For the past two years, a downscaled Hajj has meant that thousands of South African hujaaj could not participate in the pilgrimage.

It also provided the Muslim community a chance to reflect on how the holy pilgrimage is regulated; from some hajj operators failing to return pilgrims’ money from their cancelled trips to the criteria used by the Saudi regime for its quotas, many questions have been asked.

Guest: Shaheen Essop, President, South African Hajj and Umrah Council (Sahuc)