For many Hajj can be an expensive trip even if it is a once in a lifetime trip. This is why it is so important to plan well ahead financially. If you are careful with your finances and perhaps give up some material comforts, you can easily save enough money to cover all the costs involved in Hajj.

For example giving up cigarettes for a year, depending on how much you smoke can save you up to £1000 a year as well as your health, which is a gift from Allah. Other comforts including chocolate, newspapers or even holidays can be put aside for just one year of your life to be replaced by a once in a lifetime journey.

Islam prescribes that all financially and physically capable Muslims perform a pilgrimage to Makkah once in a lifetime. Besides commanding his/her companions to perform it, the Prophet (Salla Allahu Alayhi wa Sallam) advised them to prepare for it (including finances), and taught them the specific way in which each of the rituals involved was to be performed.

Muslims prepare for it as if they were leaving this world altogether. First, they have to pay off their debts including the zakat due on their wealth; to return whatever was given them in trust; and have enough savings to bear the expenses of the journey (such as travel, Hajj tax, and lodging) and the sacrifice (of an animal). Besides this, they also have to provide for their families and dependents during their absence. They must have earned and saved enough to cover these expenses. No Hajj is valid if it is performed "on credit." Every Muslim must make Hajj a priority and plan to perform it as soon as possible at least once in a lifetime.

If a person plans to perform Hajj in 2 years, assuming Hajj costs today of £2.000 per person, then the person needs to put aside and invest £2.70 per day or invest annually £1000, quarterly £250 or monthly £82. The intending pilgrim may consider investing little more than these amounts to cover rising costs or lower investment return. For a husband and wife, simply multiply these amounts by two.

As Muslims are strongly discouraged to incur debt, this approach of savings, investing and spending on future needs can also be used for other purposes such as saving for a car, college education, child's marriage, and Umrah.

It is wise to begin saving early and as such we at Easy Hajj have set up a saving scheme on behalf of our customers. Through weekly, monthly or even quarterly instalments by standing order or direct debit, pilgrims can build up their Hajj fund with Easy Hajj.