A new non-profit website is looking to make the haj process less strenuous for prospective pilgrims, by providing one platform through which to evaluate their options with regards to packages. The site is called Islamic Finance and features a ‘Haj prices’ section which provides a detailed spread sheet on rates, departure dates, the package duration, and the relevant contact details of the respective operators.

The site seeks to simply the navigation of around 300 available packages from 20 different operators, allowing individuals to make ‘like for like’ comparisons and selecting the option most suited for their needs.

Whilst the site has been operational for no more than a few days, founder Ebrahim-Khalil Hassen has been creating spread sheets since 2012. According to him the project initially started as a means of assisting friends and family, before he resolved to make those available online for the broader South African Muslim community.

“The process is governed by how Sahuc [the haj regulator] operates. People who have been accredited on the first list can now negotiate a package. On the website they can have all the contact information for the operators, and they can also download a spread sheet that gives access to all the advertised packages that are available,” he explained.

He said all of the operators in question have been extremely cooperative in providing the best and most up to date information as possible. He also recognised Sahuc’s assistance in this regard.

As opposed to everyday travel and holiday packages, which can take no less than 30 minutes to book online or via an operator, the haj pilgrimage poses a far more complex process.

“It has become so complicated and difficult with all these options that I think the power now lies with the operators and regulator. By providing this information and trying to make it as transparent and accessible as possible, we hoping that it puts the power back in the hands of hujjaj,” he stated.

Hassen was also hopeful this could help intervene more broadly in the way the Hajj process was currently regulated within South Africa a context, specifically with regards to prices.

“The prices are incredibly expensive. The cheapest price you are looking at is R33 000 per person. But I think we can actually bring that down over a period of time,” he said.

Whilst the site does work on mobile, it is advisable to access it via a pc or laptop instead.

The site can be access via the following link:

Islamic Finance . VOC (Mubeen Banderker)