Options
Is it time to recognise the Hajj pilgrimage as a right?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-11749511An estimated 100,000 British Muslims are already in Mecca for the Hajj, the annual pilgrimage that Muslims are called upon to make once in their lifetimes.
But many more have been left behind, excluded from what they regard as a sacred duty by an extraordinary increase in prices.
Is it time we, in the UK recognise this as an important cultural rite of passage and fund all Muslims here to go on the pilgramage once in their lifetimes?
0
Comments
If you mean state funding - no.
If people want to believe in religion, they can fund it themselves.
This must be a wind up, if not the second word is off.
He's right.
I agree with this entirely. I was always under the impression that the Hajj was a pilgrimage able bodied Muslims were supposed to do at least once in their lifetime if they could afford it. Presumably that means if they have the personal means to afford to go.
Whilst the Hajj is indeed central to the faith, if state funded visits were introduced then arguably similar state funding would have to be directed to other faiths. I think one could argue that devout Catholics would benefit from visiting the Vatican and those of the Jewish faith would benefit from visiting Israel.
This was what I was certainly taught during the course of religious studies in school. I can't quite believe I can remember so much of it.
I understand what you're saying, but there should be no state funding for any religion - none at all - and that means cracking down on charities who claim tax exemption but aren't really doing charitable work.
In terms of UK Muslims, they must have more than sufficient resources as a 'community' to enable grants to be made to others in their community - otherwise where does all the money come to build places to worship. As far as I know that is all donated from individuals and businesses in their community. The same thing would apply to Christians - if they want to build a new church they must raise their own funds.
Otherwise I'm calling for every person who identifies as gay to have free trips to Amsterdam and Phuket, at least one time during their life. It's part of our religion.
(btw, I know nothing about Phuket, just heard it was a good place to go)
In most cases wanting something, needing to do something, should be a driving force to motivate yourself to further yourself in life, to get back in to employment, or get a better paid job, or get a job which is more personally rewarding in some way, or to move to a nicer house, or buy a newer car, or to learn new skills, or start a new relationship, or end a disasterous one, or ... whatever.
There should be a clear divide between religion and state. State should help with community projects to build social cohesion, but not directly fund anything related to religion.
I suspect you were playing devil's advocate
It's a contentious subject, but I suspect you knew that.
They do have the right to do what all pilgrims of all religions have done for centuries - walk to the Holy Places begging for their bread. That is what people did in Medieval Europe and still do in Buddhist and HIndu countries. If they want to fly, they can pay their own way.
If anything it is a problem of the greedy travel agents who exploit the situation and Saudi govt who don't regulate them, and also don't allow a free market by not allowing independent Hajj visas but force you to use a tour group. Not our govt.
Also the guys in the article must be aware how lucky British Muslims are. If you want a Hajj visa it is easy to get one. But for many Muslims it is very hard. For example Yemen is just over the border but all men under 40 are banned from getting Hajj visas. And in many counties there is a waiting list of years.
If they really wanted to go they can book their package from Pakistan or India where it costs a lot less. But then instead of staying in 4 or 5 star hotels they would be staying in shared basic rooms. Maybe they don't want it bad enough.
Is this story a wind up? Because believe me they don't represent most British Muslims.
Sure Muslim communities should help poor elders go on Hajj but not the state.
I think they call that the actions of a "cartel" :eek:
Just like all energy companies putting up their prices by almost the same amount (wait and see) at the same time of year, and regardless of the fact that they all buy their gas at different times.
British Gas claims that the gas we're using now was purchased 3 years ago. My BS meter just exploded :mad:
^^ This.
If the implication here is that the state should be funding transport for this then why not also trips to Lourdes for Catholics?
It a silly idea to be honest; and I say that as one who has religious beliefs.
Religion is a personal choice outwith the remit of state funding.
I'd also stop all state funding to churches etc, of any denomination, whether it be for maintenance or construction.
Off topic - how long do you think gas contracts last for?
On topic - people can take holiday to go if they want and pay for it themselves - no extras for anyone (including the ridiculous paternity holidays etc)
The biggest problem for the Saudis though isn't the people who can't afford the Hajj, it's the people who can afford to go several times.
They'd be a lot happier if they could find something by Mohammed that says you attend the Hajj ONCE in your lifetime.
Yes it was my immediate thought that he was demonstrating how easy it is to "pull people's chain" on here.
You want to visit an online encyclopedia??? :eek:
NO...........
do muslim countries fund their inhabitants to go?
does this country fund christians for their pilgrimages?