| Aziz Idris |
AT-TAQWA Travel Tours Sdn Bhd, Brunei’s premier Haj and Umrah operator, held a briefing for pilgrims who will perform their spiritual journey this February, at the Religious Teachers University College of Seri Begawan (KUPU SB) Hall yesterday.
Some 300 pilgrims attended the briefings conducted by At-Taqwa experienced guides and invited speakers.
The morning session began with a briefing by At-Taqwa’s Chief Finance Officer, Mohd Naasiruddeen bin Pengiran Haji Yusoff who spoke on basic preparation and logistics required as well as the programme of the Umrah package selected by the pilgrims.
He said the briefings are part of the company’s obligation for pilgrims who will perform their religious obligations with complete readiness and a pious heart. The briefings also sought to ensure a safe journey with comfort for all pilgrims.
Ustaz Haji Mohammad Shahrol Azmi bin Haji Abdul Muluk of KUPU SB also delivered a briefing on Umrah rituals and knowledge as well as the awareness and understanding of the rituals of Umrah for pilgrims particularly when visiting the Islamic historic sites in the two holy cities, Madinah and Makkah.
Meanwhile, Ustaz Haji Khairul Nazif provided advice for pilgrims. He explained that Umrah is performed solely for seeking blessings and forgiveness from past sins and that they must not waste their time in the holy cities, or else their sacrifices are in vain.
A special prayer and mass Dzikir was recited led by Ustaz Abdus Salam to bless the session and the journey for all pilgrims.
The session concluded with the handing over of At-Taqwa souvenirs to the first batch of pilgrims led by Pengiran Haji Mohd Rosdimar bin Pengiran Haji Omarali, Managing Director of At-Taqwa Travel Tours.
The pilgrims will head to the holy cities of Madinah and Makkah under the care of the trusted and well-respected travel agent departing the Sultanate in three different batches beginning with the first flight on February 3, followed by another flight on February 6 and the final batch on February 17.
A senior couple, Abdul Hamid bin Haji Ahmad and wife, Kasmah binti Khalid, in an interview with the Weekend Bulletin, said they chose At-Taqwa because of their first-rate personalised service.
Sharing the same sentiment was Hamdan Najib bin Haji Domeng, who will perform his first Umrah with his wife and parents. He said, “We heard about At-Taqwa range of Umrah package from our relatives who bought a similar package from the operator.
“It is important to learn about what you are about to experience before you go. Keep doing your homework and pray that it happens for you and that your pilgrimage is accepted. This inculcates love towards the holy cities and keeps them in your heart even before performing umrah,” he added.
At-Taqwa Travel Tours will organise an Umrah practical workshop tomorrow at the Multi-Purpose Hall (MPC), Jalan Stadium Negara Hassanal Bolkiah. A replica of the Kaabah will be set up so pilgrims could practice the Tawaf and other Ibadah with more confidence.
The post Pilgrims prepare to perform Umrah appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.