Hajj is the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, which is a religious obligation for Muslims who are physically and financially capable of making the journey. Over the centuries, the financing of Hajj has undergone various changes and has been influenced by economic and political developments.

In the early days of Islam, the Hajj was financed through voluntary contributions from individuals, communities, and rulers. The Prophet Muhammad himself was known to have accepted financial contributions from his companions to help finance his own pilgrimage.

During the early Islamic period, the Hajj was financed by taxes collected from non-Muslims living in the Islamic territories. These taxes, known as the jizya, were used to support the Hajj and other Islamic institutions.

During the Ottoman Empire, the financing of the Hajj was organized through a system of endowments known as waqfs. Wealthy individuals and institutions would donate funds to waqfs, which were used to finance the transportation, food, and accommodation of pilgrims. The Ottoman state also levied taxes on pilgrims to help finance the Hajj.

In the modern era, the financing of the Hajj has become more organized and commercialized. Today, pilgrims are required to pay for their travel, accommodation, and other expenses, with many travel agencies and tour operators offering packages for the Hajj. The Saudi government has also established a fund to support the Hajj and other religious activities. Overall, the financing of the Hajj has evolved over time, reflecting changes in economic and political structures. However, the underlying principles of charitable giving and community support remain central to the Islamic tradition of the Hajj.