Mumtaz Ali Khan inaugurates camp for Haj pilgrims at Bajpe

31 October 2009

Muslim women are also given opportunity to perform Haj adhering to the conditions stipulated in the Haj Committee Act of 1959, said state Minister for Haj and Waqf Dr Mumtaz Ali Khan.

Addressing a gathering after inaugurating the camp organised for the Haj pilgrims by the Karnataka State Haj Committee at Ansar English Medium School at Bajpe near here on Saturday, Ali Khan said that Muslim women were not neglected in the Haj pilgrimage. On the contrary, more women perform Haj every year, he added.

The responsibilities of a Muslim multiples after performing Haj ritual. ‘Haji’s (one who performed Haj) should never tell lie and he should always be dedicated to preserve the values of Haj, the Minister said. “Decades ago, people in villages were respecting Hajis as a village chieftain and villagers were seeking Hajis’ suggestions when disputes arise in the region. However, now-a-days, Haj pilgrimage is being commercialised,” he lamented adding that Haj should be performed with due respect.

Khan said that the liberalisation and decentralisation of Haj norms has helped Muslims in the nation very much. Muslims in Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Uttar Kannada and Kodagu are now able to start their journey to Jeddah from Mangalore airport. “The BJP government in the State has given special emphasis to Haj pilgrimage and the first Haj flight is being taken off from Mangalore airport,” he added.

He called upon Muslim fraternity to work hard for the success of Haj pilgrimage. There is no need of politicising the religious issues, he added.

Mangalore Khazi C M Abdulla Musliyar, Karnataka State Haj Committee President Mohammed Gous, District Haj Committee President Y Mohammed Kunhi, Undivided Dakshina Kannada Muslim Central Committe President K S Mohammed Masood, MLA U T Khader and others were present.

Elaborate arrangements were made for the Haj pilgrims at the camp.

Facilities including registration counter, medical check up camp, bank counters, luggage centre and food court were arranged for pilgrims at the camp.

While neary 750 Haj pilgrims will be taking off from Mangalore airport, 112 will travel in the first flight on October 25 at 12.45 pm. The first flight will be flagged off by Union External Minister S M Krishna.

source mangaloremithr.com