Amana Bank introduces saving account to promote Muslims pilgrimage

THE Amana Bank has launched its new savings account which is aimed at making finances for the pilgrimage to Mecca more accessible and affordable for Muslims in the country.

The new saving account, dubbed ‘Hajj and Umrah’ is expected to increase the number of Muslims attending the pilgrimage.

Although Tanzania stands a chance to send more than 20,000 Muslims for Hajj every year, but only 1,000, on average, make it annually.

But, under the Amana Bank new financing, the number is expected to increase to at least 3,000 Muslims who will embark on Hajj, a spiritual journey and one of the five pillars of Islam.

Mr Jamal Juma, manager of product and shariah compliance at the bank said this at the launch held at Jamiu-Zenjibar Mosque, Kiembesamaki.

Mr Juma said they opted to introduce the Hajj and Umrah account that suits mainly public servants, and pensioners who save for future Hajj.

Amana Bank’s Director of Digital Banking and Marketing Mr Dassu Mussa, said here that with this new system, Muslim will have to save for three years and the bank will to top up 10 percent for those who may need to travel before their money has matured.

“This is an opportunity for Muslims. It is affordable and convenient financing options, which could be availed to customers to cover their travel and accommodation expenses for Hajj and Umrah to Mecca,” Mr Mussa said.

Sheikh Saleh Omar Kaab, Mufti of Zanzibar, was the guest of Honor at the launch, who commended the Bank for the new financing as he urged Muslims who qualify for the journey to do so before it is too late.

“Hajj and Umrah loans are provided up to a maximum of 30m/-,” he said as the Amana Bank managing director Abubakar Athman Ali thanked President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan and President Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi for pushing banks and other financial institutions to find ways of helping Muslims who plan to go for Hajj.

Members of the association for ‘Hajj and Umrah’ travel agencies also commended the Bank for the financing solution, but they asked the Bank to work closely with the Bank of Tanzania (BoT) to find solutions for the shortage of US dollars in the market as it may affect Muslims plan for Hajj this year.