Cameroonian Muslim pilgrims to pay over FCFA 3 million for Hajj

Cameroonian Muslims aspiring to partake in this year’s pilgrimage (Hajj) to Saudi Arabia are required to pay FCFA 3,267,942, according to a release from the Minister of Territorial Administration, Paul Atanga Nji.

This fee witnessed a slight increase from last year.

The 2024 Hajj is scheduled to take place from June 14 to 19. The decision to raise the pilgrimage cost is attributed to factors such as the increase in Value Added Tax (VAT) in Saudi Arabia, housing scarcity, and the high exchange rate of the dollar, which significantly impacts various services associated with the pilgrimage.

Minister Atanga Nji informed potential pilgrims that registration has officially commenced and will remain open until March 15, 2024.

“As soon as this press release is issued, pilgrims are informed that registrations with the Single Hadj Window (Afriland First Bank) are open and will end on March 15, 2024,” Atanga Nji said in the release.

However, he emphasized that the registration window will be automatically closed, if the predetermined quota of registered pilgrims is reached before the set date.

Hajj is considered one of Islam’s five pillars, mandatory for Muslims who are in good health and possess the financial means to undertake the pilgrimage.

The journey typically occurs during the Islamic calendar’s 12th and final month, known as Dhu’l-hijja.

Pilgrims engage in various rituals, including prayer, sacrifice, seeking forgiveness, and circumambulating the Ka’aba, a sacred structure in Mecca. Additionally, pilgrims cast stones at walls believed to harbor Satan.

The announcement of the Hajj cost and registration details comes as Cameroonian Muslims eagerly prepare for this significant religious undertaking.

©Mimi Mefo Info