| Rokiah Mahmud |
THE closing session for this year’s Haj course was held at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Berakas yesterday.
Minister of Religious Affairs Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman attended as the guest of honour.
In his welcoming address, Haj Management Department Acting Director Haji Abdullah bin Haji Mohammad explained that the closing session would summarise what the intending pilgrims had previously learnt, apart from equipping them with greater understanding on Haj rituals and the journey ahead.
The session was also to remind them to abide by the rules and regulations set by the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, on arriving in the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah.
The minister, meanwhile, advised the intending pilgrims to acquire more insight on Haj rituals and steps, so they would not be too dependent on their ‘mutawwaif’ (guides).
The 10-session course was conducted at centres across the country from May 21 to June 16.
This year, 525 women and 475 men will be participating in the annual Haj pilgrimage, with their flight scheduled to depart for Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, in August.