Pilgrims given pointers on attaining Haji Mabrur
Written by Writer on Monday, October 20th, 2008
Pilgrims given pointers on attaining Haji Mabrur
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
Monday, October 20, 2008
SOME 160 Hajj pilgrims were given pointers on ways to attain Haji Mabrur (accepted by Allah SWT) when making their journey to the Holy Land in a Forum Perdana held yesterday at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Berakas.
Organised by Darussalam Holdings Sdn Bhd, yesterday marked the first time a forum was conducted for hajj pilgrims, instead of the usual lectures and briefings.
Hj Ismail Hj Sulaiman, acting head of the Hajj and Umrah Department at Darussalam Holdings, told The Brunei Times that the change of format on the Hajj briefings was made to cover a wider scope and more interactive discussions via a forum.
Dato Seri Setia Hj Yussof Hj Ismail, chairman of Darussalam Holdings Board of Directors, said that he hopes the forum will improve participants’ knowledge on the final pillar of the five pillars of Islam. This is essential as such understanding is crucial to attaining Haji Mabrur.
The forum was panelled by Syariah Court Judge Dato Seri Setia Ustaz Hj Metussin Hj Baki and Ustazah Hjh Noor Hj Mohadi and chaired by Ustaz Hj Sammali Hj Adam.
The forum titled “Towards Attaining Haji Mabrur” gave the pilgrims advice on how to attain a quality pilgrimage accepted by Allah (SWT) so that they could reap benefits on their ibadat or act of worship.
Following the forum, a briefing led by Darussalam Holdings managing director Hj Mahmud Hj Mohamed, was conducted on the company’s Hajj and Umrah packages for this year’s hajj pilgrimage.
Those present at the forum were briefed on the recent flight changes and other issues affecting pilgrims prior to their departure.
Pilgrims will also be given advice and guidance from four religious teachers from the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Religious Affairs who will join the hahj congregation to answer any inquiries that might crop up whilst performing their pilgrimage.
Among those present yesterday were members of Darussalam Holdings’ Board of Directors, senior officers from Taib and Insurance Islam Taib and officers and staff of Darussalam Holdings.
One of the pilgrims Gayah Hj Abang told The Brunei Times that she feels glad to be performing the final pillar of Islam.
“I made a promise10 years ago to Allah SWT that I will bring my children to Mekah when performing Umrah. I am glad now that I can finally fulfil it,” said the 58-year-old.
Eddy Sumardi Jublee, 12, said that he is excited to be performing the hajj for the first time with his family. He added that he wanted to perform the pilgrimage since last year and would not mind going again in the future if God permits.
The forum has been beneficial, said mechnical technician Nurahimah Duraman. A first-time pilgrim herself, she said that the past experiences of the forum speakers will help pilgrims in preparing themselves psychologically and physically for the journey.
This is essential as the environment at the Holy Land is different so the advice given will at least help pilgrims to adapt quickly, she added.
The first flight under Darussalam Holdings will be leaving for Mekah on November 13 while the final group will be leaving on November 18. (DKR1)
The Brunei Times
