(WASHINGTON, D.C., 9/9/22) – The US Council of Muslim Organizations and 58 American Muslim organizations and houses of worship have sent a letter to Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah asking the ministry to consider once again allowing American Muslims pilgrims and others around the world the option of using local travel agencies to book, arrange and lead their Hajj travel groups.
SEE: American Muslim Community Letter to Minister of Hajj and Umrah
The coalition letter, which was sent to Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, the Minister of Hajj and Umrah on August 16, 2022, details the widespread difficulties faced by many pilgrims from the United States after significant changes to the application process for this year’s Hajj.
The letter states in part:
“In light of the widespread difficulties faced by many pilgrims from the United States at all stages of their efforts to participate in the rites of Hajj this year, we respectfully ask you to consider restoring the previous time-tested and effective system of delivering pilgrims from cities across the United States to the blessed city of Mecca for the Hajj pilgrimage.
“For decades, Muslims in the United States have developed and used systems for Hajj that address their unique needs. Groups and individuals can secure their trip through a travel agency, often based in the state or city in which they live, that allows pilgrims to perform Hajj with expert guides and religious leaders who speak their language, know local customs.”
In 2022, pilgrims from the United States, Europe and Australia were required to use an online portal and lottery system run by a private company, Motawif, to apply for permission to participate in Hajj. In the past, pilgrims could hire local travel agencies to submit their visa applications, make their travel arrangements and guide them during the pilgrimage.
In a statement, USCMO Secretary-General Oussama Jammal said:
“The American Muslim community appreciates the Ministry’s efforts to ensure that Muslims around the world can fulfill their religious duties by performing the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages. In light of the difficulties that many pilgrims experienced under the new system this year, we respectfully ask the Ministry to once again allow pilgrims the option of using local Hajj travel agencies and tour guides to arrange their Hajj travel groups.”
