Akeed – Aya al-Khawaldeh

Local media outlets have circulated a news report titled “Government considers 40% participation in hajj season”, which pointed to the government’s plan - in the event Saudi authorities decide to hold the greater pilgrimage - for participation by only 40% of the total quota allocated to Jordanians and 1948 Palestinians. Akeed sought to verify these claims and found them to be incorrect. 

The report, published in local media outlets and attributed to an unnamed source, also indicated that on the basis of this percentage, the number of hajj pilgrims this year would be around 3,500 only. This includes all delegations, divided as usual between those travelling through land and by air. It also suggested that the Ministry of Awqaf will resort to limiting the age cohorts participating in the hajj, with the expectation being that the ministry will solely allow the participation of those born between 1960 and 1965.

Akeed communicated with Hussam al-Hyari, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs and Holy Places, who emphasized that all the details mentioned in the report were inaccurate, adding that the announcement had not come from the ministry.

The government official added that the ministry had announced earlier this year the opening of initial registration for those wishing to perform the hajj this season, and begun screening participants to identify those who were eligible. The screening was done according to the established criteria for selecting members of the hajj delegation.

Al-Hayari stated that, after the spread of COVID-19, the ministry received a recommendation from the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to delay the completion of hajj procedures, especially regarding hajj season contracts for this year.  

He explained that the Jordanian Ministry of Awqaf is following up with Saudi authorities directly about hajj arrangements, stating that the ministry is prepared for all possible options this season. The official stressed that as soon as Saudi authorities announce their official decision on the matter, the Jordanian Ministry of Awqaf will evaluate the situation, and make a final decision about the hajj season.      

Here, Akeed would like to reiterate the necessity of the media’s commitment to obtaining information from reliable sources and the relevant authorities and to avoid annamed sources. Abiding by these practiced prevents the spread of incorrect and inaccurate information that, especially with issues which concern a wide segment of society, has the potential to spark chaos among citizens.