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Al-Hijaz Challenge and Islamic Relief Umrah 2026, Madinah and Makkah, Saudi Arabia

Al-Hijaz Challenge / Islamic Relief Umrah

Date: November 1 – November 8, 2026

Where: Madinah and Makkah, Saudi Arabia

Activities: Umrah | Ziyarah | Trekking

Registration:

  • Challenge: $1,500 (Flights & visa excluded)
  • Umrah Packages: Toronto & Montreal $3,000 | Other Cities $3,500 (Flights included, visa excluded)

Fundraising Goal: $3,500

Deadline to Register: October 20, 2026

Journey of Faith, Adventure & Impact

Islamic Relief is launching two great opportunities to embark on a transformative journey through Islamic Relief Canada’s Al-Hijaz Umrah Challenge 2026, an immersive experience through the sacred cities of Madinah and Makkah, combining faith, adventure, and the opportunity to make a lasting difference.

One is the Al-Hijaz Challenge, and the other is the Islamic Relief Umrah.

About the Al-Hijaz Challenge

The Al-Hijaz Challenge is a unique 8-day pilgrimage and trekking experience designed for those who want to deepen their connection to Islamic history in a more adventurous manner while supporting vulnerable orphans around the world.

Participants will journey through the spiritual heartlands of Madinah and Makkah, experiencing key historical sites and engaging in physically rewarding treks that include three iconic mountain hikes: Mount Uhud, Mount Noor, and Mount Thawr.

This challenge includes:

  • Umrah: Perform this sacred pilgrimage in the holy city of Makkah.
  • Ziyara: Visit historic and religious sites that connect you to the legacy of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
  • 3 Peaks Trek: Challenge yourself with hikes to Mount Uhud, Mount Noor (Cave of Hira), and Mount Thawr (Cave of Thawr).
  • Inclusions: Ground transportation, accommodation
  • Exclusions: Flights and visa fees

About the Islamic Relief Umrah

The Islamic Relief Umrah is also an all-inclusive 8-day pilgrimage taking place concurrently to the Al-Hijaz Challenge but designed for those looking for a more spiritual experience.

All participants will perform the Umrah and Ziyaraat, but Umrah participants will not participate in the 3 peaks trek.

This challenge includes:

  • Umrah: Perform this sacred pilgrimage in the holy city of Makkah.
  • Ziyara: Visit historic and religious sites that connect you to the legacy of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
  • Inclusions: Flights, ground transportation, accommodation
  • Exclusions: Visa fees

How You Can Make an Impact

Your commitment goes beyond personal achievement. Through this challenge, you will raise vital funds to support Islamic Relief Canada’s Orphan Care Fund, helping us fill gaps and reach families who need urgent, life-saving assistance. Your support provides direct care for orphaned children, their mothers, and families around the world.

Sign Up Now

Madinah Segment

  • Day 1: November 1st
    • Arrival in Madinah
    • Upon clearing customs and collecting your luggage, transfer to your hotel.
  • Day 2: November 2nd
    • Badr gathering
    • Ziyara Tour of Madinah (Historical and Religious Site).
  • Day 3: November 3rd
    • Explore historical sites from the Battle of Uhud. Praying at Uhud Mosque.
    • Mount Uhud Hike (Challenge Participants only)
    • Museum Visit: The International Fair & Museum and As Safiyyah Museum & Park (Umrah participants only)

Makkah Segment

  • Day 4: November 4th
    • Transfer from Madinah to Makkah. Upon arrival in Makkah, check into your hotel and perform Umrah.
  • Day 5: November 5th
    • Visit the Cave of Hira
    • Mount Noor Hike | Jabal al-Noor, Cave of Hira (Challenge Participants only)
    • Museum Visit: Hira Cultural District, located at the foot of Mount Noor (Umrah participants only)
  • Day 6: November 6th
    • Pray Salatul Jumu’ah at Masjid Al-Haram
  • Day 7: November 7th (Challenge Participants)
    • Visit Mount Thawr
    • Mount Thawr Hike (Challenge Participants only)
    • Museum Visit: Clock Tower Museum (Umrah participants only)
  • Day 8: November 8th
    • Departure.

Note: Participants staying beyond Day 8 are responsible for arranging their own transportation and accommodation for the remainder of their trip. The itinerary is subject to change due to weather conditions, group fitness levels, or local circumstances.

What is included in the registration fee?


AL-HIJAZ CHALLENGE

The registration fee will cover your accommodation, transportation within Saudi Arabia, guided treks, some meals, and overall program support.


Flights to and from Saudi Arabia and umrah visa for entry into the country are not included in the package. These will need to be arranged for by the participants themselves.


ISLAMIC RELIEF UMRAH

The registration fee will cover your flights, accommodation, transportation within Saudi Arabia, some meals, and overall program support.


Umrah visa for entry into the country is not included in the package. This will need to be arranged for by the participants themselves. Guided treks are also not included in this package.


Do I need prior trekking experience for the challenge?

Basic fitness and stamina are recommended, but prior trekking experience is not mandatory.


Can I extend my stay after the Umrah/Challenge?

Yes, but you must arrange your own accommodation and transportation after the duration of this challenge.


Is travel insurance required?

Yes, participants must secure travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and trip interruptions. This is not included in the package and will need to be acquired by the participants themselves.

  • Age: Participants must be 18 years of age or older to be able to travel alone. Participants below the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Physical Fitness: Individuals should be physically fit and capable of participating in physically demanding challenges for the Al-Hijaz Challenge.
  • Health Conditions: Participants should not have any severe medical or health conditions that could jeopardize their well-being, such as physical injuries, heart conditions, or pregnancy. It is advisable to consult a doctor before signing up.
  • Fundraising Goal: Each participant must raise 100% of their fundraising goal before the challenge begins, regardless of whether they are travelling separately or as a group. For this challenge, participants have the option to raise funds as a group.
  • Selection Process: All applicants will undergo a selection process to ensure that participants meet the specific requirements and criteria of the challenge. Selected participants will be notified and provided with further instructions on registering and preparing for the trip.


Registration fees are non-refundable.

 Contact Us

You can email [email protected] with any questions or for any further information. We’re here to support 9am to 5pm EST, Monday to Friday.