Umrah is a desire that every Muslim longs for, yet unfortunately, this spiritual journey has now fallen victim to countless commercial, administrative, and social problems. Millions of Pakistanis travel for the blessings of Umrah every year, but the journey begins with difficulties that overshadow the true essence of worship.
The first trick by Pakistani travel agents is the deception of “meters.” Pilgrims are promised hotels at distances of 300, 500, or 700 meters, but in reality, the distances are many times greater. Hotel distances are measured from inside the Haram area, not from its boundaries, a fact that many pilgrims only realize later. First-time pilgrims are the most affected by this fraud.
Shuttle services are another major challenge. Pilgrims are assured that vehicles will take them to the Haram for every prayer, but in reality, shuttles often drop pilgrims about a thousand meters away. Elderly people, women, and weaker individuals are most affected by this struggle. The agents and shuttle operators profit, while the pilgrims bear all the hardships.
Even upon reaching the hotel from the airport, facilities are limited and problems abound. Voucher issues, unavailability of rooms, hours of waiting, and rude behavior by hotel staff turn the fatigue of Umrah into distress. In many hotels, Pakistani and Bangladeshi staff treat pilgrims in such a manner that the joy of the journey turns into frustration and anger.
At the Haram Sharif, some Arab security personnel exhibit behavior that is distressing for pilgrims. Blocking paths without reason, harshness toward elders and women, pushing and shoving during crowds, and language barriers all undermine the sanctity of worship. During Tawaf, the chaotic crowds often result in pilgrims being pushed, falling, or getting injured, while the administration’s crowd management appears insufficient.
Even after Tawaf, at the place of hair shaving, the commission mafia is active. Pakistani and Bangladeshi youth take pilgrims to certain shops, collecting a share on every head, showing that exploitation continues at every step.
In Madinah, the overall arrangements are relatively better. Online booking and scheduled timings make crowding somewhat manageable, but hotel issues remain similar. Rooms not being available on time and pressure to vacate early are constant sources of stress for pilgrims.
Language is another significant problem.Millions of pilgrims arrive from around the world, yet most Arab staff in the administration understand neither English nor Urdu.The lack of translators means that even minor issues often turn into disputes.
Disorder and ignorance at pilgrimage sites are also concerning.At sacred locations like Cave Hira, Cave Thawr, Jabal Rahmah, and others, people write their names on rocks and walls and engage in inappropriate actions, showing a lack of knowledge and awareness.These sacred sites require reverence, not disrespect.
Everyone must play their role. Trained and polite staff should be appointed at the Haram, pathways should be monitored, special facilities should be provided for the elderly and women, and crowd management should be improved. Pakistan must also strictly monitor the Umrah system. Actions should be taken against travel agents for arbitrary pricing, false meter claims, shuttle service scams, and hotel booking fraud.
Pilgrims themselves should learn the etiquette of worship, maintain discipline, and avoid pushing, shoving, or inappropriate actions.
Umrah is a sacred journey that transforms hearts, but to make this journey smooth, peaceful, and honorable, it is essential that the administration, agents, and pilgrims all understand and fulfill their responsibilities. Until behavior improves and the system is reformed, these issues will persist but improvement is possible if intentions and actions are pure.
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