Prioritise Hajj over repeated Umrah trips – Mubaje

By Ahmed Idriss

The Mufti, Sheikh Shaban Ramathan Mubaje, has cautioned Muslims against repeatedly undertaking Umrah while neglecting the obligatory Hajj pilgrimage, a mandatory pillar of Islam.

Speaking during a thanksgiving event for Hajji Issa Wanderema  held at Bubwaya village in Manafwa Town Council following his successful completion of Hajj, the Mufti said some Muslims have developed a tendency of making multiple Umrah trips despite having the financial means to fulfil their obligation of performing Hajj.

Sheikh Mubaje said Muslims who can afford repeated Umrah pilgrimages should instead prioritise saving and planning for Hajj, which is compulsory for every Muslim who is physically and financially capable.

“Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam. It is not something Muslims should postpone until they have spare money. Those who repeatedly perform Umrah should remember that Hajj is obligatory. If someone dies before fulfilling it, they should indicate in their will that they did not complete this obligation,” he said.

The Mufti urged Muslims to develop a culture of saving for Hajj, saying that with sincere intention and proper planning, the pilgrimage is attainable.

He also vowed to expose individuals allegedly involved in corruption in the presidential Hajj offer, accusing some State House officials of frustrating pilgrims through delays in releasing funds and facilitating beneficiaries.

“The desire for free Hajj has fuelled corruption in the presidential Hajj offer. This corruption even involves some people in State House. This time, when we meet the President, we shall mention them,” Sheikh Mubaje said.

He said the challenges were witnessed during this year’s Hajj season, when only 17 out of the 65 beneficiaries allocated to the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) under the presidential Hajj offer managed to travel due to delays in the release of funds and facilitation.

The Mufti said UMSC was engaging the State House Anti-Corruption Unit to address the challenges and ensure deserving Muslims are not denied the opportunity to perform Hajj.

He also called upon Muslim parents to prioritise the religious upbringing of their children to preserve Islamic values for future generations.

Earlier, UMSC secretary for Hajj and Umrah, Sheikh Ali Shiwuyo, encouraged intending pilgrims to begin saving early, noting that UMSC allows prospective pilgrims to pay Hajj fees in instalments.

Sheikh Shiwuyo commended Hajji Wanderema for his discipline and commitment, noting that he saved consistently for two years before fulfilling his dream of performing Hajj.