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Hajj & Seek

Comedian Ali Shahalom takes on Hajj, exploring faith, family and total chaos in 50°C heat - from Nusuk meltdowns to missing parents and one very unfortunate banana bag.

A spiritual journey like no other… just with more chaos, queueing, and a missing pair of sandals.

Blending storytelling, stand-up and documentary, comedian Ali Shahalom (aka Ali Official) takes us on a deeply personal comic journey through one of the most important acts of worship in Islam: Hajj. What begins as a sacred pilgrimage becomes a test of patience, endurance, and broadband speed.

From battling the notoriously stressful Nusuk booking system (“depression you pay for”) to convincing his entire family to commit to the trip, Ali charts every step of the journey with warmth, honesty and razor-sharp humour. There are frozen bank accounts, passport panics, and a £40,000 leap of faith - and that's all before he’s even left the UK.

Written and performed by Ali Shahalom
Script editor - Laura Major
Sound design - Andy Goddard
Producer - Victoria Lloyd

A Mighty Bunny Production for BBC Radio 4

28 minutes

On radio

Next Saturday23:00
BBC Radio 4

Broadcasts

  • Next Saturday23:00
    BBC Radio 4
  • Fri 29 May 202609:00
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Fri 29 May 202622:00
    BBC Radio 4 Extra