This refers to the news report “Registration for low-cost Haj begins” (Aug. 17)
The Haj authorities deserve praise for introducing schemes that would cover a large number of those prospective pilgrims who would have found it utterly difficult, if not entirely impossible, to embark on their lifetime journey. Low cost Haj is indeed a good idea. However it brings forth several queries. Will the pilgrims under the scheme be able to have at least minimum facilities? May be not.
Left entirely on the mercy of private Haj agencies, the pilgrims at times get exasperated; they even give a miss to certain ritual due to tiredness or lack of transportation facilities.
This is what happened with a friend of mine. Along with his two daughters, he had to walk sometimes miles to reach a Haj destination like Muzdalifah or back to Mina.
Under the low cost scheme, even if the pilgrim does not get a proper tent or an air conditioner, it hardly matters. What is important is whether they are being given basic facilities like transportation, water etc. to make it a little easy for them.
Even if they don’t have much money to afford a VIP Haj which will cost them more than SR10,000, these pilgrims prepare themselves them for Haj, which they consider as God-sent opportunity.
After all they are not on an ordinary journey and, VIP or not, they are not ordinary guests. They are guests of Allah Almighty. We therefore must take care to see that are not disappointed on any occasion.
Pilgrims too must bear in mind that this is the largest annual spiritual gathering in the world, the management of which has won worldwide appreciation.
They must be steadfast and humble in their performance of the Haj rituals. After all they would get rewards for all the stains and exertion, they would undergo during their pilgrimage. — Shakir Hussain, Abha
Guests of Allah
