Hajj 2026 reflections
While it is very, very pleasing to see young people turning to Hajj, as I mentioned in a previous post, today I want to share a gentle concern.
Hajj is not a picnic.
It is not a luxury retreat.
It is not a spiritual tourism package.
Hajj is meant to break us, humble us, cleanse us, and bring us back to Allah.
Alhamdulillah, good services, comfort, and reputable Hajj companies are a blessing. I am not against quality service at all. In fact, serving the guests of Allah with excellence is an honour. But my concern is that if we are not careful, the spirit of Hajj can slowly get buried under the language of “VIP”, “luxury”, “exclusive experience” etc.
And then those who go with simpler packages may start comparing, complaining, and feeling deprived — when in reality, the essence of Hajj was never comparing luxury. The essence of Hajj was submission.
Another concern is the growing trend of people choosing groups mainly because a famous scholar, speaker, celebrity, or public figure is going with them. Again, there is nothing wrong with respected people accompanying groups and inspiring others.
Infact guided hajj is necessary in many ways, especially for those performing it first time. But our intention must remain clear: we are going for Allah, not for personalities. Again, I clarify, having a good personality who becomes a guiding force on hajj is a blessing. But hajj SHOULD NOT become like a common historical tour/festival with famous people.
Choose good company, yes. Choose quality reliable organisers, yes. Benefit from scholars and speakers, absolutely. But never let the means become the purpose.
Hajj must remain Hajj.
A journey of tawheed, sacrifice, patience, humility, du‘a, tears, repentance, and transformation.
Another related concern is how Hajj is increasingly being presented on social media. Sharing beneficial reminders, experiences, and guidance can be valuable, but sometimes the focus can unintentionally shift towards creating content, chasing views, or romanticising the journey through endless vlogs and highlights. Hajj is far deeper than a collection of beautiful clips and memories; it is an intensely personal journey of worship, sacrifice, and transformation.
By M.A talks
