Hajj: Refer To Experts For Guidance, Not Just Social Media

By Elmi Rizal Elias MAKKAH, Aug 21 (Bernama) -- For a perfect Hajj performance, Malaysian pilgrims are advised to obtain guidance from the Tabung Haji (TH, the Malaysian hajj pilgrims fund board) Haj ritual guides (Pihtas) or group of experts provided. This year’s Haj TH group of experts chief, Wan Mohamad Aziz said the views given by Pihtas or experts for consultation on any matter related to the Haj rituals had already been studied from all aspects. "Meaning, there has been research and reference work done with religious texts of respected scholars and views that we believe are appropriate for Malaysian pilgrims,” he told reporters at the TH headquarters here in Abraj Al-Janadriyah Hotel. He said Malaysian Hajj pilgrims should not just refer to the social media such as YouTube and Facebook on the Haj rituals and their significance but to also learn from the Haj guides or experts. Wan Mohamad said in studying the Islamic religion including the Haj, preferably pilgrims should learn through the ‘talaqqi’ way or face-to-face instruction by qualified religious teachers. "To me, it (gaining knowledge via the social media) is a good thing as it is easily accessible through the Internet but at the same time, the concern is the authenticity of the religious sources. “If people don’t have a strong religious conviction, they may be waylaid or confused by the myriad of views and information including from invalid or dubious sources, or in conflict with the Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah (Sunni) creed. “The Haj must be precisely performed. Therefore, it is safe for Malaysian pilgrims in the Holy Land to perform the Haj with guidance from the experts provided by Tabung Haji.” he said. Wan Mohamad said in addressing issues and questions raised by Malaysian pilgrims, as well as in managing the pilgrims, TH had referred to the Shafie school of thought. "In many issues and matters, we work together with the National Fatwa Committee and the respective State Fatwa Committees over fatwa (edicts). "However, in certain situations, we can refer to and apply the views of other authoritative imam or scholars as long they belong to the accepted ‘mazhab’ (school of thought in Islamic jurisprudence. There’s no problem here,” he said. -- BERNAMA