Hajj is a religious pilgrimage to Makkah that millions of Muslims make each year. As one of the five Pillars of Islam, each Muslim is obligated to perform the five-day pilgrimage at least once in their lifetime if they are able to, retracing the steps of the Prophet Muhammad PBUH’s final pilgrimage. It’s a spiritual and physically demanding journey that purifies your soul, forgives 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 go as a family – but that’s not always easy, and it’s certainly not cheap.
As the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah begins, prices for accommodation in Medina and Makkah skyrocket, as do the prices in nearby cities. As a result, Hajj can be a huge financial commitment, and you need to do your research to find the right deal for your Hajj.
How Much Does Hajj Cost?
There’s no simple way of giving an average cost for Hajj. There’s a range of factors that affect how much your Hajj will be. 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. Packages come with a range of benefits that make the Hajj a smoother ride and a more enjoyable experience. Package benefits include flights and ground transportation, medical support and insurance, 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 on the spirituality of the experience, instead of worrying about the little things while on your Hajj.
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. The cost of different packages usually depends on the type of accommodation and number of days you intend to spend there.
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 offers 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. 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 standard 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.
Hajj is by no means cheap but 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.
