Secondly, the cost of the journey is incredibly expensive; including clothes and flights it can come to between £1500 and £2000. Many people save up for years until they can afford it, and often families join together to pay for just one person to go. This has proven to be a costly sum for many Muslims, thus preventing them from making the journey, however, as Allah knows that they have the intention to; he doesn’t see it as a lack of faith. Another problem is the fact that women that are under 45 years of age need a chaperone, therefore making the cost of the journey even more expensive as another person has to be paid for also.
Due to Mecca’s location in Saudi Arabia of Asia, lying close to the equator, a further problem is the painfully high temperature. One event involved with the prayer is the Stand; this involves standing from sunrise to sunset without taking any time out whatsoever to relax. This procedure can result in sunburn, sunstroke and many severe cases of dehydration. The Stand is also mentally destructive; trying to keep self-discipline for such a long period of time is a very difficult task, it can lead to a breakdown, also, people get tired and it is incredibly mentally exhausting constantly praying and focusing on God. It is a tedious and long task and many Muslims may find it a struggle to stay focused, especially when contending with the blistering temperature, getting bitten by a mosquito or getting pushed and shoved during the circling.
A further problem that is encountered is the fact that you need to be physically fit, as some of the rituals involved with the prayer can be grueling, and despite what it looks like, the whole journey is definitely not easy. Furthermore, Muslims on Hajj may encounter dangerous insects that could poison them such as a scorpion or a spider.
Finally, a significant problem involved with Hajj is the emotional side, not just the physical. Most pilgrims find it exceedingly difficult to leave their families, especially in times when they are most needed, such as Serfraz Qayyum, a care worker and dedicated father from Teeside; his wife had just given birth to his son and to leave home at such a crucial time was one of the hardest choices for Serfraz to make in his entire life. Furthermore, Aamer Chaudray, a journalist from Pakistan, took part in Hajj on behalf of his father who passed away, he found the commitment to the pilgrimage “too much”, as his life was too busy to begin with, without the involvement of the problematic journey.
My conclusion is simple; Hajj isn’t meant to be easy. The physical difficulties and emotional commitments involved are all part of the pilgrimage, in order to show your loyalty to Allah. The difficulties endured are always rewarded, as there is no other journey in the world that would be more spiritually enlightening to a Muslim, therefore the commitment made is always worthwhile.
