Across Algeria, a special lottery was conducted this Saturday to allocate an additional 2,000 Hajj pilgrimage slots. This initiative, approved by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, aims to benefit citizens aged 70 and above who have registered for the regular Hajj lottery ten or more times without success.
The lottery for these extra slots for the 1447 AH / 2026 AD Hajj season took place in designated locations throughout the country. These locations, determined by local authorities, allowed eligible individuals and their families to witness the proceedings.
The President’s decision to allocate these additional slots underscores a commitment to providing elderly citizens a greater opportunity to fulfill their religious obligation of performing the Hajj. This initiative directly addresses the concerns of those who have repeatedly sought to participate in the pilgrimage but have been unable to secure a spot through the standard lottery process.
The Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, is a pilgrimage to Mecca that every able-bodied Muslim who can afford to do so is expected to undertake at least once in their lifetime. The demand for Hajj slots consistently exceeds the available quota, making the lottery system a necessary, albeit often disappointing, process for many.
This special allocation demonstrates a focused effort to prioritize the needs of older citizens and provide them with a more equitable chance to participate in this important religious journey. The initiative has been widely welcomed by the public, particularly among the elderly population and their families.
DZWatch will continue to provide updates on Hajj-related news and developments.
