If a Muslim person decides to make a pilgrimage to Mecca, are there any particular modes of transportation that are permitted or not permitted? For example, if someone is coming from North America or Europe, is it permissible to fly directly to Mecca to fulfill the Hajj?

undudelike

The Haj subsidy is an airfare subsidy given to Indian Muslim Hajj pilgrims. Pilgrims applying through the Haj Committee of India are offered the concessionary fare. The Government of India pays the subsidy to Air India. Muslim leaders and Muslim community have opposed the Haj subsidy from time to time saying that subsidy actually went in bailing out Air India, while exposing Muslims to charges of appeasement. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haj_subsidy Last year the Saudis advertised their subsidy of 1,500 pilgrims from Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America. In 1999, the Saudis paid for 100 influential American Muslims to "make hajj." http://www.islamicpluralism.org/1333/wahhabis-in-america Pilgrims generally travel to Hajj in groups, as an expression of unity. Some airlines have special packages for Muslims going to Mecca such as the Haj subsidy offered in India. Ships also take pilgrims to Mecca so they can perform Hajj. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hajj Dec 01 10, 3:37 PM

author

Most hajj pilgrims today arrive by plane at the so called Hajj Airport of Jeddah. Also called King Abdulaziz International Airport. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King_Abdulaziz_International_Airport As there is no airport in Mecca, the airport in Jeddah is the closest. The distance to Mecca is 45 km. http://www.asiarooms.com/en/travel-guide/saudi-arabia/mecca/how-to-get-in/getting-to-mecca.html Dec 01 10, 8:02 PM