Andhra Pradesh State Haj Committee chairman Syed Khaleeluddin Ahmed, on Sunday, announced that as many as 7,527 pilgrims from the state can go to Haj this year, as the External Affairs minister has decided not to apply the 20% cut in the total number of pilgrims.
Addressing the training & orientation camp organised by the SHC at Jamia Masjid near AC Guards, Khaleeluddin Ahmed said that Andhra Pradesh has opted to wait until the second phase of the pilgrims' departure (instead of implementing the 20% cut from the beginning), as it would ensure that the state gets some more seats, as some people are bound to cancel in the preceding stage of departure.
This year, the exchange rate of the Riyal has been fixed at Rs. 14.98, and accordingly, the second installment of the Haj fees is being fixed.
SHC Member Moulana Mufti Sadeq Mohiuddin advised the pilgrims to learn the Haj rituals before their departure so that they will be able to perform the Haj without any difficulty.
SHC Executive Officer Abdul Hameed spoke about the logistical arrangements, while Moulana Khaja Mohiuddin talked about the rituals of Haj, and about the procedure to visit the tomb of the Holy Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) in Madeenah. (INN)