Thursday 12 July 2018

6 smart tips on preparing for Hajj

Every year Muslims from around the globe gather at Mecca for Hajj. It is obligatory for Muslims to take part in the pilgrimage if sponsored by someone or affordable for you. The 6-day ritual takes place between August and September. Hajj occurs in the 12th month as per the Islamic lunar calendar. It is carried out between the eighth and 13th day of that particular month. This year, the pilgrimage is panned out from August 19 to August 24.

If you and your family have planned to participate in Hajj, you might be interested in the unique hajj umrah card by HDFC. This one of a kind forex card enables the pilgrims to make all sorts of payments securely and conveniently. Apart from the card, there are other financial tips that pilgrims should remember before heading to Mecca:

1) Plan your budget: Participating in Hajj is not as easy as it seems. Costs have increased dramatically especially for people coming from the United States of America (USA) and the United Kingdom (UK). For the poorer pilgrims, it is a matter of life savings. Also, it is against the Islamic rules to borrow money for Hajj. If you do, you have to repay the debt before heading to Mecca.

2) Find a sponsor: If you find a sponsor for the pilgrimage then nothing like it. Muslims who reside in India can make use of the special government subsidy called ‘hajj subsidy’. It includes massive discount on airfares. If you are heading in a group such as a student group, university group, Islamic centres, mosques, etc. you can receive further discounts.


3) Start applying early: In some countries like Egypt, Turkey and Libya, Islamic authorities distribute lotteries to take part in Hajj. Through this lottery system people coming from all economic background receive equal importance.

4) Travel via reputable agencies: There have been many shocking stories regarding fake visas or fake travel agencies in the past. Keep these incidents in mind; the Saudi government has a list of licensed travel agencies who organise hajj trip. The list can be found on Saudi’s embassy portal.

5) Consider unique offers from banks: Just like there is a travel card for financing your holidays or a student’s studies. Similarly, certain banks offer forex cards for holy visits as well. HDFC had specially launched the hajj umrah card. With the help of the card, the pilgrims can withdraw cash from ATMs during emergencies, can avail offers from VISA merchants, etc. Both HDFC customers, as well as the general public, can obtain the card. The pilgrims will also receive a backup card in case of damage to the original one.

6) Analyse finances: Uncertain inflation is not within our control. Sometimes it is difficult to predict the economic state of a country. Therefore, it is necessary to keep yourself updated with the latest economic conditions before applying for a forex card.

Hajj is a beautiful passage if done rightly and organised well. With assistance in the form of hajj umrah card, you can cover your additional expenses instantly. 

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