In recent news, the Ministry of Minority Affairs in India has introduced a restructured Haj policy. With the new policy in place, not only have application forms for the religious pilgrimage become freely available, but the cost per pilgrim has also been reduced by a significant Rs 50,000. This article delves into the details of this policy change, the concept of Hajj Pilgrimage, its importance in Islam, and how it is promoted within India.
Understanding the New Haj Policy
Originating from the Ministry of Minority Affairs, the revised Haj policy aims to make the holy journey more accessible for Muslims in India. Under this policy, the application forms for undertaking the pilgrimage will be freely provided. Additionally, the policy has led to a reduction in the overall package cost for each pilgrim by Rs 50,000. The cost reduction mainly comes as a relaxation in the regulations related to foreign currency conversion. Previously, each Haj pilgrim had to contribute the equivalent of 2,100 Saudi Riyal, summing up to nearly Rs 44,000, towards Haj Committee for foreign exchange procedures. However, with the new policy, this norm has been altered, thereby easing the financial burden on the pilgrims.
The Significance of Hajj Pilgrimage in Islam
The Hajj is a mandatory religious pilgrimage for all able-bodied Muslims who are economically capable of undertaking the journey. It is regarded as one of the Five Pillars of Islam. The Five Pillars constitute the core beliefs and practices of Islam, namely Shahada (Faith), Salah (Prayer), Zakat (Charity), Sawm (Fasting), and Hajj (Pilgrimage).
The Hajj is a journey to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia and is carried out at least once in a lifetime if circumstances permit. It takes place during the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah, the twelfth and final month of the Islamic calendar. Regarded as an important period of renewal, spiritual growth, reflection, and striving for divine connection, this month holds great significance in Islam. Undertaking the Hajj is seen as a means of showcasing devotion to God and earning spiritual merit, thus inspiring a sense of pride among many Muslims.
India’s Efforts in Promoting Hajj Pilgrimage
In India, the responsibility of conducting Hajj pilgrimage lies with the Ministry of Minority Affairs. The pilgrimage for Indian Muslims is orchestrated either through the Haj Committee of India (HCoI), a statutory organization under the administrative control of the Ministry, or through the Haj Group Organisers (HGOs), approved by the Ministry. The promotion of Hajj pilgrimage is also supported by various religious organizations, Islamic cultural centers, and various government agencies.
In another stride towards promoting Hajj, India has recently signed the Haj 2023 bilateral agreement with Saudi Arabia. According to this agreement, a record-breaking total of 1,75,025 Indian Haj pilgrims will be able to perform Haj in 2023, marking the highest number of pilgrims in history.