Haj dominates many discussions these days. Of particular interest are the programs announced by local tour operators. These are agents officially authorized to serve domestic pilgrims — both Saudis and non-Saudis, providing them with transport, board and other facilities. Some of these agents have won praise and applause from the public while others have been roundly condemned and never spoken of except in anger.
For many people, Haj is no longer what it was — a spiritual journey devoted to purifying the soul and glorifying Almighty God. Like so many other things, however, Haj has become so commercialized that even it too is now analyzed in terms of profit and loss.
We have all heard of VIP services for Haj pilgrims; these have become very popular and include five-star hotels and five-star service for those who can afford to pay the exorbitant fees. Some are ready to pay as much as SR50,000 for a few days of Haj and of course, tour operators insist that their services are justified by the inordinately high prices.
Those not interested in VIP service often end up with substandard services contrary to what they were promised. As soon as Haj is over, the press is flooded with stories of pilgrims who are being exploited by local agents.
In their quest to promote their business and attract customers, some operators resort to using the names of famous scholars and preachers on their advertising. Because a Muslim should be able to trust his fellow Muslims, many believe what they are told in Haj advertisements and promotion campaigns. They simply take what they are told without questioning.
What does our religion say of someone who spends tens of thousands of riyals fulfilling a religious duty that lasts for only a few days?
The fact is, as everyone knows, the duty can be performed easily by spending only a fraction of that small fortune. Too many people these days forget that the real satisfaction of Haj should spring from shunning material luxuries and focusing instead on religious and spiritual matters, willingly undergoing physical hardship while seeking rewards from God.
The phenomenon of VIP Haj service should not be allowed to go unchallenged. It must be carefully studied and evaluated to ensure it does not spread further and turn Haj into an expensive luxury. Think of those who spend many years saving money for the expenses of a journey to Makkah and those who unfeelingly hand over thousands of riyals to guarantee a comfortable time. Surely our religious establishment must have something to say on the matter.
Arab News From the Local Press 25 January 2003
