Munich pilgrim sets off for Mecca: 9,000 euros for faith!

Munich pilgrim sets off for Mecca: 9,000 euros for faith!

The pilgrimage to Mecca, also known as Hajj, is one of the most important religious obligations for Muslims. This year, Emin Sacirović from Munich is going on a three-week pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia. The journey begins on May 24th with a flight from Munich, while the Hajj itself takes place on June 4th or 5th, depending on the position of the moon. Sacirović thought long and hard about his motivation for this pilgrimage and had to save for it for a long time.

For his trip he carefully packs sandals, a Koran, a change of clothes and a wash bag. The special pilgrim clothing, which consists of two light-colored cloths, will be provided on site. The imam of the Bosnian mosque community in Munich, Izet Bibic, supports the organization of the pilgrimage. He gives his parishioners valuable advice, the most important being to pack mentally and not travel too heavy.

Preparations and challenges

The cost of the Hajj trip is around 9,000 euros per person, which represents a significant financial burden for many pilgrims. Approximately two million people travel annually for this pilgrimage, which is one of the five pillars of Islam. Hajj takes place annually in the month of Dhu l-Hijjah, specifically between the 8th and 12th of Dhu l-Hijjah, and every healthy, adult Muslim who can afford it is obliged to make the pilgrimage to Mecca once in their life.

Temperatures in Saudi Arabia can reach up to 50 degrees Celsius during Hajj, posing serious danger to pilgrims. Historically, large gatherings of people, particularly during Hajj, have also been documented to cause many deaths, most recently in 2024 with over 1,300 heat-related deaths. Mass panics in the past, such as in Mina in 2015, have also led to tragic losses.

Religious meaning and traditions

The Hajj begins with entry into the state of Ihram and includes important ritual stations such as the first Tawaf around the Kaaba as well as stays in Mina, the plain of 'Arafāt and Muzdalifa. On the 10th of Dhul Hidja, the symbolic stoning of the devil takes place. After completing the pilgrimage, the participants receive the honorary title “Hajj”. This is not only a personal achievement, but is also often recognized with celebrations in their home countries.

The pilgrimage to the holy places is a life goal for many Muslims and fulfills spiritualistic hopes and expectations. Sacirović himself says that the fulfillment of his hopes and expectations is not in his hands. During the trip, many pilgrims wish to visit other holy sites in addition to the Hajj, such as the first mosque and the tomb of the Prophet Mohammed in Medina.

For most travelers, the Hajj represents a profound spiritual experience and has pre-Islamic origins, but was reorganized by Muhammad in 632 to allow regimented and safe access for believers. Despite the challenges and risks, Hajj remains a significant and indispensable practice in the lives of Muslims worldwide.

How BR.de Reportedly, this pilgrimage attracts millions of people annually, with the infrastructure in Mecca often being overwhelmed during this time. Also Wikipedia describes the Hajj in detail and highlights the extraordinary stress that pilgrims can experience due to heat and crowds.