Like single women, all applicants must get priority in next haj: JuH

Nagpur: Muslim religious body Jamiat Ulema Hind (Arshad Madani) has demanded that the Haj Committee of India must carry forward all applicants who couldn’t perform the pilgrimage this year due to Covid-19 pandemic.
After Saudi Arabia government decided not to allow foreigners during Haj 2020 last month, the committee started refunding process but has reportedly considered single women (gain maharam) for next year.
Already opposed to allowing single women on haj, the JuH criticized the move and said the committee must consider all applicants.
JuH Nagpur district president Masood Ahmed said many applicants had been trying to land a seat in draw of lots for the last couple of years. “The pandemic dashed their hopes of performing the religious duty. Why should other applicants not get the same chance next year,” he said.
Haj committee of India CEO Maqsood Ahmed Khan said so far no decision on Haj 2021 has been taken though the minister of minority affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi has announced that unaccompanied women will be given priority next time. “Already, single women have a quota and 2,300 such applicants go on haj. Ultimately, all of them will be selected in next schedule, but it will depend on their willingness to go among other issues,” he said.
Khan said the Haj Review Meeting (HRM) will decide on the July 2020 applicants. “We have been receiving several representations regarding the carrying forward of current applicants. All these issues would be decided in the HRM,” he said.
Generally, the HRM is an introspection of the annual event after pilgrims return. Yet, the committee will hold the high-level meeting at ministry of minority affairs this time too, said Khan.
Khan added that a decision has been taken to refund 100% of haj fee to all.
Former chairperson of State Haj Committee Jamaal Siddiqui too said everyone needs to be refunded, but the question is why so much time has been taken. “The committee is earning interest on the deposits since February this year. It was quite clear that haj will not be performed yet it asked pilgrims to deposit the money. Now also, it has taken a long time to refund,” he alleged.
Khan said 40% applicants have been refunded while cent per cent will get their money by July 31.
Siddiqui demanded that the applicants must get a compensation for the delay.
Allow reopening of masjids: JuH
The JuH Nagpur district president Masood Ahmed said his organization has submitted a request to the district collector Ravindra Thakare seeking permission to reopen masjids. Ahmed said when the administration has allowed opening of other establishments and public places, it must also allow places of worship to reopen.
“We have assured that all safety measures would be adopted at the masjids. The administration, following government directives, had ordered us to shut masjids to prevent spread of the coronavirus. While we strictly adhered to the guidelines, the infection still has crossed over 5 lakh cases. Hence, we request not to deprive people of fulfilling their religious duties,” he said.