By Dayib Sh. Axmed

The pilgrimage to Mecca, known as the Hajj, is a profound spiritual journey and one of the five pillars of Islam. While deeply enriching and transformative, it has historically been fraught with considerable suffering and challenges. Historically, pilgrims endured arduous travel by foot, horse, or camel across deserts, facing extreme weather, food and water scarcity, and the constant threat of banditry. Many perished en route due to these harsh conditions. In addition to physical hardships, disease posed a significant threat. Epidemics like cholera and typhoid were common, exacerbated by crowded conditions and limited medical care. In the modern era, overcrowding is one of the most significant sources of suffering for pilgrims. Rituals such as Tawaf, Sa’i, and the symbolic stoning of the devil at Mina take place within limited geographical areas, leading to severe congestion.

The harsh climate of Mecca, with temperatures often reaching 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit), poses another significant challenge. Many pilgrims, particularly the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions, are at risk of heat exhaustion and dehydration. The combination of physical exertion and high temperatures can lead to serious health complications, including heatstroke. The psychological and emotional strain of the Hajj can also be profound. Physical exhaustion, coupled with the stress of navigating crowded and chaotic environments, can take a toll on pilgrims’ mental well-being.

Somali pilgrims have faced their own unique challenges and contributions. Historically, Somalia’s strategic location on the Horn of Africa facilitated the movement of pilgrims via sea routes from ports like Mogadishu, Berbera, Bosaso, and Zeila. Despite the dangers, Somali pilgrims were supported by networks of traders and religious scholars who provided guidance, financial assistance, and logistical support. Communal and familial support systems were significant sources of comfort for Somali pilgrims, with families and communities often pooling resources to sponsor a member’s pilgrimage. Wealthier merchants and community leaders played crucial roles in funding and organizing pilgrimages, ensuring that even those with limited means could fulfill this religious obligation.

Somali pilgrims have also significantly contributed to Saudi Arabia in various ways. One of the most direct benefits is the economic boost associated with their presence. Pilgrims spend money on accommodation, food, transportation, and other services, supporting local businesses. Historically, Somali traders and pilgrims established robust trade links with the Arabian Peninsula, fostering a vibrant trade environment in the Hejaz region. The interaction between Somali pilgrims and the local Saudi population facilitated a rich cultural exchange, enriching Saudi Arabia’s cultural landscape and fostering greater understanding and appreciation of diverse Islamic traditions.

The presence of Somali pilgrims during the Hajj strengthened the sense of Islamic unity and brotherhood, underscoring the universal nature of Islam and the shared spiritual experience of the Hajj. The annual influx of Somali pilgrims has also helped strengthen diplomatic and geopolitical ties between Saudi Arabia and Somalia. The Hajj serves as a platform for fostering closer relationships, with Saudi Arabia often providing support and facilitation for Somali pilgrims. This goodwill has translated into broader bilateral cooperation, including political, economic, and cultural exchanges. Additionally, the arrival of Somali pilgrims created numerous employment opportunities for poor Saudis, with pilgrims needing accommodation, food, transportation, and various other services, leading to job creation in these sectors. Somali pilgrims, motivated by religious duty and compassion, often engaged in acts of charity, distributing alms (sadaqah) to the needy and reinforcing the communal bonds of Islamic brotherhood. Somali pilgrims frequently shared their resources, including food and other essentials, with the local poor, benefiting both pilgrims and residents.

Prophet Ibrahim’s (Abraham) supplication in the Quran emphasizes faith, guidance, and prosperity for the inhabitants of the land where he established the foundations of the Kaaba in Mecca. This prayer holds significance for Saudis and all Muslims, highlighting principles central to Islamic belief.

“Our Lord, I have placed some of my descendants in a barren valley near your holy House. O Lord, let them establish prayer. Please make the hearts of people inclined toward them and provide them with fruits so that they may be thankful.”

‏‏Before the discovery of oil in the late 1930s, Saudi Arabia’s economy was primarily agrarian, relying on date farming and pilgrimage-related services. The discovery of vast oil reserves in Dhahran and Abqaiq transformed the economy, with oil revenues quickly becoming the mainstay. This led to rapid modernization and industrialization, enabling the government to invest heavily in infrastructure, education, and healthcare, lifting millions out of poverty and significantly improving living standards. Oil wealth also brought substantial social changes, such as urban expansion, modern infrastructure development, and the introduction of Western amenities and technologies, affecting societal norms and lifestyles.

Conversely, Somalia faced a devastating civil war starting in the late 1980s, culminating in the overthrow of President Said Barre in 1991. This led to the collapse of central authority, plunging the country into decades of conflict and lawlessness, with multiple transitional governments struggling to establish stability. Political instability and corruption hindered progress, leading to widespread displacement and community disruption. Many Somali Hajj pilgrims come from conflict-affected areas or are internally displaced persons (IDPs), making it difficult to plan for Hajj due to unstable housing and livelihoods.

One major issue for Somali Hajj pilgrims is obtaining visas. Many face delays, arbitrary rejections, or stringent requirements not uniformly applied to other countries’ pilgrims. This bureaucratic hurdle results in frustration and financial strain. Upon arrival, Somali pilgrims report mistreatment and discrimination, including verbal abuse, harassment, and neglect by Saudi authorities. Accommodation and transportation are also problematic, with complaints about inadequate living conditions, overcrowded accommodations, and substandard transportation, posing health and safety risks. Access to healthcare is another concern, with challenges in obtaining timely medical care due to language barriers and a lack of Somali-speaking staff within facility.

The treatment of Somali pilgrims reflects broader issues of racial and ethnic discrimination within Saudi society, with Somali pilgrims often facing differential treatment compared to other countries’ pilgrims. Communication barriers further exacerbate these challenges, as many Somali pilgrims struggle to navigate bureaucratic procedures and communicate their needs due to language differences and the absence of interpreters. In contrast, Somali communities in Europe and North America often organize Hajj groups to facilitate the journey, providing support with logistics, accommodation, transportation, and guidance on rituals. These travelers undergo careful planning, including obtaining visas, booking flights, and preparing necessary documents. Somali travel agencies specialize in organizing Hajj trips, ensuring smooth experiences. Financial demands require savings and community sponsorship, with Somalia Haji often saving for years to fulfill this religious obligation. Additionally

Exploitation Casts Shadow on Somali Hajj Experience

Somalis pilgrims embarking on the sacred Hajj pilgrimage in 2024 have faced a disturbing betrayal of faith. Sheikh Mukhtar Robow, the Minister of Endowments and Religious Affairs of Somalia, and his brother Ibrahim Ali stand accused of exploiting the very system they are meant to safeguard. These accusations paint a picture of greed and disregard for the spiritual well-being of Somali Muslims.

This exploitative practice has created a monopoly on airline access for pilgrims, exacerbating logistical challenges and failing to meet the demand for essential services. At the heart of the misconduct lies the alleged manipulation of Hajj quotas. Robow and Ali are accused of selling these coveted spots to Somali individual outside of Somalia, bypassing the rightful Somali pilgrims who have saved for years and diligently followed the application process. This alleged profiteering not only denies deserving pilgrims their chance to fulfill a pillar of Islam but also creates an artificial scarcity that drives up costs.

As a first-time performer of Hajj, I was personally appalled by the conditions I encountered. Upon arrival, I witnessed firsthand the appalling treatment of Somali pilgrims. We were crammed together with more than 2,000 others, enduring unsanitary bathroom facilities and inadequate living arrangements. The disparity in costs and services was stark: while Somali pilgrims paid $4,700 for the journey, we were subjected to substandard accommodations and squalid tents at Mina, while pilgrims from the Somali region of Ethiopia paid $2,500 and received relatively better conditions.

The experience was nothing short of outrageous. The living conditions in the Mina tents were deplorable, with overcrowding and a lack of basic sanitary facilities. The lack of proper organization and the blatant disregard for the pilgrims’ comfort and dignity were evident. It was disheartening to see fellow pilgrims, who had made significant sacrifices to embark on this sacred journey, subjected to such indignity. This impropriety has cast a dark shadow over the administration of Somalia’s pilgrimage affairs, raising urgent questions about transparency, integrity, and the fiduciary responsibilities of those entrusted with organizing such sacred journeys. The authorities must be held accountable for their actions, ensuring justice and restitution for the pilgrims whose rights and religious obligations have been callously exploited. The systemic failure in managing the Hajj experience for Somali pilgrims underscores a broader issue of corruption and mismanagement that needs to be addressed.

The Hajj pilgrimage, a sacred pillar of Islamic faith, demands dignified treatment and meticulous logistical arrangements for all participants. Somali pilgrims rightfully expect better from those entrusted with facilitating their journey. By addressing these grievances and ensuring future pilgrimages uphold the integrity and respect worthy of this sacred obligation, the sanctity of the Hajj pilgrimage for Somali Muslims can be restored. It is crucial for the Somali government and relevant authorities to implement transparent and ethical governance practices, ensuring that the spiritual journey of Somali pilgrims is safeguarded from exploitation and mismanagement. The Somali government must act swiftly and decisively to address these accusations. A transparent investigation is essential, with those found guilty held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. Furthermore, robust safeguards must be implemented to prevent such exploitation from ever occurring again. This includes establishing an independent oversight body responsible for managing Hajj quotas and ensuring fair pricing for airline access.

The regional administrations of Puntland and Somaliland must also take responsibility. They should actively advocate for their pilgrims and work with the federal government to establish a transparent and equitable system for all Somalis. The Hajj pilgrimage is a pivotal spiritual journey for millions of Muslims, including Somalis. Restoring trust and ensuring a dignified experience for all pilgrims is not just a matter of good governance, but a paramount religious responsibility. The Somali government and regional administrations have a moral obligation to act swiftly and decisively to dismantle this exploitative system and ensure a sacred journey worthy of the Somali people’s faith.

Moving forward, urgent reforms are needed to restore integrity, transparency, and dignity to Somalia’s pilgrimage affairs. Somali pilgrims rightfully demand better treatment and deserve assurances that their religious obligations are facilitated with respect and fairness. Addressing these systemic failures is essential to uphold the principles of justice and ensure that future pilgrimages reflect the true spirit of unity and devotion central to the Hajj pilgrimage. Through accountable governance and compassionate stewardship, the Hajj can once again be a transformative and spiritually enriching experience for all who embark on this sacred journey. It is imperative for Somali lawmakers and the administration to establish and enforce robust regulations to protect pilgrims and guarantee ethical management of Hajj operations.

Dayib Sh. Ahmed (Faracadde)
Email: Dayib0658@gmail.com

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