Perform haj sincerely but always be cautious and take care of safety, Brunei imams tell those leaving for holy land on May 23

The Hajj annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, the holiest city for Muslims. Aerial view.

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (Borneo Bulletin/ANN): With the first of four haj flights leaving for Madinah and Makkah on Thursday (May 23), imams called on the intending pilgrims to perform the haj with sincerity, determination, and caution, so that they will be able to receive a mabrur haj and spiritual happiness.

In Friday's sermon, imams also urged Muslims who perform the haj to have the ability and capacity which includes sufficient finances and a healthy body to ensure a safe journey to the holy land.

Imams also highlighted the wisdom and rewards of performing haj, which includes a common direction in elevating the glory of Islam, joining hands in upholding Allah the Almighty’s religion, establishing close relationships within the Muslim community and building a spirit of brotherhood and love.

“The reward of haj is that it purifies a pilgrim’s sins, likened as though the pilgrim is as pure as the day he was born,” said imams.

“When performing the haj, one must fully trust and accept what Allah the Almighty has determined and decreed, to be patient and grateful, to supplicate and seek forgiveness in abundance,” imams added.

Imams also said that before intending pilgrims leave for Makkah, it is their obligation to repent immediately, resolve not to repeat the sin in the future, seek forgiveness from people we have wronged and should there be belongings taken, return them to the owners or ask for them to be declared halal, and to practice a healthier lifestyle. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN