New rules for hajj have left many frustrated about their pilgrimage experience

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel
..."This year marks his seventh or eighth hajj. In years past, he has volunteered to help guide newcomers who are more often than not unsure of where to go and when. But this year, he said, his services are more important than ever with the shortage of English-speaking guides.

He admits that things could be going better. But he's also witnessed members of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah making their rounds collecting feedback.

"They're engaging and receptive. That legitimately surprised me," Shibly said. "I think I'd have a different view if it wasn't for that."

Ghanem is less optimistic. This year would have been his first hajj. He's still fighting to get his money back from this year's attempt and is unsure if he wants to risked tens of thousands of dollars again next year.

As a dual citizen, he and his wife can try and attend next year's hajj through the Egyptian government. He tried to go through them before going through the United States in June, but was told he wasn't selected. But at least they were transparent, Ghanem said, which keeps his expectations grounded.

Despite all of his setbacks, he said he remains determined to make it to Mecca. Ghanem just wishes the Saudi government would reconsider its approach to the hajj by making it easier and more affordable for Muslims the world over to fulfill their religious obligation.

"It should be kind of like more of a religious kind of event. The profit should be minimum, you know?" Ghanem said. "But it's been a business over the years."