Hajj is a one of the most spiritual journey of a Muslim’s life. It is the fifth pillar of Islam and is required once in a Muslim’s life if you are physically and financially stable. Nowadays, the cost of travel and accommodation in Saudi Arabia and Saudi Riyal exchange rate has increased so it is important to plan before so that you don’t have to face any difficulty afterwards. Securing the funds for Hajj is a spiritual and financial milestone for Pakistani Muslims. This article breaks down the legal ways to fund the Hajj journey from Pakistan without any interest or debt.
Tips to Fund the Hajj Journey
Start a dedicated Hajj Savings plan:
There are several Hajj plans in Pakistan which help you to save money for Hajj. Moreover, there are also many banks in Pakistan such as Meezan Bank, Bank Islamic and Faysal Bank which offer specialized Hajj Saving Accounts. These accounts are Shariah – complaint and you have the facility to deposit small amounts monthly. The benefit of this account is that they provide Hajj financial assistance Pakistan during the government’s Hajj balloting process. By depositing monthly amount from your salary you can easily save money without feeling immediate financial pressure.
Save Money by Using the Government Installment Plan
The government now also allows to pay in instalments in 3 parts instead of the whole sum. The process of installments is paying 200000 rupees with the application and if you get selected then you will pay 400000 more. Make sure that you complete the payment before departure. This lowers the pressure on middle class families. The packages range from Rs. 1.75 million and Rs. 11.75 million. You can select a trip of 38 days or a shorter one of 20 days.
Utilize Committee Systems
The ‘Kameti’ System is a cultural practice in Pakistan and it is a legal way to save money for Hajj in Pakistan. The process includes joining a trusted group and contributing some amount monthly and you can take the lump sum on your turn. If you are planning for Hajj you can request for the money when you need it.
Apply through the Sponsorship Hajj Scheme
One more legitimate way of Hajj funding Pakistan is sponsorship Hajj scheme. If you have any family living abroad, they can sponsor your Hajj in USD. You must be careful while sponsorship and follow the Ministry rules carefully to avoid any risk. The sponsor should directly send USD to the Ministry’s account. Local cash deposits are not allowed.
Early planning and avoiding loans with interest
Hajj is necessary only when you have enough financial resources. Taking loan with interest is not permissible in Islam. Instead a better way is start saving money by opening a Hajj fund in your 20s and 30s. Even small monthly savings can grow to make you financially able for Hajj. You just have to avoid extra expenses and put the money in your Hajj account and save money as a family.
Who is eligible for Hajj?
People who are financially stable and Zakat is mandatory on them according to the Islamic rule are obligated to perform the pilgrimage. However, people who are eligible for receiving the Zakat as per the Holy Quran are not obligated to perform Hajj.
English Translation (Sahih International):*”Zakah expenditures are only for the poor and for the needy and for those employed to collect and for bringing hearts together [for Islam] and for freeing captives [or slaves] and for those in debt and for the cause of Allah and for the traveler – an obligation by Allah. And Allah is Knowing and Wise.” (Surah Tauba 9:60)
How to afford Hajj in Pakistan?
No matter if the Hajj expenses have increased, you can save money for Hajj in Pakistan by pre planning and adopting legal sources of Hajj funding Pakistan. Use only government approved banks, takaful companies or Ministry schemes. Moreover, you can also sale the excessive assets to gain money.
In short we can say that, Hajj is a spiritual journey but also needs financial planning too. Through early planning and saving money through halal sources or an instalment plan is better as it does not diminish the reward of Hajj. Moreover, it makes Hajj funding easy without interest and debt. Therefore, start saving money now so that you can visit Makkah for the pilgrimage in your near future.