'Don't sell land for haj pilgrimage'

'Don't sell land for haj pilgrimage'

MATARAM, West Nusa Tenggara: The head of the Ministry of
Religious Affairs' provincial office, H.M. Tubat, has asked
residents not to sell their land to pay for haj pilgrimages.

"Most people, especially in the rural areas, when they want to
go on the haj, get the money by selling their land and not
through money from agricultural produce," he said.

"What will they work on once they've returned?" he asked.

Moslems in the province have become more wealthy and shown an
increased desire to go on the pilgrimage which costs Rp 8.8
million (US$2,980). The 4,554 provincial quota for this year's
pilgrimage was filled in two-days. (mds)