The pilgrimage to sacred sites (Hajj) in Mecca and neighboring territories is one of the five pillars of Islam. Millions of pilgrims gather to make Hajj annually, as Hajj is obligatory for every Muslim at least once in his life, if he has the financial and physical opportunities for this.
Rushan Abbyasov, First Deputy Chairman of the Russian Muftis Council, said that this year all pilgrims from Russia made it safely to the Holy Land. The last groups will depart today, and will start the rite of Hajj. This year about 12 thousand pilgrims left for Hajj (the quota was 16,400 people). “For the first time we did not fulfill the entire quota. And it's all due to the high dollar exchange rate against the ruble. Because if we compare last year's prices, that is, roughly speaking, if for 150 thousand rubles you could have had a complete trip to Hajj, this year, this figure has doubled. Today, you will pay more than 300 thousand. So naturally, of those who wished, who wanted to go, not all have the necessary amount of money to perform it. But God obliges only those who have the financial capacity. If you do not have the financial capabilities, you should never take a loan or borrow, or leave your family without a piece of bread and gather the last money to go for Hajj,” Abbyasov said.
The Mufti explains: “From the point of view of Islam, you must first pay off all debts, if you have any. If you are a head of a family and leave for two to three weeks, then you should leave money for living with your family. And only then is it mandatory for you to go on Hajj. If not, then this obligation is removed from you.”
For the first time, a record large group went from Crimea: 323 people. Last year, I recall, there were 150 people from Crimea only. The government of Crimea and the Fund for Support of Islamic Culture, Science and Education assisted and paid for the flight tickets of pilgrims from Crimea. 30% was paid by the government of Crimea and the Fund, and 70% of the tour price was paid by the Muslims of Crimea themselves.
