Hajj faithful let down by power struggles

THE pilgrimage to Mecca is one of the most sacred spiritual journeys that Muslims around the world embark on, but it should never be reduced to backroom deals and power struggles.

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For South African Muslims it is meant to be a once-in-a-lifetime duty fulfilled after years of saving and sacrifice. Yet here at home the journey is clouded by disputes, protests and questions over who controls access. It has become the object of allegations and court papers. The people who suffer are not those in boardrooms, but the ordinary men and women who save for years to answer their spiritual calling.