MECCA: Disabled pilgrims from Malaysia could perform essential haj rituals with the assistance of companions provided, says Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar.
He said this during his visit to Malaysian pilgrims' tents on the plains of Mount Arafat on Thursday (June 5).
About 31,600 Malaysian pilgrims are currently among two million pilgrims performing the Wukuf at Arafat (stopping at the plains of Mount Arafat), the most important ritual of the haj.
"I had the opportunity to visit the tent housing pilgrims under the Prihatin Tetamu Ar-Rahman (Peneman) programme.
"38 personnel (27 women, 11 men) from Tabung Haji were entrusted with managing the selected Malaysian pilgrim’s needs throughout the Masyair phase of haj (from 8 to 12 of Zulhijjah in the Islamic calendar)”, said Mohd Na’im.
He explained that selected pilgrims consist of the elderly, those who need assistance and those who are without a companion.
He added that the pilgrims selected for the programme have gone through several screenings and interviews conducted by Tabung Haji.
"Thank you to the Peneman officers for sacrificing their time and energy to ensure that all the infirm pilgrims can complete their haj," said Mohd Na'im.
He stated that most of the pilgrims were doing well and were either resting or performing voluntary acts of worship while waiting for the time of wukuf, which was a few hours away.
"The journey to Arafat yesterday went very smoothly.
"The pilgrims are generally satisfied and relieved to have arrived in Arafat and are ready to perform the haj rituals: wukuf, overnight stay in Muzdalifah and stoning of the Jamrat," said Mohd Na'im.
Mohd Na'im would also be presenting the Arafah sermon of Malaysia during the noon prayers.
