Beware of 'Badal Haji' Costs Below RM9,500, Warns Malaysian Consulate

The Malaysian Consulate in Jeddah is urging vigilance among prospective pilgrims regarding 'badal haji' services, highlighting concerns over offers priced significantly below the actual cost of performing the Hajj.

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Our advice is that if a badal haji service is offered at a very low price, it should raise a question mark.

Consul General Tengku Mohd. Dzaraif Raja Abdul Kadir pointed out that even packages for residents in Saudi Arabia typically range from 9,000 to 10,000 riyals. This starkly contrasts with offers below 9,000 riyals, raising serious questions about their authenticity and whether the rituals will be performed according to Islamic requirements.

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We are well aware that the actual cost of performing the Hajj is high. Therefore, offers that are too low may not meet the prescribed pillars or obligations of Hajj.

While no Malaysian pilgrims have been reported for involvement in fake Hajj cases, local media in Saudi Arabia have reported instances of individuals attempting to perform Hajj without valid permits. The Saudi authorities are intensifying checks at entry points and within Mecca to ensure compliance, with strict enforcement against those without permits.

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We advise Malaysians to be more careful and conduct thorough checks before obtaining badal haji services, to ensure that the pilgrimage is performed validly and perfectly.

This advisory is crucial for Malaysian Muslims planning to utilize 'badal haji' services. It underscores the importance of due diligence to ensure their religious obligations are met with integrity and validity, preventing potential exploitation and ensuring the Hajj is performed acceptably. The emphasis is on safeguarding the spiritual journey of Malaysian pilgrims.

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Alhamdulillah, so far it does not involve Malaysians and we hope this situation continues until the end of the Hajj season, Insya-Allah.