When we were reviewing information, advice and references for different tour operators the one thing that stood out the most for Crescent Tours from other more popular operators was the information displayed on the website regarding Hajj. Especially, in regards to the details given about the tour itself such as details regarding what is included in the price, the itinerary, a FAQ page, hotel information etc. For us this was the main selling point because we felt comfortable knowing exactly what was being offered. The other great thing about Crescent Tours was Masood Sahib always answered the phone to help answer any queries or questions I did have. When we finally did commit to going with Crescent we always knew what was required next and when, for example submitting the passports and visa applications. Plus Masood Sahib came with us on the Hajj! I never expected the tour operator to go along with his customers, which added further to our confidence. In Saudi, we got the chance to interact with many other groups from Australia and again we sensed and experienced significant difference in the organization of our group vs. other groups. On Hajj, everyone is tested with patience, we too had a couple of instances where we had to wait long hours (eg: post immigration at Jeddah), but we were always kept up to date and this was a very reassuring feeling to have. Another example is during the time spent at Arafat and Muzdalifa, we were always well informed about where to meet, what to expect in terms of time and delays Sheikh Khalid who attended with us on the Hajj was excellent. We received regular talks/information events about Umrah, Hajj, purpose of Hajj, useful duas to make, prior to beginning of Hajj and we also received talks during our time in Mina. We found Sheikh Khalid to be very friendly and engaging. He made himself available to answer any questions we had outside of these talks and we were able to develop a good rapport with him. The hotels we stayed in post Hajj in Makkah and Medina were both excellent and exactly as offered on the website. I highly recommend Crescent Tours to anyone looking to perform Hajj in the coming years. Organisation is excellent, the size of group (approx 70) is just right, the price may be higher compared to other tour offerings, but what we received in return is more than what I imagined. We were very grateful that we had a trouble-free Hajj. One last thing piece of advice I would give to potential new Hujjaj; prepare as much as you can in terms of studying about the Hajj and its significance, as well preparing physically for the long walks (from Mina to Arafa, doing tawaf at the Haram on the roof, Saii between Safa and Marwa). Assaalaam alaikum Faisal Qureshi

Faisal Qureshi - Sydney 2012