Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Mimi Mefo Info (Editor)
Published on 2024-02-29 21:41:10
By Daniel D.
Cameroonian Muslims who wish to participate in this year’s pilgrimage (Hajj) to Saudi Arabia are required to pay FCFA 3,267,942, as stated by the Minister of Territorial Administration, Paul Atanga Nji.
This fee has slightly increased from last year.
The 2024 Hajj is scheduled to take place from June 14 to 19. The decision to raise the cost of the pilgrimage is due to factors such as the increase in Value Added Tax (VAT) in Saudi Arabia, limited housing availability, and the high exchange rate of the dollar, which significantly affects various services associated with the pilgrimage.
Minister Atanga Nji has announced that registration has officially begun and will remain open until March 15, 2024.
“As soon as this press release is issued, pilgrims are informed that registrations with the Single Hajj Window (Afriland First Bank) are open and will close on March 15, 2024,” Atanga Nji stated in the release.
He also highlighted that the registration window will automatically close if the predetermined quota of registered pilgrims is reached before the set date.
Hajj is considered one of the five pillars of Islam, mandatory for Muslims who are in good health and have the financial means to undertake the pilgrimage.
The journey usually takes place during the 12th and final month of the Islamic calendar, known as Dhu’l-hijja.
Pilgrims engage in various rituals, including prayer, sacrifice, seeking forgiveness, and circling the Ka’aba, a sacred structure in Mecca. Additionally, they throw stones at walls believed to represent Satan.
The announcement of the cost and registration details for Hajj comes as Cameroonian Muslims eagerly prepare for this significant religious journey.
Read the original article(French) on Mimi Mefo Info
