendous amount of work and Lord Ahmed who set up the delegation also did tremendous amount of work,” said Baroness Warsi, Minister without Portfolio, at the launching of the British Hajj Delegation on 27th of October 2010 from the Durbar Court, Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO), London.

Wishing a safe journey, a blissful visit to Holy Places and an accepted Hajj

Wishing a safe journey, a blissful
visit to Holy Places and an accepted Hajj

Dr. Mozammel Haque

Prince Mohammed bin Nawaf bin Abdulaziz, Saudi Ambassador to the United Kingdom and Ireland, wished a safe journey, a blissful visit to the Holy Places and an accepted Hajj to the British Hajj delegation and to all British Muslims who are performing Hajj this year. He said this at the launching of the British Hajj Delegation at the Durbar Court of the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO), on Wednesday, 27th of October, 2010, in the presence of Baroness Sayeeda Warsi, Minister without Portfolio and Jeremy Browne, M.P. Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Office and diplomats and other members of the Hajj Delegation, guests and community leaders.

Twenty-five thousand UK Muslims will go this year to perform the annual pilgrimage in Makkah with the British government offering advice, support and consular services to its citizens going there. British Hajj Delegation is a team that will provide on the ground consular support for British pilgrims attending Hajj next month.

Mr. Ahmed Patel from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) will be leaving on November 3rd and he will be in Makkah from 7th of November 2010. He will be joined by one staff from the British Embassy in Riyadh and another staff from the British Consulate Office in Jeddah.

British Hajj Delegation was started in 1999 and Lord Nazir Ahmed of Rotherham led the first British Hajj Delegation to Saudi Arabia. From next year, 2000 to last year, 2009, Lord Adam Patel of Blackburn led the British Hajj Delegation. “Lord Patel has done tremendous amount of work and Lord Ahmed who set up the delegation also did tremendous amount of work,” said Baroness Sayeeda Warsi, Minister without Portfolio, at the launching of the British Hajj Delegation on Wednesday, the 27th of October 2010 from the Durbar Court, Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO), London.

Twelve years ago the Hajj Delegation was set up, especially focused around the provision of medical services, said Baroness Warsi. Since then not only the medical services but other services, such as travel arrangement and other facilities became much better. “I think all of us have to pay tribute to the way Saudi Arabia conduct that particular gathering of Hajj and Umrah” observed Baroness Warsi.

Minister of State for Foreign & Commonwealth

Office, Jeremy Browne, M.P.

Minister of State for Foreign & Commonwealth Office, Jeremy Browne, said in his opening speech, “My first observation is to say thank you very much to the government of Saudi Arabia for the services and facilities provided. Hajj is obviously a very significant event for your country but it is also a significant event for millions of people around the world, including the tens and thousands of British people who will be attending and who will be going to you for preparation of works into making the whole event the whole pilgrimage as successful as it has been and I am sure it will be this year as well.”

Consular Hajj delegation
That’s why, it was felt that a consular Hajj team, not medical delegation, will be going to Saudi Arabia. Baroness Warsi said, “We will have consular staff available on a 24 hour call-line effectively.”

The Foreign Office announced that it will provide the full range of consular services and will be sending the British Hajj Delegation to Saudi Arabia during the Hajj. The British Hajj Delegation will be located at the Elaf Al-Khalil Hotel, Makkah. You can find contact details and a travellers’ checklist in the FCO’s travel advice for Hajj pilgrims in the Foreign Office website.

Cabinet Minister Baroness Warsi said, “It is important that British Muslims going on Hajj this year check the Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s travel advice and the requirements set out by the Saudi government. Most pilgrims will have a trouble-free trip but, given the sheer numbers of people due to be present; people should take sensible precautions and plan carefully before they travel.”

24-hour emergency helpline
Mr. Jeremy Browne said, “We have provided a number of supporting materials including this booklet (Hajjis) which I am holding in English but it is also produced in other languages as well. 24 hour emergency helpline; the number will be available in the foreign office website.”

Browne also mentioned, “We will be working closely with the Saudis on the whole package of support that we are offering to people.”

Travel Insurance and inoculation for meningitis
“We are encouraging people to make sure that they take out travel insurance;” said Mr. Browne and added, “to make sure that any necessary inoculation but in particular the meningitis which is essential for getting visa that is needed to travel to the Hajj.”

In reply to a question, the Minister of State again mentioned that people should have travel insurance. “We are talking about inoculation that is compulsory but we also recommended, for example, for flu, which is not compulsory for obtaining visa. We recommend people to have before they left.”

24-hour emergency number
“People also need to look carefully for terms and conditions of your travel and accommodation just as you do for other circumstances. We are keen to be an assistance; that’s why we have British brochures like this one. We also have, as I mentioned in my opening remarks, a 24 hour emergency number; the number is 014822800. So we are in many different ways trying to make sure that people have trouble-free visit possible,” said Mr. Browne.

Baroness Warsi
Baroness Sayeeda Warsi, Minister without Portfolio, said in her opening speech, “Many of you know performing Hajj is a huge moment. 25,000 British Muslims travel to perform Hajj every year. It’s extremely demanding moment physically and spiritually and what we, our government, want to make sure that British citizen who performs Hajj supported adequately.”

Tour operators
Baroness Warsi mentioned about some tour operators. “There are some real challenges about some tour operators who are operating at the time of Hajj and Umrah. This has been an ongoing issue now for many many years. People travels to Saudi Arabia are not satisfied with the level of services that are given or the level of services that have been promised. The government of Saudi Arabia has done maximum amount of work in trying to make sure that only authorised agents are taking part in providing the Hajj and the Umrah package. There are also other organizations, for example, Association of British Hujjaj; they are doing tremendous amount of work in trying to bring this in forefront. “

“There are good Hajj tour operators and bad Hajj tour operators,” mentioned Baroness Warsi and added, “We will have to isolate those rogue tour operators from the genuine operators.”

Baroness Warsi mentioned that 12 years ago the Hajj Delegation was set up especially focused around the provision of medical services. She also said that year on year those services, not just medical; travel arrangement year on year is getting better.

Consular staff available on 24-hour call line
In reply to a question by the Media Advisor of the Islamic Cultural Centre, Dr. Mozammel Haque, Baroness Warsi started saying about the nature of Hajj Delegation. “I think all of us has to pay tribute to the way Saudi Arabia conduct that particular gathering of Hajj and Umrah but this year it was felt that it was appropriate for the delegation to go ahead but not to be a medical delegation but we will have consular staff available on a 24 hour call-line effectively; people who go for Hajj and Umrah I want them to pick up the phone and make a call on the line who can help me that is available.”

Baroness Warsi also mentioned, “We also make sure; that people speak various languages speaking by the British potential Hajjis, so Urdu will be spoken, Arabic will be spoken, and Bengali will be spoken.”

Prince Mohammed bin Nawaf, Saudi Ambassador
Prince Mohammed Bin Nawaf bin Abdulaziz, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the United Kingdom and Ireland, said, “The support offered by the British Government to the Hajj Delegation is an embodiment of the high level of care and attention it gives to British Muslims at all times and in all fields as an integral part of this country’s demographic combination. Undoubtedly, this attention strengthens British Muslims sense of belonging and re-enforces their commitment and dedication to the well-being and development of their communities and country as a whole.”

Hajj – true reflection of the principles of
equality, modesty and human brotherhood
Speaking about the significance of Hajj, Prince Mohammed said, “During Hajj, millions of Muslims, from all over the world, gather in the same places, to perform the same rituals, at the same times, standing together on equal footing and dressed as one. This renders Hajj a true reflection of the exalted principles of equality, modesty and human brotherhood that are at the heart of Islam, and truly embodies Islam’s cross-borders and cross-cultures nature. Many of our dear British Muslim brothers and sisters must have experienced this first hand.”

Islam’s teachings of compassion, cooperation
Tolerance and caring for others
“Hajj is an occasion where Muslims from all nations, races, countries and walks of life are endowed with a golden opportunity to know each other better and learn more about each other’s issues and concerns; thus emphasizing Islam’s teachings of compassion, cooperation, tolerance and caring for others,” the Saudi Ambassador mentioned.

Initiation of new massive infrastructure
and transportation projects
Speaking about the huge administrative, organizational, logistical and safety challenges the Hajj season posed in Saudi Arabia, the Saudi Ambassador said, “The government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, constantly puts forth great efforts to face these challenges that require the allocation and effective management of sizeable human and financial resources. Hardly a month goes by without a new project or a new service being launched to continue improving the level of care provided to the visitors of the Holy Places.”

“Those who will perform Hajj this year will see Holy Places that are different even from last year’s Hajj, as the continued expansion and the initiation of new massive infrastructure and transportation projects will make stunning developments that are all aimed at making Hajj easier, safer and more comfortable for our honored guests,” mentioned Prince Mohammad.
.”
Prince Mohammad assured that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia “will spare no effort to ensure that this year’s pilgrimage begins and concludes safely and peacefully, that the mission of the British Hajj Delegation is successful, and that the British pilgrims’ journey to the Holy Places in Saudi Arabia is a safe and fulfilling one.”
.”
Wishing a safe journey, a blissful visit
to the Holy Places, an accepted Hajj
The Saudi Ambassador concluded his speech wishing the British Hajj Delegation, and all British Muslims who are performing Hajj this year, “a safe journey, a blissful visit to the Holy places, an accepted Hajj and a safe return to their homes and loved ones.”

Foreign Office Travel Advice for Hajj Pilgrims

FOREIGN OFFICE TRAVEL
ADVICE FOR HAJJ PILGRIMS

Dr. Mozammel Haque

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has issued a press release announcing travel advice to the British nationals travelling to Saudi Arabia for the Hajj this November, urging them to have a valid vaccination certificate for Meningococcal Meningitis, to be vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza and also to consider having a flu vaccination before they set off on their travels. The FCO also advised the British Pilgrims to take out fully comprehensive travel insurance and also take the responsibility for their own pre-travel preparations.

The FCO also informs the British Pilgrims that “the FCO will provide the full range of consular services and will be sending the British Hajj Delegation – a team of FCO volunteers from the British Muslim community, including consular staff – to Saudi Arabia during the Hajj.”

As regards medical facilities, the press release said, “The Saudi Government has advised that they have ample capability and resources to provide full medical facilities this year which British Hajjis will be able to use.”

Before the British Pilgrims set off on their journey, the FCO recommends that all pilgrims check the FCO travellers’ checklist and keep themselves up-to-date by visiting Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) website at www.fco.gov/travel or call 0845 850 2829.

Please read and follow the Travel Advice detailed below announced by the Foreign Office for the British Hajj Pilgrims travelling to Saudi Arabia this November: The following is the FCO press release as announced yesterday, the 13th of October, 2010.

Foreign Office Announces
Travel Advice For Hajj Pilgrims
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office is urging British nationals travelling to Saudi Arabia for the Hajj pilgrimage this November to be fully prepared and take heed of up-to-date travel advice before embarking on their trip.

A Meningococcal Meningitis vaccination certificate is a compulsory visa requirement for the estimated 25,000 British Muslims expected to travel to the Hajj this year. Pilgrims are also being strongly advised to ensure they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza before they set off on their travels.

Taking out fully comprehensive travel insurance is also strongly advised.

Cabinet Minister, Baroness Warsi, said: “It is important that British Muslims going on the Hajj this year check the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's travel advice and the requirements set out by the Saudi government. Most Pilgrims will have a trouble free trip but, given the sheer numbers of people due to be present, people should take sensible precautions and plan carefully before they travel.”

Consular Minister, Jeremy Browne, said “We are providing a Consular team on the ground in Saudi Arabia to offer assistance, but British Pilgrims going on the Hajj need to take responsibility for their own pre-travel preparations and ensure they have a valid vaccination certificate for Meningococcal Meningitis and also consider having a flu vaccination.

We will be updating our Travel Advice on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's website on an ongoing basis and all travellers should ensure they check it regularly.“

The Saudi Government has advised that they have ample capability and resources to provide full medical facilities this year which British Hajjis will be able to use.

A spokesperson for the Saudi Embassy in the UK, said: “The Embassy of Saudi Arabia appreciates the support provided to British pilgrims by the Foreign & Commonwealth Office through the Hajj delegation and hopes that all British pilgrims will observe the travel advice published by the Foreign & Commonwealth Office.”

The FCO will provide the full range of consular services and will be sending the British Hajj Delegation – a team of FCO volunteers from the British Muslim community, including consular staff – to Saudi Arabia during the Hajj.

In addition to the requirements from the Saudi government, the FCO recommends that all pilgrims use the following travellers’ checklist:

Check the FCO travel advice to make sure that you are up-to-date with the situation in Saudi Arabia at www.fco.gov/travel or call 0845 850 2829.

Check that you have the correct tickets and ticket details.

Make sure that you book your tickets through an ATOL registered tour operator to avoid unnecessary difficulties. For more information please visit www.atol.org.uk.
Have contact details for your tour operator in the UK and their representatives in Makkah.

Get travel insurance for all aspects of your journey. Check that you have had the required vaccinations for your pilgrimage and that you have vaccination cards with you.

Ensure that your passport is in good condition and the necessary visas are in place.

Make copies of your passport, insurance policy plus emergency numbers and ticket details. Leave these copies, your itinerary and correct contact details with family and friends.

Individuals on medication should make sure that they have adequate quantities to get them through the Hajj period. Existing medication should be clearly labelled for each individual.

Ensure you have good quality footwear as you may have to walk long distances.

Ensure all your luggage is clearly labelled by placing stickers both on the outside and inside of your luggage showing your name, nationality, passport number, air carrier, flight number, hotel name and a contact telephone number.

Make sure you have the contact details of the Hajj Delegation and local consulate.

Please note any kind of photography (still or video) is strictly prohibited inside and around the two Holy Mosques. Anybody violating this will have their equipment and material confiscated.

Hajj Awareness Week 2010 launches at the House of Lords

Hajj Awareness Week 2010
Launches at the House of Lords

Dr. Mozammel Haque

Hajj Awareness Week, like every year, was launched in the House of Lords on the 6th of October, 2010 by the Association of British Hujjaj (ABH). This is a preparation campaign for the British Hujjaj who will be travelling for pilgrimage to Makkah. The ABH is the only national Hajj specific organisation which organises high profile publicity campaigning throughout the year through the printed and electronic media, by special Television programmes on various TV channels, and also held seminars. The ABH will have grand annual seminar in Birmingham.

Hajj
Let us begin with the two terms or words used in the title; Hajj and Awareness. First of all, what is Hajj? It is the fifth pillar of Islam, the peak of the spiritual exercise. It has every aspect in itself, social, moral, physical, hygienic and spiritual. Whosoever wants to perform Hajj should prepare himself with information for Hajj. There are stages through which Allah the Almighty prepares Muslims to reach to that stage of Hajj.

Shahada or belief in the Oneness of God, monotheism is the basic, the foundation of Islam. Once the foundation is laid, the other actions start. After Shahada comes the Salat, the five times prayer. I think you know how the command comes from Allah for the prayer. Prayer is actually a gift from Allah through the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to meet our Creator, to be close to Him. It comes after the meeting of Our Prophet with Allah the Almighty in the night of Miraj. This prayer has all the aspects to prepare Muslims socially, morally, ethically, spiritually to be in front of Allah. The ablution cleans the body and prayer purifies the heart and prepares the worshiper to be in front of Allah the Almighty.

The third stage is Zakat. It is again the act of purification, the purification of wealth by sacrificing some portion of the wealth for the poor people, for the community. Just as the performance of the salat (prayer) is both an individual and a communal obligation, so payment of the zakat instills a sense of communal identity and responsibility.

Zakat purifies the property of the people with means and clears it from the shares which do not belong to it anymore, the shares which must be distributed among the due beneficiaries.

Zakat does not only purify the property of the contributor but also purifies his heart from selfishness and greed for wealth. In return, it purifies the heart of the recipient from envy and jealousy, from hatred and uneasiness; and it fosters in his heart, instead, good will and warm wishes for the giver. As a result, the society at large will purify and free itself from class warfare and suspicion, from ill feelings and distrust, from corruption and disintegration, and from all such evils.

Again, at this stage Allah the Almighty prepares Muslims to be able to make greater sacrifice to meet Allah. Here again, there are social, ethical, spiritual dimensions involved. Zakat is thus a vivid manifestation of the spiritual and humanitarian spirit of responsive interactions between the individual and society.

After Salah and Zakat comes Sawm, fasting, the next stage to come near to Allah, the self-control, restraining oneself from all evil deeds, thinking, and wrong doings in remembering the presence of Allah the Almighty. All adult Muslims, whose health permits, are to abstain completely from food, drink, and sexual activity. Ramadan is a time for reflection and spiritual discipline, for expressing gratitude for God's guidance and atoning for past sins, for awareness of human frailty and dependence on God, as well as for remembering and responding to the needs of the poor and hungry.

This is not only the physical training but also the ethical, moral and spiritual training before reaching to the highest, the peak of the spiritual exercise. This is the fourth stage which prepares Muslims again socially, ethically, morally and spiritually to meet his Creator.

The fifth pillar of Islam, the peak of the spiritual, social and ethical exercise is the pilgrimage. It is the highest order of sacrifice to come closer to Allah the Almighty spiritually, that’s why, the Hajjis come to the House of Allah with only two pieces of cloth and saying Labbaika Allahumma Laik. Allah I am here, Allah I am here. Every adult Muslim physically and financially able is expected to perform the annual pilgrimage (Hajj) to Makkah at least once in his or her lifetime.

Hajj was made a model of piety, fear of God, purity, simplicity and austerity. The pilgrims were ordered to purify themselves spiritually, to give up worldly things, to avoid all sexual desires, even refrain from intercourse with their wives, and to totally refrain from using bad and abusive language.

Combined with the Prayer, Fasting and Almsgiving, and looked at as a whole, you will see that Hajj constitutes a preparation for the great task which Islam wants Muslims to do. This is why it has been made compulsory for all who have the money and the physical fitness for the journey to the Ka’ba.

Allah the Almighty prepares human beings from the day one, after the Shahada, the belief in the Oneness of Allah the Almighty (Tawheed), monotheism, to meet him. As I said earlier, in Hajj, there are Prayers, sacrifices and circumambulation (tawaf) of the Ka’ba. The only cry that one could hear was that which arose from the heart of the pilgrim: Labbyk, Allahumma labbayk, labbayk, la sharika laka labbauyk, inna ‘l-hamda wa‘n-ni’mata laka wa ‘l-mulka la sharika lak

Here am I before Thee, O God, doubly at Thy service. Before Thee I am, there is no partner unto Thee, doubly at Thy service here am I. All praise and blessings are Thine, and power. There is no partner unto Thee.

Hajj Awareness
That is what Hajj actually is and the pilgrim must have knowledge and information related to Hajj. Hajj is such a duty that the pilgrims have to know many aspects about this before travelling to Makkah. People were prohibited from starting out on Hajj without taking adequate provisions. Clarification was made that not taking provisions of a journey in this world did not mean, as was popularly believed, that one was thereby taking provisions for the Hereafter: And take provision for yourselves, but the best provision is God-consciousness (al-Baqarah 2: 197).

Nobody can be prepared to undertake this journey until and unless he has love of Allah in his heart as well as fear of Him, and is convinced that Allah wants him to do what he is doing. From the time of deciding and preparing for Hajj to the time of returning home, a tremendous impact is made on the hearts and minds of pilgrims. The process entails sacrifice of time, sacrifice of money, sacrifice of comfort, and sacrifice of many physical desires and pleasures---and all this simply for the sake of Allah, with no worldly or selfish motive.

The first is the physical fitness. It means not only medical but it includes everything; pilgrim must be physically fit to travel to Saudi Arabia and to complete every rite of Hajj, such as Tawaf and Saie, go to Mina and staying there and travelling to Arafat, Muzdalifah and back to Mina. All these pilgrims have to perform within a very short period of five or six days. That’s why you need to be physically fit.

It requires that Pilgrim must consult his GP about his health and take all other medicines that he requires. For this, it is necessary to make the pilgrims aware about their health and safety. For the last twelve years, the ABH has been carrying out this voluntary service of making people aware about the necessity of health and safety.

The second important thing is financial and economic aspects about which the pilgrims must have information. It is already said that those who are financially solvent Hajj is only obligatory for them, not for those who are not financially capable to bear their expenses. So far as the financial aspect is concerned, it is not only the financial solvency, it requires to have information and knowledge of all other relevant aspects and issues related to it, such as tickets, accommodation and also the expenses to be incurred during the period of staying. Nowadays, travel agents or tour operators are offering Hajj package. Pilgrims need to know about the terms and conditions of the Hajj package, the genuineness of the tour operators and all other issues related to it.

The third important thing is the religious aspect, i.e. to know the details bits and pieces about different rites of Hajj from Makkah, Mina, Arafat, Muzdalifah and Mina and other related issues.

Fourthly, pilgrims must be aware about the service and benefits they can get when they are in Saudi Arabia. About this, there is British Hajj Delegation which has been operating since 1998 and for the last twelve years, the British Hajj Delegation in cooperation with the British Consular officials and staff carried out both the medical and consular services. The Foreign & Commonwealth Office has already distributed a leaflet – Hajjis – which informs, instructs and explains pilgrims what they have to do (see below).

Besides these, I think and I have seen many people want to know about the situation in tawaf, saie, tents in Arafat and stoning in Jamarat. Recently, people also wanted to know about the transportation. About this, they must be informed. The facilities provided by the Saudi Authorities in Makkah, Mina, Muzdalifah and Arafat, I would like to inform and aware the pilgrims in the next issue.

Hajj is an obligatory duty in a lifetime for every capable, both physically and financially to perform Hajj in a lifetime. It is one of the five pillars of Islam. As it is an obligatory duty, it is essential that every Muslim who is planning to go for Hajj is to make himself abreast about different aspects of Hajj. It is necessary to know about the social, economical, moral, educational and religious aspects of Hajj.

That’s why there is a necessity to create awareness among the pilgrims. In both Muslim and Muslim minority countries, there is arrangement to give some training to the pilgrims about Hajj. It is done both at the government level as well as at the non-governmental level, by voluntary organisation or at the travel tours level.

Mosques played an important role everywhere irrespective of Muslim majority and Muslim minority countries to inform pilgrims, train them, giving them a brief introduction and training how to perform Hajj and what are its different rites.

British Hajj Delegation
Recently, the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) has distributed a leaflet entitled “HAJJIS” which instructs and informs British Muslims what they have to do. Let us begin with what it said to British Muslims:

The Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) know how deeply important the Hajj is to all those who attend it. This year thousands of British Nationals will attend the Hajj. The aim of the FCO Hajjis leaflet is to assist British Hajjis in preparing for the Hajj and to explain what services the British Hajj Delegation can offer British pilgrims in Saudi Arabia.

Health
The Saudi Ministry of Health has now established 21 hospitals to provide health care to pilgrims free of charge. Make sure that you have been vaccinated with the quadrivalent meningococcal vaccine (ACWY). You will be required to produce a valid vaccination certificate. Consult your GP if you are in any doubt.

The FCO also strongly recommends that travellers to the Hajj have a seasonal influenza vaccination prior to embarking on the trip.

For more information on health advice for travellers, visit http://www.nathnac.org/Hajj and http://www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk/

Arrival and Departure
Travel within Saudi Arabia will be limited to Makkah, Madinah, Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifah. If you choose to travel elsewhere your travel agent will need to inform the Tawafa Establishment giving at least 24 hours notice. Pilgrims travel by buses provided by the General Cars Syndicate, using coupons provided by the Tawafa Establishment.

Help and Assistance
This year thousands of British Nationals will attend the Hajj. We hope that, like many thousands of Hajjis, you will have a trouble-free Hajj. However, if something does go wrong, the British Hajj Delegation, working with the British Consulate-General can provide you with a range of consular services. The information on this website can also be found on our Hajj leaflet which can be downloaded in English, Urdu, Bengali and Arabic.

The British Hajj delegation will be located at the Elaf Al Khalil Hotel (see Useful Contact Details below).

The Delegation can:
*provide information on how to transfer money
*arrange for replacement passports
*provide appropriate help if you are a victim of crime or are ill or in hospital
*do all we properly can to contact you within 24 hours of being told that you have been detained
*make special arrangements in case of civil disturbances or natural disasters
*provide contact details for local lawyers and provide a list of medical facilities
*arrange for next of kin to be told of an accident or a death and advise on procedures

The Delegation cannot:
*provide medical care
*become involved in private disagreements e.g. pilgrim and tour operator disputes
*rearrange travel bookings
*pay your hotel, legal, medical or travel bills
*get you out of prison
*give legal advice
*intervene in court cases
*investigate a crime

Travellers Checklist
Check the FCO travel advice to make sure that you are up-to-date with the situation in Saudi Arabia at www.fco.gov/travel or call 0845 850 2829. Check that you have the correct tickets and ticket details. Make sure that you book your tickets through an ATOL registered tour operator to avoid unnecessary difficulties. For more information please visit www.atol.org.uk.

Have contact details for your tour operator in the UK and their representatives in Makkah. Get travel insurance for all aspects of your journey. Shariah compliant insurance policies are available.

Check that you have had the required vaccinations for your pilgrimage and that you have vaccination cards with you.

Ensure that your passport is in good condition and the necessary visas are in place. Make copies of your passport, insurance policy plus emergency numbers and ticket details. Leave these copies, your itinerary and correct contact details with family and friends.

Individuals on medication should make sure that they have adequate quantities to get them through the Hajj period. Existing medication should be clearly labelled for each individual.

Ensure you have good quality footwear as you may have to walk long distances.

Ensure all your luggage is clearly labelled by placing stickers both on the outside and inside of your luggage showing your name, nationality, passport number, air carrier, flight number, hotel name and a contact telephone number.

Make sure you have the contact details of the Hajj Delegation and local consulate.

Please note any kind of photography (still or video) is strictly prohibited inside and around the two Holy Mosques. Anybody violating this will have their equipment and material confiscated.

Useful Contact Information in Saudi Arabia
Elaf Al-Khalil Hotel
Ibrahim Al-Khaleel Street
Al-Misfalah
Behind the Hilton Towers
Tel: 02 573 2555
Fax: 02 573 2666
British Consulate General, Jeddah:
Tel.: 02 622 5550
Fax: 02 622 6249

UK's First Special Representative to the OIC

UK's First Special Representative to the OIC

Dr. Mozammel Haque

Cabinet Minister Baroness Sayeeda Warsi met the Secretary General of the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) Professor Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu at Lancaster House in London on 23rd of June 2010. They discussed many areas of common interest between Britain and the OIC.

The meeting coincided with the decision by the Foreign Secretary William Hague to appoint UK's First Special Representative to the OIC. The position will be held by the current British Consul General in Jeddah, Kate Rudd.

Following the meeting Baroness Warsi, the First Female Muslim Cabinet Minister in the UK, said, "I am delighted to have met Professor Ihsanoglu. We had a warm and productive meeting to discuss the many issues where we share common goals with the countries of the OIC. The appointment of a Special Representative to OIC is one way that we can work more closely with this organisation. The Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary both emphasised the importance we attach to Britain's relationships with the countries of the Gulf, the Middle East and the wider Islamic world and we look forward to cooperation with the OIC over the years to come."