The Hajj 2025 pilgrimage, a journey of profound spiritual significance for Muslims worldwide, is anticipated to take place in the month of June.
Specifically, the sacred rites of Hajj are expected to commence on the evening of Wednesday, June 4, 2025, and conclude on Monday, June 9, 2025.
These dates correspond to the 8th to the 13th of Dhul Hijjah, the twelfth and final month in the Islamic lunar calendar.
As the Islamic calendar is based on lunar sightings, these Gregorian dates are subject to final confirmation closer to the time by the relevant authorities in Saudi Arabia.
For Muslims in Nigeria and across the globe, Hajj represents one of the five pillars of Islam.
It is a mandatory religious duty for every adult Muslim who is physically and financially capable of undertaking the journey at least once in their lifetime.
This comprehensive guide aims to provide you with essential information regarding Hajj 2025, particularly focusing on aspects relevant to intending pilgrims from Nigeria, including updates from the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), registration details, potential costs, and more.
Understanding the Significance of Hajj
Hajj is more than just a physical journey; it is a spiritual pinnacle, an act of devotion that commemorates the trials and unwavering faith of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), his wife Hajar (Hagar), and their son Prophet Ismail (Ishmael).
Millions of Muslims converge in Makkah (Mecca) and its surrounding holy sites in Saudi Arabia, unified in their worship, dressed in simple white garments called Ihram, symbolizing equality and purity before God (Allah).
The rituals of Hajj re-enact key events from Islamic history, fostering a deep sense of connection to one’s faith, promoting humility, patience, and unity among the diverse global Muslim community (Ummah).
Successfully completing Hajj is believed to result in the forgiveness of past sins, offering a spiritual rebirth for the pilgrim.
Hajj 2025 Nigeria: The Role of NAHCON
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) is the official body responsible for coordinating and managing Hajj and Umrah affairs for Nigerian pilgrims.
NAHCON works tirelessly to ensure a smooth, safe, and spiritually fulfilling Hajj experience. This involves:
- Allocating Hajj quotas to State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards (SPWBs), Agencies, and Commissions, as well as private tour operators.
- Regulating and licensing private Hajj tour operators.
- Negotiating and securing essential services in Saudi Arabia, including accommodation, transportation, and catering.
- Organizing airlift operations for pilgrims to and from Saudi Arabia.
- Providing medical services and general welfare support for Nigerian pilgrims during Hajj.
- Conducting enlightenment and education programs for intending pilgrims.
For NAHCON Hajj 2025 registration and official announcements, intending pilgrims should always refer to information released directly by NAHCON or their respective State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards.
Key Dates and Timelines for Hajj 2025 (Based on the Imminent June 2025 Hajj)
It’s important to note that as of May 2025, the preparations for the Hajj pilgrimage set to occur in June 2025 are already in advanced stages or concluding.
The following information largely pertains to this specific Hajj operation:
- Expected Hajj 2025 Dates: Wednesday, June 4, 2025 – Monday, June 9, 2025 (8-13 Dhul Hijjah 1446 AH).
- Hajj 2025 Registration Last Date: For the Hajj taking place in June 2025, NAHCON had announced extensions for registration, with the final deadline typically falling in the early part of the year. For instance, the deadline for the current Hajj 2025 was extended to February 10, 2025. This means registration for this particular Hajj is now closed. Intending pilgrims for future Hajj (e.g., Hajj 2026) should listen out for NAHCON announcements, usually released several months in advance.
- Airlift Operations: For the June 2025 Hajj, airlift operations for Nigerian pilgrims commenced around May 9, 2025, and are ongoing as of late May 2025. NAHCON has been providing regular updates on the progress of these airlifts.
Hajj 2025 Price and Packages for Nigerians
The Hajj 2025 price is a significant consideration for intending pilgrims. The cost can vary based on several factors, including the package chosen, the state of departure in Nigeria, global economic conditions (like exchange rates), and the cost of services in Saudi Arabia.
For the Hajj occurring in June 2025, NAHCON announced the official Hajj fares earlier in the year (around January 2025).
These were guiding prices for pilgrims going through State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards. For example:
- Pilgrims from Southern states: Approximately N8.78 million.
- Pilgrims from Borno and Adamawa zones: Approximately N8.33 million.
- Pilgrims from the Northern zone: Approximately N8.46 million.
Individual states, like Lagos, also announced similar fares. It’s crucial to understand that these figures were for the specific Hajj 2025 operation and can change for future Hajj due to various influencing factors.
Hajj 2025 packages Nigeria offered by licensed private tour operators often provide a wider range of services and accommodation options. These packages can vary significantly in price, potentially ranging from around N10 million to over N25 million, depending on:
- Proximity and star-rating of hotels in Makkah and Madinah.
- Type of airline and flight class.
- Duration of stay.
- Quality of tents and services in Mina and Arafat.
- Ground transportation arrangements.
- Catering services (meals provided).
- Additional support services like guided tours (Ziyarat) and religious scholars.
When choosing a Hajj package, whether through a state board or a private operator, it’s vital to ensure the operator is licensed by NAHCON and to get a clear breakdown of all services included in the price.
Hajj 2025 Selection List
There isn’t typically a single, publicly published “Hajj 2025 selection list” for all intending pilgrims in Nigeria.
The selection process generally works as follows:
- Meeting Eligibility Criteria: Intending pilgrims must be adult Muslims, financially capable, physically fit, and possess valid travel documents.
- Registration: Pilgrims register through their State Pilgrims’ Welfare Board or a NAHCON-licensed private tour operator.
- Payment of Hajj Fare: Timely payment of the announced Hajj fare (often in installments, with deadlines) is crucial.
- Balloting (If Applicable): In some states or with some operators, if the number of applicants exceeds the allocated slots, a transparent balloting system might be used.
- First-Come, First-Served: Often, priority is given based on the order of registration and payment completion.
For the Hajj taking place in June 2025, those who successfully registered and paid their fares are the ones currently being airlifted.
If you are planning for a future Hajj, the key is to start your preparations early, save consistently, and engage with the official channels (State Boards or licensed operators) once registration opens.
NAHCON Hajj 2025 Registration
While registration for the June 2025 Hajj is closed, understanding the general process is helpful for future planning:
- Announcement: NAHCON officially announces the commencement of Hajj registration, along with guidelines and often an initial fare deposit.
- State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards (SPWBs) / Licensed Tour Operators (LTOs): Intending pilgrims choose to register either with their respective SPWB or with an LTO.
- Application Form & Documentation: Pilgrims complete application forms and submit necessary documents, which typically include:
- International passport valid for at least six months beyond the Hajj period.
- National Identification Number (NIN).
- Passport-sized photographs.
- Medical fitness certificate.
- Proof of payment.
- Payment: Pilgrims make payments as stipulated by NAHCON or their chosen LTO. This might involve an initial deposit followed by the balance by a set deadline. Many pilgrims utilize the Hajj Savings Scheme facilitated by NAHCON and partner banks to save gradually.
- Biometric Data Capture: As required by Saudi authorities, pilgrims undergo biometric data capture.
- Pre-Hajj Education and Orientation: SPWBs and LTOs conduct mandatory orientation programs to educate pilgrims on Hajj rituals, regulations in Saudi Arabia, health and safety measures, and travel logistics.
Hajj 2025 News Update Today
For the most current Hajj 2025 News Update Today, especially concerning ongoing airlift operations for the June 2025 Hajj, it’s best to refer to:
- The official NAHCON website (nahcon.gov.ng).
- Reputable Nigerian news outlets that cover Hajj affairs closely.
- Announcements from your State Pilgrims’ Welfare Board.
As of late May 2025, news updates are primarily focused on the successful progress of airlifting registered pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for the Hajj rites commencing in early June.
The Rituals of Hajj
The Hajj pilgrimage involves a series of deeply symbolic rituals performed over several days in and around Makkah:
- Ihram: Before reaching Makkah, pilgrims enter a state of consecration known as Ihram. For men, this involves wearing two unstitched white cloths. Women wear modest, loose-fitting clothing that covers their entire body except for their face and hands. During Ihram, certain actions are prohibited, such as cutting hair or nails, using perfume, and engaging in arguments.
- Tawaf al-Qudum: Upon arrival in Makkah, pilgrims perform Tawaf – circling the Kaaba (the black, cube-shaped building at the center of Masjid al-Haram) seven times in a counter-clockwise direction.
- Sa’i: After Tawaf, pilgrims perform Sa’i – walking or hurrying seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah, re-enacting Hajar’s desperate search for water for her son Ismail.
- Journey to Mina (8th Dhul Hijjah): Pilgrims proceed to Mina, a vast tent city, where they spend the day and night in prayer and reflection.
- Day of Arafat (9th Dhul Hijjah): This is the pinnacle of Hajj. Pilgrims travel to the plain of Arafat, where they spend the day in earnest prayer, supplication (dua), and seeking forgiveness from Allah. Standing on Arafat is an essential rite; missing it invalidates the Hajj.
- Muzdalifah (Night of 9th Dhul Hijjah): After sunset on the Day of Arafat, pilgrims move to Muzdalifah, an open plain between Arafat and Mina. Here, they offer evening prayers and collect pebbles for the Jamarat ritual. They spend the night under the open sky.
- Ramy al-Jamarat (Stoning the Pillars – 10th Dhul Hijjah): On Eid al-Adha (the Festival of Sacrifice), pilgrims return to Mina and perform Ramy, stoning the largest of three pillars (Jamrat al-Aqabah) with seven pebbles. This symbolizes Prophet Ibrahim’s stoning of Satan.
- Qurbani (Sacrifice): After Ramy, pilgrims perform Qurbani, the sacrifice of an animal (sheep, goat, cow, or camel), commemorating Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son. Most pilgrims pay for this to be done on their behalf.
- Halq or Taqsir (Shaving or Trimming Hair): Men then shave their heads (Halq) or trim their hair (Taqsir). Women trim a small portion of their hair. This marks a partial exit from the state of Ihram.
- Tawaf al-Ifadha: Pilgrims return to Makkah to perform another Tawaf around the Kaaba, followed by another Sa’i if they haven’t performed it earlier with Tawaf al-Qudum or if required by their Hajj type. This Tawaf is a crucial element of Hajj.
- Further Ramy in Mina (11th, 12th, and possibly 13th Dhul Hijjah): Pilgrims return to Mina and stone all three Jamarat pillars on each of these days.
- Tawaf al-Wada (Farewell Tawaf): Before leaving Makkah, pilgrims perform a final Tawaf of the Kaaba.
Medical Team Hajj 2025
The health and safety of pilgrims are paramount. NAHCON, in collaboration with State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, organizes a Medical Team Hajj 2025 (and for every Hajj).
This team typically comprises volunteer doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals.
- Recruitment: NAHCON usually opens an online portal for medical professionals to apply to volunteer for the National Medical Team. For the June 2025 Hajj, this process occurred around March 2025.
- Services Provided: The medical team sets up clinics in Nigerian pilgrim accommodations in Makkah and Madinah, as well as field clinics at ritual sites like Mina and Arafat. They provide:
- Treatment for common ailments (e.g., respiratory infections, dehydration, heat exhaustion).
- Management of chronic conditions.
- Emergency medical care.
- Health education and preventive advice.
- Coordination with Saudi health authorities.
- Pilgrim Responsibility: Intending pilgrims, especially those with pre-existing health conditions, must:
- Undergo thorough medical check-ups before travel.
- Disclose their health status accurately during registration.
- Carry adequate supplies of their prescribed medications.
- Adhere to health advisories regarding vaccinations (e.g., meningitis, influenza), hygiene, and heat protection.
Kaduna State, for instance, mandated compulsory medical screening, including pregnancy tests for female pilgrims, for the Hajj occurring in June 2025, emphasizing that this was to ensure appropriate medical support rather than disqualification.
Preparing for Your Hajj Journey
Undertaking Hajj requires comprehensive preparation:
- Spiritual Preparation: This is the most crucial aspect. Purify your intentions, seek knowledge about Hajj rituals and their significance, increase your acts of worship (prayer, Quran recitation, dhikr), and seek forgiveness from those you may have wronged.
- Physical Preparation: Hajj involves a lot of walking and can be physically demanding, especially in the heat. Engage in regular exercise like walking to build stamina.
- Educational Preparation: Attend Hajj seminars and read authentic literature to understand the rites correctly. Learn the necessary supplications (duas).
- Financial Preparation: Save sufficiently for the Hajj fare and personal expenses. Ensure all debts are settled.
- Documentation: Ensure your international passport is valid and all travel documents are in order. Keep photocopies.
- Mental Preparation: Be prepared for large crowds, potential delays, and varying conditions. Cultivate patience, tolerance, and a positive attitude.
Planning for Your Sacred Journey
While registration and preparations for the Hajj 2025 (occurring in June 2025) are largely concluded, the information provided serves as a vital guide for those who performed Hajj this year and for those aspiring to undertake this blessed journey in the future (e.g., Hajj 2026, 1447 AH).
- Stay Informed: Regularly check the official website of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and your State Pilgrims’ Welfare Board for announcements regarding future Hajj operations, registration timelines, and fare details.
- Start Early: Hajj requires significant spiritual, physical, and financial preparation. Begin your savings journey now through the Hajj Savings Scheme or other means.
- Seek Knowledge: Attend Hajj seminars, read books, and consult knowledgeable scholars to understand the rites and significance of Hajj thoroughly.
- Consult Licensed Operators: If considering a private Hajj package, ensure you deal only with tour operators licensed by NAHCON.
May Allah accept the Hajj of all pilgrims and grant the opportunity to all aspiring Muslims to perform this sacred duty. Ameen.