Ishfaq Gowher
Srinagar | July 24, 2025 |
As the final date for Hajj 2026 applications draws near, the Jammu and Kashmir Hajj Committee is facing a disappointing reality—a significantly low response from intending pilgrims across the Union Territory. With only a few days remaining until the deadline of July 31, 2025, the number of applications received is well below the expected mark, raising alarm among religious authorities, administrators, and community leaders.
According to official data reviewed by Gulistan News, out of the allotted quota of 7,896 pilgrims, only 2,244 applications have been received so far. This reflects a mere 28.42% response rate, despite weeks of public appeals, announcements from mosques, and digital outreach initiatives.
District-wise analysis reveals a mixed pattern. Samba leads with an impressive 87.61% quota filled (19 out of 22 seats), followed by Pulwama (47.60%), Srinagar (47.36%), and Kulgam (32.90%). However, the picture is starkly different in other regions. Poonch, for instance, has seen only 51 applications against a quota of 506, translating to just 10.08%. Similarly, Doda (11.54%), Kishtwar (17.46%), Ramban (17.89%), and Reasi (18.24%) are also performing poorly.
This sluggish response has surprised many, especially given the fact that Hajj is a Fardh (obligatory duty) upon every Muslim who is physically and financially capable.
“It is concerning that people are delaying an act that Allah has made mandatory. Once the time is gone, you may not get this chance again,” said a senior religious scholar from Anantnag while speaking to Gulistan News.
The Hajj pilgrimage is one of the five pillars of Islam. According to the Qur’an:
“And pilgrimage to the House is a duty unto Allah for mankind, for him who can find a way thither.” (Surah Aal-e-Imran, 3:97)
The Hajj Committee believes that part of the problem lies in growing complacency and the assumption among people that they can “do it later.” However, as officials and scholars point out, Hajj is not meant to be postponed without a valid excuse.
“Many eligible Muslims are not applying out of hesitation or misinformation. Some are waiting for ‘next time,’ which may never come,” remarked an official from the J&K Hajj Committee.
The online application process for Hajj 2026 began earlier this month. The estimated cost for each pilgrim is ₹4,10,000, payable in installments. The entire process, from form filling to submission of documents, is being conducted digitally, with no provision for offline submissions.
Despite the simplified and transparent process, participation remains unsatisfactory—particularly in remote districts where awareness and access may still be lacking.
To bridge this gap, the Hajj Committee has requested local mosques, community leaders, and NGOs to assist individuals who may be willing but technologically unprepared.
With the final date of July 31, 2025 looming, the Committee has issued a final appeal, calling upon all eligible Muslims—especially the younger generation—to fulfill this sacred responsibility. They have also asked media platforms like Gulistan News to help raise awareness in underperforming regions.
“If Allah has given you the means and the strength, don’t delay. Apply today. Hajj is a blessing and a duty that must not be ignored,” said the Chairperson of the J&K Hajj Committee in a televised statement.
As the countdown begins, the onus lies on the community to respond. Whether it is due to apathy, economic concerns, or lack of guidance, the reality remains that thousands of quota seats may go unfilled unless immediate steps are taken.
