As pilgrims started returning from their Hajj from Mecca in Saudi Arabia, Delhi Hajj Committee chief, Kausar Jahan, said that she was delighted to see, "women going for the pilgrimage without a mehram (a male guardian)". While speaking to ANI Jahan said, a record-breaking 4314 Muslim women are returning after Hajj without a mehram. The Delhi Hajj chief was at the airport to welcome the women returning from Hajj. She said that between 2018-2022 only 3400 women went for Hajj.
Delhi Haj Committee chief Kausar Jahan tweeted saying "Delightful that the numbers this time are record-breaking. 4314 Muslim women are returning after Haj without Mehram. From 2018-2022 only 3400 women went for Haj...But in 2023 alone, 4314 women went on Haj without Mehram. This is a major step towards women's empowerment. This shows our women trust the Indian passport and they feel safe outside the country..."
Jahan called it a major step towards women's empowerment. This also shows that women trust the Indian passport and this makes them feel safe outside the country. She also spoke about how the current Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government has been working keeping in mind the empowerment of women and this is one of the biggest examples of all time. Today is a historic day.
In October 2022, the Saudi Arabian government lifted the restrictions on women travelling without a mehram, allowing Muslim women over 45 years of age to travel alone. This move was seen as a significant step toward women’s rights and empowerment in the Muslim world. The Indian government too embraced the new rules with open arms.
To make the new pilgrimage policy even more fair, Indian authorities have also abolished the VIP quota for pilgrims, which earlier had 500 reserve spots set aside for top government officials. They also made special arrangements to provide forex facilities to pilgrims, allowing them to carry sums that are based on their actual requirements.
Every year, millions of Muslims around the world embark on a sacred pilgrimage known as Hajj. This spiritual journey holds immense significance in the lives of believers, offering an opportunity to connect with Allah, seek forgiveness, and strengthen their faith.