By: ROUF AHMAD BHAT
Despite the spiritual significance and religious obligation associated with Hajj, this year has witnessed a notably low number of Hajj application forms submitted from Jammu and Kashmir. This concerning trend has sparked conversations across the region, prompting a need to understand the root causes and explore ways to motivate prospective pilgrims.
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Possible Reasons for the Decline:
- Economic Hardships and Rising Costs: One of the foremost reasons appears to be the high cost of Hajj packages. With inflationary pressures and the aftereffects of the COVID-19 pandemic still affecting households, many individuals and families are finding it difficult to bear the financial burden of the pilgrimage.
- Travel Anxiety and Health Concerns: Elderly citizens, who form a significant portion of potential pilgrims, are increasingly hesitant due to health conditions and the physically demanding nature of Hajj rituals. Furthermore, some applicants are discouraged by fears of crowd management issues and health risks abroad.
- Lack of Digital Literacy and Application Barriers: The process of applying for Hajj has become increasingly digital, which has created a gap for those unfamiliar with online procedures. Especially in rural and far-flung areas, people face difficulties in accessing information or submitting forms due to technological limitations.
- Inadequate Outreach and Awareness: In some areas, the lack of proactive communication by authorities or community heads has led to confusion or ignorance regarding eligibility, deadlines, and procedures. Many believe, often incorrectly, that they do not meet the criteria or have missed their chance.
- Misconceptions About Selection or Quotas: Some potential applicants refrain from applying due to misconceptions about limited slots or assumptions that their applications will not be considered due to lack of influence or connection.
Motivating Participation:
A Way Forward To address these concerns and encourage a stronger response from the Valley, the following steps are suggested:
- Financial Support and Flexible Payment Options Introducing financial assistance schemes or allowing easy installment-based payment methods through charitable organizations or community trusts can make Hajj more accessible for financially weak sections.
- Awareness Campaigns in Local Languages Public outreach through religious sermons, Friday khutbas, radio talks, and social media—especially in Kashmiri and Urdu—can help dispel doubts and encourage applications.
- Community Help Desks and Digital Support Setting up special Hajj application help counters in mosques, district offices, and community halls can assist those with technical or documentation issues. Young volunteers and students should be encouraged to help elders with the online process
- Highlighting Religious Significance Scholars and Imams can play a vital role in reminding the community that if one is financially and physically able, delaying Hajj unnecessarily is discouraged in Islam. Motivational talks can inspire timely action.
- Sharing Positive Experiences Recent pilgrims can be invited to share their experiences in community gatherings, offering practical tips and encouragement to hesitant individuals.
Conclusion :
While the reasons behind the decline in Hajj applications from Kashmir are complex, they are not insurmountable. A joint effort by religious scholars, local administration, civil society, and the community at large can ensure that eligible individuals do not miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime spiritual journey due to preventable barriers.
Let us work together to ensure that the doors to the House of Allah remain open to all who seek to enter with sincerity, regardless of wealth, age, or location.
