The news of the Saudi government charging for Zamzam has taken Pakistani pilgrims by surprise. For decades, pilgrims from Pakistan have been accustomed to receiving this blessed water for free, which they considered a sacred gift from the holy land. However, the new ruling means that pilgrims will have to pay for the water, which has led to a mixed response from the Pakistani community.
According to the Saudi government, the decision to charge for Aab-e-Zam Zam was made due to the misuse and mishandling of the water. Pilgrims were often found carrying the water in poor-quality containers, which led to spillages and contamination during transportation. To ensure the quality and safety of the water, the Saudi government decided to provide the water in sealed containers, which come at a cost.
This new ruling will affect every Pakistani pilgrim visiting the holy land, and they will have to pay 1114 rupees per person for 5 liters of Aab-e-Zam Zam. While some pilgrims may be able to afford the additional cost, others may struggle financially, leading to concerns about the fairness of the new rule.
One of the biggest concerns of this new ruling is the additional financial burden it will place on the pilgrims. For many Pakistanis, performing the Hajj is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and they often save for years to fulfill this religious obligation. The additional cost of Aab-e-Zam Zam will only add to their expenses, and some may have to choose between buying the water and other essential needs.
The Ministry of Religious Affairs estimates that approximately 1 lakh 79 thousand 210 Pakistani pilgrims will have to pay for Aab-e-Zam Zam this year, and the total cost will amount to Rs. 200 million. While this may seem like a small amount compared to the total cost of the Hajj, it will still affect the majority of Pakistani pilgrims.
Despite the concerns, the Saudi government has made it clear that the new ruling is necessary to ensure the quality and safety of Aab-e-Zam Zam. Pilgrims will still be able to drink the water from the taps of Masjid Al-Haram and Masjid-e-Nabwi, but they will not be allowed to carry it back home.
The Saudi government has also urged pilgrims to refrain from buying Aab-e-Zam Zam from unlicensed vendors. Many unauthorized vendors sell fake Aab-e-Zam Zam, which not only deceives the pilgrims but also harms their health. The new ruling will ensure that pilgrims receive only authentic and safe Aab-e-Zam Zam.
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In conclusion, the decision to charge for Zamzam water may have come as a surprise to many Pakistani pilgrims, but it is a necessary step to ensure the quality and safety of the water. While the additional cost may be a burden for some, it is important to remember that the Hajj is a religious obligation that requires financial sacrifice. Pilgrims should prioritize their religious duties and avoid buying Zamzam water from unauthorized vendors. The Saudi government has taken steps to provide safe and authentic Zamzam water , and it is the responsibility of the pilgrims to ensure that they follow the rules and regulations set by the authorities.
