Watan-The Jordanian thinker and politician, Rahil Gharaibeh, sparked wide controversy across social media platforms in Jordan after calling for sending the funds allocated for Hajj and Umrah for the year 2024 to Gaza, in support of relief and reconstruction efforts.
The former Secretary-General of the National Conference Party, “Zamzam,” proposed in a post on his Facebook account a global Islamic legal opinion project to be presented to scholars and jurists in the Arab and Islamic world and in all countries.
He suggested redirecting the funds earmarked for Hajj and Umrah for the year 2024 to support the brothers in Gaza for relief and reconstruction purposes.
Gharaibeh clarified that this proposal stems from the obligation of the current time, which requires thinking about a legitimate solution, emphasizing the importance of saving lives and assisting others by all possible means. He affirmed that the duty to save lives in Gaza is paramount and must be achieved as quickly as possible.
Saving Lives
He continued, “I believe that this represents the duty of the time, necessitating a legitimate consideration of reality. Also, it’s about balancing between the duty to save lives and other duties in terms of importance. I believe, and God knows best, that the duty to save lives takes precedence and is a priority in this historical period, temporarily and specifically.”
The Saudi electronic “Fly Swatter” battalions launched a fierce attack on the Jordanian politician Rahil Gharaibeh following this proposal, using the usual tactic of demonizing him as an “Ikhwan” (Muslim Brotherhood) affiliate.
One of these pseudo-accounts, apparently affiliated with the Saudi Fly Swatter battalions, attacked the Jordanian politician, stating: “The Jordanian Ikhwanji Rahil Gharaibeh calls for cancelling Hajj and Umrah.”
Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, Dr. Mohammad Khalaileh, estimated that the cost of Hajj for the ordinary category for the current year would be around 3200 Jordanian dinars, with a slight increase possible.
Khalaileh mentioned in the past January on the “Al-Wakeel” program, broadcasted on “Radio Hala,” that the upcoming Hajj season will feature a new and distinctive type of tents, used for the first time, along with special air conditioning services inside these tents and food services including open buffets.
He added that compared to previous years, prices are higher, and the ministry has no relation to price increases; rather, the costs have increased. The ministry seeks the best services at appropriate prices for the pilgrims.
Cancellation of Umrah to Solve Currency Crisis
It’s worth mentioning that the Egyptian media figure and journalist affiliated with the Sisi regime, “Khairy Ramadan,” surprised his followers in January 2024 by suggesting suspending Umrah for a year. However, not to support Gaza, but to solve Egypt’s current foreign currency and dollar shortage crisis.
Ramadan claimed through his program “With Khairy,” which aired on “Al-Mehwar” channel at the time, that “whoever does not perform Umrah will not go to hell,” in a deliberate evasion of the real reasons for the economic collapse Egypt is experiencing.
The Egyptian media personality proposed suspending Umrah for a year to save hard currency, adding with a tone of mockery, “You won’t go to hell if you don’t perform Umrah this year.”