The Maharashtra State Hajj Committee has appointed a non-Muslim as it’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) drawing sharp reactions and concerns from the Muslim community members.
The newly appointed CEO, Manoj Jadhav, an IAS officer has taken office. The appointment is being considered as shocking since the duties involve overseeing the Hajj Committee.
Muslim clerics have expressed disappointment and demanded an answerd from the officials.
Locals and activists also voiced their concerns. They emphasized that Hajj is one of the pillars of Islam and appointment of a non-Muslim man to oversee it’s committees is unacceptable.
Senior advocate of Bombay High Court, Yusuf Ibrahani, in a video message condemned the appointment and said, “It’s truly shameful and shocking to know that he is appointed to overlook the Hajj Committee. A Muslim who is well-versed with the traditions of hajj and its rulings deserves the role more than him.”
Ibrahani further condemned the silence of the Congress on the subject and also stated that he will challenge the appointment after the elections.
He mentioned the Central State Hajj Committee Act and questioned the appointment.
According to the Act which governs the functioning of the Hajj Committees both at Central and State level, the appointed members must be predominantly from the Muslim community.
The Act allows states to set up State Hajj Committee members, regulates the management of hajj arrangements, including selection and overlooking of pilgrims during traveling and ensuring the proper implementation of Hajj quota.
The Maharashtra State Hajj Committee plays an important role in executing the quota assigned by the Saudi authorities and in facilitating the Hajj journey for Indian pilgrims. Nearly 1.75 lakh Indians travel for Hajj annually, with the majority being managed by Hajj committees and nearly one-fourth opting for private operators.
The Hajj pilgrimage for 2026 is provisionally set to take place from May 25 to May 30, depending on the sighting of the moon.
The Saudi authorities have released rules for pilgrims, which include a prohibition on cooking in the camps and limits on bringing electric cooking appliances.
Pilgrims are also recommended to bring necessary medications for five to six days, along with other items like umbrellas, sunglasses, plastic mats, and protein bars.
The newly appointed CEO, Manoj Jadhav, an IAS officer has taken office. The appointment is being considered as shocking since the duties involve overseeing the Hajj Committee.
Muslim clerics have expressed disappointment and demanded an answerd from the officials.
Locals and activists also voiced their concerns. They emphasized that Hajj is one of the pillars of Islam and appointment of a non-Muslim man to oversee it’s committees is unacceptable.
Senior advocate of Bombay High Court, Yusuf Ibrahani, in a video message condemned the appointment and said, “It’s truly shameful and shocking to know that he is appointed to overlook the Hajj Committee. A Muslim who is well-versed with the traditions of hajj and its rulings deserves the role more than him.”
Ibrahani further condemned the silence of the Congress on the subject and also stated that he will challenge the appointment after the elections.
He mentioned the Central State Hajj Committee Act and questioned the appointment.
According to the Act which governs the functioning of the Hajj Committees both at Central and State level, the appointed members must be predominantly from the Muslim community.
The Act allows states to set up State Hajj Committee members, regulates the management of hajj arrangements, including selection and overlooking of pilgrims during traveling and ensuring the proper implementation of Hajj quota.
The Maharashtra State Hajj Committee plays an important role in executing the quota assigned by the Saudi authorities and in facilitating the Hajj journey for Indian pilgrims. Nearly 1.75 lakh Indians travel for Hajj annually, with the majority being managed by Hajj committees and nearly one-fourth opting for private operators.
The Hajj pilgrimage for 2026 is provisionally set to take place from May 25 to May 30, depending on the sighting of the moon.
The Saudi authorities have released rules for pilgrims, which include a prohibition on cooking in the camps and limits on bringing electric cooking appliances.
Pilgrims are also recommended to bring necessary medications for five to six days, along with other items like umbrellas, sunglasses, plastic mats, and protein bars.