As the sacred journey of Hajj 2025 approaches, Rwanda’s Muslim community is poised for a transformative pilgrimage experience – thanks to strategic collaborations and meticulous planning. Central to this enhanced preparation is the partnership between the Rwanda Muslim Community (RMC) and RwandAir, the nation’s flag carrier. This alliance has addressed longstanding logistical challenges, ensuring a more seamless and spiritually fulfilling journey for Rwandan pilgrims. Historically, Rwandan pilgrims faced arduous travel routes to Mecca, often involving multiple layovers in cities like Nairobi, Addis Ababa, or Dubai. These extended journeys not only tested the pilgrims’ endurance but also posed logistical complications. Recognising these challenges, the RMC, under the leadership of Mufti Sheikh Musa Sindayigaya, initiated discussions with RwandAir to establish direct flights to Saudi Arabia. “People used to struggle and suffer when traveling from Kigali because there was no direct route to Saudi Arabia. We had to fly via Entebbe, Nairobi, or Addis Ababa, making the journey much longer,” Mufti Sindayigaya told The New Times ahead of departure on Tuesday, May 27. “We said, ‘We have our local carrier, which is RwandAir.’ We had a conversation that was very constructive, and we thank the management of RwandAir. Starting from the CEO, we met several times and discussed these matters, and she promised that she would address this issue,” he narrated. ALSO READ: Muslim community announces reforms for 2025 holy pilgrimage It is a development he thanks RwandAir and the Government of Rwanda for – ensuring that Muslims can travel smoothly and together as one. Through the partnership, pilgrims are now able to fly directly from Kigali to Jeddah, the international airport in Saudi Arabia, which Mufti Sindayigaya says is the main airport used by pilgrims. Sindayigaya says the collaboration significantly reduces travel time, with direct flights taking approximately three and a half hours, compared to the previous multi-leg journeys that could span over a day. Moreover, the return journey is equally streamlined, with flights from Medina back to Kigali, enhancing the overall pilgrimage experience. Enhancing accommodation to ensure proximity and comfort Beyond transportation, accommodation has been a critical focus area. In previous years, pilgrims often stayed in hotels located far from the holy sites, necessitating long walks under challenging conditions. This year, the RMC has secured accommodations within 700 meters of the Grand Mosque in Mecca. “The distance to the mosque is now walkable, allowing pilgrims to perform their prayers and rituals with greater ease,” Mufti Sindayigaya explained. “Additionally, the hotels meet higher standards of comfort and hygiene, ensuring a conducive environment for spiritual reflection.” Efficient visa processing and registration The RMC has also streamlined the visa application and registration process. By collaborating with the Saudi Embassy in Uganda and utilising the Nusuk platform, the community has ensured timely visa approvals and efficient documentation. This year, 70 pilgrims have been registered, with a cap of 15 per cent allocated for foreign residents in Rwanda, adhering to Saudi Arabia’s guidelines. “Our registration process concluded with 70 pilgrims, including 14 foreign residents,” Mufti Sindayigaya stated. “All necessary arrangements, including visa approvals and flight bookings, have been finalised.” A model for future pilgrimages The successful collaboration between the RMC and RwandAir serves as a model for future pilgrimages. By addressing logistical challenges and prioritising the well-being of pilgrims, Mufti Sindayigaya says the Muslim faithful are thankful for the national initiative, which they say gives them dignity. ALSO READ: Muslims laud govt facilitation of pilgrimage to Mecca for Hajj As pilgrims embark on their journey this evening, the RMC’s comprehensive approach ensures that their focus remains on the spiritual significance of Hajj, free from the distractions of logistical hurdles. “We are confident that our pilgrims will have a fulfilling and spiritually enriching experience,” Mufti Sindayigaya affirmed. “Our efforts aim to facilitate a journey that reflects the true essence of Hajj.” Hajj 2025: Key dates and significance Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, is scheduled to commence on the evening of Wednesday, June 4, 2025, and conclude on the evening of Monday, June 9, 2025, subject to moon sighting. The pilgrimage involves a series of rituals performed in and around Mecca, including Tawaf (circumambulation of the Kaaba), Sa’i (walking between the hills of Safa and Marwa), and standing at Arafat, which is considered the pinnacle of the Hajj experience. Eid al-Adha, marking the culmination of Hajj, is expected to be observed on June 6, 2025. This festival commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son in obedience to God, symbolising faith and devotion. The enhancements in Rwanda’s Hajj preparations underscore the nation’s commitment to facilitating this sacred journey, ensuring that pilgrims can focus on the spiritual aspects of Hajj with peace of mind.
