Hajj is a spiritual journey that purifies your soul, pardons your sins, and brings you closer to Allah (SWT).
Each year, millions of Muslims journey to Saudi Arabia for Hajj, with some saving for years to be able to afford to go as a family – but that’s not always easy, and it’s certainly not cheap.
As the Islamic lunar month of Dhul Hijjah begins, prices for accommodation in Medina and Makkah skyrocket, as do the prices in nearby cities. As a result, performing Hajj can be a huge financial commitment costing a lot of money, so you need to do your research to find the right deal for your Hajj pilgrimage.
The Importance of Hajj
Hajj is the religious annual pilgrimage to the holy land of Makkah that millions of Muslim pilgrims make each year. It is one of the most important dates in the Islamic calendar.
Although it’s not cheap, Hajj is one of the five Pillars of Islam, and is therefore a compulsory pilgrimage. Each Muslim is obligated to perform the five-day pilgrimage at least once in their lifetime if they are able to do so, retracing the steps of the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) final pilgrimage.
First and foremost, Hajj is a way for Muslims to grow closer to Allah (SWT). It is a time for reflection, repentance, and spiritual renewal. Muslims believe that the journey to Mecca (Makkah) is a way to cleanse oneself of sins and to seek forgiveness from Allah. The rituals and practices involved in Hajj help Muslims to focus on their faith, and deepen their connection with our Creator.
Hajj is also a way for Muslims to connect with each other, and the Ummah as a whole. Millions of Muslims from all over the world come together in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, to perform the pilgrimage.
Regardless of their nationality, race, or social status, they are all equal in the eyes of God. This sense of unity and brotherhood is a powerful reminder of the importance of community in Islam.
Another important aspect of Hajj is its historical significance. Mecca is the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and the Kaaba, which was built by the Prophet Ibrahim and his son Ismail, is located there.
By performing the rituals of Hajj, pilgrims are following in the footsteps of these great Prophets, and connecting with their rich history and heritage.
How Do Hajj and Umrah Costs Compare?
On the whole Umrah packages are considerably cheaper than Hajj packages. Although Hajj and Umrah both involve travelling to Makkah, Umrah takes much less time to complete, as it does not include all of the Hajj rituals. This means you’ll have to spend fewer days undertaking the pilgrimage – making the accommodation costs much lower.
Do You Need a Hajj Visa?
When completing the fifth pillar of Islam it is required that you have a Hajj visa. Luckily, pilgrims can obtain Hajj visas free of charge thanks to the Saudi government. Although you can perform Umrah with a tourist visa, you will not be able to attend Hajj with it. You will need to obtain a specific Hajj visa in order to perform Hajj.
The Cost of Hajj
There’s no simple way of giving an average cost for Hajj. There’s a range of factors that affect how much your pilgrimage will cost. Hajj Prices vary from year to year and can depend on which country you’re coming from and how many people are going – is it just you or are you bringing the whole family?
Still, the best way to arrange your Hajj is to book a package with an agency. Hajj packages come with a range of benefits that make the journey of Hajj a much smoother ride and a more enjoyable experience for many pilgrims from across all the world.
Package benefits include flights and ground transportation, medical support and insurance, tour operators, a Muslim teacher to guide you through the pilgrimage, accommodation, food and drink, ihrams and hijabs, and some even provide courses for preparation before the Hajj.
However, Hajj packages don’t necessarily include the Saudi Arabian Hajj fee or Qurbani, which you may need to arrange yourself. Still, these packages allow you to focus solely on the spiritual experience of worship, instead of worrying about the little things while on your Hajj pilgrimage.
How Much Is Hajj From the UK?
When booking your package from an agency, the cost of Hajj from the UK can vary considerably, from £4,000 to £9,000 per person. The cost of different packages usually depends on the type of accommodation and number of days you intend to spend in Saudi Arabia.
A typical example of a Hajj package would be a 12-day package at £6,400 per person. This includes flights, accommodation in Makkah and Medina with meals included, air-conditioned coaches, luxury tents in Mina, experienced and bilingual scholars as guides, and a Hajj seminar beforehand. However, you can add on an extra week and stay in a more luxurious hotel for an extra £1,000.
Others offer similar packages, allowing you to choose from budget options from £5,500 to more deluxe ones from £6,400.
Choosing between shifting and non-shifting packages can also affect the price and is worth bearing in mind. Shifting means that you’ll have to change accommodation, literally having to ‘shift’ yourself and your luggage.
Non-shifting allows you to stay in your accommodation for more peace of mind. Travel to Haram offers luxury Hajj packages with a choice of either shifting or non-shifting. For some of the best Hajj packages, a luxury, non-shifting package could cost nearly £7,000. but allows you to stay in 5-star hotels in both Makkah and Medina as well as all the other luxuries and amenities you would expect. However, if you’d like a similar level of luxury for a lower price, selecting a shifting option drops the price down to less than £5,000 per pilgrim.
Although Hajj costs are considerably high, it is an unforgettable experience and a once-in-a-lifetime trip, so it’s worth saving up! Whether you’re on a budget or not, there are a variety of packages available that will take care of your needs and get you onto that all-important pilgrimage for Allah (SWT).
