For the inhabitants of the United Kingdom, having easy access to top-of-the-line Hajj services in the UK and converting this lifetime event into an easily convenient and spiritually enriching experience is easy. Starting on the sacred Hajj pilgrimage is a religious adventure eagerly looked forward to by every Muslim to have once in his life. It is not just a physical travel but a highly spiritual journey reflecting the essence of obedience, equality, and faithfulness in Islam.
Understanding Hajj: The Fifth Pillar of Islam
As a muslim we all know that Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam, it is compulsory upon every Muslim who possesses the physical and financial means to perform it. This pilgrimage occurs annually during the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah in the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Its rites commemorate the trials and sacrifices of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and his family, symbolizing unwavering faith and obedience to Allah.
The Significance of Hajj
The significance of Hajj goes beyond ritual practice. It is a great leveler, erasing race, nationality, and economic status differences among Muslims across the globe. Pilgrims, in simple white garments called Ihram, stand together shoulder to shoulder, symbolizing the equality and fraternity of Islam. The dividends of religion are immense, with the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) stating that a genuine Hajj cleanses a person of sins, making him/her as innocent as a child.
Preparing for Hajj: Steps and Rituals
- Hajj is composed of a series of very ritualized activities carried out over the course of several days:
- Ihram: Pilgrims become spiritually purified, don particular clothes and make a decision (Niyyah) to move forward for Hajj.
- Tawaf: Seven rounds about the House of Allah in the counter-clockwise direction, reflecting Allah’s personality in the world.
- Sa’i: Seven rounds from the hills of Safa to Marwah, symbolizing the futile searching by Hagar for water for her son Ishmael.
- Arafat: Praying on the plain of Arafat, asking forgiveness and invoking Allah—a symbol of Hajj ritual unifying.
- Muz.daliyah: Collecting pebbles for hajj and sleeping under the open sky, taking up humility and reflection as a lifestyle.
- Ramy al-Jamarat: Throwing of three pillars in remembrance of Satan attempting to lead astray Prophet Ibrahim, but rejecting evil.
- Qurbani: Sacrifice of animals, in remembrance of Prophet Ibrahim, who was going to sacrifice his son as a sacrifice on the orders of Allah.
- Tawaf al-Ifadah: The second circumambulation of the Kaaba, denoting further piety and surrender.
- Halq or Taqsir: Shaving or amputating the head, for the purpose of symbolizing rebirth and humility.
- Tawaf al-Wada: Last circumambulation that signals the end of the Hajj and leaving holy city.
Premier Hajj Services in UK
For UK residents, selecting a reputable Hajj service provider is crucial to ensure a fulfilling pilgrimage. Premier Umrah Tours offers a range of meticulously crafted Hajj packages tailored to meet diverse needs:
Diamond Hajj Package (18 Days)
- Departure: Expected on 5/6 June 2024
- Return: Expected on 23/24 June 2024
- Makkah Hotel: Talah Ajyad
- Madinah Hotel: Sama Masih Hotel
- Food: Full board
- Transport: Full transport provided by the Saudi government
- Inclusions: Qurbani and Ziyarat (visits to sacred sites)
- Pricing:
- Quad Sharing: £7,495 (Maktab-A)
- Triple Sharing: £8,995 (Maktab-A)
- Double Sharing: £9,495 (Maktab-A)
- Quad Sharing: £7,495 (Maktab-A)
Gold Hajj Package (18 Days)
- Departure: Expected on 5/6 June 2024
- Return: Expected on 23/24 June 2024
- Makkah Hotel: Talah Ajyad
- Madinah Hotel: Sama Masih Hotel
- Food: Full board
- Transport: Full transport provided by the Saudi government
- Inclusions: Qurbani and Ziyarat
- Pricing:
- Quad Sharing: £6,795 (Maktab-B, Zone-1)
- Triple Sharing: £8,295 (Maktab-B, Zone-1)
- Double Sharing: £8,795 (Maktab-B, Zone-1)
- Quad Sharing: £6,795 (Maktab-B, Zone-1)
Silver Hajj Package (18 Days)
- Departure: Expected on 5/6 June 2024
- Return: Expected on 23/24 June 2024
- Makkah Hotel: Talah Ajyad
- Madinah Hotel: Sama Masih Hotel
- Food: Full board
- Transport: Full transport provided by the Saudi government
- Inclusions: Qurbani and Ziyarat
- Pricing:
- Quad Sharing: £5,995 (Maktab-D, Zone-1)
- Triple Sharing: £7,495 (Maktab-B, Zone-1)
- Double Sharing: £7,995 (Maktab-B, Zone-1)
- Quad Sharing: £5,995 (Maktab-D, Zone-1)
Understanding Hajj Package Variations
- In choosing a Hajj package, we should understand that non-shifting and shifting packages are different
- Non-Shifting Hajj Packages: In these packages, pilgrims stay in one permanent, standard room in Makkah and Madinah during the trip and do not need to move into temporary ones. This is convenient and comfortable for the elderly and family people.
- Shifting Hajj Packages: Apart from this, shifting packages involve staying in temporary housing near Makkah or Madinah before shifting nearer to the holy mosques during peak seasons. The packages are relatively cheaper and are preferred by budget-conscious travelers who are not fussy about shifting temporarily in an effort to save costs.
Cost Considerations for Hajj from the UK
The UK Hajj fare is different according to package, facilities, stay, and services. The average price of a Hajj package ranges from £5,000 to £10,000 per person. Full-service packages with accommodations and luxury packages are costly, while bad services with economy packages are cheap.
Selecting the Right Hajj Service Provider
Choosing a trustworthy Hajj agency is paramount to ensure a smooth and spiritually fulfilling pilgrimage. Here are some reputable Hajj agencies in the UK: