M.A.BAIG
New Delhi, May 9, 2024: The first flight carrying Haj pilgrims from Delhi departed early this morning at 2:20 am from the Indira Gandhi International Airport, carrying 285 pilgrims bound for Madinah. This marks the beginning of the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Makkah, with a total of 16,500 pilgrims expected to depart from Delhi over the coming weeks.
In a tweet, Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia writes, “Indian Haj pilgirms accorded a warm welcome! Amb. Dr Suhel Khan joined Minister of Transport & Logistic Services H.E. Saleh Al-Jasser & Vice Haj Minister, H.E. Dr. Abdul-Fattah Mashat in receiving the first flight of the Indian pilgrims at Madinah Airport early morning on May 9.”
Delhi Haj Committee Gears Up Pilgrims for Sacred Journey with Extensive Training
In preparation for this sacred journey, the Delhi Haj Committee recently undertook comprehensive training programs across various locations in the capital city. One such training session was held at the Ihate Islami mosque in the Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) campus in Okhla, where approximately 250-300 selected pilgrims gathered to equip themselves with essential knowledge and guidance.
Kausar Jahan, Chairperson of the Delhi State Haj Committee, briefed the attendees on the recently launched Haj Suvidha App, a digital initiative aimed at streamlining the pilgrimage experience by providing assistance and relevant information throughout their journey.
The Delhi government, under the leadership of Chief Secretary Ashwini Kumar, has taken additional measures to facilitate the pilgrims’ stay by setting up a Haj camp at the historic Ram Lila Maidan. A meeting was organized at the Delhi Secretariat to discuss the arrangements, with officials from various departments in attendance.
Ashfaq Ahmad Arfi, Executive Officer of the Delhi State Haj Committee, revealed that out of the 4,082 Haj applications received this year, 3,016 individuals were selected through a digital random selection process, while 1,066 were placed on the waiting list. India is expected to send a total of 139,054 pilgrims for the Haj this year, with Delhi serving as a major departure point.
The first batch of pilgrims departed from Delhi today, with subsequent batches scheduled to depart until May 25. Mr. Arfi expressed gratitude to Jamaat-e-Islami Hind and its team for their cooperation in organizing the training program successfully.
In his welcome address, Inamurrahman, Assistant Secretary of JIH, emphasized the significance of the pilgrimage and urged pilgrims to focus on fulfilling its spiritual aspects.
Renowned scholar Mufti Shameem Qasmi provided detailed insights into the rituals and procedures of Haj and Umrah, guiding pilgrims step by step. Anwar Khurshid, the program’s coordinator and Haj trainer, discussed logistical aspects such as transportation, accommodation, health services, and paperwork.
He advised pilgrims to download essential apps, including the Haj Suvidha App launched by Union Minister for Minority Affairs, Smriti Irani, and the Nusuk app developed by the Saudi government, which facilitates planning, booking, and experiencing Hajj or Umrah trips.
Key conditions for the 2024 Hajj were outlined, including mandatory registration in the Sehaty app to confirm necessary vaccinations, obtaining a Hajj permit through the Nusuk platform, and meeting general health requirements.
Mr. Anwar informed pilgrims about the option to perform animal sacrifice through Saudi-approved banks and the process of obtaining a Saudi SIM card for essential communication. He stressed the importance of registering on the Haj Suvidha and Nusuk apps, emphasizing the necessity of Android phones for their operation.
The training program also included a recitation of the Holy Quran by Qari Abdul Mannan. Nazia Danish, a member of the Delhi Haj Committee and a counselor for the South Delhi Municipal Council, extended her congratulations to the pilgrims.
In his concluding remarks, JIH National Secretary Dr. Muhiuddin Ghazi underscored the significance of Haj as a pillar of Islam and urged pilgrims to focus on spiritual fulfillment and seeking forgiveness during their 42-day journey.
With these comprehensive training sessions, the Delhi Haj Committee has equipped pilgrims with essential knowledge and resources, ensuring a smooth and spiritually enriching experience for their sacred pilgrimage to Makkah.