By William Madouk
South Sudan’s Islamic Council on Thursday announced the start of registration and preparations for the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage (1447 AH), setting the cost at about $5,000 per pilgrim.
Speaking at a press conference in Juba, Abdullah Baraj, secretary-general of the Islamic Council, said the fee covers all major expenses required to perform the pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.
“The Hajj costs approximately $5,000. This includes a round-trip air ticket, accommodation, transportation, insurance, concessional Hajj fees and Zakat,” Baraj said.
All these are included to enable pilgrims to travel from South Sudan to the Holy Mosque in Mecca and perform the rituals of Hajj,” he added
Baraj said the National Office of Hajj, headquartered in Juba, is operational, with branches in several states to facilitate registration nationwide.
“We have sent instructions to offices in the states to announce the Hajj and inform Muslims to come and register,” he said.
Registration is open only to South Sudanese nationals, Baraj said, describing nationality as a basic requirement.
“A person cannot perform the Hajj through South Sudan without South Sudanese nationality. This is the basic condition,” he noted.
According to the council, applicants must hold a valid South Sudanese passport, present a medical fitness certificate, and meet other documentation requirements. Pilgrims must be aged between 18 and 60.
Baraj said the pilgrimage is intended for Muslims who are physically and financially able, in line with Islamic teachings.
The 2026 Hajj (1447 AH) is expected to take place in late May, with the main ritual days likely falling between May 25 and May 30, depending on the sighting of the new moon in Saudi Arabia.
Meanwhile, Hassan Rahamatullah, executive director of South Sudan’s Hajj Affairs Office, said the country has been allocated about 1,000 slots for pilgrims, depending on registration numbers.
He said his office is ready to receive applications during the announced registration period.
Muslims make up an estimated 6% of South Sudan’s population of roughly 12 million, according to demographic and religious studies.