To commemorate the most significant day of the Hajj, 1.8 million Muslims from all over the world travelled to Mount Arafat in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday. But the journey is getting more and more out of reach because of rising prices everywhere.
"This year, there were much fewer reservations made. Many individuals find it to be too expensive, according to an employee of a private Egyptian travel company in charge of planning Hajj trips who wished to remain unnamed for fear of retaliation for criticising their nation's financial status.
The least expensive government-sponsored pilgrimage in Egypt, the most populous Arab nation, now costs about $6,000 (£4,720), which is twice what it did last year.
The dramatic devaluation of the Egyptian pound, which has lost more than 50% of its value versus the US dollar since March 2022, has contributed to the price increase. As a result, both the cost of living and yearly core inflation have surged, reaching 40% in May.
About 30% of the population was living below the government's poverty line before the Covid-19 pandemic, and the World Bank says the figure is likely to have risen since then.
My aspiration
A retired civil worker from Egypt named Farida spent five years putting money down for the Hajj.
"Even with all of my funds, I can't afford the trip. I was astonished when I saw the pricing list," she recalls.
The pseudonymous Farida is a widow and a mother of five children. Additionally, she requested anonymity because she did not want to openly blame the Egyptian government for the country's growing cost of living.
The Hajj, according to Farida, is "my dream," and it "cleanses the soul."
In her words, "social and financial responsibilities have been lifted off my shoulders" because all of her children are married. It's almost time to perform the Hajj.
In order to do the shorter Umrah pilgrimage, which incorporates elements of the Hajj ceremonies and may be performed at any time of the year, Farida has already travelled to Mecca four times.
This time, she took advantage of a flaw in the system to do the Hajj.
She tells me from Saudi Arabia as she waits to begin the journey, "Instead of the Hajj visa, I got a three-month tourist visa and arrived in Mecca a month before the Hajj season kicks off." This is my sole available choice.
Farida's entire journey to Mecca ends up being 80% less expensive than the Hajj package offered by the government.
cutbacks to subsidies
One of Islam's five pillars is the hajj. Muslims are expected to visit Mecca at least once during their lifetimes, if they have the financial means to do so.
The pilgrimage lasts for five to six days and begins on the eighth day of the Islamic lunar month of Dhul Hijjah, which this year corresponds to June 26 in the Gregorian calendar.
The Hajj typically draws between 1.5 million and 2 million pilgrims, but this is the first time Saudi officials have permitted it to resume operating at full capacity since the outbreak.
Each nation receives an annual quota from Saudi Arabia depending on the number of Muslims residing there.
With 270 million people, Indonesia is the largest country in the world with a majority of Muslims. This year, 221,000 spots were made available.
Each Indonesian pilgrim was required to pay $3,320 after the government of Indonesia chose to reduce the funding for the trip from 60% to 50% this year. The package was $2,660 in 2022.
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