The Hajj pilgrimage, one of the most significant religious events for Muslims, has commenced in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. This year, an estimated 2.5 million Muslims from around the world have converged on the holy city to perform the sacred rituals around the Kaaba.
Understanding the Hajj Pilgrimage
The Hajj is a religious pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia. It is considered one of the Five Pillars of Islam and is mandatory for all able-bodied Muslims who can afford it. The pilgrimage takes place over a period of five to six days in Dhu al-Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic calendar. Pilgrims perform various rituals, including circling the Kaaba, walking between the hills of Safa and Marwa, and standing in prayer on the plain of Arafat.
Country-Wise Quotas for Hajj
Saudi Arabia allocates country-wise quotas to determine the total number of pilgrims from each country. These quotas are largely based on the Muslim population of a particular country. For every 1,000 Muslims in a country, approximately one pilgrim is allowed to participate in the Hajj. As a result, countries engage in diplomatic negotiations with Saudi Arabia to secure additional slots for their citizens.
India’s Hajj Quota Distribution
India, through a recent bilateral agreement with Saudi Arabia, has secured its highest quota in history for the Hajj pilgrimage. A total of 175,025 Indian pilgrims have been granted permission to perform the Hajj this year. In India, the distribution of the Hajj slots is a multi-step process involving the Ministry of Minority Affairs and the Haj Committee of India (HCoI).
Traditionally, 70 percent of India’s total quota is allocated to the HCoI, while the remaining 30 percent is assigned to private operators. The HCoI further distributes its allocated slots to various stakeholders. In the previous policy (2018-22), the HCoI held 500 slots under the “Government discretionary quota,” with the remaining slots distributed to different states based on their Muslim population.
Changes in Hajj Slot Distribution
Earlier this year, the Centre abolished the “Government discretionary quota” and added those seats back to the general pool. This decision aimed to ensure a fair and transparent distribution of slots among all eligible pilgrims. The move aligns with the government’s commitment to equal opportunities and eliminating any potential biases in the allocation process.
Facilitating the Religious Journey
As the Hajj pilgrimage continues to evolve, it is crucial for countries to maintain open lines of communication and collaboration with Saudi Arabia. This will facilitate the smooth organization and participation of pilgrims from around the world. By engaging in diplomatic negotiations and adhering to the country-wise quotas, governments can ensure that their citizens can fulfill their religious obligations and experience the profound spiritual journey of Hajj.
