Posted by Faisal Naeem in Umrah on July 15th, 2020
Ibadat | Umrah Desk: The VAT rate in Saudi Arabia will be increased to 15% (from the current rate of 5%) effective 1 July 2020. This means that the Hajj and Umrah packages for the upcoming season 2020 – 2021 will become even more expensive (in SAR )!
The tripling of the VAT rate is intended to address the fiscal imbalance caused by a decrease in consumer and commercial spending, the loss of oil and tax revenues, and the cost of healthcare initiatives put into place in response to the pandemic (COVID 19).
According to KPMG – businesses in the financial and real estate sectors—those in which significant proportions of the goods and services are exempt from VAT—may face a significant increase in costs because they are not able to claim input VAT incurred that relates to exempt activities. This increase will affect profitability and, eventually, could have a cascading effect on customers.
Hajj and Umrah package prices have consistently been increasing over the last few years. For Pakistani’s the main reason is the dramatically depreciating exchange rate.
However the rise of cost for Umrah (2019 – 2020) season has been due to the increase of Umrah Visa costs and changes in booking process. The increase was around SAR 700.
The price of Umrah packages for the upcoming season are also expected to rise dramatically. As it is PKR has depreciated by around 5% in the last few months. Adding the increasing VAT on hotel accommodation and transport will also factor in higher prices.
But significant increase is expected to come from the implementation of Quota during Umrah Season 2020 – 2021 in order to manage the effects of Corona Virus! It is also expected that the Mandatory Health Insurance cost will also increase for Umrah Passengers. All this would have an severely adverse in demand for religious packages hence dealing a blow to an already struggling sector in Pakistan!
Posted by Faisal Naeem in Umrah on April 2nd, 2020
Updated: 2 April 2020 | Ibadat.pk | Umrah Desk: Saudi Arabia imposed a 24-hour curfew in Mecca and Medina on Thursday [2 April 2020], the interior ministry said, extending measures taken to combat the spread of the coronavirus, which has infected more than 1,700 people and killed 16 in the country.
Just when it was thought that Saudi Authorities were trying to bring back some normalcy by easing selected lock down restrictions in the two Holy Cities like reopening of Mataaf for a limited number of people, Saudi authorities tightened curfew in the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah.
Official News Account of Makkah region (Emirate of Makkah) reported this development on twitter.
The curfew had previously been from 1500 (3 pm) to 0600 (6 am). Residents in both cities may leave their homes only for necessary reasons such as buying food and for medical care only between the hours of 6 a.m. till 3 p.m. However, Residents going out must remain within their residential area.
The official said curfew exemptions still apply to those in vital public and private sectors such as security, military and media. Those who work in health services are also excluded from the curfew.
Fallout from the highly infections coronavirus is showing no signs of easing as the number of confirmed coronavirus cases reported around the world is approaching a million.
Posted by Faisal Naeem in Umrah on April 1st, 2020
Updated: 1 April 2020 | Ibadat.pk | Umrah Desk: As the global fallout due to the disastrous coronavirus pandemic does not show any signs of easing, some parts of the world try and stagger back to normalcy by reducing the restrictions of lockdown. Following the royal order by King Salman bin Abdulaziz, Mataf (open white area immediately around the Ka’bah where tawaf takes place) has been opened as of yesterday (Tuesday, 31 March). However, this will only be limited to Groups of 50 that will be allowed on to the Mataf to make just 1 Complete Tawaaf. Entrance will be restricted to Bab-e-Fahad (the King Fahad door).
Closing of Mataaf, completely disallowing Umrah for any one (locals and international Zaireen), imposing curfew, suspension of prayers at All Mosques (Except Masjid Al Haram in Makkah and Masjid Nabvi in Madinah), were all part of the many swift measures taken by the Saudi Government curb the spread of the virus by to adhering to the guidelines of social distancing. Due to this spread of the virus in Saudi has been well controlled (To date: 1,536 confirmed cases, 10 fatal cases).
According to sources in Saudi Arabia, provided below are the current restrictions in place for any one (only current residents allowed) planning to visit Masjid Al Haram (Makkah) and Masjid Al Nabwi (Madinah)
Masjid Al Nabawi will remain closed for all worshippers and visitors until further notice. – Prayers will continue to be led with small congregation behind closed doors.
Posted by Faisal Naeem in Umrah on March 28th, 2020
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a state of emergency due to the outbreak of coronavirus (CoV) and the sooner we accept that these are extraordinary times which require unprecedented measures, the better it will be for us to combat this pandemic.
It goes without saying that many of the measures recommended by WHO, have already been recommended to us by Quran and teaching of Prophet Muhammad (PBHU) centuries ago.
Our aim here at Ibadat.pk is to not stir up any controversial debate (as our core goal is provide unbiased opinion [specifically in realm we operate in that is religious travel and related services] – however this public service message was also deemed mandatory), hence we will touch up on advice as simply prescribed in the Quran and Sunnah.
Islam has a unique way of dealing with outbreaks in two stages; i.e. before (proactive / precautionary) and after (reactive) the outbreak of the disease.
Islam places a very high value on cleanliness as Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
“Purification (Cleanliness) is half of faith.” (Muslim)
Muslims, around the globe, enact this value by the performance of Wudhu (at least 5 times a day). The importance of cleanliness is evident now more than ever, when global health organizations like the WHO are recommending frequent washing of hands to kill viruses.
The Wudhu is also a way through which our hands and various parts of the body get cleaned on a regular basis. A person preforming wudhu is not only cleaning their hands but also all body parts potentially exposed. The process of gargling and cleaning the inside of nostrils with water provides additional protection.
Islam made ablution a pre-requisite for the validity of prayers and Wudhu carries great reward as mentioned in the following hadith:
“He who performs the Wudu perfectly (i.e., according to Sunnah), his sins will depart from his body, even from under his nails.” [Muslim].
Therefore, wudu (ablution) is one of the ways of protecting our bodies from diseases and viruses and being in a constant state of wudu will help protect us.
Good respiratory hygiene means covering your mouth and nose when one coughs or sneezes. This is another advice given by the WHO as a protective measure for protection from coronavirus.
Interestingly, this was also practiced by our Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (SAW).
“Whenever the messenger of Allah sneezed, he would cover his mouth with his hand or a piece of cloth.” [Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi]
One of the objectives of the Shariah is the preservation of the soul. Therefore, everyone must take all necessary measures to protect themselves against any harm. Not only one has to protect themselves but it is one’s religious and moral duty to protect the lives of others. As our beloved Prophet (ﷺ) said,
“If you hear of an outbreak of plague in a land, do not enter it; but if the plague breaks out in a place while you are in it, do not leave that place.” [Bukhari]
Social Distancing is the best way to prevent the spread of Coronavirus! Muslim countries around the world have restricted congregation of all sorts (not limited to prayers). In unprecedented moves to limit the spread of the corona-virus, Saudi Arabia closed down all of its mosques for the customary five daily prayers, cordoned off Mataaf (open white area immediately around the Ka’bah where tawaf takes place) and completely disallowed Umrah for every one (locals and international Zaireen) on 19th March 2020.
Here a few things Muslims can do to while in quarantine at home.
Stay at home to keep yourself and others safe.
We should be considerate of our community at large and avoid panic buying and hoarding of food and essential supplies. Over stocking of food items results in shortage and further panic. It also results in overeating at personal level.
Islam urges Muslims to be moderate in consuming lawful food and drinks. Miqdam bin Madikarib said:
“I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) say: ‘A human being fills no worse vessel than his stomach. It is sufficient for a human being to eat a few mouthfuls to keep his spine straight. But if he must (fill it), then one third of food, one third for drink and one third for air.’” [Sahih (Darussalam)]
When a Muslim is afflicted with a certain disease, they have to look at it as a test from The Almighty. Abu Yahya Suhaib bin Sinan (May Allah be pleased with him) reported that:
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, “How wonderful is the case of a believer; there is good for him in everything and this applies only to a believer. If prosperity attends him, he expresses gratitude to Allah and that is good for him; and if adversity befalls him, he endures it patiently and that is better for him”. [Muslim]
Islam orders Muslims to seek medication. As narrated by Usamah ibn Sharik:
I came to the Prophet (ﷺ) and his Companions were sitting as if they had birds on their heads. I saluted and sat down. The desert Arabs then came from here and there. They asked: Messenger of Allah, should we make use of medical treatment? He replied: Make use of medical treatment, for Allah has not made a disease without appointing a remedy for it, with the exception of one disease, namely old age. [Sunan Abi Dawud 3855]
It is an act of sunnah to recite the following dua (supplications) to protect oneself from infectious diseases (like coronavirus):
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) used to say:
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْبَرَصِ، وَالْجُنُونِ، وَالْجُذَامِ، وَمِنْ سَيِّئِ الأَسْقَامِ
ALLAHUMMA INNI AUDHUBIKA MINAL BARSI, WAL JUNOONI, WALJUZAAMI, WA SAYYIL ASQAAM
Oh ALLAH I seek Your refuge from leprosy, Insanity, mutilation and from all serious illness.
Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ that were gifted to us centuries ago are extremely relevant today:
“Run away from the leper (the one with contagious ailment) as you would run away from a lion.”
(Bukhari Volume 7, Book 71, Number 608)
“Those with contagious diseases should be kept away from those who are healthy.”
Bukhaari (6771) and Muslim (2221)
“Do not enter a land where the plague (contagious ailment) has broken out ; don’t leave from where it has broken out”
Bukhaari (5739) and Muslim (2219)
The Prophet ﷺ said: “Do not cause harm or return harm.”
Sunan Ibn Mājah (2340)
“Those who stay at home to protect themselves and others are under the protection of Allah.”
Musnad Ahmed, Saheeh
The Prophet ﷺ said: “The entire earth has been made a Masjid, except graveyards and washrooms.”
Tirmidhi (al-Salaah, 291)
The Prophet ﷺ said “There is no disease that Allah sent without sending for it a cure.“
Bukhari (Volume 7, Book 71, Number 582)
The Prophet ﷺ said: “Every disease has a cure. If a cure is applied to the disease, it is relieved by the permission of Allah.”
Muslim (2204)
Prophet (ﷺ) while sneezing, would cover his face with his hand or with his garment,”
Abu Dawud; Tirmidhi (Book 43, Hadith 2969), Sahih
The Prophet ﷺ said: “Cleanliness is half of faith.”
Muslim (223)
“The plague (contagion) patient who remains in his home with patience and expectation of reward, knowing that nothing will befall him other than Allah’s decree will attain the reward or a martyr“
Musnad Aḥmad, Sahih
also Bukhaari (2829) and Muslim (1914)
Global pandemics are not new (The Spanish Flu, Plague of Europe, SARs, Ebola etc), however an epidemic like coronavirus has never be seen before due the it highly contagious nature and in many cases being symptom-less in patients for a considerable period.
As on 28th March 2020 there have been a total of 1,296 cases detected in Pakistan (with 11 fatal cases) and 1,104 cases detected in Saudi Arabia (with 3 fatal cases).
Pakistani Federal Government has been a bit slow to react and provincial governments have taken up most of the charge by locking down provinces. However, at the federal level, Pakistani Government has taken a good timely decision to suspend all International flight operations and now domestic flight operations to curb the spread.
The Saudi Government has been very swift in taking strict action as compared to the Pakistani Government and taken measures like suspension of prayers at All Mosques (Except Masjid Al Haram in Makkah and Masjid Nabvi in Madinah), not allowing entry to all international Umrah Zaireen, imposing curfew in cities from 7pm to 6am and temporarily banning all travel from several nations including Pakistan .
If current crisis doesn’t ease up then drastic measures might be taken but we have to wait for any update from the Saudi Government. As yet there has been no decision taken regarding the future of Hajj 2020, however Saudi Arabia on Thursday [26 March] has sent directives to Pakistan stating that any Hajj preparation work should be temporarily halted due to the coronavirus panic.
If Saudi government decides to take positive action of not cancelling Hajj 2020, there will still be great repercussions on the way it will proceed. To find out more read: How will Hajj 2020 and the rest of Umrah Season 2019 – 2020 be impacted by Corona Virus?
Posted by Faisal Naeem in Hajj Info Guidance on March 27th, 2020
Updated: 27 March 2020 | Ibadat.pk | Hajj Desk: After the recently flurry of messages on social media and WhatsApp (regarding cancellation of Hajj 2020), Minister of Religious Affairs, Pir Noorul Haq Qadri held a press conference on Thursday (26 March) in which he clarified Saudi Arabia has not yet taken any decision to call off this year’s Haj, putting an end to rumours that Riyadh has decided to cancel the event due to the coronavirus outbreak.
“Saudi Arabia has only told us not to finalise any Haj-related agreement for the time being. A final decision will be taken by King Salman himself,” Pir Noorul Haq Qadri told the press conference.
Saudi Arabia on Thursday has sent directives to Pakistan stating that any Hajj preparation work should be temporarily halted due to the coronavirus panic, according to a letter received from the Hajj Ministry of the kingdom. Religious Affairs Minister Noor-ul-Haq Qadri consequently halted work on the upcoming Hajj agreement.
Saudi Haj Minister Dr Mohammad Saleh bin Taher had advised the government not to finalise any agreement regarding hotels, provision of food and transport arrangements during this time as the matter at hand is uncertain due to the lockdown and containment measures against the novel coronavirus.
In the letter, Dr Mohammad Saleh said the Saudi government was monitoring the situation and would get in touch with Pakistan as soon as it felt that the virus outbreak had eased.
“The government has conveyed the Saudi message to all Haj operators and put on hold arrangements for the time being,” the minister said.
“But we are in touch with the Saudi Haj and Umrah ministry.”
Since Hajj complex in Islamabad had been converted into a quarantine centre, the training of government hujjaj stod suspended – according to the press conference held by Pir Noorul Haq Qadri
The Ministry of Religious Affairs had conducted Haj ballot for the government scheme last month which saw a 31% reduction in year on year government Hajj Applications, but this was not due to coronavirus fear.
Read more: How will Hajj 2020 and the rest of Umrah Season 2019 – 2020 be impacted by Corona Virus?
Posted by Faisal Naeem in Hajj Info Guidance on March 19th, 2020
Pakistan travel industry experts are expecting that the Saudi Government may reduce Hajj Quota of different countries (residents of countries most affected might completely be barred from preforming Hajj in 2020) in an effort to manage the spread of virus. If this is the case then the overall Hajj Quota from Pakistan may be reduced and hence Quota of to Private Hajj Organizers will also get reduced. This means that the availability of Private Hajj Packages for 2020 in Pakistan will go down.
Kindly note: that these are just assumptions based on opinions of with in the industry and there is no confirmation from any source about any reduction in Quota. Nothing can be confirmed until things settle down and Umrah Visa issuance is revived by the Saudi Government.
According to Bloomberg: Evidence is starting to emerge that temperature and humidity do make a difference in the ability of the virus to infect large numbers. That should give health services hope for some respite as summer spreads across northern temperate regions, aiding the ability to plan for renewed outbreaks once winter rolls around.
However, the above evidence is yet to be widely tested and scientific confirmations about the above will need some time. If it is true, then due to extremes of temperatures being reached in a hot and dry country like Saudi Arabia, virus spread might be curtailed.
Provided below is Health Advisory by Ibadat.pk Hajj Desk for Pilgrims intending to travel for Hajj in 2020: The following travellers are requested to delay their travel due to the constant threat of the COVID 19 virus in Saudi Arabia
1. Pregnant Women
2. Children
3. Diabetic Individuals
4. Those with chronic health issues such as cancer or respiratory diseases
5. Those with congenital disorders
Ibadat Hajj Desk Recommends the following precautions:
1. All immunizations should be up to date of travellers going to perform Hajj. These includes: Hepatitis A and B vaccinations, flue shots and as well as Polio vaccinations
2. Carry sanitizers, medical gloves, face masks, cold, cough and diarrhoea medication, and inhalers for asthmatic patients for emergency situations
3. Due to extremes of temperatures being reached in a hot and dry country like Saudi Arabia, all Pilgrims are requested to move to the cool area and seek medical assistance when faced with dizziness or dehydration
Yes! Kingdom of Saudi Arabia had decreased quota of Pakistani pilgrims (and other hujjaj from around the world) by 20 percent in 2013 due to construction work for the extension of Masjid Al-Haram. The reduction in quota was implemented from 2013 till 2016 after which it was restored to its original amount.
The most recent case was in 2016, when Iranian pilgrims did not attend Hajj after the two countries Saudi Arabia and Iran failed to agree on security and logistics. Stampede of 2015 was cited by the Saudi Government as a reason for this measure.
Private Hajj Organizers from Pakistan, book Hajj Packages on first come first basis. Same will be the case for Private Hajj Packages 2020 from Pakistan. In case of reduction of Quota, Private Hajj Organizers will choose the potential hujjaj who registered their interest first and will have to refund money for those Hujjaj who they are not able to take with them due to the reduction of Quota. If you plan to go for Hajj in 2020, it is advisable to register your interest sooner than later, inorder to ensure your seat is saved in the Hajj Group.
It was initially expected that the temporary ban on Umrah will be lifted by Mid of April. But with new events coming to light, earlier assumptions of Umrah Commencing by March End / Mid-April are not looking likely.
Some industry experts believe that Umrah might not be allowed for international travellers for the rest of the season with some saying it might open for Ramadan 2020 if things settle down in the next 15 days.
. Kindly note confirmation about any of this cannot be provided until Saudi Government provides further details. However it is advised to not book any Umrah Packages until there is more clarity on the provided by the Saudi Government.
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