Indian Muslims Limited to One Haj Pilgrimage Under New 2025 Policy

Indian Muslims Limited to One Haj Pilgrimage Under New 2025 Policy

Ashiq Butt | August 7, 2024 | 09:07 AM IST | India | Follow on Google News

Indian Muslims Limited to One Haj Pilgrimage Under New 2025 Policy

Indian Muslims Limited to One Haj Pilgrimage Under New 2025 Policy

Key Highlights:

• Indian Muslims can perform Haj only once through the Haj Committee of India (HCoI) under the new 2025 policy.
• Repeat Haj pilgrimage allowed under specific conditions, especially for companions and “Mehrams” for pilgrims aged 65 or above.
• Stricter guidelines introduced for age and eligibility of “Mehrams” and companions.

In a significant move, the Government of India has introduced a new Haj policy for 2025, limiting Indian Muslims to one Haj pilgrimage through the Haj Committee of India (HCoI) in their lifetime.

The draft policy, which outlines a range of new regulations, aims to ensure a smoother and more equitable pilgrimage process. Notably, those who have already performed Haj through the HCoI will no longer be eligible to apply for the pilgrimage again.

However, the policy does allow for exceptions under specific circumstances, particularly for female pilgrims and those aged 65 or above.

The policy permits repeat Haj pilgrimages for companions and “Mehrams” (male guardians) accompanying elderly pilgrims, acknowledging the strenuous nature of the pilgrimage, which can involve walking up to 25 km a day in the harsh climatic conditions of Saudi Arabia.

The new policy specifies that for pilgrims aged 65 years or older, including women without a “Mehram” (LWM), repeaters will be allowed to accompany them on payment of additional charges.

Importantly, the “Mehram” and companions for elderly pilgrims must be between 18 and 60 years old. For LWM pilgrims aged 65 or above, their female companions must be between 45 and 60 years old.

Furthermore, if a lady pilgrim or any pilgrim aged 65 or above opts for a repeater as a “Mehram” or companion, a solemn undertaking must be provided, affirming that no first-time “Mehram” or companion is available within the family.

The policy continues the existing seat allocation distribution, with 70% of seats reserved for the HCoI and 30% for Haj Group Organisers (HGOs).

Specific provisions have been made to ensure the safety and accommodation of female pilgrims traveling without a “Mehram.”

Ashiq Butt

Ashiq Butt – is VoM News's senior staffer worked since year 2015 and he deals with correspondency and social media handles. Hailing from Doda's Marmat, Ashiq has strong grip over the collection of the data and it's compiling feature.