On May 17, 2026, a group of Muslims from Rwanda departed for Mecca to participate in the annual holy pilgrimage.
Travel Arrangements and Sponsored Tickets
A total of 72 pilgrims traveled to Mecca. Among them, 62 departed on a dedicated flight, while the remaining 10 traveled separately on another airline after receiving sponsored tickets from the Embassy of Saudi Arabia.
Religious Significance and Costs
Performing the pilgrimage to Mecca is a religious obligation for every Muslim who is financially capable of undertaking it. The journey costs approximately $7,800 per person. Completing the pilgrimage fulfills the fifth pillar of Islam. The four preceding pillars include believing in one God and that Prophet Muhammad is His messenger, performing the five daily prayers, giving charity, and observing the holy fasting period of Ramadan.
Guidance from Religious Leaders
The Muslim pilgrims, both men and women, were urged to observe all pilgrimage rituals and maintain commitment to prayer throughout the journey. The Mufti of Rwanda, Sheikh Sindayigaya Mussa, encouraged them by saying: “Remain united, pray for your country so that it continues to enjoy peace and progress, pray for the nation’s leaders, and also pray for those who have not yet had the opportunity to travel to Mecca so that they too may one day make the pilgrimage.”
RwandAir’s Role and Pilgrims’ Experiences
Mufti Sindayigaya also highlighted the contribution of RwandAir in making the pilgrimage journey easier and more efficient. He said: “Before our partnership with RwandAir, travelers had to first fly to Dubai on a six-hour journey, then spend around three hours waiting for a connecting flight, followed by additional travel time to their final destination, making the total journey nearly 15 hours. Now, the trip takes only three and a half hours, with less fatigue, no risk of lost luggage, and no delays, as passengers travel directly to their destination.”
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One of the female pilgrims, Wibabara Assouma, expressed her excitement about fulfilling the fifth pillar of Islam and said she believes the pilgrimage will bring spiritual renewal. She stated: “As God has said, this is holy land. When you go there and pray with faith, there is hope that your prayers will be answered. Most importantly, you fulfill a pillar of faith, and you do not return the same person you were before because your soul becomes spiritually purified.” Over the past three years since RwandAir began working with the Muslim community in Rwanda, the airline has transported 227 pilgrims to Mecca, including the 62 traveling this year, using dedicated pilgrimage flights.
