I just cannot imagine how anyone can go to Hajj. It makes me feel so frustrated and so angry that it is a pillar of faith, yet impossible to fulfill. I feel frustrated, sad, and even confused: would it mean we couldn’t go on holiday or do anything else that cost much less than Hajj to save the money for hajj? Just because Saudis raise the price to the stars? We need to collect them money to take our rights?
This is ridiculous. I also feel this makes me hate Saudis in general. Please help me control my anger.
Answer
In this counseling answer:
• I kindly suggest insha’Allah, that you just accept it for what it is, try to reprioritize your other future goals, and make Hajj a number one goal right now.
• Maybe discuss with your husband to put money aside every month for Hajj.
• Expenses may be your part of the test, as well as a lot of other people’s.
• Only Allah knows people’s motives and their hearts. Just do your part by letting go of the anger, sadness, and feelings of hatred.
As salamu alaykum sister,
Thank you for writing to us. There is no doubt many people are feeling the same stress and concerns about making hajj. It can be very expensive.
Wanting to Make Hajj
Making Hajj is one of the most profound spiritual experiences that we as Muslims can experience. It is also one of our pillars of faith. Making Hajj is a trip of a lifetime that many people and families have saved up for a very long time for. Unfortunately, as you pointed out the cost of making Hajj is escalating. In fact, it has risen quite steadily in the past decade in regards to travel and lodging.
Increasing Costs of Hajj
Sister, I don’t have the correct answer for your question as to why Saudi Arabia has raised the price dramatically. Yes, there are five-star hotels that are astronomically expensive, and there are more moderately priced ones. I understand you’re upset and rightfully so.
Making Hajj should not be an exorbitant burden on one. With that said there are various packages available to choose from. Everyone has different needs and desires as far as accommodations go when making Hajj. Some prefer a luxury experience and some prefer a basic experience. In any even,t it is expensive whether you choose a basic package or a luxury one.
Goals of Making Hajj
The goal of making Hajj should not be to worry about exorbitant finances and costs. The goal should be to complete one of our pillars in Islam. It is a religious obligation, and a humble life-changing journey to ultimately aask to be forgiven, and return with a deeper faith and closeness to Allah. Making Hajj can be a test. It can be a test from the initial stages of planning to the point when you come back and apply the spiritual blessings you gained, to your life.
Personal Tests and Trials
Expenses may be your part of the test, as well as a lot of other people’s. Sister, I would kindly suggest insha’Allah that you begin to plan and prioritize what is important right now. I understand you need to save for a home and you want more children. These are expenses as well. Perhaps if you, your husband and child make Hajj first before purchasing a home or having more children, it will cost less and be easier on you. Once there is the expense of a home and more children, it may be more difficult. The test and trial comes in letting go of hurt, anger, confusion-and trusting in Allah.
Planning for Hajj
In addition to the rising cost and expenses in Saudi Arabia just to make Hajj, airlines have also increased their costs. So there’s a lot to think about. I kindly suggest insha’Allah that you discuss with your husband a goal of setting aside a certain amount of money every paycheck for Hajj. After you have accumulated a certain amount you may wish to begin to look into various packages and reputable agencies that provide travel arrangements and accommodations for Hajj.
Check out this counseling video:
Letting go of what can’t be changed
Feeling sad, confused and angry is not going to lower the prices. We all have to account to Allah for how we live our lives, and how we treat others. By being upset and constantly thinking about the unfairness of it all, only drains you from your joy and the purpose of making Hajj. You can’t change it, but you can change how you react to it.
Trusting in Allah
I kindly suggest insha’Allah, that you just accept it for what it is, try to reprioritize your other future goals, and make Hajj a number one goal right now. Make istakharrah prayer to Allah regarding this decision as to whether this is the right time to start planning. Make duaa that Allah grants you ease and mercy in your goals to make Hajj.
Conclusion
Insha’Allah sister, don’t let what others do and how they conduct business in the name of Islam steal your joy. As stated, we all will be accountable to Allah for everything we do, even how we conduct business. Only Allah knows people’s motives and their hearts. Just do your part by letting go of the anger, sadness, and feelings of hatred.
While your feelings can be justified yes, it is not how Allah wants you to approach Hajj. Therefore it is best to let go of things that we cannot change. Please do focus on reprioritizing your desires for a house and more children at the moment, and perhaps make Hajj first. Insha’Allah, Allah make this easy for you.
You are in my prayers.
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Disclaimer: The conceptualization and recommendations stated in this response are very general and purely based on the limited information provided in the question. In no event shall AboutIslam, its counselors or employees be held liable for any damages that may arise from your decision in the use of our services.
Read more:
Hajj: How Globalisation Transformed the Market for Pilgrimage to Makkah
