Allegations emerge that 30 additional Hajj slots were distributed among family and close associates of Minister Shaheem, Ahusan, and the Chief Imam of the Islamic Centre

Allegations have surfaced claiming that the Saudi government granted 30 additional Hajj quotas to the Maldives, which were reportedly distributed among the family and friends of three specific individuals.

A reliable source has informed RaajjeMV that the Maldives received an additional 30 Hajj quotas this year. It is alleged that these quotas were distributed among the family members and close associates of Islamic Minister Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, Deputy Minister Ali Ahsan, and the Chief Imam of the Islamic Centre, Sheikh Mohamed Latheef.

He alleged that this quota includes all of Sheikh Latheef’s children and their spouses, as well as their parents.

He stated that some individuals even waited until they reached the airport to put on their Ihram garments in an effort to keep the matter confidential, noting that significant measures were being taken to maintain secrecy.

A significant portion of these quotas was reportedly allocated to Deputy Minister Ahusan. This allocation allegedly includes Ahusan’s own family members, as well as his brother, Hussain Shafeeg—a member of the Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission—and Shafeeg’s spouse. The source further noted that the remaining quotas were distributed to individuals selected personally by Minister Shaheem.

Specifically, it was alleged that these quotas were allocated to the Managing Director of the Housing Development Corporation (HDC), Ali Zuhair, along with his wife and children. However, Minister Shaheem has denied these claims. The Minister stated that it is believed the HDC MD and his family traveled for the Hajj pilgrimage through assistance provided by Qatar.

Although Minister Shaheem denied the allegations, he did not dispute that the Maldives received 30 additional quotas. He stated that the Hajj Mission consistently receives quotas in this manner and advised submitting a written request to the Ministry of Islamic Affairs to clarify the exact number received this time. Furthermore, Minister Shaheem noted that information regarding quotas obtained through these channels is not typically made public.

Ahsan was unavailable for comment regarding this matter.

The Ministry of Islamic Affairs has announced that the Maldives has been allocated 1,000 Hajj slots this year, consistent with previous years. Additionally, the government has sponsored 50 pilgrims to perform the Hajj pilgrimage this year. Sending a total of 1,000 underprivileged citizens to Hajj during his term is a key presidential pledge of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. In line with this commitment, the initiative commenced in 1445 AH, with 50 individuals sponsored for the pilgrimage in both 1445 AH and 1446 AH.

However, the Hajj waiting list has grown significantly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many are raising concerns that the government's current procedures are infringing upon the rights of those who have already paid for their pilgrimage. Furthermore, despite the Ministry's claims of working to shorten the queue, critics allege a lack of tangible progress on the ground.

Maldivian pilgrims departed for the Hajj pilgrimage on the 15th, 17th, 18th, and 19th of this month, with all arrangements meticulously organized. Upon their arrival in Mecca, the pilgrims were accorded a warm welcome.