Faizel Patel, Radio Islam News – 03-03-2019

(Twitter: @FaizelPatel143)

Has the blessed journey of Hajj become too expensive? 

This was the question posed to three travel operators during a panel discussion on Radio Islam on Sunday. 

In an attempt to unpack this complex and serious issue, Ml Abdul Rahman Laily from Al Anwar Express, Sister Fazila Malek from New Heights Travel and Sheikh Imran Saban from Khidmatul Awam provides various reasons for the high cost of hajj packages. 

Radio Islam also spoke to Ali Alshehri from the Royal Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia about how the cost of hajj could be reduced while taking into consideration the various projects Saudi Arabia has undertaken to make hajj a more comfortable experience for Muslims worldwide. 

Some of the finer points of the panel discussion included: 

• The cost of hajj can be reduced if Muslims sacrifice luxury for a simple but comfortable hajj

• The cost of Hajj has increased dramatically due to the volatile economic climate including the currency exchange rate. 

• Travel operators working together to bring the cost down, by engaging with airlines and hotels.

• Prospective hujjaj should plan and start saving early for hajj as there is ample time with an extensive waiting list. 

Listen to the panel discussion hosted by Faizel Patel below