For some time now, I have been observing an alarming development that I find extremely dangerous. More and more tour operators are offering Muslim pilgrimages and smaller pilgrimages, but with increasing commercialization and questionable practices. This development is of particular concern as it undermines the sincerity and authenticity of religious acts. There is therefore an urgent need to warn against this and draw attention to the potential risks.

It is disturbing to see more and more tour operators offering Muslim pilgrimages and minor pilgrimages. But beyond the sheer price, there is a devastating theme that sadly portrays the state of Muslims. In many of these advertisements, a pilgrimage is promoted alongside influencers, athletes, rappers and other celebrities. This raises the question of whether these companies even understand what they are offering and what responsibility they have to the Muslims who take part in their trips.

It is natural to accept money, but in return people should be offered the best, most beautiful and proper pilgrimage by being trained and accompanied on the spot to fulfill their religious duty. But what business do rappers or similar personalities have in the forefront of such special religious acts? Do these tour guides not understand that intention is the most important element in all acts of worship and that they can influence people's intentions?

It seems as if the most basic duty a travel company should give a Muslim, which is pure intention and devotion to Allah, is not being fulfilled. How can we trust these travel companions and believe that they are exemplary Muslims who should be in one of the holiest places? It is not the problem that these individuals need to make a pilgrimage themselves to expiate their sins, but to use them as role models to encourage other Muslims to devote themselves to Allah is unfortunate.

Money, greed and ignorance cause such events to miss the actual purpose and undermine the seriousness of the service. I therefore strongly advise against taking part in such trips and call for these organizers to be boycotted. These people do not take worship seriously and are therefore not in a position to help others fulfill their religious duty properly and beautifully.

The big problem is that the imam of the pilgrimage is usually considered "fasiq", sinful or insincere, himself and is therefore not at all suitable as a role model to lead Muslims on a pilgrimage. It is not enough to make a big speech to the local people about the importance of the intention if the promotional poster already advertises that a non-exemplary person is a reason to participate in the journey. This fact alone makes the entire venture flawed and questionable.

Therefore, I still stand by the fact that it is not advisable to travel with these tour companies under any circumstances. It is imperative that Muslims are aware and insist that their religious activities are guided by sincere and trustworthy individuals.

Conclusion: The commercialization of pilgrimages, especially through the involvement of non-religious personalities and inadequate religious guidance, undermines the sincerity and authenticity of these religious acts. It is crucial that Muslims fulfill their religious obligations in an environment led by sincere and trustworthy individuals.