Mogadishu (AX) — On a bright Friday morning, a significant chapter in the lives of 431 Somali pilgrims unfolded as they departed from Mogadishu’s Aden Adde International Airport, embarking on their journey to Saudi Arabia for the 2025 Hajj. This annual pilgrimage, deeply rooted in Islamic tradition, draws millions from around the globe, each individual seeking not just to fulfill a religious duty, but to forge a personal connection with their faith.
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The farewell ceremony was a heartwarming gathering and a poignant moment. Among the attendees were prominent leaders, including Sheikh Mukhtar Robow Ali, the Minister of Endowments and Islamic Affairs, alongside Dr. Ali Haji Aden, the Minister of Health, and Mohamed Farah Nuh, the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation. Their presence underscored the importance of this event, as they extended blessings and good wishes to the pilgrims.
As the crowd assembled, the air was thick with emotion. Joy and anticipation mingled with a hint of apprehension. Would their prayers be accepted? Would the experiences ahead deepen their faith? Minister Sheikh Mukhtar, in his remarks, emphasized the importance of adherence to Saudi Hajj regulations, urging the pilgrims to maintain a spirit of focus and devotion throughout the journey. “You represent Somalia,” he reminded them, highlighting both the honor and responsibility resting on their shoulders. His words resonated, serving as a reminder that this journey was about more than individual aspirations; it was about the collective spirit of the Somali people on the world stage.
Yet, the path to fulfillment isn’t without its hurdles. The Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs has set the cost for the 2025 Hajj at $4,604 per pilgrim. While this is a modest increase from last year’s $4,434, it reflects the ever-rising expenses related to accommodation and travel in Saudi Arabia. For many Somali families, these figures represent significant financial hurdles—barriers to this sacred pilgrimage that are becoming increasingly steep.
In neighboring countries such as Ethiopia, Kenya, and Djibouti, the cost of Hajj packages can be as low as $1,600—an astonishing disparity that has caught the attention of many back home. How can it be that fellow Muslims across the border can fulfill their spiritual obligations for a fraction of the cost? This disparity has sparked a wave of public frustration and criticism, with many questioning the fairness of the pricing structures imposed by local Hajj agencies.
Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre has previously shed light on this issue, identifying local agencies as contributors to the inflated pricing that has now become a common grievance among the populace. “Reform in the Hajj service sector is essential,” he stated, underlining the need for transparency and accountability. It is incumbent upon these agencies to ensure that the pilgrimage remains accessible to all, regardless of socio-economic status.
Reflecting on this year’s pricing, it’s worth noting that for Somali pilgrims, the last few years have seen mounting financial pressures. In 2022, for instance, pilgrimage costs soared to between $5,500 and $6,000. While some progress has been made in reducing expenses, many still find that the pilgrimage remains a distant dream—financially out of reach. There’s something profoundly human about seeking spiritual fulfillment, yet feeling chained by monetary constraints. Has the essence of the pilgrimage become entangled in the very material realities of our time?
As these 431 pilgrims begin their sacred journey, they carry with them not only hopes and dreams but also the challenges and resilience of their community. Each step they take is a reflection of their faith, their struggles, and their aspirations. They are ambassadors of a nation, venturing into a deeply transformative experience that speaks to the heart of what it means to be part of something greater.
In the grand tapestry of life, every thread matters, and for these pilgrims, this thread is suffused with vibrant colors of devotion, aspiration, and hope. Their journey serves as a reminder that even in the face of trials, the spirit of community and belief can light the way.
May their Hajj journey be blessed and meaningful, and may their efforts inspire others, sparking much-needed dialogue about accessibility and fairness for all who seek to engage in this beautiful act of worship.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international – Monitoring.
