FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs):

• What is IslamiCity’s travel study program?
  The program provides adult Muslims (young adults/students and older, life-long learners alike) an opportunity to travel and learn about their Islamic heritage, as well as interact with their Muslim brothers and sisters in other parts of the world.  This is not a deen-intensive or intensive Arabic/religious studies program. The focus is on history, culture and society, relying on the insights and knowledge of local expert guides and the lived experience of Muslims of the land.
  
• Who is the program designed for?
  The program is specifically designed for adult Muslims over the age of 18, and teenagers 14 yrs. old and over who are accompanied by a parent or older relative. The program seeks to strengthen bonds of brotherhood / sisterhood between participants and their peers in the country visited. Of the earlier tours organized by IslamiCity the youngest participant was 12 years old and the life-long learner was 78 years old.
  
• Why should I participate in this particular tour?
  There are two distinct reasons why you should participate in IslamiCity Tours. (1) Tours organized by IslamiCity are always educational and fun in an Islamic environment and context. They are supervised by Muslim experts of the area. (2) IslamiCity tours are reasonably priced compared to other tours. We invite you to call a Tour Operator and ask them to quote you for a comparable tour (Islamic & with a bilingual Muslim guide) to surprise yourself.
  
• How much does the program cost and what does it include?
  There are two different cost models. One without and the other with (international) airfare. Both packages will offer the same services with the exception of roundtrip airfare from US to the touring country. All participants will stay in comfortable 3/4 star hotels (double occupancy) for the duration of the tour, and there will be ground transportation throughout the tour. Daily Halal meals, entrance fees to all monuments & museums will also be included. Both package price excludes (a) tips to the Guide(s) & Driver(s), (b) airport taxes.
  
• When should I deposit & what are the payment terms?
  You should deposit a non-refundable deposit of US$200 to reserve your space as soon as possible and no later than June 30, 2004. The balance amount must be paid by July 15, 2003. This allows us to do the necessary arrangements. Any questions anytime please feel free to call us 310-642-0006, ext.111 or email us at travel@islamicity.com. 
  
• Why such a heavy penalty?
  Primarily to offset the liabilities that IslamiCity will be liable to the service providers; hotels, airlines & the local tour operators. 
  
• Who is responsible for this tour?
  Shakeel Syed of IslamiCity oversees IslamiCity travel programs. He himself led some tours. One of IslamiCity representative will accompany the tour.  References about IslamiCity from the tour participants are available upon request. Please email to travel@islamicity.com. 
  
• How many cities will we visit?
  We will visit 4 major places - Jeddah - Makkah - Taif (subject to approval from Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Saudi Arabia) - and Madinah. Within each city, we will visit many other areas (see itinerary). These cities are carefully picked from the famous and historical Silk Route. 
  
• Will we interact with local Muslims?
  Of course, Yes. We will meet Muslims from all walks of life. We will also meet Imams, Teachers & Community leaders.
  
• Are women mandated to wear Hijab in Saudi Arabia?
  A short answer is yes. 
  
• What are some key Saudi cultural issues that we should be aware of?
  Men & women don't shake hands. Women for the most part wear Hijab except in downtown Jeddah and some other places. Never criticize food in front of the host, even in a restaurant. Don't get surprised to see men and women totally separated in local city buses. Bargaining is in the blood of Saudi merchants. Don't be shy to get the best deal for yourself. 
  
• What are the arrangements for daily prayers?
  While in Makkah and Madinah, we will safely assume that everyone will make an effort to pray at Masjid al Haram. As a general rule, the daily itinerary will have dedicated time allocated for congregation (Qasr) prayers for Duhr/Asr and Maghrib/Isha. Friday prayers are scheduled to be prayed in Masjid al Haram in Makkah and Madinah. 
  
• What will the accommodations be like?
  We will be staying in good quality hotels. Accommodations will be clean, pleasant and comfortable. All rooms will have two beds, one for each person in the room. These hotels are 4 Stars with all the amenities that are available anywhere else per international hotel guidelines. 
  
• What is the meal deal?
  All meals all the time will be Halal. Breakfast will be at the hotel. Lunch will be a snack on the bus or wherever. Dinner will be at a restaurant. We will do our very best to provide the best food. You can order your preferences outside the prescribed menu at your own expense. 
  
• What should I pack?
  It does get hot during summer in Saudi Arabia. We suggest you pack light clothes. Few pairs of jeans with bunch of T-Shirts would in fact do. Remember that you can bring back some very good & inexpensive gifts. Make sure you've a good pair of sneakers & sun glasses. Make sure your favorite toothpaste flavor and a bottle of over-the-counter drugs, such as Tylenol, Malox etc. is handy. A camera with lots of picture rolls, preferably 36 exposures or better yet a digital camera to avoid all the hassles.  A journal diary is highly recommended. Hard case suitcases are highly recommended. For details, please see (Travel Guide).
  
• What happens when I get late & everyone is waiting for me in the bus going to wherever?
  Unless there's a (provable) legitimate reason others will not forgive you ... We suggest you try to be respectful & value the time of other participants. Bring along lots of patience, traveling is not as much fun without it!
  
• Would I stay with my best friend in the hotel?
  Chances are, yes. But if you don't for any reason, please don't sweat. Take it easy. You'll be staying with Muslim friends. It is in fact encouraged to sometimes stay with a person you don't know. This way you will make new friends and get to know other people while acquiring or sharpening the skills of traveling and living with others.
  
• What travel arrangements need to be made? Do I need a visa?
  Participants are required to mail their passport for to IslamiCity for visa purposes. IslamiCity will gather everyone's passport and get a group visa from the Consulate in Los Angeles.