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Frequently Asked Questions

Donations

Eligibility

The Lottery Selection Process

Travel/The hajj package



Donations

I want to pay for a hajj package.  How much is that?
Most U.S. hajj packages this year are starting at just under $5,000.  We anticipate that our contribution of approximately $5,000 U.S. will cover most basic hajj packages.  Of course,  if a hajj package is less, we will pay the smaller amount.

I would like to pay for a hajj package and have someone pray for me.  Is that possible?
Our application asks each candidate if he or she would pray for the person paying for the hajj package.  If you request it, we will provide your name to the recipient of your hajj package.

Are contributions accepted from outside of the U.S?  Will you accept Euros or other currencies?
Yes.  If you submit your donation to PayPal, then PayPal will take care of the rest.
If you send your donation by check or money order, the bank will handle the currency exchange.

I just want to make a small donation.  Is that alright?
Certainly.  We welcome donations of all sizes. Remember that if 500 persons contribute just $10.00 each, then that’s $5,000—enough for one more person to make hajj.
Also: 50 contributions of $100.00 makes a hajj
5 contributions of $1,000 makes a hajj. (back to top of page)

Eligibility

How can I apply as an individual?
You can't.  You have to apply through your imam.

Why do I have to apply through the 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.

Is money available for men and for women?
Yes, the money is available for men and women over the age of 18. However, women have to fulfill the mahram requirements set by the Saudi government in order to travel to hajj.  Check their website here  and here for more details.

Do I have to have American citizenship to apply?
No, but your visa status (in the U.S. or other country of residence) has to be such that it allows you to travel to and return from overseas.  Check with U.S. Immigration “How Do I Get a Travel Document?”  (or Immigration in the country of your residence) for more details.  The Saudi information of residency status is here.

Are applications accepted from any masajid outside of the U.S.?
Yes they are.  Any masjid and any hajj travel group must be recognized within its own country.  Any hajj travel group must be and legitimate and able to receive an electronic transfer of funds. (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.

I am an imam.  My I submit my own name on the application?
If you have not made hajj before and can fulfill the other criteria, then yes.

I am disabled/elderly.  Can I apply for myself and someone to travel with me?
No. Unfortunately, we do not have the funds to assign two hajj packages to one person.  Please be aware that there are many making hajj who understand and welcome the opportunity to gain the extra blessings of helping someone fulfill the hajj.  Make dua and trust that Allah will provide the assistance just as He provides the means.  Also remember that if infirmities of age or disability are severe, then you may be exempt from the obligation to make hajj.  There are certain conditions under which a permanently disabled person may have someone else make hajj for him/her.  This is called a hajj badal.  Information is about hajj badal is available in hadith.  A brief online explanation is available here.

Can a husband and wife (or other relatives) apply for more than 1 hajj package on an application?
No. Unfortunately, we do not have the funds to assign more than 1 hajj package to a person.  (back to top of page)

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?
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.

My imam won’t recommend me.  He already has 3 people (or his friends or only men) picked out.  What recourse do I have?
We at Footsteps to Paradise must rely on the integrity of the imam. In order to avoid any trial or fitna for a Muslim community, we have asked that each imam abide by our policy of non-disclosure—of keeping private the names and personal information of all he approaches in regard to this application.  That said, if the names of the individuals for whom the imam is submitting the application have become known, Footsteps to Paradise  asks that you abide by your responsibility as a Muslim to think the best of other Muslims.  Your recourse is to continue to make dua to Allah that He invites you to hajj. And please remember to guard yourself against things such as suspicion and backbiting. May Allah be pleased with your patience and your restraint.  And Allah knows best.

The Lottery Selection Process

Why are you using a lottery to decide who goes?
No one at Footsteps to Paradise feels comfortable with the idea of deciding who is worthy or not worthy to go to hajj.  We are using a lottery and leaving it to Allah to call whom He will. (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?
Most U.S. hajj packages this year are starting at just under $5,000.  Our contribution for each package is approximately $5,000 U.S.  If the hajj package is less, then we will pay the smaller amount.

If I am a chosen as a hajj package recipient, how long do I have to choose a travel group?
We recommend that you have the name of a legitimate hajj group ready before the application deadline.  You will only have 72 hours to provide Footsteps to Paradise with all the necessary contact information for the group with which you prefer to travel.  Persons who are unable to finalize their travel arrangements or provide legitmate hajj group information will lose their hajj packages.

What information do I need to have to make sure the hajj group I want to travel with meets the criteria of Footsteps to Paradise?
We recommend that you print a copy of our hajj group letter on our website and take it to the hajj group.  Make sure they can supply all of the information asked, that they are willing to agree to our refund terms, and that they provide to you the information requested.  Make sure you also have the contact information of the person on their staff who will handle your arrangements.  Finally, make sure the group is registered with the Saudi government.  Partial lists are on their websites here and here.

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)

The only hajj group I can travel with is charging more than $5,000.  Will Footsteps to Paradise pay more for me?  
No.  We cannot provide the extra funds.  You will have to provide the additional funds yourself.

What if I need to travel with a group that has a departure point nearer to my home (and cheaper)?
You must be able to provide Footsteps to Paradise with all the necessary contact information for the group with which you prefer to travel within 72 hours of being notified of your award.  If Footsteps to Paradise can contact and verify the group’s legitimacy, your award will be deposited with them no later than November 1, 2008.
Persons who are unable to finalize their travel arrangements will lose their hajj packages.

What if I want to travel with another group (or others in my community are going with another group) instead of TeamMecca or HajjUSA?
You must be able to provide Footsteps to Paradise with all the necessary contact information for the group with which you prefer to travel within 72 hours of being notified of your award.  If Footsteps to Paradise can contact and verify the group’s legitimacy, your award will be deposited with them no later than November 1, 2008.
Persons who are unable to finalize their travel arrangements will lose their hajj packages.

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)