Renew your intentions, and follow these steps to help book your Umrah
#1 Travel Agent Vs DIY Umrah
Will you book on your own or with a Travel Agency?
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IF choosing a travel agent, skip to to step#6 and #7 as your travel agent will take care of most of the other steps
IF choosing to book on your own, follow each step carefully:
Should you book the umrah trip on your own, or go with a group/travel agency
RULE #1: if you never went to umrah, GO WITH A GROUP/TRAVEL AGENT. Regardless of how much money you can save.
Rule #2: if you feel you will get confused for ANY reason(rules of umrah, figuring out transportation issues, or dealing with hotel issues)… GO WITH A GROUP/TRAVEL AGENT. Regardless of how much money you can save
Rule #3: there are priceless benefits to going with a group as it includes lectures and reminders by qualified shyookh, as well as meeting people from across the world, having all the accommodations taken care of that most people miss(transportation, luggage, hotel check in, religious questions you suddenly think about), and more meaningful ziyarat to all the historical sites.
YES, booking umrah on your own is less expensive, however unless you know how to navigate every step of the way from a spiritual and logistical standpoint, it won’t be as meaningful. This would be helpful for a family of 4+, looking to complete umrah with an individual capable of leading the family safely from start to finish as otherwise they truly cant afford it with a travel agency.
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IF choosing to book on your own, follow each of the following steps carefully:
RULE #1: If you've never experienced Umrah, GO WITH A GROUP/TRAVEL AGENT. Regardless of how much money you can save.
Rule #2: if you feel you will get confused for ANY reason (rules of Umrah, figuring out transportation issues, or dealing with hotel issues)… GO WITH A GROUP/TRAVEL AGENT. Regardless of how much money you can save
Rule #3: there are priceless benefits to going with a group as it includes lectures and reminders by qualified sheikhs, as well as meeting people from across the world. In addition to this, agents an groups have extensive experience with Umrah Trips, and know all the most important accommodations that many people miss (transportation, luggage, hotel check in, religious questions that come about), and they provide more meaningful ziyarat to all the historical sites.
YES, booking Umrah on your own is less expensive, however unless you know how to navigate every step of the way from a spiritual and logistical standpoint, it won’t be as meaningful. This would be helpful for a family of 4+, looking to complete umrah with an individual capable of leading the family safely from start to finish as otherwise they truly cant afford it with a travel agency.
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IF choosing a travel agent, skip to to step#6 and #7 as your travel agent will take care of most of the other steps
#2 Choosing A Date / Duration
Choose a Date & Duration for the Trip
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-Seasonality affects cost of flights/hotel
• Low Season(lower cost for flights, and hotels)
➢ September-MID November: cheapest for flight and hotels
➢ Mid January to 1 month prior to Ramadan
• High Season(More expensive) in order
➢ Ramadan (most expensive for hotels, flights not as much of an issue unless spring break
correlates with those times)
➢ Winter Break (very expensive for hotels AND flights)
➢ Fall Break of November aka “Thanksgiving break”(expensive hotels and flights)
➢ Summer: expensive for flights and hotels
#3 Valid U.S. Passport
You Need a Valid US Passport
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A minimum of six months’ validity beyond the date of travel is required, otherwise your visa application WILL be rejected. So apply for passport now before setting up your trip.
#4 Apply for a Tourist Visa
Here is how to apply for a tourist visa
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Visit this website to apply for your visa https://visa.visitsaudi.com/
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Here is a simple way to resize your photo for the tourist application
-Simple Way to Resize your photo for tourist Application
https://formphotoeditor.com/resizer/200x200-px#google_vignette
Make sure to follow instructions at the bottom.
Click on settings to adjust the pixel and image size for each picture.
Click download once complete(down arrow located at the bottom of the picture )
Then upload it to the website
Don’t click any of the ads as it will scam you as no payment is required. Hence why I say follow the document above is preferable.
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Protip: its easy to miss “Save & Add Applicant”(DO NOT PAY UNTIL ALL FAMILY MEMBERS ADDED as MINORS WILL need to be linked to an adult on the application)
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-Check your SPAM mail
How to Confirm your Umrah visa with the Ministry of Hajj to make sure its legitimate
1-Visit https://visa.mofa.gov.sa/visaservices/searchvisa
2-Entire Visa number for first value, then for second value choose either Passport number or First name. then complete the rest of the items.
#5 Book Flights/Hotels
Time to Book your Flights & Hotels
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If not using Credit card points, we recommend booking directly w/ the airlines website as opposed to 3rd party booking websites
- Protip: if your flight arrives in the middle of the night or very early in the morning(eg. 2am-10am)…DO NOT EXPECT YOUR HOTEL TO ALLOW YOU TO CHECK IN EARLY if the check in time is at 2pm. You MAY NEED TO book you hotel one night earlier to ensure no delays in checking in
· For example, your flight arrives on Thursday, so you assume that you can book your hotel for Thursday. HOWEVER if check in time is 3pm and your flight arrives 4 am that day…don’t expect them to check you in early, you will need to book the hotel one day earlier so when you DO arrive there wont be any unexpected issues
-For hotel recommendations, check out Hotel Recommendations Page
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Click here***
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Click here***
#6 Visit us at Mabroor Essentials
Helping you pack for peace of mind, one essential at a time!
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Ihram, Turkish Made: https://amzn.to/3MwFlRu
Ihram Belt: https://amzn.to/3W8z8lk
Over the door hooks (hang ihram on doors while changing, showering, etc): https://amzn.to/3INKbJ4
Best/Most Comfortable Flip Flops(during ihram): https://amzn.to/3oA33nU
Fragrance Free Soap(can be used as shampoo, bodywash and handsoap):
-How to Wash Brand located in walgreens
-Kirks Soap Bar: https://amzn.to/3WQZM0O (keep bar in a separate bag WITHIN your bag to prevent it
from getting everywhere)
-Native unscented: https://amzn.to/3SJhVMA
Fragrance Free Soap SHEETS: https://amzn.to/3WI0JIG
Fragrance Free Shaving Cream: https://amzn.to/4dkX7mP
Fragrance Free Hand sanitizer: ***
Fragrance Free Deoderant: See below options
-Arm & Hammer https://amzn.to/4dr59ec
-Native: https://amzn.to/3WKQvHn
-VASOLINE (just pick up from any store): essential for men, unscented and to be generously placed 1-2 time daily in groin area to prevent chafing between the thighs. This is one of the most important items for men, do not forget otherwise it can lead to a very painful and miserable experience and making it difficult to walk. Place this tub in ITS OWN PLASTIC BAG so it doesn’t cause a mess anywhere else.
*DISCLAIMER: As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you!
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Water bottles/Hydration
Spray/Mist Bottle: https://amzn.to/3MDg8Vx
Contigo Water Bottle: https://amzn.to/3MCOqYY
Hydration Packets
Liquid IV choose a FLAVOR YOUR LIKE, lemon lime is the best and most people like that one
28 count Lemon Lime Liquid IV: https://amzn.to/3M67qiA
Costco may have better prices.
UV Umberlla
*DISCLAIMER: As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you!
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Power Banks/Cords: Choose your specific needs for your cables/phone
Anker Portable Charger USB A&C : https://amzn.to/3oyJw7k
Anker Portable Charger USB A only : https://amzn.to/3N1pxHI
Anker with built in USB-C cable 10KmAH: https://amzn.to/4dG33qj
Anker with build in USB-C Cable 20KmAH https://amzn.to/4dFsicu
Extension Cord(adaptor extension cord): https://amzn.to/43nIYjG
*DISCLAIMER: As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you!
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Carabiner Clips(hang bottles and other items from bookbag): https://amzn.to/3IMKuUl
Apple Air Tags(essential to track baggage, items): https://amzn.to/3IMTokH
Neon Colored Duct tape(find your bags a mile away when you add this to your luggage, bookbag or your Zamzam box: https://amzn.to/4co8ARi choose any vibrant color or pattern
*DISCLAIMER: As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you!
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Comfortable casual Sandals: https://amzn.to/3oIJaLn
Best Mens Boxers in the heat of mecca/medina(❌ ihram): https://amzn.to/3WAVHx9
Wudu Gear Socks: https://amzn.to/3X0pZLk useful during travel, NOT while in mecca or medina as too hot, but while traveling in the airplane/airport/etc. and NOT during state of ihram
*DISCLAIMER: As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you!
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BackBags/Cross Body Bags
Crossbody Bag for day to day items(and when going for jamarat): https://amzn.to/3YMWMov
Large Capacity Book Bag(if you don’t already have a book bag, consider this one as will suffice for 5-6 days of the manasik for most people): https://amzn.to/4fU3ijF
#7 Download Nusuk App
At least ONE MONTH PRIOR TO ARRIVAL, download the Nusuk App
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What should we know about the services you provide? Better descriptions result in more sales.
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1. Book a rawdah appointment in masjid al Nabawi
Ø Subscribe to our Rawda Availability Email list to be notified when umrah openings become available!
Ø When do do Nusuk rawda appointments become available to book?
-Check 2 weeks ahead of time (when you will be in Medina) on
Thursday evening at 10pm CST
OR
Friday morning at 5:25am CST
-If not available 2 weeks ahead of your arrival to medina , then check 1 week ahead of time on the above days/times
2. Book a Umrah appointment. This is important even IF the guards don’t check as you MAY need it when picking up your Zamzam water from the airport. This is to make sure that NOT every single person with a tourist visa gets access to the Zamzam water, only those who made umrah. At the completion of your umrah appointment, you will get a certificate of completion in the nusuk app which you may need to show(in addition to your passport). 1 zamzam bottle per passport
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#8 Transportation
Modes of Transportation During your Journey
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if planning to use the Highspeed to travel between Mecca, Medina, and Jeddah, we recommend using the app as its less glitchy then their website
Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/hhr-train/id1533264335
Android: ***
Protips:
Please MAKE SURE you screen shot your confirmation number as sometimes they don’t get emailed to you and its hard to pull up your ticket information
Baggage Rules(Randomly Enforced):
Official Baggage Policy Here
https://sar.hhr.sa/web/portal/travel/guidelines/baggage#
They have very specific rules for NUMBER and SIZE of luggage. (1 medium size luggage and 1 bag per person) And although they DON’T always enforce the rules, they have done so many times. If you have more bags you can cargo ship them for a fee that might be shipped on your train or a later train. So you may need to pick it up the same day OR next day at the train station. If you don’t want to deal with that hassle, then consider other modes of transportation(taxi, bus, etc)
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Reliable Taxi Services: Even if you plan to take the train, you still need transportation from airport/train station to hotel and back
These companies allow you to prebook your taxi and can see what the prices are beforehand.
Uber is a also a great option as well!
Protip: Use ONLY official taxi services located in the taxi line outside the airport if you choose not to prebook. DO NOT under any circumstances choose someone who randomly shows up to you inside or outside the airport when you exit.
Basic
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What should we know about the services you provide? Better descriptions result in more sales.
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What should we know about the services you provide? Better descriptions result in more sales.
Intermediate
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What should we know about the services you provide? Better descriptions result in more sales.
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What should we know about the services you provide? Better descriptions result in more sales.
Advanced
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What should we know about the services you provide? Better descriptions result in more sales.
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What should we know about the services you provide? Better descriptions result in more sales.
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Booking a Rawda Appointment
Step 1: At least 1 month prior to your travel, download and register via the Nusulk App(Links in above tab)
Step 2: When to Book a Rawda Appointments on your Nusuk App
-Check 2 weeks ahead of time (when you will be in Medina) on
Thursday evening at 10pm CST
OR
Friday morning at 5:25am CST
If appointments are not available 2 weeks ahead of your arrival to medina , THEN check 1 week ahead of time on the above days/times
You can sign up for our Email List to be notified of when Rawda Appointments Open up: Sign up here!***
Video Tutorial on the steps to booking a Rawda Appoitment on the Nusuk App coming soon***
Step 3: Arrrive at least 30 min to Gate 37 for your Rawdah visiting appointment
When Are the Rawda Visiting Times
Sisters
Daily except Fridays
Morning: 6am-11am
Evening: 9:30pm-12:00am
Visiting Times on Fridays
Morning: 6am-9am
Evening: 9:30pm-12:00am
Brothers
Daily except Fridays
1am-Fajr
Thuhur-Isha
Visiting Times on Fridays
1am-Fajr
Asr-Fajr
For Sisters without a Rawda appointment
-it may be possible to enter without a permit outside Gate 32, however there is a good chance of NOT being inside the rawda, but near it.
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Links to all items below are in our packing Guide
Preparing to arrive to Medinah is very similar to any travel destination in terms of preparation. Nothing about Medinah specifically is required to bring besides reviewing the manners of being in presence of our Beloved Messenger ﷺ and preparing for Umrah spiritually and mentally.
In addition to men and women wearing Islamically appropriate attire
A good crossbody bag and water bottle will be sufficient for each day in Medinah with a few helpful item to keep in your bag depending on how far your hotel is from Masjid Al-Nabawi
Water bottle, packets of liquid IV
protein bars, snacks of your choice
money, credit cards
medication
printed dua books(see listed courses for printable PDFs)
phone, powerbank, cable cord
prayer mat(incase you end up praying on the tile)
umbrella
sunglasses
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If your hotel accommodations starts in Medinah, no need to enter a state of ihram upon arrival to Jeddah or Medina
How to Get FROM Jeddah Airport To Medina
Hight Speed Train: Train station is attached to Jeddah airport and is convenient. Check out our transportation page for details. Keep in mind that once you reach Medinah's trainstation, you will have to take a taxi from Medina train station to your Hotel
Taxi: Use ONLY official taxi services located in the taxi line outside the airport. DO NOT under any circumstances choose someone who randomly shows up. or prebook a taxi service(see our transportation page for details)
If landing in Medinah Airport
Take a taxi to your hotel, again see our transportation page for details
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When choosing a hotel, there are a few things people consider
-proximity to the haram in general
-proximity to the womens entrance specifically
-cost
-please see our medina hotel map listing out all the 5 Star hotels(blue) as well as recommended hotels that arent five stars(white)
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Location of Handslaughtered Restaurants for Medinah & Mecca*
https://maps.app.goo.gl/YGaZqKtFhSuCCMjE8
DISCLAIMER: due to the changing nature of how restaurants source meats, feel free to confirm
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Perhaps one of most beautiful and family friendly walk ways from Medina to Masjid Quba'
https://visitmadinahsa.com/en/Details/29
Walkway starts on the Northeast Corne of Masjid Al-Nabawi
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-Medina Laundry Service Contacts
Br. Saif: +966 57 614 7544
Medina Express Laundry
Br. Lokman: +966 56 774 8914
Br Masud +966 50 139 6335
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Hop-On Hop Off Bus
https://city-sightseeing.com/en-us/125/medina/478/hop-on-hop-off-al-madinah
Visit several Historical Sites on this Bus(Take the Red Route)
We will work inshallah find a reliable service as well for a more dedicated Ziyarat with reflection and historical significance.
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Unfortunately its time to leave, send your final salaam to Rasoolallah ﷺ
-Going to Airport(home)
Medinah Airport. Use a taxi service as its only a 10min drive(see our transportation section here***)
Jeddah Airport. if taking the train you will need a taxi to get to medina trainstation. Taking a taxi directly from your hotel to Jeddah airport is possible as well(see our reliable taxi services section here***)
-Going to Mecca: You can choose taking the Train or a Taxi
taking the Train from medina to mecca, you will still need to take a taxi from your hotel to medina train station(10 min drive)
You can also choose to take taxi directly from your medina hotel to your mecca hotel as well(see our section on reliable taxi services)
Starting your journey in the Prophet’s city:
Starting your journey in the Holiest place on earth:
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If your landing in Jeddah going to Mecca, you already should know that you will be entering in a state of ihram PRIOR to landing(either in layover city or on the airplane). Or if your coming from Medina, you will have to be in a state of ihram prior to the miqat. If your not sure what all this means, that means you should be going with a travel agent/group and should not be undertaking a DIY Umrah. Though your group will make sure every step is taken care of, they will also have resources(videos/imams) who will go over each step.
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How to Get FROM Jeddah Airport To Mecca
Hight Speed Train: Train station is attached to Jeddah airport and is convenient. Check out our transportation page for details on how to book it. Keep in mind that once you reach Mecca's Trainstation, you will have to take a taxi from Mecca's train station to your Mecca Hote
Taxi: Use ONLY official taxi services located in the taxi line outside the airport. DO NOT under any circumstances choose someone who randomly shows up. Consider prebooking a taxi service(see our transportation page for details)
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If your landing in Jeddah and starting in mecca
You will need to make sure the items you need for ihram are with you on your carry on to get into and use
For Men
You Izar/Rida'(ihram clothing)
slippers
For Women
As usual, their Islamically appropriate clothing, and ihram specific guidlines (see courses for details)
Men/Women
Fragrant free toiletries
over the door hooks
medications
Upon Arrival to Mecca, you can know gather the rest of your items from your luggage
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Item description
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Location of Handslaughtered Restaurants for Medinah & Mecca*
https://maps.app.goo.gl/YGaZqKtFhSuCCMjE8
DISCLAIMER: due to the changing nature of how restaurants source meats, feel free to confirm
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-Mecca Laundry Service Contacts
Abu Anas+966 50 459 7132
Makkah Laundry Service: +966 57 159 4482
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Item description
General Umrah Guides And Resources!
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click here to watch an essential primer to your umrah planning guide! Once you do, make sure to visit us again for all the detailed steps and essential items to make sure your prepared
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This app is highly recommended for an easy and fast way to reserve your spot!
Download this app for TWO reasons
1. Book a rawdah appointment in masjid al Nabawi
2. Book a Umrah appointment. This is important even IF the gaurds don’t check as you MAY need it
Click here if you're using apple
Click here if you're using android
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Zamzam is picked up outside the airports of Medina or Jeddah
1 5L bottle of Zamzam per Passport
Be prepared to show your Umrah Certificate found on your Nusuk App that comes after you book a umrah appointment
Cost of zamzam is fluctuates, but no more than a few dollars USD
ZamZam Friendly Domestic Airlines
United Airlines: free zamzam check in as they deem it “holy water”
Jetblue: free zamzam check in as they deem it “holy water”
American Airlines: there is a non public policy that this is free since its considered holy water, usually the supervisors are aware of this policy. so kindly ask the front desk to talk to them. otherwise it there will be a check in fee
Southwest Airlines will charge a full checked bag fee for zamza
Delta will charge a full checked bag fee for zamzam
Check out our video picking up our zamzam bottles outside Jeddah Airport: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AwsYvHP7qQ0
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Booking a Rawda Appointment
Step 1: At least 1 month prior to your travel, download and register via the Nusulk App(Links in above tab)
Step 2: When to Book a Rawda Appointments on your Nusuk App
-Check 2 weeks ahead of time (when you will be in Medina) on
Thursday evening at 10pm CST
OR
Friday morning at 5:25am CST
If appointments are not available 2 weeks ahead of your arrival to medina , THEN check 1 week ahead of time on the above days/times
You can sign up for our Email List to be notified of when Rawda Appointments Open up: Sign up here!***
Video Tutorial on the steps to booking a Rawda Appoitment on the Nusuk App coming soon***
Step 3: Arrrive at least 30 min to Gate 37 for your Rawdah visiting appointment
When Are the Rawda Visiting Times
Sisters
Daily except Fridays
Morning: 6am-11am
Evening: 9:30pm-12:00am
Visiting Times on Fridays
Morning: 6am-9am
Evening: 9:30pm-12:00am
Brothers
Daily except Fridays
1am-Fajr
Thuhur-Isha
Visiting Times on Fridays
1am-Fajr
Asr-Fajr
For Sisters without a Rawda appointment
-it may be possible to enter without a permit outside Gate 32, however there is a good chance of NOT being inside the rawda, but near it.
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Should take them to a page with all the images we want to show them and notes about them
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Link to area with all mecca related map
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No Course Section, move this to Hajj section