The first batch of pilgrims from the holy city of Mecca after performing the obligatory rituals of Hajj came in an extremely distraught state. Those pilgrims who went through government packages were offended at the poor state of facilities made available to them. The conditions of facilities granted to these pilgrims have remained pitiable or worse, deteriorated even more. These poor pilgrims were denied even the basic necessities which made their trip even more tedious and thorny to complete all the rituals for Hajj. Their residing places were distant from the places which hold immense religious significance and this made walking very tiring and raised their stress and anxiety levels. Furthermore, the status of these hotels are not at all appealing or comforting, especially when 10-12 people are clumped together in a room which has a capacity to accommodate people not more than three.
Steps should be taken by our government to try to provide satisfactory facilities to the pilgrims in proportionate to the prices of the government packages that exacerbate every year. On the other hand, the pilgrims going through private packages enjoy lavish facilities. This creates a gulf between the pilgrims and these lavish packages then become a source of status symbols for the privileged and for poor ones to recognize their true place.
These Hajj packages that depict clear cut distinction between the rich and the poor is antithesis to everything Islam holds in esteem; the real spirit of pilgrimage is a display of fraternity and equality among Muslims all over the world which depict the sheer strength of Islam but this idea of Hajj packages shows otherwise.
HADIA MUKHTAR SINGAPURI
Karachi
