Arif Hajj & Umrah Services Reviews 73

A late (& condensed review), but I wanted to share my experience to help the hujjaj making a decision for the coming year.Alhamdulillah, I was blessed to perform Hajj in 2025, and I can’t describe how grateful I am. My experience with Arif Hajj was very mixed though. The actual Hajj went okay overall, but the pre-Hajj experience was quite poor.After package purchase, there was silence for almost a month. I had to find the group chat myself as they didn’t send it for ages. Unlike other groups, Arif refused to make a proper chat and only used an announcement group, which made it hard to get answers which left me wandering into other group chats.They did run webinars which helped, but when I asked questions about Mina boundaries, Arif basically told me to stop creating doubts and “trust your scholar.” When I told him what my local imam said, he just disrespected him directly saying that person (an imam of many many years) probably doesn't know anything about hajj. Islam encourages asking questions, not silencing them. I even messaged him personally about qurbani and got the most useless replies. He gave no proper qurbani guidance until about 10 days before departure – very poor planning.If you go with him, I strongly suggest NOT doing your qurbani through Arif. I used another group that handled it smoothly and sent me confirmation within 35 minutes completing at around 10am. Those who used Arif were waiting until around 4:30 pm for their completion, as he waits for everyone to finish pelting before giving the green light which just makes a long day even longer. At the airport, Arif’s father and the guides were helpful. In Makkah, there were issues with transport – several bus delays, and one driver didn’t have the correct permit so we had to walk. A bus to Mina (not mine) was delayed by more than three hours. Our transport to Muzdalifah was late too, and we arrived barely two hours before fajr, leaving little time to rest. Some of us wanted to walk between the sites under supervision but Arif refused. The Mina camps were good though, lively (always on the mic which might not suit everyone).A big positive was Shaykh Burhaan – a brilliant addition to the group. His knowledge, calmness, and his heartfelt dua at Arafat were beautiful. He was approachable, patient, and guided us throughout kindly.Our stay in Makkah (Hilton Suites) was great – lovely room, great view, no issues. Madinah, however, was disappointing. We stayed at Pullman Zamzam which was overcrowded and chaotic. My room was far from my family, lifts were packed constantly, and the view was just a blank wall. I asked Arif to change it and he promised to sort it the next day but did nothing. I wasn’t well, so I just let it go. Timings for everything were usually at short notice. There was also visible favouritism – people in Arif’s inner circle got better rooms and quieter breakfasts while others were told nothing could be done. He even treated about 15 people to a meal which was nice of him, but it did make the rest of us feel left out.The ziyarat trip (organised by Al‑Bait) was poor. We only saw three places in around six hours, mostly just waiting on the bus. The guide was watching YouTube, and at one point two brothers had to step out to help move the bus. To make things worse, it started before breakfast and by the time we got back, no food was left. We were told to sort our own, not an issue for us but the elder lot struggled, considering our package is breakfast only. I regretted not opting for a private ziyarat instead, would be much better value of time.On the flight home my family were scattered all over – my wife seated at the back while I was all the way in front. This should’ve been better arranged.I also feel for the doctors in our group who were constantly pulled aside to help people medically, even though they came to perform their own Hajj. The group should really have had designated medical support instead of relying on them.Overall, Alhamdulillah, my Hajj went well and I’m thankful to Allah. But the organisation, communication, and just attitude from Arif needs major improvement. I don't think I could recommend people to travel with this group, even though the people and some of the guides were amazing.
Was a 2 star review, only giving 3 star for the amazing Sheikh saab, may Allah give him the opportunity to do this again.

Alhamdulilah and Shukr to Allah SWT for allowing me to perform my fardh Hajj this year. May Allah reward the Arif Hajj team and accept their khidmat of deen.

This is not a review of my Hajj experience. Alhamdulilah, the Hajj itself was incredible and full of blessings. Rather this is feedback on how Arif Hajj can improve the services they provide and make it worthwhile for the money the hujjaj spend. Packages this year were very expensive & it upsets me to admit that Arif Hajj caused alot of inconvenience due to a combination of reasons. I'll try break them down:

● Lack of Communication => This is huge. Arif Hajj doesn't even have a group chat for everyone to communicate. All they had were announcement pages for them to tell us what they want & throw orders. In addition, when we tried to get in touch with the guides no one will answer. I mean seriously? The tour guides stayed in their own little group & left us to it.
● Medical => In every webinar it was emphasised that there will be a medic/Doctor in the team. They did not have one which is Sad because we had an 80 year old patient, quite a few people with medical conditions and then obviously the women need specific attention. No one was attended to till an emergency occurred. Altaf is so lucky we had a GP in the group.
● Transparency => My friends and I very quickly understood that anytime Altaf throws a deadline at us, he's hiding something. On the night of 7th DH we were told to be ready with our bags for 11PM to leave in the coaches. It wasn't on time, some of us wanted to sleep... some didn't. The coach didn't arrive until 8AM. Now on the one hand Alhamdulilah we were able to observe a Sunnah but on the other hand there could've been more transparency. Something similar occurred before going to Muzdalifa but that's normal because many hujjaj are taking this journey at once. On another occasion, we were told to leave the Madinah Hotel at 3pm. We are not being informed of the actual checkout time and Asr is close. The Prophet sallalahu alayhiwasalam's Masjid is just outside and we were told we can't go to do Salaam now or pray. We ended up leaving at 5pm.
● Individual Ibadaat => Our time in Mina and Arafat is very precious and full benefit must be taken care of on these days. I found that our group unfortunately didn't respect the fact that some of us wanted to pray Individually. In Mina, their programme schedule was filled with bayaans all day which I despised. Hujjaj wanted to read Qur'an, do dhikr, pray nafl salah, Qadha Salah etc. However, it was as though they would not let go of the mic.
In Arafat, I saw camps that were completely tranquil between Zuhr & Asr allowing the hujjaj to exert themselves in supplication for 6/7 hours straight whereas our camp would constantly recite "labaik" & Qasida Burda on repeat. They maybe had two lengthy bayaans in the middle. The only way I got some peace was to escape, sit in the sun, supplicate & reflect. These days are truly a golden opportunity for reflection.
● We were not able to make the most of our time in Madinah generally as it was only three days. Even one more day would've been enough. To have our last day be on Jumu'a felt like a rush. I would have liked a calmer & smoother fairwell salaam.
● Shuttle Service => Many brothers when travelling from Aziziya to Mina struggled due to the long journey & because of being with family. Many times a cab would have to be booked which is extremely expensive in those days. Altaf promised a Shuttle service from Aziziya which we didn't receive. We just needed to adjust.

Last point => Altaf seriously needs to stop with his vlogs. Those vlogs can seriously be a short msg which is more likely to be read. No one likes to receive vlogs & having to watch them everytime to receive an update. It's inconvenient knowing that 1minute video could be replaced with a two line message max! It's frustrating especially when trying to focus on ibadah.

Positive:
▪︎ This was Alhamdulilah a 20 Day Package. Subhanallah. No amount of time in the blessed lands is ever enough but this was one of the longest periods offered and I'm grateful.

For those Intending to go for Hajj, don't be fooled by Arif's marketing. Despite their many flaws, at the end of the day we were comfortable 90-99% of the time. Mashallah they offer a great package but there is always room for improvement.

After returning home from my hajj this year and reflecting back on my time I feel I am in a better position to pen my feedback.
My experience with Arif Hajj & Umrah Services was extremely disappointing. The team was disorganised, unprofessional, and often said one thing but did another. Communication was poor, and staff were frequently rude and dismissive.
It felt like the focus was more on personal gain than genuinely serving pilgrims.
Their arrogance and lack of accountability made the entire journey far more stressful than it needed to be. I would not recommend this group to anyone looking for a respectful and reliable Hajj or Umrah experience.

After years of contemplation and anticipation, my wife and I decided to embark on this beautiful journey. The hajj itself is a most fulfilling and wholesome experience. This was in no way facilitated though by the said company we decided to share this journey with.

Disclaimer-**This review is specifically for Arif Hajj and not Nusuk or Al Bait**

From the very beginning there was an air of arrogance and bullying behaviour. The team operated in a very much dictatorial fashion where feedback was not only discouraged but frowned upon- worse in fact: shouted upon.

At every given stage, we were made to feel as if the service provided was 'extra' or not what one should expect normally even though all had paid a significant amount to expect a baseline service. The fact that this was a religious pilgrimage was almost used as a shield to make us feel guilty for expecting even the most basic of services or provisions. One would expect that this would add to the responsibility and kindness, generosity and respectful demeanour of the provider. Not the case here unfortunately. I would like to add that the service was so substandard that when basic etiquette was established one would feel as if the heavens of mercy had opened- thats how bad it was. Even these instances though were few and far between.

As a couple we are not the most nuanced travellers but have travelled enough to know that even a basic service requires mutual respect and regards especially when dealing with grown adults. If there was anything that seemed arguably wrong or out of place, we were specifically told 'I don't want to hear it'. These were the exact words. So to then have any expectation of constructive feedback was pointless. What does one do when faced with such harsh directions?

I could go on about the terrible lack of communication by the group leads and blatant withholding of information, disorganisation, flagrant misuse of powers of authority but I'm hoping some other individuals will have the courage to speak up and perhaps share this in their own words. Even the most glowing reviews must admit to the harsh reality that this team grossly undelivered on a number of intrinsic points. For now I can only add as follows:

Many a times there was an expectation or even an order to stand on bus journeys because of a lack of seats. Why were there not more coaches booked? How absurd is it to expect one to stand no matter what their capabilities? Would we not expect any other holiday operator to have these services? Why then expect any less when on a religious holiday? Nobody questioned it not because they agreed with this pathetic money greedy company where obvious corners had been cut to save money nothing else, but because the virtues of 'sabr qadr and ehsaas' were actually being practiced not used as mere words as was the case with the group lead.

Basic information such as day to day itineraries were withheld. This was not an oversight but a deliberate measure to ensure control on our movement and independence to make informed choices. Even on the blessed day of Arafah there was no clear plan of action, the itinerary was in fact released late afternoon. Why? Words and explanations fail me. Not that any explanation was given in any case.

The group lead used every given opportunity to scream from the top of his lungs. I'm not sure if this was from the pressure of leading a significant sized group for the first time or a tactic employed to hush voices of disagreement or displeasure. Whatever the case, it was unnecessary and disrespectful given the enormity of the occasion and specifically the day.

Another point that should definitely be made here is that the providers ensured a fantastic time for the 'chosen' few that were either friends/contacts or persons with leverage with either the family or friends/relatives through them. This is made even more evident through the reviews. Every one was assisted by a 'favour' be that a room upgrade or otherwise. They know exactly who they are. Alhamdulilah, we have made peace with the promise from the Almighty that 'with difficulty comes ease'. We may not have the most easiest of journeys but it has been the most fulfilling ones that my wife and I have experienced. It is a shame that a journey that should have been looked back upon with the knowledge of being levered by a sincere team was in fact hampered by the exact opposite: knowing that a team that should have treated everyone EQUALLY decided that groupism was the way forward.

May Allah give us all hidayah and the means to treat everyone fairly, speak fearlessly and honestly and leave reviews that others should benefit from. Ameen.

(In case you are wondering why the 2 stars: For the Sheikh that accompanied us on this beautiful journey. May Allah bless him for his character and kindness throughout

I recently had the blessing of being invited to perform Hajj with my wife.

Alhamdulillah - a beautiful journey and a beautiful team to help guide us along the way.

Brother Altaf, Qari saab, brother Zaheer were great throughout. We felt very supported and had a truly amazing experience.

I would recommend anyone wanting to go to hajj to go with Arif Hajj and Umrah and Al bait guests.

I recently had the privilege of performing Hajj with Arif Hajj and Umrah, and I must say it was a truly life-changing experience. The guidance and support provided by brother Arif and his team were exceptional, and their knowledge and expertise in handling the logistics of the pilgrimage were impressive.

From the moment we arrived in Makkah and Madinah, Arif ensured that every detail was taken care of, allowing us to focus on the spiritual aspects of our journey. Their team was professional, courteous, and always willing to lend a helping hand.

What struck me most was Arif's emphasis and Qari Khalid’s guidance on the spiritual significance of Hajj. They provided valuable insights and reminders throughout the journey, helping us to connect with the rituals and reflect on our faith.

The accommodations, transportation, and meals were all of high quality, and the itinerary was well-planned to ensure that we could perform all the necessary rituals without any hassle, including the second umrah.

I would highly recommend Arif Hajj and Umrah to anyone planning to perform Hajj and I would only use them again. Their expertise, care, and dedication to providing a meaningful and stress-free experience are truly commendable.

May Allah reward Arif, Zaheer, Qari Khalid and the entire team for their excellent service and accept our Hajj. I pray that I will have the opportunity to perform these sacred rituals again with Arif's guidance.

My Hajj Experience with Arif Hajj & Umrah

From the very first call I made in December to Brother Altaf, I felt a sense of reassurance and support that lasted throughout my entire Hajj journey. Brother Altaf was not only available but incredibly helpful, providing answers to all my questions and concerns. Having conducted my research before booking my Hajj package, speaking with him instilled a profound sense of faith in the process and the team.

When I attended the seminar in Oldham and met Uncle Arif, I instantly knew I had made the right choice. His sincerity and genuine demeanor made me feel as though I was speaking with a family member rather than just a tour operator. This personal touch was invaluable and further solidified my confidence in the journey ahead.

Upon arrival at the airport, I was truly impressed by the organization and professionalism of the entire team. From that moment until the very last day, my family and I were in awe of how well everything was managed, especially considering the large number of people involved. The dedication to khidma (service) was evident, and it made our experience all the more special.

We had the most beautiful Hajj experience, thanks in large part to the exceptional group leaders. They were always available, attentive to our needs, and willing to help in any way possible. Their commitment to delivering outstanding service truly stood out, making our journey smooth and memorable.

I cannot recommend Arif Hajj & Umrah highly enough. If you're considering going for Hajj, this is the group you want to travel with. They will be there for you every step of the way, ensuring that your pilgrimage is not just a journey, but a life-changing experience.

We did Hajj this year for the first time with a certain amount apprehension before departing. However Hajji Altaf and his team saw to this and made our ENTIRE journey and experience so good it left other Hajj groups in awe. They took us through each and every stage in a simple and systematic way and covered everything from transport, food, accommodation and rites in an exemplary manner that one runs out of superlatives. The staff are kind, courteous and most helpful with particular reference to the Business Development Manager Mr Zaheer Hussain, a priceless asset to the group.

Arif Hajj and Umrah provided the best service for Hajj 2025, from constant support and information in the lead up to Hajj including weekly seminars I felt well prepared heading into a journey of a lifetime. Throughout the journey of the hajj brother Khalid our group guide was always available and willing to help with any queries or assistance. The package provided by Arif Hajj and Umrah was delivered to an impeccable standard with the choice of high quality hotels and transportation which elevated the Hajj experience. Arif demonstrates an immense wealth of knowledge and experience throughout the trip which allows us travelers to really immerse themselves into Hajj. I would choose Arif Hajj and Umrah again

Amazing team. Reliable, loyal and extremely kind. Guides and scholars couldn’t have done anymore for us. Everyone was on the same wavelength and did their utmost to help all hujjaj. Would strongly recommend those who want to go to hajj in future to go with Arif Hajj. Very well organized and all of the guides are very experienced and educated so getting lost or not knowing anything is not a problem. Whenever you need anything they are available 24/7. Uncle Altaf, brother Zaheer, Qari Khalid, Uncle khalid, Jawaid Arbi were always at the front wherever we went. They will always keep you together as a group. They have excellent coordination between the males and females groups so couples are hardly separated. May Allah SWT accept the efforts of the whole team and especially Uncle Altafs father. May Allah SWT allow them to continue this for the foreseeable future.

Alhamdulillah, I recently had the immense blessing of performing Hajj 2025 with Arif Hajj & Umrah through Nusuk with Albait Guest.
Overall experience is beyond my expectation. Uncle Altaf really helpfull to guide us through entire process from the verification in Nusuk until successfull purchase a package and still there to help us during the Hajj process until we departed back home.
All the series webinar are really help us to prepare for the Hajj which is the first time Hajj for me and my wife. The amazing seminar in Oldham also help me to know some friends in our Hajj group before our departure.
While in the Hajj process, our guide Brother Zaheer Hussain was truly outstanding, while some uncertainty situation from Albait Guest always happens, he was always available around the clock to address concerns, guide us through the rites, and ensure everyone felt supported and safe.
Equally remarkable was Qari Imam Kahlid, who served as our spiritual mentor. His guidance helped transform each step of Hajj into reflective and spiritually uplifting moment. He was also always accompanying us through the entire process of Hajj, so we do our ibadah smoothly through his guidance.
Overall, this journey exceeded all my expectations and was made deeply meaningful because of their efforts. I highly recommend their service to anyone considering Hajj in the future. May Allah reward their efforts and continue to bless their work.

Abdul Abdul-Hussein
London
My 2025 Hajj
Alhamdulillah, and thanks Allah to blessed to go hajj, I booked my package from Arif Hajj & umrah  under Al Bayt Guests.
This was the best choice from start to end and it was incredible Hajj journey.Arif Hajj and their guides they supported us all way, my thanks and respect to Altaf Arif bhai and the entire management team, they  organised everything things from meeting us in airports in uk and until we left Saudi arabia airport they were there for us and guiding us, the facilities in Saudia arabia the foods the hotels was truly outstanding and exceeded expectations.
A special thanks to Qari Saab and Shaykh Burhaan — their presence, knowledge, and support were invaluable throughout the journey.
I wholeheartedly recommend anyone would like to go to Hajj or Umrah to go with Arif Hajj & Umrah.
May Allāh ﷻ reward them all abundantly

Salaams to anyone reading this review.
We went for Hajj this year, 2025. The experience from beginning to end with Arif Hajj has been good. There was lots of online training sessions and Zoom meetings to get us ready for our spiritual journey. There will be people who have had different experiences in the same groups as everyone is an individual with different amount of tolerance physically and mentally. So this is just my personal experience and observation. There were situations out of the groups control, coach/bus arrivals, the heat was extreme and first time Hajj go’ers
like us in our 50’s. There was a situation with my husband and I and Hajji Zaheer and a sister guide in the group helped tremendously and we will be forever grateful. If you can help it then I would advise people to go when they are young and fit as they would be able to cope with the high temperatures and the strenuous amount of walking. Jazzakhalla khair to Hajji Zaheer for assisting us along the way and Hajji Qari sahib for the motivational religious input. May Allah swt accept our and everyone else’s Hajj and guide us aright. Ameen

Alhamdulillah, I had the immense honour of performing Hajj in 2025 with Arif Hajj and Umrah. It was a truly inspiring and spiritually uplifting experience that I will cherish for the rest of my life.

I am deeply grateful to Altaf Bhai and his dedicated team, who went above and beyond in preparing us mentally and spiritually for this sacred journey. Their selflessness and tireless commitment were evident throughout and often sacrificing their own rest to ensure our comfort and wellbeing.

A special mention must be made of Shaykh Burhan, our spiritual guide, whose thoughtful and engaging explanations brought deep meaning to every ritual and ziyarat. His knowledge and sincerity helped us connect with the significance of each sacred site on a profound level.

Should I be blessed with the opportunity to perform Hajj again, I would, without hesitation, choose to travel with Arif Hajj and Umrah once more. I highly recommend their services to anyone seeking a spiritually enriching and well-organised Hajj experience.

Alhamdulillah my experience of Hajj couldn’t have been any better than it was. Alhamdulillah for being guided to choose Arif Hajj and Umrah and if I was to go again, I would go with them again in a heartbeat! I am so incredibly grateful for all the help we received by all of the Arif Hajj and Umrah team, specifically brother Altaf himself, sister Hafsa the female guide and brother Sheikh Burhaan, as myself and my partner were under their wing, they have been incredible throughout this whole journey and I cannot recommend this family led business enough. Arif Hajj and Umrah I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart with tears welling up in my eyes, I will never ever forget this beautiful journey, I wish I could redo it all over again and if I get to In’sha’Allah you’ll definitely be seeing us again haha. Nothing but duas for you all. Jzk once again.

Amazing experience from start to finish, brother Altaf and his team constantly kept us informed with all the information needed, helped me with booking my package, and had lots of Q & A via Zoom. They went over and beyond with the support to all the pilgrims, I have recommended arif hajj and umrah services to friends and family. My hajj trip was a total of 19 days. I genuinely can't think of one negative experience I had. The whole team was amazing uncle khalid, ziz, altaf, jawed arbi especially Qari Khalid and sheikh Burhan. May Allah swt accept everyone's Hajj and keep Altaf, his family, all the hajjis blessed and away from all evils.

Alhamdulillah the whole experience of Hajj and Umrah both went so smoothly. I heard alot of horror stories regarding Hajj in general before I went however non of them affected me. Altaf Arif was very very knowledgeable and experienced. All I had to do is listen to his advice and guidance and everything went smoothly. Sister Hafsa was women's direct guide and she was absolutely amazing. She was available 24/7. A big thank you to Altaf Arif Hajj&Umrah for making my Hajj experience so beautiful.

Bismillah,
Where do I start? All praise is His and His alone who allowed me to be gifted the most beautiful and blessed hajj. I have had immense blessings and openings on every single day even up till the last moments in Madina.

Logistics wise our Azida hotel was perfect for walking from Jamarat. Our Mina camps as my sister saw them on FaceTime was described by her as “5 star retreat”- and our hotels in Makkah and Madina were both seconds away from both masjids.
The highlight for me was Mina, where we had collective Quran recitation, Surah Mulk reflections, naat khawani, reminders of various sunnah. Shaykh Burhaan and Qari Saab led various mehfils and also led pre fajr and post fajr award too. This created a wonderful atmosphere in Mina.

In Arafat we were given ample opportunity to do individual ibadat and then the day ended with a beautiful and moving dua by Shaykh Burhaan.

I have fond memories of Muzdalifa where we were on a coach and naats were being recited by brother M.Davi and when we reached - our group was led to a carpeted area and we were given time to join our families to choose of pebbles together. Tahajud and Fajr were offered and we all walked back to Mina.

A few of decided to stay in Mina an extra day and Alhamdulilah Altaf bhai honoured this and allowed us to stay- a guide ( S.Burhaan) were then staying with the group to help facilitate the next day at the Jamarat.

We had multiple opportunities to do ziyarats, umras and group visits to museums and various masjids which again the group leaders were organising and this was all accessible on our WhatsApp group. Nobody was left out- everyone had the opportunity to do all the additional activities being offered.

I can not have asked Him swt for a more perfect hajj. The guides and group leaders were available at all times. Hafsa Baji, Altaf bhai, Javed Bhai, Zaheer Bhai, Shaykh Burhaan and Uncle Arif have been functioning on nominal to little sleep all so that us pilgrims got first class service.

I won’t forget our welcome in Aziziya, our leave from Makkah and the relaxing train journey to Madina. However the most important thing about this whole journey is how everyone looked after each other and cared for each other,

I can’t wait to perform hajj again. If He swt allows this, I shall be trying again for 2026

Hajj 2025! Firstly I want to thank Allah swt after Allah I want to thank Arif Umrah and Hajj team.. this journey has been the best journey of life.. the whole process was pushed by brother Altaf, me and my husband had no knowledge of how to go about Hajj he guided us every step of the way until Hajj was booked and up until we left for Hajj he constantly held webinars to keep us updated on what to expect.. the 19 days I was there were the best days of my life.. alhamdulilah can't thank the team enough.. nothing but dua's for the whole team, have highly recommended to my family who are Insha'Allah hoping to go for Hajj 2026.. and massive thank you to Uncle Arif, brother Altaf, sister Hafsa and the whole guide team. Nothing but dua's for you all may Allah swt always grant you the guidance to keep up the good work ❤️

My husband and I had the profound honor of performing Hajj in 2025 with Arif Hajj and Umrah tours and we are filled with gratitude for the exceptional service we received. The entire journey was not only beautifully organised but also deeply spiritually uplifting, Alhamdulillah. 🤲🏽

Our heartfelt thanks go out to the Altaf (the main man) the guides and Sheikh Burhaan who accompanied us. Their knowledge and unwavering support made each step of the Hajj process so much easier during this sacred journey. Their dedication and genuine care truly made a difference for us.

We pray that Allah ﷻ rewards them for their tireless efforts and accepts the Hajj of all of us who participated. We highly recommend their services to anyone looking for a meaningful pilgrimage experience! Ameen 🤲🏽🙏🏽