Organization of the Pilgrimage to Mecca: Call for the Reconstruction of the Hajj Mission

A coalition of around ten Muslim associations is raising concerns about the composition of the Hajj Mission 2026. In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam, they request that he personally take charge of the matter and reform the mission after consulting religious leaders from all schools of thought. The message is clear: it is not just about correcting a few names on a list, but about starting anew on a solid, transparent, and representative foundation.

The anger of these associations is evident: after the transitional year following the government change, they expected order but found the situation to be worse. They claim that the situation has worsened, and the composition of the Hajj Mission has now become a focal point for all frustrations. The signatories feel that the organization of the pilgrimage has been monopolized by a " clique" that has taken the matter hostage. Even more concerning, they believe that the operational control is now concentrated in the hands of a single individual.

Favoritism
The coalition also denounces what it sees as favoritism. This official is said to have favored close associates linked to two Islamic organizations in the capital at the expense of other structures. The collective then poses a series of embarrassing questions: how could the Islamic Cultural Centre (ICC) reinstate a person over 70 years old in the mission? Why are there two interpreters? Why are there two people responsible for IT?

Another heavy question: why is there no religious figure in the delegation, when Minister Shakeel Mohamed, responsible for the Hajj file, had promised their presence?

Trust of the Pilgrims
The signatories also question the presence of a cook who, according to them, lacks experience with the Hajj. Again, the question is simple: what criteria truly guided the composition of this delegation?

Their message is clear: the Hajj cannot be left to backroom arrangements, networks of influence, and petty internal calculations. Because by turning a sacred mission into a placement ground, one ultimately loses the essence: the trust of the pilgrims.

The Controversial Delegation
This mission will be led by Mohummad Shamad Ayoob Saab and includes Abdus Saboor Mohamed Saleh, Ally Hossen, A. Gaffoor Kassim, Dr. Nazir Hosany, Ahmad Fawzi Khodabaccus, Yasseen Dulloo, Rafick Kurmally, Irfan Monsoor, Muhammad Akhyar Purohoo, and Shahzaad Ghoorun.