Mirwaiz expresses concern over declining Hajj pilgrims in IIOJK
Srinagar: In Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), senior All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has expressed concern over the noticeable decline in the number of pilgrims performing Hajj from the territory.
According to Kashmir Media Service, Mirwaiz, while addressing a Friday congregation in Srinagar, said that this year witnessed one of the lowest turnouts of Hajj pilgrims from the occupied territory. He pointed to an emerging trend where people either prefer Umrah over Hajj or postpone the pilgrimage in anticipation of more convenient conditions, such as cooler weather.
He further noted that many individuals postpone Hajj until they feel they have fulfilled all worldly responsibilities, terming this concept as an incorrect approach.
Emphasizing that while Umrah holds great spiritual significance, Hajj remains an obligatory and fundamental pillar of Islam for those who can afford it, Mirwaiz stressed that it should not be deferred unnecessarily. “Life and death are in the hands of Allah, and no one knows what tomorrow holds,” he said.
The APHC leader also highlighted that Hajj requires physical endurance and is best performed when a person is in good health and strength. He urged Muslims to prioritize performing Hajj at a younger age if they can afford, calling on the community to fulfill this fundamental obligation without unnecessary delay.
