Hajj is a sacred obligation and a once-in-a-lifetime journey for many Muslims. A U.S. State Department travel alert asks Americans to rethink travel to Saudi Arabia because of the war on Iran. Juber Ahmed and his mother, Shamima Akther, in Michigan, had their Hajj applications accepted and feel deep gratitude, with Akther hoping to go while she is still physically able. They are among thousands of U.S. pilgrims joining about 1.5 million people performing Hajj in Saudi Arabia. A travel agency representative says U.S. participation has declined since 2019 due to Saudi quotas, with current numbers around 4,000 to 5,000 from America. The embassy issued a travel alert in April urging reconsideration due to heightened risk.
"For many Muslims, making the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and a sacred obligation. But the U.S. State Department is asking Americans to rethink any travel to Saudi Arabia because of the war on Iran."
"Juber Ahmed and his mom, Shamima Akther, live in Sterling Heights, Michigan. Artar greets me in Bangla at the door. Juber Ahmed is a pharmacist. In January, he found out he and his mom's applications to perform Hajj were accepted after months of waiting. He dropped to his knees and performed a prayer of gratitude."
"His mom, Akther, is 63 years old. Akther is looking forward to going this year while she's still physically able to make the rigorous journey. It's a dream she's had for more than 30 years. Ahmed and Akther are among a few thousand pilgrims from the United States who will join the 1.5 million people this year performing Hajj in Saudi Arabia."
"Wahid Elfeky is part of the Aleman Groups USA travel agency in New York. He says that until 2019, as many as 16,000 people from the United States would make the Hajj each year. But Saudi Arabia has instituted quotas to prevent overcrowding. Right now it's - from America, it's, like,4,000 to 5,000."
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