[bapimporb]

What things should I be aware of when choosing a hajj group this year?

Different groups have different prices, but I am sure the facilities differ as well; but I don't really know what they are and whether they would be any issue for me.

So if you could highlight things to be aware of when comparing hajj packages, I would really appreciate it.

[traiffhetl]

crooks, thieves, robbers, cut-throats, pirates etc

you wont have to look too hard to find them.

[AriaDesser]

What things should I be aware of when choosing a hajj group this year?

Different groups have different prices, but I am sure the facilities differ as well; but I don't really know what they are and whether they would be any issue for me.

So if you could highlight things to be aware of when comparing hajj packages, I would really appreciate it.


:wasalam:

There are many Hajj groups that do not fulfil their promises. They will have attractive brochures but their actual service is very poor. The only way to obtain decent and precise information about agroup is by personal experience, other people recommending them to you or by reading the various reviews on Hajj Group comparison websites such as www.hajjbuddy.com or www.hajjadvisor.co.uk

From my own personal experience I went for Hajj in 2008 and went with Satia Tours. The service that my wife and I received was first class and the Group representatives were always on hand to deal with issues. I have also written a review on hajbuddy.com detailing my experience. However, the HajBuddy website does not seem to be working recently. If you are on a budget then Haramain Tours are another option. Many of my wife's relatives went with them and they were very happy with the service they received for the price.

If you are planning to go this year I have heard that Satia's prices have gone up (£4200 + flights for a couple having a room to themselves) and this is quite expensive especially if you are on a budget.

Your best option would be to ask people who have been with different Hajj Groups then visit the companies themselves and question them.

Hope this helps.

[traiffhetl]

satia made the last hajis smuggle money out of the country and into saudi arabia.

they gave each haji £1000 to smuggle into saudi and then made them give the money back when they got there.

some hajis were not aware of this until they got to the airport.

some hajis were not comfortable with this but complied as they feared being discriminated against by satia.

just another day in the hajj tour business.

[bapimporb]

to both of you.

Can someone explain the Aziziya issue to me? What does it mean?
From what I understand, it's a place far away from the Haram and some groups shift you there during the days of Hajj?

If that is the case, how far is the place? Does it really make any difference if your luggage are far away in a hotel? Wouldn't we be in the haram all day any way?

Should I go with a package with hotel close by during the hajj days, or having hotels in Aziziya is fine as well?

Correct me if I am missing something.

[aceriscoolon]

Please ask IsmailSimjee on Ummah Forum. He can be easily accessible through the Hajj Forum there.

[AriaDesser]

satia made the last hajis smuggle money out of the country and into saudi arabia.

they gave each haji £1000 to smuggle into saudi and then made them give the money back when they got there.

some hajis were not aware of this until they got to the airport.

some hajis were not comfortable with this but complied as they feared being discriminated against by satia.

just another day in the hajj tour business.

Yes, brother you are correct. This also happened when we went with them. However, as far as I know any members who were not happy with this situation could easily have a private conversation with the group representatives. As you mentioned it was sprung upon us quite suddenly. Other than this incident I did not receive any further problems from them and can only recommend them.

I had forgotten this incident as it was over so quickly so ommitted to mention it.

[traiffhetl]

Yes, brother you are correct. This also happened when we went with them. However, as far as I know any members who were not happy with this situation could easily have a private conversation with the group representatives. As you mentioned it was sprung upon us quite suddenly. Other than this incident I did not receive any further problems from them and can only recommend them.

I had forgotten this incident as it was over so quickly so ommitted to mention it.

its not exactly a minor incident when they are coercing full paying customers to launder money and smuggle it out of the country for them.

[AriaDesser]

its not exactly a minor incident when they are coercing full paying customers to launder money and smuggle it out of the country for them.

I understand what you are saying. They should not do this as it causes unnecessary doubt on their otherwise excellent service. You had to be present to understand that it was not coercion but more as a favour. I understand that this does not make it correct but I felt able to approach any member of staff and inform them that I was not happy to do so. I am unsure as to the experience of the brother that mentioned it to you.

Mentioning words such as coercion, laundering, smuggling makes it seem a lot worse than it is. However, after saying that Satia did themselves create this unnecessary problem where people are fully justified in making such comments.

This incident that you reminded me of happened so quickly and the rest of their service was so good that this one aberration did not make a lasting impression on my mind.

[traiffhetl]

..... You had to be present to understand that it was not coercion but more as a favour.

i was present brother. i came to drop off my cousin at the airport. i spoke to one of the satia reps regarding it. his answer was something to the effect of 'thats just how we do things'. his attitude was such that we were worried that it might create problems to go against the grain so we left it at that. i advised my cousin that in the unlikelihood of any problems occuring with the authorities then to just tell them the truth. we were not happy with it but at the same time felt it would cause problems to go against it.

i dont wish to discuss the reasons etc in detail. satia was brought up in this thread so i responded to it. people now know what satia might do. it is upto them how they wish to deal with it.

[AriaDesser]

i was present brother. i came to drop off my cousin at the airport. i spoke to one of the satia reps regarding it. his answer was something to the effect of 'thats just how we do things'. his attitude was such that we were worried that it might create problems to go against the grain so we left it at that. i advised my cousin that in the unlikelihood of any problems occuring with the authorities then to just tell them the truth. we were not happy with it but at the same time felt it would cause problems to go against it.

i dont wish to discuss the reasons etc in detail. satia was brought up in this thread so i responded to it. people now know what satia might do. it is upto them how they wish to deal with it.

I was unaware that you were present and that you had undergone a different experience. At least now as you said people are aware of what can happen when going with them.