The first training programme for Haj pilgrims from the state, who will be performing Haj this year, was inaugurated by State Haj Committee chairman Syed Khaleeluddin Ahmed at Hi-tech Function Hall at Malakpet in the city on Sunday.
Ahmed said that the main objective of the programme was to provide appropriate knowledge about the logistic arrangements and information about rituals and other religious aspects. It is being conducted for pilgrims throughout the state. This year 7,527 from the state will undertake Haj.
Central Haj Committee chief executive officer S Shakir Hussain said pilgrims would be provided first-hand information about the entire visit and would be given training in various rituals and procedures.
He said specially trained guides would escort the pilgrims and would help them perform Haj. About 1.24 lakh pilgrims from India would perform Haj this year, he said.
Around 500 pilgrims attended the first training programme.
Ultimate Act
of Worship For 52-year-old Ghousuddin Ahmed, performing Haj is a long-cherished dream and this time luck smiled on him as he was selected by the Haj Committee to perform Haj this year. “Haj is the ultimate act of worship. It is one of the five pillars of Islam and getting a chance to perform Haj is a great honour”, he said.
Ghousuddin, another pilgrim, said, “When I applied for Haj I was not sure of selection but by the grace of Almighty I was selected. Now I can fulfil my dream. My family is also very happy,” he said.
Aijaz Ali Khan (43), another participant in the training programme, said, “I can’t express how happy I am. I am very lucky to be selected for undertaking Haj pilgrimage at this age. Usually, people get a chance to perform Haj at a very late age and many a time people do not have sufficient money, energy and resources to perform Haj. Though the government is providing subsidy, Haj is still out of reach for many,’’ he said.
There is a considerable investment of money, time, and physical effort required for the pilgrimage, said Nisar Khan (47). Most of the people are not able to perform Haj for want of money as it costs more than Rs 1.30 lakh, he said.