Series.1 - Why do we need to know Tawheed?

Series.1

Why do we need to know Tawheed?

'What is tawheed?' you ask any Muslim 'Is it the oneness of Allaah?' he would reply 'What's that?' You ask again. 'I'm not too sure' he would say. This is the kind of scenario which the Muslims are involved in, and what a sad state of affairs it is when we cannot even explain the basics of our religion to those around us.

The cure for ignorance is knowledge, and in order to cure ourselves we have to take time-out to learn about this beautiful religion, even if it means reading articles such as this!


The Reality of Tawheed

Literally Tawheed means "making something one". When the term Tawheed is used in reference to Allaah it means that Allaah is One. The opposite of tawheed is 'Shirk' which is to associate partners with Allaah by giving that which belongs to him, to others

So there are 3 categories of Tawheed are:

1. Tawheed ar-Ruboobeeyah (lit. "Maintaining the Unity of Lordship")

2. Tawheed al-Asmaa was-Sifaat (lit. "Maintaining the Unity of Allaah's Names and Attributes")

3. Tawheed al-'Ebaadah (lit. "Maintaining the Unity of Allaah's Worship")

In this series we will Insha Allaah try to keep the point to bare minimum not wasting your time or making the mails unnecessary, and also make the mail in points to be clear and easily readable.

To PATent or not to PATent?

The importance of patents would, perhaps, be best highlighted by the fact that the most prestigious prize in the world, the Nobel Prize, was made possible because of a patent over dynamite granted to Alfred Nobel. Every aspect of human life has been pervaded by patented inventions, from electric lighting (patents held by Edison and Swan) and plastic (patents held by Baekeland), to ballpoint pens (patents held by Biro) and microprocessors (patents held by Intel).

The importance that companies attach to patents can be judged from the fact that IBM expects to file 3,250 patents this year and 64% of the total revenues of Philips come from patent royalties rather than from manufacturing. Pharmaceutical giants like Pfizer and Merck exist because of patents.

A patent is an exclusive right granted for an invention, which is a product or a process that provides, in general, a new way of doing something, or offers a new technical solution to a problem. In law, a patent is a property right and can be gifted, inherited, assigned, sold or licensed.

Yours Patented.

Should you quit your job or stay put?

Experience is something that cannot be given as a capsule. A one-year experience is worth one year, and a five-year experience is worth five years.

You cannot get five years experience in one year! It is also essential that five years of experience shouldn’t be one year’s experience five times over.

This is what critically plagues the Indian industry. The government is our largest employer; but take the case of, say, a Railways clerk.

While his designation changes from that of a junior to a senior to a head clerk and so on, even after 10 years, the content of his job remains the same. That’s one year’s experience 10 times over.

What is critical is to build expertise as part of experience. There are progressive organisations that identify the potential of its employees and provide them with multiple facets of experience.

At mega-corporations such as GE or Citibank, employees job-hop within the organisation to gain expertise in different domains. What is essential is that as the employee gains experience in different areas, his thinking, his personality and his management skills are honed.

It is this learning that is critical as you grow. One must understand that working life is not about designations but about learning and expertise.

WHERE DO YOU STand?

Manners: The lost art of DRIVING

Manners are going the same way to as the Dodos and the Dinosaurs. And the place where they are most noticeable by their absence are the Dubai roads. It would be very unfair to paint all with the same brush, but unfortunately one cannot help list the Arab vehicles topping the list.

Because they are everywhere. Flashing the lights behind their dark tanned SUVs or using the roads to play some road tricks as if they are participating in the camel races. Next on the offence list are the impatient lot blaring horns even if there is a split second delay on the traffic lights.

We cannot blame a community for the actions of few. But sadly this arrogance can be seen seeping elsewhere too. Why would otherwise a nation known to be so generous become so greedy to extract every ounce of money in terms of house rent or VOIPs.

Usury or interest is prohibited in Islam, but as my colleague laments is pouncing on helpless residents need of shelter lawful money? While taking riba (interest), one is alteast only taking the unlawful from his money at bank, but here someone's savings are being eroded and some children toys are being depleted.

This mad rush of more money, more and more would not end. As Quran puts it, "The mutual increase in amassing wealth, would continue till you reach your graves". The problem with the rat race is, even if you win, you are still a RAT. Remember as one speaker aptly said, “Islam would spread faster, if you drive a little nicer".

Touched by Angel - Surah Maun

Listening to Tafseer of Surah Maun is so beautiful while I drove home.

This short surah that comes to our memory almost in a flash has strong emotions and warnings, that we might not even notice them in our prayers.

But perhaps the most striking emotion that I got from this chapter of the Quran is from its last word (which also is the name of the Surah)
- Al Maun 'small kindness'.

Imagine a kid playing with her 300 crayons with all shades of blue from light, navy, sky, ocean, sky etc. Yet she refuses to share one blue when another kid ask her.. this is small kindness we miss so often in our life.


By sharing a single piece of crayon from the enormous set, we may not even notice one that it is missing but imagine the immense rewards we would achieve from Allaah.

The kid is innocent and would not be held to account. But where would you stand?

Reflecting on this surah and al-maun, I was reminded of the some efforts and lots of hope has created LITTLE CHARITIES. I sincerely hope to make difference in few lives with this project, bi ithnillah.


 

Bottom 5 UAE Brands 2006

The choice of the bottom brands may not be a popular one but some thought have gone into the why of it. They may not even be inconspicuous brand rather they are the ones screaming at you, either from billboards to headlines and perhaps that is why they are noticed, or rather tolerated!
2. Etisalat – Etisalat is definitely not even an also ran if we count people’s favourite brand or firm. Yet the logo and the by word Reach tries to do some damage control, albeit – quite poorly..

If previous Etisalat logo was a dull reminder of whatever they do you got to accept it kind, then the new one reminds me of mint "chloromints". Ones you still need to digest, come whatever may!

Couldn’t think of a better sentence.. however, one of their ads using the logo as a post-it note was smart and well designed!! (sometimes you got to give credit where it is due, even if its Etisalat!!!)




2. du - Whether DU stands for Dubai or Dual (as with Etisalat) or Dubious, is still unknown! However, what I Du know is the logo is a classic example of very poor trademark attorney's work.

Ofcourse, legally a logo can still be copyrighted, but from a pure aesthetic and intellectual property view - the logo should either be Trademarked (TM) or a registered mark (R).
Because this does not appeal to a young and learning IP Agent, that I am, DU makes it to my poor brand of the year.


3. Khaleej Times - A newspaper font, that has a palm tree, a dhow and a chimney (definitely from an oil rig) should actually be very good combination and a fairly decent logo, if not innovative. It reflects the culture and the industry that it thrives on.

So the choice of KT in a poor logo is surprisingly. The nomination has thus other factors too. The choice has more to do with KT being associated with self-glorification, poor journalism and yes, news headlines that leaves little room for imagination san words. The Prophet of Islam is credited with the gift of saying far more with fewer words. KT takes the opposite view.

And when the nation changes its outlook, the logo stands old - the three new symbol could very well be Skyscraper, traffic on SZR and inflation chart that rises are well!
Khaleej Times has made a New Year's resolution to cease its baffling use of headlines. On the morning after the execution of Saddam Hussein, your favourite number one fearless KT opted for the subtle and considered "Bang, bang in Baghdad". How Nice!!


4. Ruwaad - A corporate look at Dubai logos without any Real Estate firms. Seems like eating your pizza without cheese! So had to give it away and there comes a worthy contender - what would you call a 2 months teaser campaign - without any imagination nor a logo that conjures up any emotions.. we call it Ruwaad here

Finally they added a line below the logo: "Iconic property developments". With some blog search, I got this on Ruwaad:
Ruwaad simply means Leaders! Just another pretentious real estate developer who claims leadership over whom exacty...Emaar..your guess!

Compliment: The only place on the net where I finally managed to get the Ruwaad picture was at Nima's blogspot. Thx Nima.


 5. Dubai Media City - DMC a regional hub for media organizations ranging from: news agencies, publishing, online media, advertising, production, and broadcast facilities.

I am sure with all media companies conglomate they could have come up with a better design. Or did they miss the Nose!!

Top 5 UAE brands 2006

5. RAK Bank - Who would expect an unknown bank with a name Ras Al Khaimah making any inroads into the huge banking market of Dubai. That is exactly what RAK bank has managed to do and deservedly entering our list of most recognizable Dubai brand of 2006.

It has underplayed the Dhow (boat) image while managing to garner attention to its simple and unfussy RAK abbreviation in unmistakable red print.


4. Al-Futtain - I am not quite sure if it is an inverted F or an arrow pointing forward, but sure this local company that has created visibility & respect.

Among the many families here in Gulf into diverse business, the Al-Futtaim logo is easily recognisable and more importanty - trusted. Which is exactly what a logo is created for - Identity.


3. Jumeirah - Not to be confused with the Jumeirah beach road or the Jumeirah janes! Rather, Jumeirah International has positioned itself rather well and maitained its distinct style.


When you are associated with landmark as conspicous as Burj Al Arab, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Madinat Jumeirah etc, it would be too easy to lose out and try doing too many things, ending up with no seperate identity.

This alone is a justification enough to let Jumairah Group pick itself.
Among its many landmarks, the logo for Souq Medinat Jumeirah is credible. Look at the way, Souq is written twice in both Arabic and English.


2. Masafi - Masafi is a village located on the edge of the Hajar Mountains in the United Arab Emirates.The name "Masafi" is Arabic for "pure water", and the village is known for its natural springs.

A simple font, easy to identify logo and a name that associates with water yet is different from the typical Aqua and Oasis types in the region.
Plus its new Fi Masafi? and Do yourself a Flavor! campaigns are sweet & innovative one.


1. Emirates - A brand that truly is international. Emirates with its high budget branding and some high deal sponsers have indeed got to its objective - getting noticed. And the well designed fonts and the Arabic calligraphy does justice to its brand appeal.

A winner indeed.
 

Audio book - Afghanistan

 I have almost into my decade. I mean into the Afghan history in 1978 onwards, when I was born.

As I am approaching the invasion of the Russians, the audio book is getting increasingly interesting. Last week, most of the talk revolved around the British invasion. It is interesting to note, how the world events shaped the British occupation and the effect it had on Afghans.

All of this add to the stories of how no country has ever been able to rule this mountainous country and eventually had to withdraw. What I also learned was that this transition of change of power from an alien force back to the Afghans was neither smooth nor swift.

Rather this was a series of serious of acts of violence, unrest and killings and assasinations in the dangerous terrains as much as the work, grit and resistance of the Afghans.

One wonders how can a country rise which has been invaded by not one, not two but three super powers (British, Russians, US) of our age plus mighty conquerors like the Greeks (Alexader), the Mongols (Chengiz Khan), the Persians (Darayus) and several others. KABUL is indeed a capital that has been ransacked and savaged and it is from this city that a spark can change the world..

Audio book of the week: Afghanistan

 Afghanistan: A Military History from Alexander the Great to the Fall of the Taliban

An interesting title and for long I wanted a series to listen to in my car.

Editorial review from Amazon:
This book was very well researched and written. Even if you have very little knowledge of Afghanistan, you can understand and easily read this book. It is full of interesting history, along with it's excellent explanation of the military information.

As I began listening to the first title track, I got lost into the names, battles and locations happening at once between the Persians and the Greeks and was wondering where was it leading me to?

Until, ofcourse, came the name of a 20 something leader - Alexander. Absolutely wonderful. To listen to his ambitions and persuits. Was sorry when I arrived at my office and had to switch my player off but looking forward to his conquest and his march to Afghanistan...

The year that went by - 2006

I love the year endings. No, not for those New year wishes. I don't like them anyway. To me there are just the spiritual wishes, like the Eidain (the two Eids) or the greetings on sighting the Ramadan moon, with the beautiful dua..

But yes I love the end of the year to recollect the top stories of year, the newsmakers, the best and... worst of sports (read Cricket) and ofcourse, looking back at my year end claims and accompolishments.

2007 would be a new calendar year and nothing more. If there ever has to be a new year celebration, it should be the Muharram, but nothing of that sort is reported from the Sunnans.

So we stick to a simple year end best and highs and lows.

3 events that made 2006:
1. 26/11 - The Mumbai local train blast. Yet again,
2. Iraq - all the voilence, the death and the hanging on Eid al-Adha

3. Business - The booming of low-cost airlines 
(I too flew the Air Deccan and was happy to pay 50% less on waht 
otherwise would be the normal fare)
 
3 best books I read in 2006:
1. Monk who sold his Ferrari
Did not read much from the Islamic side and I do miss that part - without a proper library and a hectic schedule with driving to work, I listen to audios instead.
2. Tafsir ibn Katheer - Juz Amma: doing the small tafseer at home, this book is remarkable and interesting.

3. Burooj Stars - well this is definately not a book but a newsletter. This 
however provided me with an oppurtunity to explore read and write a college
mag, my way.

3 best Audio books I heard in 2006:

1. Those who desire Paradie - Bilal Asad
2. Lives of Prophets - Anwar Awlaki
3. Tarjamun Quran - Dr. Israar Ahmed

From the sporing event:
Nothing gets bigger than World Cup football and it is fun only if
a. You have the telecast and
b. friends to share the passion with.
So this time since I had both it was fun. And that is why the greatest sporting event for 2006 would be the Zidane head-butt over Italians winning the world cup.

Personal:
for me, i do not make lot of introspection but i and shazi were thinking of 3 most important things that happened in 2006. u know those number games, that comes in TV. top 5 of year etc.. and just for that fact that Safiyah came in our life (04-05-06), was the number one thing to have happened to us in 2006.

then a distant second was for me about - home. our new home in mumbai to leaving the old one and then furnishing this current one.. all about shelter..

the third one was spending eids. first one at mumbai at the beginning and then the more memorable one was at portblair this october.. so looking back we had a good year.. alhamdulillah

for most part of year or may be 50-50 we (I and Umm Safiyah) were together after begin away for 9 months after safiyah's birth. that was hard on us.. so we were celebrating the new togetherness.. the fights and loves. the naughtiness and the cryings..

of the lows, masha Allaah all lows are life's way of making even. It was perhaps missing out on Yunus's marriage.

Spiritual lows:
1. Not spending the best part of Ramadan in worship. With the travels and being alone and responsible for my family here in Dubai, I missed my taraweehs and the joy of worshipping in Ramadan.
2. No concrete plan for spending the Zakaah money to a use where I can contribute with more than just the money!

a new calendar year bring new hopes and new dreams to achieve.
there would be new spiritual high and new career achievements. there would be new learning in life and yes with our baby's growth, there would always be new bundle of joys our way..

Common mistakes in Hajj - Farewell Tawaf

 In Tawaf Al-Wadaa’ (Farewell Tawaf):

• You cannot do your final Jamarat after Tawaf Al-Wada’, as some people attempt.
  

• Do not walk in massive groups during Tawaf. This hurts many people.
  
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• You MUST spend the night in Mina on the 10th night and 11th night. The two days of Hajj, the days of Mina, are the 11th and 12th, not the 10th and 11th.
  
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• After Tawaf Al-Wadaa’ you must leave Makkah, or else another Tawaf should be made.
  
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• After Tawaf Al-Wadaa’ you may have lunch or wait at a bus, etc., as long as you are on your way out of Makkah.

Common mistakes in Hajj - In stoning the Jamarat

• The Jamarat are not Devils, and Shaytaan is not tied up for the stoning of himself. Hajjis that hold this misconception end up cursing, swearing, throwing sandals, etc. It is a commandment from Allah to glorify Allah by saying ‘Allahu Akbar’ with each pebble.
  
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• You do not have to wash your stones.
  
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• Do not throw sandals or wood or big rocks. This is all against the Sunnah.
  
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• Do not hurt/shove when at the Jamarat.
  
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• Say Allahu Akbar with each pebble. Do not say Bismillaah.
  
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• Throw the pebbles separately.
  
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• Make Dua’ after the first and second Jamarat.

• Do not throw the Jamarat before it is time.
  
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• Throw the Jamarat from small to medium to large. Not the other way.
  
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• If someone is throwing on your behalf, you must be unable to throw yourself.
  
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• If someone is throwing on your behalf, you do not have to collect the stones yourself and hand the stones to that thrower.
  
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• Throw seven pebbles, not more or less.
  

Common mistakes in Hajj - In Mina, Arafah, and Muzdalifah

• Many people do not confirm if where they are located is inside or outside the borders of the holy sites. Confirm.
  
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• Do not reserve a place that is more than your need. Many people are looking for places to sit down and sleep.
  
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• Only in Arafah and Muzdalifah do you shorten and combine prayers. In Mina only shorten your prayers, but pray them at the correct time.
  
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• Do not waste your Hajj time in vain chatting.
  
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• Spending the 8th day in Mina is the Sunnah of Rasul Allah. Many people skip this and go to Arafah.
  
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• Do not push anyone when you are in a crowd.

• You do not have to go to the Mt. Of Mercy in Arafah. Many people hurt themselves and others to be there even though it is not a Wajib thing to do.
  
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• Mt. Rahmah is not a holy mountain. Do not wipe its sand and rocks for barakah.
  
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• You do not have to pray Dhuhr and Asr on Arafah day in the Masjid of Arafah (Masjid Namirah). You may pray in your tent with your group.
  
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• Do not leave Arafah before Maghrib time.
  
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• Women should avoid getting into a crushing crowd, like in Masjid Namirah.
  
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• Do not face Mt.Rahmah on Arafah day when you make Du’a. You should face the Qiblah.
  
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• You should not treat your time in Arafah like any other day. You should realize the significance and pray to Allah in humility.
  
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• At Maghrib time in Arafah, do not pray Maghrib and Isha’ until you reach Muzdalifah, even it you reach there at 11:00 at night. However, if you see half the night approaching, pray where you are on the road.
  
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• Make sure you are in Muzdalifah before you stop and rest. Many people think they are in Muzdalifah but they are not. Look for the border signs. If you have not seen one, chances are you are still not in Muzdalifah even if you see others sleeping on the road.
  
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• After praying Maghrib and Isha in Muzdalifah, go to sleep immediately, this is what Rasul Allah did.
  
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• Through all of this, continue doing your Talbiyah.

Common mistakes in Hajj - When Shaving or Trimming

• Shave your complete head, do not leave parts unshaved.
  
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• If you shall trim, take from all sides of your head.
  
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• Do not take off your Ihraam until you have shaved or trimmed. You are still in Ihraam until you do so.
  
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• Do not shave your beard.

Common mistakes in Hajj - In Sa’I

• Although perferable, you do not have to have Wudu during Sa’i.
  
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• You do not have to climb to the top of Safa or Marwa.
  
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• You can take breaks in Sa’I to drink water or rest.
  
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• You can take a break after Tawaf, before Sai’.
  
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• You do not have to jog the whole way, from Safa to Marwa. Only within the green lights, the valley of Safa and Marwa.
  
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• Women do not have to run between the green lights.
  
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• There is no specific du’a to say between Safa and Marwa.
  
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• Do not miss the Du’a that Rasul Allah said when he stood on Safa. Then raise your hands and pray as he did, Sal Allahu alayhi wa Sallam.
  
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• Do not say your intention out loud before making Sa’i.
  

A quick review

Bismillah

Today would be my last working day at office and I would be off for 4 days Eid break. Looking ahead to spend quality time at home.

Tomorrow is the 9th of Dhul Hijjah, the Day of Arafat - the greatest day of the year. Keen and excited to fast. The rewards are tremendous.

But before we depart, I would insha Allaah blog updates on the remainder of the articles. Probably we would complete the common mistakes series.

A review of what would be included in this One-stop Hajj Guide, insha Allaah:
1. Common mistakes
2. Tips and tricks (we have already completed yesterday)
3. Chekclist for your Hajj trip
4. Resources(books, multimedia et at - this was the first one we covered)
5. Hajj - steps
6. 5 days of Hajj - break-up
7. Virtues and verses / Ahadeeth

Insha Allaah, as we progress we would complete our Hajj series before Muharram, when I intend to begin a new one on the new calendar years and events as they unfolded in Muharram.

All good in these post is from Allaah, the Lord, the Supreme and all evil is from my own mistakes and the plot of shaitaan.  

Hajj and Umrah Tips & Tricks - Sight-seeing

• DO be careful about taking pictures and bringing cameras.They don't let cameras into either of the Harams and they'll check your bags too.
  
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• DO agree on prices for cab rides, camel rides and any other service in between beforehand. A note about the camel rides. They will immediately go and take polaroids of you on the camel/horse and then force you to buy them. Tell them beforehand NO PICTURES please. (One guy cursed our group and made dua that Allah never answer our duas b/c someone refused to buy the pics !!)
  
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• BEGGARS - There are beggars everywhere. On the streets of Makkah, at historical sites like Uhud, Arafat etc. They'll even come up to you (to sisters too!) and tell you stories about how they lost all their luggage and possessions and need to get back to Jeddah/Makkah/Madinah. It's hard to figure out who is faking and who isn't. I would suggest deciding on an amount you would like to give as Sadaqah beforehandand. Then give that to a reputable Islamic relief agency or relatives you have in poor countries or even friends/ppl traveling back to their home countries.They would know better who is truly in need.
  
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• MAKE SURE to go sight-seeing. Ziyara is visiting the local historical sites in Makkah or Madina. Visiting these places will give you a feeling and understanding of how Islam began in this place.
  
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• Don't go there thinking it's part of any worship practices. Many people do go to those sites and commit strange innovative practices (you'll see all the Saudi signs in Arabic, English, French, Urdu and Turkish!! telling ppl not to). This is where learning some Seerah (study of the life of Muhammad (saw) and the early Muslims) is extremely important before you go so you can actually feel where you are visiting. Just take one day after fajr and have some cab driver take you out to the different places.
  
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• Time - Go immediately AFTER Fajr at the haram, come back BEFORE dhuhr, pray dhuhr at the haram and then rest at the hotel for awhile. 

Hajj and Umrah Tips & Tricks - Masjid al-Haram

DO NOT forget what gate you enter the Haram from and the hotel you are staying at.

REMEMBER you are there to worship. Shopping, eating, etc are all just a waste of time. Food: it will be tempting to eat all this food there, but remember this much: the more you eat, the more tired you will get and in Makkah you will NEED your energy.

Take all this advice with a grain of salt. Every situation/time is different. Most of the information here is suitable for umrah. Hajj may be a completely different experience!

TAWAF - There are large groups who perform Tawaf together and link hands. If you see them approach you, then let them pass or step aside and give them way.

Also watch out for the elderly who are being carried around the Kabah and people taking their relatives around in wheelchairs.

As a rule the nearer the Kabah you perform your Tawaf the more squashed you will get and I mean squashed. This is especially true when going around Maqam Ibrahim because of the people trying to pray.

JUMAH - Go EARLY!!!! Our first Jumah in Makkah the Adhaan was 12:05 or something and we got to Masjid Al Haram at 11am. BIG mistake. The concourse outside the Masjid was full let alone trying to get in there. We sat in the beating sun for over an hour and prayed. The next week we got there at 9 am !!!

Hajj and Umrah Tips & Tricks - Shopping

Hajj and Umrah Tips & Tricks - Shopping

Don't bring a janamaz/musalla from home. Just buy a nice one there.

You can also bring a small bag/purse you can wear under your jilbab for your money/passport. Don't bother with big handbags- you'll get searched every time you enter the haram and will have to watch it all the time.

DO NOT waste your time shopping. You're only in Makkah once in your life (anything could happen and due to life circumstances, being busy, illness etc you may never return again).

Make a list of what gifts you have to give to whom beforehand and write down what you need to buy and quantities. That way you won't waste alot of time trying to decide what to get for who.

Some common gifts include:
Dates (yes they have chocolate covered dates!!!)
Zamzam water
Hijabs & Jilbabs
Prayer Rugs (called sajadahs there)
Jewelry (gold, fake and everything in between)
Metal work (tea sets etc)
Incense Perfumes & Perfume bottles
Thobes
Kufis
Cards
Desi (IndoPak) dresses
Books
Watches



DO NOT bother going any malls. They're usually WAY too expensive, but if you want to waste your time window shopping or looking at American and European designer stuff go ahead.

A NOTE about shopping, every shop owner and I mean EVERY (even those who are very nice and islamic and kind to you) will try to get every penny (riyaal) from you if they can. For your first time out just walk around and ask for prices of different things until you get a handle of how much things go for. (Brothers please ask your mothers/wives what a good price for gold/gram is before you try to buy anything there!)

DO NOT speak English or any foreign language in stores, just urdu or arabic. . They will totally rip you off. Even if all you know is "Kam Hatha" and they know you don't speak Arabic as your native language because of your accent for some reason if you speak English they up the price 200% automatically.

Travellors from Sub-Continent, just speak plain Urdu. That will do!

You must bargain for everything you buy. Everything is marked up as par for the course. A good trick is to offer half then work your way up.
Remember to go to many stores to get an idea of price range. Sometimes they will try to bully you into buying something by grabbing it and stuffing it into a bag. Don't let them.. take your time, get what you want and check it. If you feel that the guy is ripping you off but really want/need the stuff, buy it anyway because you'll regret it after. Anything there is cheaper than anywhere here. Don't let pride stand in your way!!

DO learn all the Arabic numbers (1 to 20, and every 5 after that till a hundred and you'll be set) and phrases like that "Kam Hatha?" - How much is that?, "BiKam?" How much?, "Shuayyeh" Move over, and "Laa..." No...

Don't tell them you're from America unless you're window shopping. Don't dress expensively, shop keepers there are extremely sharp. You can even wait a few days until everyone else has found the best places to buy things cheap - find out where they are and THEN save time and just get what you want.

SISTERS be careful about going shopping alone; always go with a brother (hate to say it but you're safer from harassment) or with a group of sisters.

Beware of pickpockets. Despite the tough laws, the crowded environment of The Hajj provides easy opportunities for these criminals.

This is not a tip but a very useful suggestion, so I included it:
The Saudi authorities should encourage the setting up of hypermarkets (similar to Carrefour) in Mecca and Medina so that shoppers can buy a good part of their needs under one roof and without price haggling.

Hajj and Umrah Tips & Tricks - Money and Medicine

Hajj and Umrah Tips & Tricks
Money and Medicine



DO NOT change money before you go. There are tons of exchanges there that you can go to on the streets and you'll get a better rate than the usual bank rate too.

Bring enough cash for what you want to buy. Don't rely on using your credit card. There are finance charges of at least 2-3% and the exchange rate of Visa.

Most shops in the areas near the two Mosques do not accept credit cards. Do not arrive in The Holy Land in the hope that you can survive with your credit cards.

DO bring a lot of medicine - Tylenol, asprin, Theraflu, Tums, Pepto Bismol, Midol, Chapstick/Vaseline. Believe me you'll be glad you did and if by some miracle you don't get sick other people in your group will.

DO bring some snack food like chocolates, biscuits, dried fruit. You'll be glad when your stomach starts doing loops or you are starving in the haram. Not to mention sometimes getting stuck for hours on a bus during heavy traffic or waiting for clearance.

DO bring a cheap plastic bag/canvas bag to put your shoes and janamaz (prayer rug) and quran in when you go into the haram.