The lottery to select 50 individuals for the government-funded Hajj pilgrimage has been held today. The selection process was carried out from a pool of 302 eligible candidates listed under the Maldives Zakat House’s poverty registry, which was reviewed in December 2024.
Fifty people were chosen through the lottery to embark on the sacred journey to Mecca, fully funded by the Maldivian government. In addition, 10 substitutes were selected to stand in case any of the selected individuals are unable to attend the pilgrimage for any reason.
This initiative aligns with a promise made by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu during his presidential campaign. On the night of August 18, 2023, while addressing the people of M. Mulaku, President Muizzu pledged to send 1,000 poor individuals on the Hajj pilgrimage during his first term. This year, 50 people are benefiting from this promise as part of the 2024 Hajj season.
