The Central United Front Work Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) further tightened its control over Muslim believers by posting on its website on October 12 the Measures for the Administration of Islamic Hajj Affairs.
The new measures, which will go into effect on December 1, stipulate that only the Islamic Association of China, which has an official background, can organize the hajj, while all other entities are banned.
It imposes restrictions on citizens’ participation in the hajj, from application to collection of fees, and emphasizes the need to oppose religious extremism and present a good image.
In particular, “patriotism and law-abiding, good conduct” is listed as the primary requirement for applying for the Hajj.
This year, due to the impact of the Xinguan epidemic, the Islamic Society of China has applied for and received approval from the competent authorities to suspend the Hajj pilgrimage in China this year.
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