The haj, one of the five basic requirements of Islam, lasts a month and costs from $6,000 per person. -- PHOTO: AP
IT JUST got easier for first-timers aiming to perform the haj, or pilgrimage, to Mecca.
They will now be given priority, even over those already in the queue, as a result of changes announced by the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis) on Saturday.
Muslims here must apply to Muis, which works with appointed travel agents to facilitate the pilgrimage.
The haj, one of the five basic requirements of Islam, lasts a month and costs from $6,000 per person.
Another change: Allowing Muslim women who want to go on the haj on their own to register at the age of 40 instead of 45.
Previously, females under 45 years old had to be accompanied by their mahram.
Mahram, in Islamic tradition, refers to a close male relative; for married women, it starts with the husband, while for singles, it starts with the father.
The changes - which resulted from a comprehensive review by Muis and the Association of Muslim Travel Agents (Amtas) - were announced by Muis president Alami Musa.
