Sheikh Imthiyaz Abbas Appointed to Lead Maldivian Hajj Office in Mecca

Sheikh Imthiyaz Abbas, the Director General of the Maldives Zakat House, has been appointed as the head of the specialized Hajj office in Mecca. The office is established annually to manage and oversee the complex logistics and welfare of Maldivian pilgrims during the Hajj season. Operating under the Hajj Mission, the office serves as the primary liaison between the Maldivian government and Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. This coordination ensures that all administrative and operational requirements are met to facilitate a seamless pilgrimage experience for Maldivians. Alongside Sheikh Imthiyaz, Dr. Ilyas Hussain, a member of the Supreme Council for Islamic Fatwa, will serve as the official religious scholar representing the Maldives. His role will provide essential spiritual guidance and scholarly oversight for the pilgrims throughout their journey. A 10-member Hajj Mission team is scheduled to depart for Saudi Arabia tomorrow. The team's immediate priority is to finalize all on-ground arrangements before the first group of pilgrims arrives. Their mandate includes a rigorous inspection of accommodation facilities in Mecca, transport logistics, food services, and healthcare provisions to ensure they align with the standards mandated by the Saudi authorities. Preparations are currently being finalized in accordance with the strict timelines set by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. These efforts aim to ensure that every detail—from the performance of Hajj rituals to basic living conditions—is meticulously organized. Maldivian pilgrims are scheduled to begin their journey to Saudi Arabia starting from the 15th of this month, marking the beginning of one of the most significant spiritual journeys of their lives.