Calicut: Grand Mufti of India, Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad, has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to intervene and resolve the ongoing uncertainty surrounding this year's Haj pilgrimage for those planning to travel through private groups. The quota has been withheld due to incomplete procedures through the Nusuk platform, which has since been shut down. Private groups had been allotted 52,507 seats this year.
Reports indicate that the entire quota was suspended because some private groups failed to complete essential arrangements, including finalizing agreements with Saudi Arabian service providers for accommodation and transportation payments. In his letter, the Grand Mufti urged the central government - which ensures seamless Haj arrangements annually - to take proactive steps to resolve this uncertainty and seek diplomatic intervention to fully restore the private quota.
The letter emphasized that any disruption to the pilgrimage could damage India's long-standing reputation in Haj management. It urged the Prime Minister to ensure smooth travel arrangements without delays or uncertainties. The communication also highlighted the potential financial and emotional distress for thousands of families if the pilgrimage faces obstacles.
The Grand Mufti suggested addressing the issue during the upcoming Saudi visit and called for improved measures to better organize Haj pilgrimages from India. With private groups having already made non-refundable payments for travel arrangements, the current situation poses significant challenges for many pilgrims.
This marks the second such appeal from the Grand Mufti, who had previously written to both the Prime Minister and the Saudi government requesting India's inclusion in the 'Road to Makkah' project, which facilitates smoother pilgrimage travel.
