Pilgrims rely on accurate information, so we take care over how our content is written and checked. This article explains our approach to guides and sources: who our guides are for, which references we use, how we present differences of scholarly opinion and how you can tell us if something needs correcting.
How our guides are written
Our Umrah and Hajj guides are written in plain language for pilgrims, many of whom are travelling for the first time. Each guide follows the journey in order, from preparation and ihram to the rites in Makkah and visits in Madinah, and uses short paragraphs that are easy to read on a phone.
Before publishing, each guide is reviewed against the sources listed below and against official Saudi guidance. We revisit guides when rules change, for example when permit or visa requirements are updated, and we check related pages and tools at the same time so they stay consistent with each other. Keeping our guides and sources aligned in this way is an ongoing task rather than a one-off check.
The five principles behind our guides and sources
Primary religious texts
Religious content is based on the Qur’an and well-known hadith collections such as Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim. We cite a verse or collection only where we are certain of it.
Recognised scholarship
We draw on established works of fiqh and widely respected scholars, and present mainstream positions.
Official platforms
Visa, permit and health information is checked against official Saudi platforms and government travel advice.
Scholarly differences shown
Where the schools of thought differ, we say so and encourage you to follow a trusted scholar.
Corrections welcomed
If you find an error, we review it and update the page.
Religious guides and sources
We do not invent or paraphrase hadith as if they were quotations. Duas in our Umrah duas guide and the dua finder show the Arabic, a transliteration, the meaning and the source. Where a practice is recommended rather than required, we make that clear.
Official and travel guides and sources
Rules for visas, permits, vaccinations and Hajj registration are set by the Saudi authorities and the governments of each country. We link to official platforms such as Nusuk and the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, and we recommend you check them before you book or travel, because these rules can change at short notice.
Tools and practical information
Our interactive tools and resources follow the same approach. The Miqat finder, ihram checker and checklists are based on the same guides and sources as our articles.
How to report a correction
If you think something in our guides and sources is wrong, unclear or out of date, please tell us through the contact page. Include the page address, the sentence you are concerned about and, if possible, the reference you are relying on. We read every report, check it and update the page where needed. We usually reply within one working day.
We also welcome suggestions for new topics. If a question came up on your own journey that our guides did not answer, tell us about it, as it may help the next pilgrim prepare.
Guides and sources: frequently asked questions
Which school of thought do your guides follow?
We present mainstream positions and note where the schools differ, rather than following only one school.
Are your guides a substitute for a scholar?
No. They are a practical introduction. For personal rulings, consult a qualified scholar you trust.
How often are guides updated?
We review them regularly and whenever official rules change or a reader reports an issue.
Related articles
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