Reviews and Provider Signals

Hajj Review – MAW DS Essential MAK Package**Overall Experience*Alhamdulillah, the experience was truly above and beyond my expectations. The entire DST team, especially Brother Fathy and Dr. Mumeet Habeeb took care of every need with exceptional dedication. Having multiple doctors on the ground to assist with medical concerns was also a great comfort.*Pre-Trip & Hajj Seminar Preparation*DST demonstrated great organization well before the trip began. They created a Telegram group (later transitioned to WhatsApp) to communicate with all participants. Since we began in Makkah, they mailed us ihrams in advance. Additionally, we received a welcome package that included DST badges, luggage tags, and detailed Hajj/Umrah guides.They hosted numerous seminars covering:* Fiqh and spiritual preparation* Legal considerations (e.g., wills and estate planning)* Logistics and travel planningThese were offered both online and in-person, often in partnership with local masjids in major cities.*Makkah Segment*Upon arrival, Seera had team members at the airport directing us to the appropriate buses. Hotel check-in was smooth, and we began our group Umrah shortly after arriving. Although we had Shaykh Zaid Khan as guide, the group did eventually disperse during the Umrah.Since we stayed in Aziziyah, DST partnered with Al Shohada Hotel near the Haram. This provided convenient access to shuttles, rest facilities, and refreshments. They also organized multiple Umrah slots led by different scholars for those who wanted additional opportunities.Leading up to Hajj, we attended four powerful sessions with Shaykh Yasir Qadhi covering logistics, spirituality, and du’a, along with regular short reminders after salah by various scholars.*Hajj: Mina – Arafat – Muzdalifah*Most of the group reached Mina on time, but a few of us (myself included) arrived later due to a bus issue. Despite the delay, Br. Fathy stayed with us and ensured no one was left behind.At Mina:* Tent arrangements were well-organized* We had space for everyone* The atmosphere was peaceful with prayer, lectures, food, and restOn Arafat Day:* We left early (around 2 a.m.) and prayed Fajr at Arafat* Shaykh Yasir Qadhi delivered the khutbah and led a beautiful group du’a* Ample time was given for individual du’as and ibadahMuzdalifah was more challenging:* We arrived late (around 11:30 p.m.), and our spot was already full* Authorities didn’t let us off, but Br. Fathy convinced the driver to let us stop briefly for Maghrib and Isha before returning to Mina* Due to circumstances, we were excused from the overnight stay at Muzdalifah as the directive of the scholarsEid Day:* We did the first day of rami with ease* Afterward, most of us walked back to the hotel (~25 minutes)* Br. Fathy arranged transportation to and from the Haram for Tawaf al-Ifadah and Sa’I and to Mina from thereLast Day of Mina:* On the last pelting day, Br. Fathy again arranged bus access closer to Jamarat and helped with luggage transport*Madinah Segment*While many booked the train through DST (later canceled and refunded), I arranged my own train travel. DST coordinated:* A group led Madinah walking tour* Scholar-led ziyarah* A group Rawdah visit for women (not for men)Time in Madinah was short due to the overall package itinerary.*Scholarly Presence*This was a major highlight. Before and during the trip, scholars were accessible and active:* Pre-Hajj webinars and on-site lectures* Daily reminders after salah* Scholars such as Shaykh Yasir Qadhi, Shaykh Abdul Muqtader, Imam Ameer Hamza, Shaykh Murad, Shaykh Zaid Khan, and Shaykh Ali Kamnaksh were incredibly inspiring and approachable* They answered questions via text or in person and were often available in hotel lobbies*DST as a Provider*DST was extremely well-organized and knowledgeable. Any hiccups were beyond their control, but they addressed issues promptly. Special shoutout to:* Brother Mohammed Fathy and Sister Khadija – the ultimate logistics dream team. Their tireless efforts kept everything running smoothly.*Final Thoughts*Alhamdulillah, I wouldn’t have wanted a different Hajj experience. The journey was smooth, spiritually uplifting, and well-coordinated.*Package Details** Makkah Hotel: Rowad Asfour Hotel* Madinah Hotel: Al Dar Rawafid Tulip Inn* Mina Camp: Al-Muaisim Camp* Mashaer Travel: Bus (upgraded to Train)* Accommodation: Non-shifting (Quad)* Travel Dates: May 30 – June 13 (I arrived May 31, departed June 12)

Associated US Agency: https://www.mashaertravel.com/Hajj review Mashaer Travel 2025**Nusuk/Hajj Seminar*The main reason I picked this group was how impressed I was with Nusuk assistance and Hajj seminar. The group was well organized, structured, on zoom calls all the time. Mashaer Travel was on zoom call helping navigate Nusuk and on purchase day live helping.Afterwards when you purchased the package there were many seminars going over logistics/religious/travel aspects. At times the information was repetitive. Maybe that could have been better concise.*Medina part of the trip*This is where Mashaer travel dropped the ball. Basically there was no assistance, and no support staff on ground. Luckily someone spoke Arabic that helped to get us by but we waited 4-5ish hours at the airport. Then there was 0 guidance in Medina for tour. Only helped we had is to book Rawdah appointment pre travel. The assistance to travel from Medina to Makkah was not organized as well. We received our train tickets and instructions. But this is Arab land, and no one really follows instructions .*Makkah part of trip*The leader of the group Sh. Wasif Khan was at Makkah so things were much smoother. We received our room keys by time we had snack and prayed. Sheikh guided us to umrah and every step he was with us.*Hajj/ Mina/ Arafat/ Muzdaliffa*This is where Mashaer travel outshined.the experience was smooth and memorable. We left our hotel on the bus and arrived at Mina at appropriate time. We prayed , had lectures , rest, ate and Mina was smooth. The following day when we had to go for Arafat, the service provider started to wake us up at 2 am asking us to leave. Through our hajj seminars, personal reading, and other peoples experiences we learned the sunnah way is to leave after fajr. Sh. Wasif held his ground. He did not give under the pressure of service provider and we left after fajr following the sunnah way. The same situation occurred in Arafat when people were leaving the Arafat camp area little bit before Maghreb. He held is position, made a collective dua outside and left after time of Maghreb. We arrived at Muzdaliffa around 11nish. And then, again, service provider started to wake up everyone to leave Muzdaliffa middle of the night. However we didn’t leave till after sunrise following the sunnah. We went to jamarat and did the rami ritual of hajj with ease following the plan. Since hajj was on Friday. Sheikh Wasif plan was not to go for tawaf ifada due to large crowd in haram. So we went back to Mina, slept, and as soon as we woke up we were informed about our sacrifices being completed. Then we cut our hair, showered, ate and relaxed. It was a pretty smooth process. Now after prayers we would have khatira, or joke around, and basically build good memories.Following day we went to Haram via bus. Got the tour of new extension , had breakfast, and started the Tawaf Ifada and Sae of hajj process. It’s hajj so there were ALOT of people there. But Allhumdulilah all got done easily. We went back to our hotel , relaxed, and then back to Mina. Due to logistics and Ill people in the group by the time we got to Mina we only had 30 mins prior to Maghreb to go for jamarat. I don’t know how. But we walked from Mina to jamarat and did our rami at appropriate time. The following day rami process was super easy as you knew what you were doing. Then we departed to our hotel on the bus.*OVERALL*Allhumdulilah I had a great experience and I am thankful to Sh. Wasif Khan. The ball was definitely dropped in Medina, but Mecca and Hajj experience was phenomenal. We followed the sunnah way, and didn’t get pressured. We moved as a group, as a family. If someone was not feeling well or hurt then the entire group came to pause. Sh. Wasif definitely knows what he is doing and he is expereinced. His ways are rigid, and he controls the situation to I guess better control the outcome. If Mashaer Travels had more people on the ground it would be great improvement as he is single handily operating the entire process.If you’re looking to perform hajj following the sunnah way as close as possible then I would recommend Mashaer Travels.If you are not able to give up control and just follow, you may just have a difficult experience.He does keep you in mystery and does not that share his plans till last minute. But, he is experience and knows what he’s doing.He’s like a parent if he’s with you’re you’re good and don’t have to think and just follow without asking questions