Selected pilgrims for Haj 2013 were asked to take proper care of their health in the first training & orientation camp held on Sunday.
The selected Haj pilgrims from Andhra Pradesh have been advised to take care of their health and to practice walking in order to ensure that they are able to withstand the rigours of the Haj, without any difficulties.
Addressing the selected pilgrims during the first Orientation & Training camp held at the Hi-Tech Garden Function Hall in Old Malakpet on Sunday, SHC Chairman Syed Khaleeluddin Ahmed requested them to become role models, not only for the people of the state, but also for the pilgrims of other countries by dint of their good conduct and demonstration of discipline, patience and devotion.
He also requested the pilgrims to learn the Haj rituals properly and encourage their fellow pilgrims to do the same. He said that over 7,527 Haj pilgrims from the State are going for the Haj this year. He advised the pilgrims to attend all the training classes, in order to mentally and physically prepare themselves for the taxing journey that lies ahead of them. Religious fervour is all very well, but one needs physical stamina to back it up.
Minorities Commission Chairman Abid Rasool Khan assured the pilgrims of his help, and said that he will personally communicate with the Union and the State governments in case the Committee or the pilgrims face any difficulty.
Malakpet MLA Ahmed Bin Abdullah Balala congratulated the Haj pilgrims and requested them to pray for peace, progress and prosperity of the people around the world.
CEO of the Haj Committee of India - Shaik Shakir Hussain - said that this year about 1,24,000 pilgrims were going for Haj from India, and the Haj Committee is working hard to provide them with all possible facilities.
He advised the pilgrims to demonstrate patience and resilience during the Haj as (according to popular belief) Satan tries to mislead the pilgrims so that their prayers are rendered null and void. He also advised the pilgrims to stay alert, and try to face the difficulties that will inevitably arise during the pilgrimage.
He added that transparency is being maintained in the waiting list.
SHC Executive Officer Abdul Hameed disclosed that this year, 7,322 pilgrims were selected through the process of drawing of lots, and that, 205 pilgrims were selected from the waiting list.
Moulana Mufti Syed Sadeq Mohiuddin Faheem and Moulana Khaja Nazeeruddin explained, in detail, the rituals of the Haj, and said that the pilgrims should take care to remember these rituals properly.
Master trainer Khaja Naseeruddin, Trainer Asifuddin, SHC Member Mahmood Hussain Engineer and other dignitaries also spoke during the camp. (INN)