Hajj very special for Muslim women in India this year: PM Modi in ‘Man Ki Baat’ address

This year’s Hajj pilgrimage was particularly special for Muslim women from India, with over 4,000 of them embarking on the annual journey without a Mehram or male guardian for the first time, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday.

Thousands of Muslim women from India embarked on the annual Hajj pilgrimage without a male guardian this year, marking a significant transformation in the tradition. PM Modi hailed this development as a ‘huge transformation’ during the 103rd episode of his monthly radio broadcast, ‘Mann Ki Baat’, and expressed joy over the letters he received from these women sharing their experiences.

“I received a lot of letters, which brought me great joy. These letters have been written by Muslim women, who recently returned from the Hajj pilgrimage. Their journey this year was very special in many ways,” PM Modi said.

“These are the women, who performed their Hajj rituals with any male companion or Mehram. And, such pilgrims numbered not fifty or hundred, but more than 4,000. This marks a huge transformation,” he added.

PM Modi thanks Saudi govt for allowing Hajj pilgrimage without Mehram

The Prime Minister extended his gratitude to the Government of Saudi Arabia for facilitating this unique experience. Previously, Muslim women were required to have a Mehram, a male blood relative with whom marriage was not permissible, to accompany them on the pilgrimage. However, the Saudi Arabian government announced in October 2022 that this requirement would no longer be enforced for women pilgrims from any part of the world.

“Earlier, Muslim women were not allowed to perform Hajj rituals without Mehram. Through ‘Mann Ki Baat’, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Government of Saudi Arabia for making this possible. Women coordinators were specially appointed for women pilgrims, who went on Hajj without male companions,” PM Modi said.

A total of 4,314 Muslim women from India participated in the Hajj rituals at Mecca in Saudi Arabia between June 26 and July 1 this year. The annual pilgrimage is a deeply significant spiritual journey for millions of Muslims worldwide, providing an opportunity to connect with Allah, seek forgiveness, and strengthen their faith.

The Hajj is not only a personal journey of devotion but also a manifestation of unity as Muslims from diverse backgrounds and cultures gather in the sacred land of Makkah. They set aside their differences and embrace one another as equals before Allah, fostering a sense of unity and brotherhood among believers from different nations.