Winter UMRAH.

Not much going on as it is Haj season. Saudi Arabia had set 22,000+ quota for Malaysian pilgrims. Saudi Arabia imposed a reduction of 20% Haj quota due to major renovation of Masjidilharam and the demolition of old Hotels for new. I foresee the same would be at least for the next five (5) years.

Medina and Mekah is at its busiest period around Haj season. The peak would be the gathering at the Desert of Arafah, the congregation of about 3- 4 million pilgrims at one single day at one single place. No Haj without presence in Arafah, even the sick would be carried there. I happened to be there in 1999.

Umrah Travel Agencies is not that quiet during this Haj season as they are concentrating on Asian region or India Sub continent Muslim Tours. Umrah packages would be open by second half of December 2013 when the Haj season is over. This time around it would be more favorable and convenient as the weather in the Middle East is cooling.

Almukminin Travel which I am closely associated with is organizing an Umrah package inclusive the visit to Al Aqsa Mosque in Palestine from 15 January 2014 to 30 January 2014. All travel, board & lodging would be at RM 8690. While at Palestine, sightseeing tour would be conducted to both the Muslim and Christian historical sites as both these religions is sharing a common line of Prophecy. Transit would be at Amman Jordan and the trip to Petra, one of the Seven Wonders of the World would also be in the itinerary. While at Amman, several historical sites as travel along would be the Dead Sea (lowest point of the Earth), Makam Nabi Shuib and the Shahibul Kafi Cave as narrated in the Holy Koran. From Amman Jordan, we will take off to Medina for ziarah and by Coach to Mekah for umrah. It would be a spiritually journey covering all the three (3) Holy Mosques in one go. Participation for this journey must be in latest by 15 December 2013.

Al Aqsa and the Dome of the Rock.

Dead Sea.

Petra.

Masjidilharam and the Kaabah.

We are also looking at Sabah, perhaps Sarawak next. We hope to assist and guide as many Muslims as possible to perform the umrah. Preliminary tazkirah would be conducted especially for the first timers.