Zhu Nurain International, UK is a da’wah-orientated services firm. Our core aims include:
- Provision of affordable,
- Exceptional, and
- An unparalleled pilgrimage experience, irrespective of their budget.
Our fundamental values are:
- Knowledge
- Passion
- Integrity
- Sincerity.
We have provided Hajj & Umrah services and guidance to pilgrims since the early 2000s before we became a company established by our Amir and principal consultant, Dr (Amir) M. N. Akinwunmi-Othman SFHEA. A well-known, well-travelled and well-versed figure among the Nigerian Muslim Community in London, United Kingdom (UK). He also engages actively in various Da’wah projects amongst different nationalities in various parts of the world, in addition to his scholarly pursuits.
At Zhu Nurain, we continuously guarantee and provide the assurance, satisfaction, and peace of mind, that every pilgrim expects and deserves throughout their pilgrimage experience. Our renewed commitment to excellent customer service ensures we provide prospective pilgrims with accurate guidance from the moment their reservations are made, throughout their journey and residency abroad, while undertaking the different phases of their pilgrimage rites.
We work with other reputable companies and organisations that hold licenses, accreditation, and memberships within the sector, to provide you with the best, while cutting out all intermediaries. We blend costs, comfort and convenience in all our packages, without compromising on quality. These are reflected in our rates, which are among the most competitive in the industry. Our services are second to none because we give our clients choices in hotel standards suited to all budgets. We also provide custom facilities for those with specific needs and one-to-one support.
Our services have been developed and are continuously refined through our clients’ feedback, allowing every pilgrim to experience the most exciting journey with Zhu Nurain. We are large enough to manage all nationalities and cultures. We have the capabilities to accommodate and meet individual requirements, as well as provide bespoke services that give comfort and peace of mind at all levels.
That is why our clients are loyal and keep recommending our services to others. There is only one way to perform hajj mabroor, and that is through Zhu Nurain!
Taqobbal’llahu minna,wa min kun… Amin
What we do Best
We offer Umrah Pilgrimage all-year-round: We offer bespoke services to suit all budget needs for pilgrims intending on going for Umrah. Umrah is performed every day throughout the year and also during the blessed month of Ramadan due to its immeasurable rewards. Umrah is an Arabic word which means “to visit”. Unlike Hajj, it is not obligatory. Please note that the information contained herein is very brief. We will guide you step-by-step throughout the process.
However, it was recommended by Mohammed (Sollalahu Alehi wa salam). The Prophet (Sollalahu Alehi wa salam) said, “Umrah is an expiation for the sins committed (between it and the previous one). And the reward of Hajj Mabrur (the one accepted by Allah) is nothing except Paradise.”
Getting Ready: Under Sharia law, a pilgrim must first assume the state of Ihram. This is a state of purification achieved by completing cleansing rituals, wearing the prescribed clothing and abstaining from certain actions. This must be attained when reaching a Miqat – a principal boundary point in Mecca, like Zu ‘l-Hulafa, Juhfa, Qarnu ‘l-Manāzil, Yalamlam, Zāt-i-‘Irq, Ibrahīm Mursīa, or a place in al-Hill. Different conditions, however, exist for air travellers, who must attain the state of Ihram; once they enter within a specific perimeter in the city. Umrah requires pilgrims to perform four key rituals; attain the state of Ihram, tawaff, sa’i and shaving/trimming hair.
Once in a state of Hiram, the pilgrim makes the intention to perform Umrah by saying: “Labbayka Umrah” or, “Labbayka Allahumma Umrah”. This is then followed by the continuous recitation of the talbiyyah until arrival in Makkah. Men should recite this in a loud audible voice, while women should say it silently but audibly too.
“Labbayka Allahumma Labbayk, Labbayka La Shareeka Laka Labbayk, Innal-hamda, wan-n’imata, Laka Wal-mulk, La Shareeka Lak”
Meaning: “Here I am at your service. O Lord, here I am. Here I am. You have no partners. Here I am. Truly, all praises and favours belong to You, and the dominion over all things. You have no partners.”
While in the state of ihram for Hajj or Umrah, the following acts are obligatory:
1. To faithfully observe all that Allah has made obligatory e.g. the daily prayers at their proper times.
2. To avoid what Allah has prohibited e.g. wrongdoings, quarrelling and committing sins.
3. To guard against injuring other Muslims by deeds or by words.
4. To abstain from what is prohibited during the state of ihram e.g.
a. Not to cut your nails or pull out hair. There is no blame on you if these breaks or come off by accident.
b. Not to use scent/perfume either on clothes or hair, body, food or drink. There is no harm if the effect/odour of the fragrance applied before putting on ihram remains afterwards.
c. Not to kill, frighten or assist in hunting any land game.
d. Within the vicinity of Al-Haram, no one, whether in the state of ihram or not, is allowed to cut trees, pluck vegetables or collect a lost property except for the sake of identifying it for its owner. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) instructed it.
e. Not to propose to a woman or contract marriage either for oneself or on behalf of others.
f. Sexual intercourse is prohibited, and so is touching the opposite sex with desire.
The Rites of Umrah in Brief: On arrival at the Holy Mosque in Makkah, it is desirable to proceed into the Holy Mosque from Bab Al-Salam, if possible and practicable. The pilgrim should advance their right foot first and recite the dua below:
“A’udhu billahi-l-‘adheem, wa wajhihi-l-kareem, wa sultaanihi-l-qadeem, min-ashaytaani-rajeem; bismillah. Allahumma Salli ‘ala Mohammed wa ‘aalihi wa sallim; Allahumma ighfir lee dhnubi, w-aftah lee abwaaba rahmatik”.
Meaning: “I seek refugee in Allah the Almighty and His Noble Countenance and His Eternal power from Satan. In the name of Allah. O Allah, bestow Your peace and blessings on Mohammed and his family. O Allah, pardon my sins and open the gates of Your mercy for me“.
Please note that the supplication is not specific to entering the Holy Mosque in Makkah. It can be recited on entering all mosques. On entry, the pilgrim looks at the Holy Ka’aba while raising his arms in supplication to recite:
“Allahumma zid hadha-l-bayta tashreefan, wa ta’dheeman, wa takreeman, wa mahaabatan, wa zid min sharafihi, wa karamihi mimman hajahu aw i’tamarahu tashreefan, wa ta’dheeman, wa takreeman, wa birran”
Meaning: “God Almighty, bestow more honour, glory, respect and awe on this House; bestow more honour and respect on whoever comes to it for Hajj or Umrah out of honour, respect, glory and devotion.”
Tawaff is circling the Ka’aba in an anti-clockwise direction seven times. For men, it is recommended to do the first three circuits at a hurried pace, followed by four rounds at a more leisurely pace. This is followed by Sa’i between safah and mar’wah inside Masjid Harram in Makkah – a walk to commemorate Haggai’s search for water for her son (Ishmael), and God’s mercy in answering prayers. Pilgrims conclude the pilgrimage with halq, a partial or complete shortening of the hair. Umrah is sometimes considered the “lesser hajj” because it is not compulsory, but highly recommended. While making your tawaf, you may praise Allah and make supplications to Him in any words or language. It is preferable to end each with this dua:
“Rabbana, atina fid-dunya hasanatan, wa fil-akhirati hasanatan, wa qina adhaban-nar.”
Meaning: “Our Lord, give us good in this world and good in the hereafter, and save us from the punishment of the fire”.
The pilgrim thereafter proceeds to as-Safa. While facing the Ka’aba, praise Allah, raise your hands, and say “Allahu Akbar” three times. Then make supplication to Allah. Then say the dua below three times:
“La ilaha illal-lah, wahdahu la shareeka lah,
“Lahul-mulk wa lahul-hamd, wa huwa ‘ala kulli shayin qadeer,
“La ilaha illal-lah, wahdahu, anjaza wadehu, wa nasara abdahu, wa hazama al ahzab wahdahu.”
Meaning: “There is no deity except Allah, The One without a partner. He has dominion over all things. His is all praises, and He is powerful over everything. There is no deity except Allah, completed is His promise, supported His slave and defeated the parties Alone”.
The rites of Umrah are generally completed within a few hours, in comparison to Hajj, which takes a few days. It is also not meant to be interpreted as a substitute for Hajj. However, both are demonstrations of the solidarity of Muslims and complete submission to Allah.
Hajj Mabroor in brief: Hajj is one of the essential pillars of Islam. The literal meaning of the word “Hajj” is heading to a place for the sake of visiting. In Islamic terminology, Hajj is a pilgrimage made to Kaaba, the “House of Allah”, in the sacred city of Makkah in Saudi Arabia. Muslims and Muslimah are enjoined to perform at least one hajj in a lifetime. There are three ways of performing the Hajj:
Hajj al-Tamatt’u (interrupted)
Hajj al-Qiran (combined)
Hajj al-Ifrad (single)
Al-Bukhaari (1773) and Muslim (1349) narrated from Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “…an accepted Hajj brings no reward but Paradise.”
Also, At-Tirmidhi (738) and an-Nasaa’i (2631) narrated that ‘Abdullah ibn Mas‘ood said: “The Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “Make the Hajj and ‘Umrah follow each other closely, for they remove poverty and sins as the bellows removes the dross of iron, gold and silver, and an accepted Hajj brings no less a reward than Paradise.”
The pilgrimage rites begin on the 7th day of Dhū al-Ḥijjah (the last month of the Islamic year) and end on the 12th day. The hajj is incumbent on all Muslims who are physically and financially able to make the pilgrimage; and if their absence will not place hardships on their family.
Hajj al-Tamatt’u: This means entering into Ihram for the Umrah during the months of Hajj i.e., the months of Shawwal, Dhul-Q’idah and the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah; to take off Ihram after performing the Umrah, and then to take Ihram again for the Hajj from Makkah on the 8th day of Dhul-Hijjah during the same year in which the Umrah was performed.
Hajj al-Qiran: This denotes entering into the Ihram for both the Umrah and the Hajj at the same time, while not taking off the Ihram until the day of Sacrifice (the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah). Alternatively, one may first enter into the state of Ihram for the Umrah, and before beginning one’s tawaf may make the intention of Ihram for the Hajj as well.
Hajj al-Ifrad: This signifies donning Ihram for Hajj either from the prescribed station of Ihram (al-miqat), or from Makkah if one resides there, or from a place in between al-miqat and Makkah.
Our Values
Zhu Nurain is a da’wah-oriented enterprise dedicated to offering a seamless, step-by-step pilgrimage experience that is spiritually enriching for pilgrims from all walks of life. Our mission is to ensure that every pilgrim, regardless of nationality or culture, receives the highest level of care and guidance throughout their sacred journey.
Our confidence in our services stems from our continuous efforts to improve and evolve. We actively seek and incorporate constructive feedback from our clients and leverage the latest technologies to enhance our operations. This commitment to excellence is reflected in the loyalty of our clients, who consistently choose Zhu Nurain and recommend our services to others.
For a hajj mabroor, performed with a partner you can trust and respect, look no further than Zhu Nurain. We are here to ensure your pilgrimage is not only fulfilling but also a memorable and transformative experience.
Zhu Nurain distinguishes itself from other pilgrimage organizers through several key aspects:
Da’wah-Oriented Approach: Our primary focus is on providing a spiritually enriching experience. We offer comprehensive, step-by-step guidance to ensure that every aspect of the pilgrimage is meaningful and fulfilling.
Exceptional Knowledge and Passion: Our team is deeply knowledgeable about the pilgrimage process and passionate about helping pilgrims. This expertise allows us to offer insightful and personalised support to each pilgrim.
Weekly Daw'ah Outreach
As part of our daw’ah activities, we invite scholars from around the world to discuss contemporary issues and life-transforming subjects weekly on our platforms. The updates are published here every week.
Current Offers
Pilgrims Information
Pilgrimage Requirements
- Machine-readable passport with a validity of a minimum of 6 months from the date of return advertised. A proof of address dated within 3 months of the application.
- One passport-sized photograph taken on a white background.
- Copy of ACWY meningitis vaccination certificate.
- EU passport holders should provide an original utility bill or bank statement, dated within the last 30 days of when the application for a visa is to be made.
- Foreign passport holders must provide an original UK residence visa or permit with a minimum of six months validity from the date of return advertised.
- All the documents from the list above must be handed in at least 45 days before the date of departure
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you accompany the group from the UK and elsewhere?
Yes, we do. Our highly experienced team will accompany the group at all times. All of us have performed Hajj and Umrah over many years. We also have a Saudi team that joins us on arrival.
Can you provide a wheelchair assistance?
Yes. However, the pilgrim will have to pay for the service in Makkah, Madinah, Minna and at every point of use. It costs between 600-950 Riyals per use, during peak periods.
How do I make my reservations?
We require a completed booking form by the lead passenger. The documents listed above and a non-refundable deposit of 50% of the advertised rate per client.
Can I pay in instalments?
Yes. A non-refundable deposit of 50% of the advertised rate per person is required at the time of booking. Thereafter, regular monthly payment, until the balance is cleared within 4-6 weeks before departure.
I do not have a British passport – Will I get a Visa for Hajj/Umrah?
Yes. Non-British passport holders can obtain a visa to perform Hajj/Umrah from the UK if they are either on a resident or work permit, spouse or student visa; tourist, or hold a passport with limited or indefinite leave to remain stamped on it. This must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of travel. Please call us for visa arrangements for your country of residence.
Do you provide religious guidance?
Yes. One of our greatest strengths is that we offer personalised and extensive guidance before and throughout Hajj/Umrah – this is second to none! From the time your booking is confirmed, we will continue to provide you with information, updates and recommended reading and audio lists. A few weeks before departure, we would arrange a dedicated conference on fiqh, which will cover all the essentials of Hajj and Umrah. Also, two weeks before departure for hajj, we would organise a seminar at a convenient venue, where we would have another opportunity to meet in person, and have further opportunities to clarify other aspects of the pilgrimage.
Are your packages as advertised?
Yes. It should be noted that all the hotels in KSA are “star-graded” by the Ministry of Tourism. They are the KSA’s regulatory body.
What are the hotel Services and amenities?
The services and quality of the hotels compare very well to international standards and ratings. For example, some have swimming pools, cinemas, casinos or other leisure activities. However, the essence of pilgrimage is not to go on holiday and sightseeing. It is an absolute ibadah to Allah following the sunnah of Mohammed (Sollalahu Alehi wa salam).
What are the room types?
The room occupancy during the hajj/Umrah by the hotels is maximised using extra beds. These could be combinations of king-size, double and single. This is at the discretion of the hotels, and we have no say in the decision.
Where can I exchange my money for Saudi riyals?
There are many money exchange service providers within the vicinity of all our hotels, as well as close to Haram in Makkah and Madinah. There are also ATMs located everywhere around the hotels. Please check service charges for using those ATMs with your bank before departure. All major cards are accepted.
What if I fall sick?
The KSA provides medical services for urgent care to pilgrims. If you need to go to the hospital, you will be treated for free. However, please bring along your existing medications and prescriptions.
How are men and women accommodated in Minna?
Men and women stay in separate tents in Minna. Both tents are adjacent to each other for easy coordination.
Can I stay with my wife/husband or family in the same hotel room?
Yes. Please contact us for the arrangement and other extra charges involved.
Will I be able to contact my wife/ husband in Minna?
Yes and certainly
What interpretation of Islam will you adopt?
You will be guided throughout the pilgrimage according to the Quran and Sunnah.
How do I arrange to bring Zamzam back to my destination?
Zamzam is sold for 15SR at the airport upon departure. However, you are entitled to only 5 litres, which is not included in your luggage allowance.
Do you provide travel insurance?
Yes, but for emergency hospital treatment while in Saudi ONLY. Pilgrims are advised to shop around for travel insurance that meets their specific needs.
What happens if the date of Hajj changes due to moon sighting?
Our itineraries have been set according to the official Saudi calendar. However, if due to the actual sighting of the moon, the day is adjusted, we have no control over it; and would have to adjust all programmes accordingly. We cannot prepare for this in advance, but will do our utmost to make alternative suitable arrangements.
What is the last date for booking?
We do not have a published deadline for bookings, because our capacity is limited. Once we sell all the seats for a particular package, we will not be able to accept any further bookings. All our packages are very popular and sell very quickly. We, therefore, recommend that you book as soon as possible.
Where are your tents in Minna?
We reside in the international pilgrims’ tents. These are used by most groups from the UK, Europe and the Americas. We also offer VIP services including sofa beds, AC units, packaged food, gypsum board tents, and a 24-hour hot/cold drinks supply to all our clients.
How do I get my clothes washed?
Many laundrettes near the Haramayn in Makkah and Madinah will wash and iron your clothes at variable costs; usually within 48-72 hours. Please ask us on arrival or at the hotel reception. The 5-star hotels provide this service for their guests, but it could be considerably more expensive. This service is NOT included in any of our packages.
How much does a meal cost?
An average meal is between 60-120 riyals during peak periods.
Caveat: Please note that this list is not exhaustive. It is meant to be a guide only.
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