The Maldivian government has announced changes to its Hajj pilgrimage rules to prioritize first-time pilgrims and address concerns of those who have been waiting for years to perform the sacred journey. The decision, recommended by the Cabinet and approved by President Mohammed Muizzu, was based on a proposal submitted by the Islamic Ministry.
The President's Office stated that the changes aim to provide solutions for individuals who have already paid money to the Hajj Corporation but have not yet been able to perform Hajj.
Under the new rules, priority will be given to first-time applicants. Additionally, a portion of the Hajj Corporation's annual allocation will be reserved for senior citizens aged 65 and above who have not yet performed the pilgrimage.
For those aged 75 and older, provisions have been introduced to allow them to bring an assistant to accompany them. The assistant should ideally be someone who has not performed Hajj before, but if such a person is unavailable, someone who has previously performed Hajj can be taken as an assistant.
Another key change includes introducing a five-year waiting period for repeat pilgrims. Individuals who have already performed the Hajj will now be eligible to apply again only after five years from the date of their last pilgrimage.
These revisions aim to create a more equitable system that prioritizes first-time pilgrims while accommodating the needs of senior citizens and ensuring better organization of Hajj allocations. The changes are expected to benefit thousands of Maldivians aspiring to fulfill this important religious obligation.
The President's Office stated that the changes aim to provide solutions for individuals who have already paid money to the Hajj Corporation but have not yet been able to perform Hajj.
Under the new rules, priority will be given to first-time applicants. Additionally, a portion of the Hajj Corporation's annual allocation will be reserved for senior citizens aged 65 and above who have not yet performed the pilgrimage.
For those aged 75 and older, provisions have been introduced to allow them to bring an assistant to accompany them. The assistant should ideally be someone who has not performed Hajj before, but if such a person is unavailable, someone who has previously performed Hajj can be taken as an assistant.
Another key change includes introducing a five-year waiting period for repeat pilgrims. Individuals who have already performed the Hajj will now be eligible to apply again only after five years from the date of their last pilgrimage.
These revisions aim to create a more equitable system that prioritizes first-time pilgrims while accommodating the needs of senior citizens and ensuring better organization of Hajj allocations. The changes are expected to benefit thousands of Maldivians aspiring to fulfill this important religious obligation.
