Maktabs/Moallims

       The regulations governing the performance of the Haj stipulate that all pilgrims on arrival in the Kingdom are allocated to “Maktabs” which provide a number of essential services to them. The “Maktabs” managed by mutawifeen/moallims appear to have changed with the passage of time and they do not have any specific religious roles relating to guiding pilgrims in performance of Haj. They confine themselves to providing  reception services at the airport, movement of pilgrims to Makkah, their transport in various parts of the Kingdom including the Mashaer region, accommodation in Mina and ensuring that pilgrims do not stay back after the Haj.  Pilgrims should be thoroughly briefed about the role of Moallims.

         On arrival the travel documents of pilgrims are taken over by the Maktab to be handed over only at the departure terminal. A photo identification is provided to all pilgrims by the Maktab. This should be kept carefully and carried at all times during the Haj.  Pilgrims are required to wear a metal bracelet which indicates their passport number and nationality  before getting into the plane in India.  It is an essential means of identification and should never be taken off, even during bath or wudu.

         Pilgrims are not permitted to travel outside Makkah, Madinah or the Mashaer region without the permission of their Maktab since their visas do not permit visits to Jeddah or elsewhere in Saudi Arabia. Pilgrims who venture to do so face arrest and deportation.

       All the Moallims looking after pilgrims from India belong to South Asian Moassasa which is the largest Moassassa9 Establishment) and is also called as Moassasa Janoob Aasia in Arabic.