The cost of the Hajj pilgrimage to the shrines of Islam in Saudi Arabia - will increase in 2021 due to an increase in VAT, now the trip costs an average of 3 thousand dollars, the First Deputy Chairman of the Russian Muftis Council, the mufti of the Moscow region Rushan Abbyasov.
"The average price is the same, give or take may be for each region, depending on the package - somewhere there is food, somewhere there is not, somewhere closer to the places of pilgrimage, somewhere a little further away-in general, approximately 3,200 dollars per trip," Abbyasov said at an online conference in MIA Russia today.
He also said that Saudi Arabia introduced an additional tax, raising VAT to 15%, whereas last year the value-added tax was only 5%. "Therefore, it is natural to increase the price next year. Because everything will need to be paid plus 10%," Abbyasov said.
According to him, those who could not go to the Hajj this year due to restrictions imposed by Saudi Arabia in connection with the threat of the coronavirus, tour operators offer to conclude a special agreement, rescheduling the trip to next year. "In order for them to have discounts, some maximum conditions," explained Abbyasov.
In addition, it is expected that from October it will be possible to make the Umra - small pilgrimage to Mecca.
"If the borders are opened and the epidemiological situation allows, and the Saudi authorities make such a decision, then starting from October, our pilgrims are already ready, they are already signing up in groups to perform this pilgrimage," the Deputy head of the Council said.
After the end of the Hajj, one or two months are given for sanitary treatment, and then Umrah usually begins, he said.
The Hajj is one of the five pillars on which Islam is based. Pilgrimage to the Holy places in Mecca is prescribed to be performed at least once in the life of every Muslim. The Hajj can be performed in the month of Dhul-Hijjah ("Month of pilgrimage"). Due to the fact that the Muslim calendar is lunar, the time of performing the Hajj changes every year. A Muslim can make a small pilgrimage (Umrah) at any time of the year.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Konevi / Pixabay
Based on materials from RIA Novosti