The New York Times carries this report on how the ailing economy is affecting some American Muslim’s ability—or at least desire—to undertake Haj this year. The high price of air travel and hotels, coupled with insecurity about the future are leading some to defer making the pilgrimage until a future date.

Tough Economy Forces Many US Muslims Delay Hajj

DETROIT (AP) — Zeinab Chami planned to save money from her part-time job and get a little more from her family. But the 24-year-old graduate student ultimately couldn’t round up enough to pay for a trip to Mecca.

”It’s just for some reason a lot tougher this year,” said Chami about saving for the hajj, the journey every able-bodied Muslim who can afford it is obligated to take at least once. ”Although I could probably take out a loan, bend over backwards to do it, it’s not supposed to be a huge financial burden.”

The resident of Dearborn, the epicenter of Michigan’s large Muslim population, is among many American Muslims who have been forced to postpone their pilgrimage because of rising economic anxiety and travel costs. The hajj, which officially starts Saturday, is one of the five pillars of Islam, alongside belief in God, praying, fasting and charity.
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