Frequently Asked Questions
Eligibility
- What are the eligibility requirements?
- How do I apply?
- Why does the selection go through an imam?
- Is there an application fee?
- If I am chosen as a hajj package recipient, do I have to repay Footsteps to Paradise any or all of the money at a later time?
- Will Footsteps to Paradise pay for a spouse, relative, or health aid to travel with me?
- I have made hajj before, but now I want to make hajj for my deceased parent who was never able to make it. Am I eligible?
Travel/The hajj package
- If I am chosen as a recipient, how much money is Footsteps to Paradise going to contribute to my hajj?
- What happens if I am unable to come up with my share of the costs?
- I want to have fewer roommates and other upgrades to the basic package. Will Footsteps to Paradise cover the cost for me?
- What happens if I become ill before hajj and unable to travel?
- Is there a way I can get some or all of the hajj package money in cash?
- Is there a way I can get some or all of the hajj package money deposited to my individual account?
Donations
How do I make a donation to Footsteps to Paradise?
Just click on the link to our secure Donations page or send a check or money order to the address listed there. You may give a hajj package or help us make a hajj package by the sum of small contributions. We encourage and welcome donations of all sizes.
Eligibility
What are the eligibility requirements?
- An applicant must be recommended by an imam
- Must be making Hajj for the first time
- Must be 18 years or older
- Must be of sound mind
- May be male or any female who meets mahram requirements set by the Saudi government for travel to hajj. For mahram requirements, click here.
- Must have U.S. Citizenship or have visa status such that it allows travel to and return from overseas. For U.S. Immigration information, click here.
- Must be financially able to cover additional costs including passport, immunizations, airfare to and from New York, landing fees, hadi (sacrifice costs) and personal expenses. (back to top of page)
How do I apply?
You cannot on your own behalf. Selection can only come through an imam.
Why does the selection go through an imam?
The imams of the Islamic communities are our eyes and ears. Our funds are limited, and we would prefer to be able to help Muslims who are known to their Imams or are active in their respective communities. (back to top of page)
Is there an application fee?
No, but we accept and encourage donations. Remember that if 500 people apply and each of them contributes $10.00, then that’s $5,000—enough for one more person to make hajj.
If I am chosen as a hajj package recipient, do I have to repay Footsteps to Paradise any or all of the money at a later time?
No. We ask only that you and your imam provide Footsteps to Paradise with testimonial statements that we can use for publicity and fund raising efforts.
Will Footsteps to Paradise pay for a spouse, relative, or health aid to travel with me?
We are unable to assign two hajj packages to one person, but others are welcome to travel with you, if their funds come from another source.
I have made hajj before, but now I want to make hajj for my deceased parent or relative who was never able to make it. Am I eligible?
No. Unfortunately, we do not have the funds available for persons wanting to make hajj a second time, even if it is on behalf of someone else. (back to top of page)
Travel/The hajj package
If I am chosen as a recipient, how much money is Footsteps to Paradise going to contribute to my hajj?
Our contribution covers only the cost of a basic hajj package. Any one selected must be financially able to cover additional costs including passport, immunizations, airfare to and from New York, landing fees, hadi (sacrifice costs) and spending money.
What happens if I am unable to come up with my share of the costs?
The Footsteps to Paradise hajj package will go to someone else.
I want to have fewer roommates and other upgrades to the basic package. Will Footsteps to Paradise cover the cost for me?
No. We cannot provide the extra funds. If you wish to upgrade your package, you must provide the extra funds yourself. (back to top of page)
What happens if I become ill before hajj and unable to travel?
The Footsteps to Paradise hajj package will go to someone else.
Is there a way I can get some or all of the hajj package money in cash?
No.
Is there a way I can get some or all of the hajj package money deposited to my individual account?
No. (back to top of page)