HUNSo AND PREMIER BANK LAUNCH HALEEL, AN UMRAH AND HAJJ
INSTALMENT PAYMENT SERVICE, IN MOGADISHU
Mogadishu, 25 March 2022: On Friday, Hajj, and Umrah Network Somalia (HUNSo)
and Premier Bank launched Haleel Service in Mogadishu, a joint venture that will
make Hajj and Umrah more accessible and convenient. The service is available
during the Umrah months of the Hijri calendar, which begin in Muḥarram and end
in Ramadan of the Islamic calendar.
Customers who want to perform Umrah during Ramadan will be able to subscribe
to an annual payment through Haleel Service.
Mr. Yunus Osman Ahmed, Head of Operations at Haleel Service, said the service
will help anyone with financial resources who cannot afford to pay for Hajj and
Umrah all at once but can do so in instalments.
“We are delighted to inform Somalis that the Haleel Service will be available
starting today. Haleel Service fulfills the dream of parents and families who want
to visit Allah’s house. As we all know, every Somali who is alive and healthy wishes
to perform Haj and Umrah, and we have made it easy for everyone to do so,” Mr.
Yunus says.
The Service provides access to interest-free financial loans and a well-planned and
simple payment system.
Sheikh Abdinafi Moalim Hashi, chairperson of the Hajj, and Umrah Network
Somalia HUNSO – and a member of the Haleel Service Board of Trustees stated
that the service was launched just in time for the community to benefit from it
during the upcoming holy month of Ramadan.
“It is reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:
“Umrah in Ramadan is equivalent to hajj or hajj with me (in reward).” As a result,
now is the ideal time to engage in such valuable worship. We have also expanded
this service in light of the country’s and many parts of the world’s economic
situation, the COVID-19 epidemic, which has hampered Hajj and Umrah
performance for two years, and the holy month of Ramadan is coming soon you
will reap more rewards,” Sheikh Abdinafi states.
PRESS RELEASE Applying for the Service is simple.
“Anyone who meets the requirements and has a Somali passport or a passport
with a valid Somali residence permit will be able to apply for Umrah,” notes Sheikh
Abdinafi.
The Service provides straightforward payment options.
Mr. Ahmednur Mohamed Abdi, Head of Public Relations at Premier Bank, there are
two ways to use Haleel Service: pay in cash all at once or pay an advance of at
least 30 per cent of the total value of the package chosen by the customer and pay
it in installments over the course of a year.
“Premier Bank is pleased to be able to assist our clients in taking advantage of this
golden opportunity. Anyone with an identity card/passport, an employment card,
proof of income, and financial security or guarantors can apply for a bank loan,”
Ahmed Nur explains.
The government is also in favor of such a noble initiative.
Speaking at the launch of the Haleel Service, the Minister of Endowments and
Religious Affairs of the Federal Government of Somalia, Mr. Omar Ali Roble, said
that any services that encourages, supports, and facilitates access to the Two
Holy Mosques for Somalis is part of his ministry’s policy.
He stated that the Haleel Service is part of the solution and that it will alleviate the
financial and technical challenges that many people face when visiting Allah’s
House. As the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs is generally
responsible for facilitating the fulfilment of religious duties, he expressed that the
companies involved in the Haleel Service will be supported.
Haleel Service is the first of its kind in Somalia.
END