Why Is Hajj So Expensive? Why Does Hajj Cost So Much?
Are you looking for a suitable answer to the question of why Hajj is so expensive? If so, then you’re in luck because this is the topic of discussion for today’s article.
Before we answer this question, it’s essential for you to comprehend the immense importance of Hajj in the religion of Islam. For starters, Hajj is basically a sacred practice that every Muslim man or woman should experience at least once in their lives. Hajj is obligated on any Muslim that is both financially and physically capable of undergoing the journey. However, with the significant rise in the prices of Hajj in recent years, fewer Muslims find themselves monetarily capable of experiencing this divine practice.
Hajj is primarily made to the Kabah, which in other words is also known as the “House of God”. The Kabah is located inside Makkah, Saudi Arabia, and is considered to be one of the holiest sites in the history of Islam. The significance of Hajj is unparalleled since it is one of the five pillars of Islam, alongside Salah, Shahada, Zakat, and Sawm. Continue reading to obtain an accurate idea of some major factors that are responsible for the skyrocketing prices of Hajj.
“Saving up for Hajj can be a lengthy process and it is important to note that zakat is also due on that money until it is actually used to perform Hajj.”
What Do You Pay For?
The rites of Hajj extend over a period of nearly six days, from the 8th to the 13th of Dhul Hijjah, with various practices and experiences for each day. A complete Hajj package consists of numerous different elements that contribute to the entire cost of the journey. In order to answer the question of why Hajj is so expensive, you must first be aware of what exactly you’re paying for when you purchase a complete Hajj package.
- Airline Tickets: The cost of the airline tickets of traveling to and from Saudi Arabia is included in the complete cost of Hajj.
- Hotel Reservations: If you plan to visit Madinah either before or after Hajj, then the hotel reservations of both Macca and Madinah would add to the total cost.
- Transportation: You also need to pay for the transportation facilities in both Mecca and Madinah.
- Mina Tents: During Hajj, you are required to spend several days inside the air-conditioned tents of Mina. These also add to the price of Hajj.
Apart from the ones listed above, there are numerous minor factors that also play a major role in determining the total cost of Hajj. If you’re planning to perform Hajj, you are advised to not be fooled by hotels with cheap prices that are much farther away from the Kabah. An ideal Hajj package arranges living accommodations near the Kaaba leading to small and effortless walks during the time of Hajj.
Reasons Why Hajj is Getting Expensive?
Over the recent years, there has been a significant surge in the prices of Hajj all across the globe. Hajj packages have gotten incredibly expensive, resulting in countless Muslims giving up on their desire to perform this divine practice. So what has caused a sudden a prominent rise in the prices of Hajj? Honestly, there are multiple factors that have contributed to this conclusion. Some of the most major aspects have been listed below.
1.) Policies of the Saudi Government:
At times, the failed policies of the Saudi government lead to a sudden and significant rise in the prices of Hajj. A common practice is cutting short the total visa limit for a certain country. This typically leads to greater individual prices for multiple countries.
2.) Greater Number of Applicants:
A prominent reason for the increased prices of Hajj is the greater number of pilgrims applying for Hajj every season. This number continues to increase with each passing season as the individuals that were previously unable to perform Hajj are likely to try again next season.
3.) International Currency Devaluation:
The currencies of Middle Eastern and South Asian countries have devalued over the past few years due to inadequate economic gain. This causes the prices of Hajj packages to rise in the respective countries.
4.) Hajj and Umrah Company Profits:
With the number of pilgrims rising each year, various companies view the sacred practice of Hajj as a means of generating immense profits from themselves. Various companies are known to offer private Hajj Packages that contain ordinary services but are significantly overpriced.
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