Münchner Pilger starts after Mecca: 9,000 euros for faith!

Münchner Pilger starts after Mecca: 9,000 euros for faith!

Mekka, Saudi-Arabien - The pilgrimage to Mecca, also called Haddsch, is one of the most important religious obligations for Muslims. This year, the Munich Emin Sacirović goes on a three-week pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia. The trip begins on May 24th with a flight from Munich, while the Hajsch itself takes place on June 4 or 5, depending on the moonstand. Sacirović dealt long and intensively with his motivation for this pilgrimage and also had to save for a long time.

For his trip, he carefully grabs sandals, a Koran, changing clothes and a wash bag. The special pilgrimage clothing, which consists of two bright towels, is 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 that is most important to pack mentally and not to travel too hard.

preparations and challenges

The cost of the Hajsch trip is around 9,000 euros per person, which is a significant financial burden for many pilgrims. Every year, about two million people travel to this pilgrimage, which is one of the five pillars of Islam. The Haddsch takes place annually a year DHU L-Hiddscha, especially between 8th and 12th DHU L-Hiddscha, and every healthy, adult Muslim who can afford it is obliged to make a pilgrimage to Mecca once in life.

The temperatures in Saudi Arabia can reach up to 50 degrees Celsius during the Hajad, which is a serious danger for the pilgrims. Historically speaking, many deaths are also documented in large crowds, especially during the Haddsch, most recently in 2024 with over 1,300 heat -related deaths. Mass panels in the past, as in 2015 in Mina, have also led to tragic losses.

religious meaning and traditions

The Haddsch begins with the entry into the consecration state and contains important ritual stations such as the first Tawaf for the Kaaba and stays in Mina, the ʿArafāt and Muzdalifa level. The symbolic stoning of the devil takes place on the 10th DHU L-Hiddscha. According to the pilgrimage, the participants receive the honorary title "Hāddsch". This is not only a personal success, but is often recognized with celebrations in their home countries.

The pilgrimage to the holy sites is a goal of life for many Muslims and fulfills spiritistic hopes and expectations. Sacirović himself expresses that the fulfillment of his hopes and expectations is not in his hands. During the trip, many pilgrims want to visit other sacred sites, such as the first mosque and the grave of the Prophet Mohammed in Medina.

For most travelers, the Haddsch represents a profound spiritual experience and has pre -Islamic origins, but was reorganized by Mohammed in 632 in order to enable the believers to regulate and secure safe access. Despite the challenges and risks, the Haddsch remains an important and indispensable practice in the life of Muslims worldwide.

like wikipedia describes the Haddsch in detail and emphasizes the extraordinary strain that the pilgrims can experience through heat and crowds.