FOR millions across the Muslim world, performing Haj is the dream of a lifetime, and many people save money for the pilgrimage for decades. Yet, due to the prevailing global economic situation, their hopes may remain unfulfilled, as matters of the spirit are also affected by harsh earthly economic realities. For Pakistan’s intending hajis, the pilgrimage has become dearer by a few hundred thousand rupees this year, as under the government scheme, pilgrims will end up paying around Rs1.2m to get to the holy land. It is also of concern that, under the new Haj policy, 50pc of Pakistan’s total quota of just over 179,000 hajis has been allotted to overseas Pakistanis. Designed to save precious foreign exchange, this scheme will allow Pakistanis settled abroad to proceed on the pilgrimage themselves under Pakistan’s quota, or sponsor relatives in this country, without balloting, by sending foreign currency from overseas. While the move may make economic sense and prevent the flight of foreign currency, it will mean that less spaces are available for people wanting to go for Haj from this country, who do not have relatives abroad to sponsor them.

As per Islamic injunctions, only those who can afford the journey are supposed to go on Haj. But constant price rises and economic shocks mean that only the rich are able to fulfil this pillar of faith. Those with knowledge of the situation present different explanations for the high Haj costs. The foremost is the weak rupee, and the strong dollar. Moreover, while the Saudis have reduced some costs, the kingdom has jacked up taxes, which means more expensive food, hotels etc. Airfares have also gone through the roof, while there is a shortage of hotel rooms in Madina. In order to facilitate pilgrims of all economic strata, the Saudi government, as well as Muslim states, need to put in maximum efforts to make Haj affordable, and not another opportunity to make money.

Published in Dawn, March 12th, 2023