Residents of Chechnya reveal nuances of preparing for Hajj

Those residents of the republic, who plan to make Hajj this year, told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent that they have already begun preparing for the upcoming tour.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on February 14, Chechnya began accepting documents from those who wish to make a pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia. In Chechnya, this year's tour has gone up by almost ten percent and makes USD 3600, the republic's Muftiate has announced.

"I've already submitted documents, in order to have time to solve possible problems. The reception had been conducted for a few days only, but, as they say, more than 600 people have already submitted their applications," Aslambek, a local resident, has reported.

"It may seem now that there's plenty of time, and there is no way to hurry up. But it's better to do everything and plan ahead, so as not to run around in the last days, dealing with all issues. On advice of my acquaintances, who had made their Hajj earlier, ordered a three-litre bottle of honey from a local seller. They say that there (in Saudi Arabia), they sell honey of some Yemen origin, but its taste is completely different, a bit too bitter," said Sultan, a resident of Grozny.

"The prices for Hajj tours are too high, in my opinion. One needs to have some 1500 US dollars with himself too. I made my Hajj in 2016; and it took me USD 5000. After all, apart from paying for various services on the spot, it's to bring gifts from Mecca to relatives, friends and acquaintances; I think it's a must. I thought to make Hajj again, but if you repeat it, you have to pay an extra USD 500. This should also be taken into account," said Abu, another local.

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on February 20, 2020 at 06:21 am MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.