Saudi Arabia (MNN) — Saudi Arabia stopped more than 269,000 people from entering Mecca this week because they didn’t have the proper Hajj permits. Officials enforce strict regulations, including fines of up to $5,000, deportation, and license revocations for violators and non-compliant Hajj companies.
Despite the pilgrimage being a sacred, once-in-a-lifetime obligation for Muslims, unauthorized attempts remain high, highlighting concerns about safety amid rising temperatures and past fatal accidents during the event.
Suzanne Heegaard of Prayercast, MNN’s sister ministry, says, “This is a very holy week for Muslims. They prepare for months, trying to procure a seat or a ticket, with packing [and] preparations.”
Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam. More about that here. According to Islamic tradition, performing the Hajj pilgrimage tests patience, temperament, and devotion to Allah.
The first Hajj ritual requires walking seven times around the Kaaba, the large black cubic structure in the middle of Mecca’s Grand Mosque.
(Photo courtesy of Haidan/Unsplash)
Because it depends on lunar sightings, the timing of the Hajj varies annually. This year, it starts tomorrow and ends on Monday, June 9.
“It is a spiritual pilgrimage that they (Muslims) complete once in their lifetime if finances and physical ability allow them to,” Heegaard says.
“They see it as a religious duty. They believe that Hajj will earn them salvation.”
Those who were refused entry by Saudi officials could feel desperation because they could not participate in the Hajj this year. Pray this desperation leads individuals to seek answers outside of Islam.
“For those who didn’t get their ticket, we’re praying that they can realize that Jesus is readily available for all Muslims everywhere to offer full hope and peace right where they are,” Heegaard says.
Now that you know, how will you respond? Join Prayercast’s email campaign to pray for Muslims during Hajj.
“We would love to have you guys join us and pray during Hajj for Muslims because God created Muslims, and He loves them,” Heegaard says.
Header image depicts Muslim pilgrims in traditional white clothing. Photo courtesy of Afif Ramdhasuma/Unsplash.
