Are British Muslims being priced out of pilgrimages?



Jahangir Akhtar says "it will be a 

tragedy if he does not get to Hajj"



Three million Muslims, whereof 100.000 from the UK, are attending the annual "Hajj" pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia Mecca. The pilgrimage is one of the five pillars of the Islam which every Muslim should attend once in their life, at least if they could afford it and are also physically able to. But a lot of Muslims in the UK are afraid that they will not have this opportunity because the price has doubled during the last few years. Some claim that they paid only 1,400 pounds four years ago, which was just about affordable. Today the prices are as high as 2,500 to 4.000 pounds, which means that a lot of Muslims from the UK can't afford it any more. Some blame this on the travel companies and others on the bureaucracy in Saudis Arabia. However, for now for many Muslims the Hajj will stay as a dream not come true.

Some 2.5 million pilgrims descend on

 the Saudi holy city for the annual Hajj

This situation is very understandable, both the staggering prices and the feelings of people that they may not be able to fulfil their dream. I personally think that the problem is created by the many people and companies who have an intermediary role. It is only normal that these people and companies also want their share, which inevitably will higher the price. Also, many hotels and services are replaced with new and more expensive ones. Eventually, all these extra expense will be passed on to the end consumers. But the Muslims in the UK must not forget that it is obligated to do the "Hajj" only for those who have the financial and physical capabilities. But I certainly understand that it is a dream and desire of Muslims to go, which could indeed hurt if you're not able to fulfil that dream or desire.

Source:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-11749511