Almost two million Muslims from all over the world realized the zenith of their faith yesterday in advance of Eid Al-Adha, making it to Saudi Arabia’s Mount Arafat to mark the journey’s most important day. Surely they must feel blessed at this accomplishment, as future generations wishing to embark upon the pilgrimage will most assuredly be challenged financially like none before.
Hajj, of course, is one of the five pillars of Islam. Muslims are mandated to make the trip to Mecca at least once if they are financially and physically able to do so.
The pilgrimage commences on the eighth day of the Islamic lunar month of Dhul Hijah, which in the year 2023 happens to align with June 26 in the Gregorian calendar. The duration is 5-6 days.
BBC reports that this is the first year that capacities have been permitted by Saudi authorities to return to pre-pandemic levels. Each country is allotted an annual quota based on the number of Muslims living there. Some nations subsidize the pilgrimage, making things easier on those who travel. However, many of these countries have cut the subsidy rate this year in light of budget constraints.
In Egypt, for example, the most populated Arab nation, the cheapest government-sponsored pilgrimage will set the typical journeyman back $6,000 USD—almost double what it was last year.
“The number of bookings has significantly dropped this year. It’s too costly for many people,” says an employee at a private Egyptian tour operator responsible for organizing Hajj trips, who sadly wanted to remain anonymous out of a fear of governmental backlash for speaking critically of Egypt’s ability to solve its financial crisis.
“Farida,” another citizen who does not use her real name for fear of–you guessed it–reprisal for public criticism of Egyptian authorities for their inability to manage the skyrocketing cost of living, says that all of her savings covering a five-year period are still not sufficient to pay for the trip.
She says that her children are all married, so, “…social and financial responsibilities have been lifted off (her) shoulders. It is about time to go to the Hajj.” Yet, when she saw the price list, she was “shocked.” Sadly, it will not happen for her this year.
“Farida” shares valuable wisdom that Hajj “cleanses the soul.” If only governments would take a stand to blow the whistle on extortionately-priced tour companies who wish to cleanse the wallets of the devout.