Hajj 2024: your complete guide
Everything you need to know…
The next few weeks are some of the most important ones in the Kingdom and Islam. We’re currently gearing up for Hajj 2024 followed by Eid Al-Adha too, so it’s safe to say the country will be busy. If you’re not exactly sure what Hajj season entails, here’s everything to know.
What is Hajj?
Hajj is an annual pilgrimage to Makkah and is one of the five pillars of Islam. The rites of pilgrimage are performed over five to six days, extending from the 8th to the 13th of Dhu al-Hijjah (this year the corresponding dates on the Gregorian calendar are Friday June 14 until Wednesday June 19, with Eid Al-Adha expected to fall on Sunday June 16). Hajj is a religious requirement that all adult Muslims must perform at least once in their lives if they can afford it.
What is the difference between Hajj and Umrah?
Both are Islamic pilgrimages to Makkah, but the method of observance differs. Hajj is done over a set number of days in a set lunar month, whereas Umrah can be done throughout the year. While Hajj requires more preparation and time, Umrah only takes a few hours.
Applications
Applications for Hajj 2024 are already open. International pilgrims from the continents of Asia, Africa, Europe, North America, South America and Oceania can apply for the pilgrimage through the Nusuk Hajj application or online here. Local pilgrims can apply through this link.
Hajj packages
Local
For local pilgrims, there are currently six packages. These include the Kidana Valley Towers, economy, followed by packages one, two, three, and four. The least expensive one is package four at SAR3,984 while the most expensive one is the Kidana Valley Towers package at SAR13,733.
How blessed are those who pray close to the Kaaba, where prayers are magnified, and blessings descend abundantly!#No_Hajj_without_a_permit#Hajj_1445H#Ease_and_Tranquility pic.twitter.com/am0cpHg0kt
— Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (@MoHU_En) May 28, 2024
International
There are also six packages for international pilgrims including luxury, premium, standard, luxury shifting, premium shifting, and standard shifting. Each of the packages promises to make for a convenient and practical Hajj experience, the luxury packages are set to include stays in five-star hotels and residence buildings, while the standard and premium ones will include stays in four to three-star hotels respectively.
Umrah permits
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah declared that from Dhul Qada 16, or May 24, to Dhul-Hijjah 20, or June 26, anybody without a certified Hajj permit will not be granted an Umrah permit.
Digital IDs
Additionally, the Ministry of Interior launched a digital identity service for the Hajj pilgrims, who are arriving in the Kingdom from all over the world to perform the pilgrimage this year. The IDs will enable pilgrims to prove their identity electronically through the Absher and Tawakkalna platforms in order to facilitate the ID’s use during Hajj.
Flying taxis
This Hajj Season we will see the debut of flying taxis in Saudi Arabia. According to Saudi Gazette, Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistics Eng. Saleh Al-Jasser announced that the pilgrims will have the unique experience of benefiting from the service of flying taxis and drones during this year’s Hajj season. “These represent highly advanced modes of transportation including taxi applications.
Eid Al-Adha
Eid Al Adha 2024, also known as the Feast of Sacrifice is coming up in the middle of June (the expected date is Sunday June 16) and is the second of the two main holidays celebrated in Islam. But like Eid Al-Fitr, the exact dates for Eid Al-Adha depend on the moon’s sighting and will be confirmed closer to the time.
Visit: hajj.nusuk.sa