Historical Overview of The Gambia-Hajj Commission
The history of the Gambia-Hajj Commission is marked by significant milestones in the organization and facilitation of the annual Hajj pilgrimage for Gambian citizens. Below is a summary of key events in the Commission's history:
In the year 2000, The Gambia was allocated a quota of 1,170 pilgrims for the Hajj pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia. This marked an important milestone in the country’s participation in the Hajj.
In January 2005, the Saudi Minister responsible for the annual Hajj granted Gambian authorities permission to increase the country’s pilgrimage quota to 2,200 pilgrims. This expansion reflected the growing demand and the strengthening of the relationship between The Gambia and Saudi Arabia.
In 2016, Imam Ousman Jah was appointed the new Amirul Hajj, having previously held the position. Imam Jah, who studied Islamic Law in Saudi Arabia, brought significant expertise and leadership to the Hajj management process, continuing to guide Gambian pilgrims with diligence.
In 2021, due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, Saudi authorities restricted the annual pilgrimage to 60,000 Saudi citizens and residents, meaning no international pilgrims, including those from The Gambia, were permitted to perform Hajj that year. This marked an unprecedented halt to the pilgrimage.
In 2022, Imam Ousman Jah was replaced as Amirul Hajj by Sheikh Ebrahim Jarjue, a prominent Islamic scholar in The Gambia. Sheikh Jarjue brought new leadership to the Hajj Commission, continuing the efforts to ensure a smooth and safe pilgrimage for Gambian pilgrims.
Under the leadership of Sheikh Ebrahim Jarjue, The Gambia achieved global recognition for its exemplary performance in Hajj management. The country earned first and third place globally and in Africa, respectively, for its Hajj performance, marking a historic achievement for The Gambia.
On June 22, 2024, the Hon. Minister for Public Service, Administrative Reform, and Policy, Baboucarr Bouye, representing the Vice President of The Gambia, officially handed over an ambulance to the Gambia Hajj Commission. The ambulance, funded by generous donations from Gambians both at home and abroad, was intended to provide timely medical assistance to Gambian pilgrims during Hajj, enhancing the health and safety measures for pilgrims.