ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Your Personal Guide to Hajj Umrah Ziyarat Ziyarat of Shaam Please refer to page numbers 5 to 14, which are very important except for a few changes for Ziyarat in Syria, which are mentioned below. Information For Syrian Visa They are very strict especially Zuwars holding Tanzanian, Kenyan, Ugandan, Indian, Pakistani and Shri Lankan passports. You must obtain your Visa from the country of your residence before you proceed to Syria.

If you are going to go to Iran then please make sure that you have a multiple visa for Syria otherwise you will have a problem on your return from Iran. If you have joined a group then your group organizer will be responsible for obtain your visa. Hotels & Restaurants In addition to five star hotels mentioned in this booklet, there are also many 2 and 3 star hotels at the city centre, known as the MERGE which are less expensive and affordable.

There are also many restaurants at the MERGE but we will recommend two, ALI BABA and ABU KAMAL the food is also very reasonable. Transportation Taxis are very cheap in Damascus. From the city centre to Raudhah of Bibi Zainab may cost you about Fifty Syrian Pounds. Traveller’s Cheques It is very difficult to cash your traveler’s cheques and we advise you to carry US Dollars bills in large denomination.

Currencies There is an exchange control in Syria and Zuwars are advised not to cash their currency in stores but to go to the banks. It is difficult to cash Traveler’s cheques and we recommend you carry US Dollars bills with you in large denomination for better rate. If you have joined a group then the group leader can assist you in exchanging your currency. Exchange only what you think you will need. You will not be able to reconvert the Syrian Pounds into US Dollars.

The rate of exchange fluctuates against the American Dollar and the rate in December 1997 was about 35/40 Syrian Pounds to one US Dollar. Weather During the months of December, January and February are very cold and you will require thermal undergarments, winter coat and winter gloves. March, April, August, September and October and are pleasant months. June and July are very hot. Damascus – Raudhah of Bibi Zainab A.S. You will visit the Raudhah of Bibi Zainab A.S.

in the town of As-Sayyida Zainab. Bibi Zainab A.S. was the daughter of our first Imam Hazrat Ali A.S. and Bibi Fatima Zehra A.S. She was born in Medina on 1st Shabaan in the year 6 A.H. and she died in the year 62 A.H.