The first group of Tatarstan pilgrims has set off for the Hajj from Kazan.

      Today, May 16, early in the morning, the first four groups of Tatarstan pilgrims departed from Kazan International Airport named after Gabdulla Tukay. A total of 171 people set off to the holy places on the route Kazan – Medina as part of the "Standard" program from the official Hajj operator "DUM RT Hajj". Before departing to the holy places, the first deputy of the Mufti of Tatarstan, Ilfar Hazrat Khasanov, addressed the pilgrims on behalf of Mufti Kamily Hazrat. He conveyed encouraging words, emphasized the spiritual significance of performing Hajj, and made a dua. The first four groups of pilgrims will perform Hajj under the guidance of Imam-Mukhtasib of the Buinsky District, head of the Buinsky madrasa Ilmir Hazrat Khasanov; Imam-Mukhtasib of the Leninogorsk District Bulat Hazrat Raupov; Imam of the "Jami" Mosque in Naberezhnye Chelny Mukhamat Hazrat Mukhamatov; as well as the assistant Imam-Mukhtasib of the Tukayevsky District Ilnaz Hazrat Yakhin. It is worth noting that this year all flights from Kazan for pilgrims of "DUM RT Hajj" are direct to Medina. In total, 1800 pilgrims will depart for Hajj from the republic in 2026. Among them, the leadership of the republic is sending 200 pilgrims – participants of the Special Military Operation and their family members. They will be accompanied throughout the journey by experienced leaders – hazrats knowledgeable in the fiqh of Hajj rituals, laws of the KSA, and the Arabic language. The largest group of Tatarstan Hajjis – 450 people – will depart on May 17. The last group will depart on May 20. All Hajjis have undergone theoretical training on performing Hajj rituals. On the way and during Hajj, they will be accompanied by 20 doctors from Tatarstan of various specialties, providing medical assistance around the clock – they are dispatched thanks to the support of the Government of RT. The doctors are equipped with all necessary medical equipment and medications. Medical points will operate around the clock in hotels and at every stage of the pilgrimage. All Tatarstan pilgrims are vaccinated against COVID, meningitis, and diphtheria. Tatarstan residents will begin returning home on June 3. The operator "DUM RT Hajj" is one of eight official Hajj operators in Russia. The advantages of the operator "DUM RT Hajj" include: medical support (medical insurance, the possibility of round-the-clock medical service for pilgrims), experienced group leaders, a kit for pilgrims (pilgrims are provided with all necessary literature, luggage bags, backpacks, and ihram), contract conclusion (a contract is concluded with each pilgrim, and their rights are protected), assistance in document preparation (staff assist in obtaining a foreign passport and preparing documents for obtaining a visa), exemption from hidden fees (by signing a contract with "DUM RT Hajj", you pay only the price specified in the contract). "DUM RT Hajj" has extensive experience in organizing Umrah and Hajj and guarantees the correct performance of the fifth pillar of Islam according to the Hanafi madhhab.