As around one million Muslims return to Saudi Arabia for the Hajj pilgrimage, the most since the pandemic began, our Muslim chaplain, Sadaf Solangi (pictured), reflects on this important event in the Islamic calendar:

“The month of Hajj (or Dhul Hijjaah) began on Thursday 30 June. Hajj is the pilgrimage to Mecca and a journey of a lifetime for all Muslims.

Before the pandemic, 2.5million pilgrims performed Hajj. Due to the restrictions of Covid-19, only 1,000 were able to complete it in 2020, while 60,000 pilgrims took part in 2021.

With more restrictions lifted, 1million pilgrims, including over 12,300 from the UK, have been able to go this year, among them our honorary Muslim chaplain, Tabassum Kokhar.

For those who will perform the Hajj it will be an intense and exhilarating experience of rituals. For those who remain in the UK, it’s a time for prayer, fasting, giving to charity, spiritual cleansing and reflecting on the symbolic theme of sacrifice.

The Day of Arafah will begin on the evening of Thursday 7 July, ending the following evening. It will be a very memorable time for the pilgrims.

Eid ul Adha will take place from Saturday 9 to Wednesday 13 July. Eid prayers will take place in mosques and open grounds.

I hope this month of Hajj brings happiness, reflection, patience and gratitude. Eid Mubarak to all our staff and their families!”