Islamic Ministry has begun investigations into case of a person with regular income being selected to depart on Hajj this year during the draw held among people registered as poor and needy. Reports indicate this person is employed as an Islam teacher.
Ministry has begun probing into the case of a person who earns a regular income joining Hajj alongside the 50 underprivileged individuals sent to Saudi Arabia to embark on Hajj pilgrimage this year.
These individuals are being sent on State expenses under the government's pledge to sponsor Hajj trips for the poor and needy.
While the government aims to send 1,000 underprivileged individuals to Hajj within the upcoming five years, a draw was held in March to determine the individuals for this year's Hajj pilgrimage.
A video circulated on social media revealed that this public draw held among the poor and needy had selected an individual who did not pass the criteria. This video published by the State media as the sentiments of people embarking on Hajj under the government's sponsorship had been directed with heavy criticism with many noting that this individual is not underprivileged. Questioned were also raised on how an income earner came to be considered as poor and needy.
Local news outlet, Mihaaru reported that this person is an Islam teacher of a school who also serves as an Imam at a mosque.
Once questioned on the matter by Mihaaru News, Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed stated that the individuals selected to depart on Hajj under this scheme were chosen from the register of poor and needy compiled by the former government.
"That is a list compiled by the former government. A list that existed before we assumed office," said the Minister.
Shaheem said that the efforts to inspect the list was proceeded last December and that the man is believed to have been included in the list due to challenges caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
"We are probing into the events of this case," assured Minister Shaheem.
The government had earlier revealed their intention to sponsor Hajj trips for individuals between the ages of 50-69 to perform the act of Hajj in the first three years and individuals aged 45-69 in the last two years of the current government’s tenure. There are currently 982 individuals between the ages of 50 and 69 recorded in the register for the poor and needy. Within this, 667 people had passed the requirement for embarking on the free Hajj trip sponsored by the government. The first draw was held amongst these 667 people.
The cabinet has decided to arrange funding for these 50 individuals this year using the Zakat fund. Negotiations were also held to utilize the State budget and acquire sponsorships for this scheme in the upcoming years.
The people embarking on Hajj via the government's sponsorship are those who are recorded in the register for poor and needy while also not having performed Hajj before.
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