PLAN ACTIVITIES TO AVOID WASTING TIME, HAJ PILGRIMS REMINDED

From Zainal Abdul Jalil

MECCA, Oct 19 (Bernama) -- Malaysian pilgrims performing the haj this season are
advised not to waste time by planning all their activities and avoiding acts
that are against the teachings of Islam throughout their stay in the holy land.

Malaysia's Pilgrims Fund (Lembaga Tabung Haji or TH) (Guidance) general manager
Tengku Aziz Raja Abdullah, when giving the advice, urged them to focus on
practices to fulfill their religious deeds.

"Our analysis and feedback from last season revealed that there were pilgrims,
especially senior citizens, who still take stones from Mina to keep for good
luck which is actually a misguided act in Islam.

"I hope such acts that contradict Islamic teachings will be stopped. It is
better to pray in places such as the Multazan or in front of the Kaabah at the
Masjidil Haram in hopes that Allah will grant our wishes," he told reporters
here Tuesday.

Tengku Aziz reminded pilgrims that their purpose was to perform the haj and that
they should spend more time performing deeds at the Masjidil Haram.

"I want to emphasise on the importance of understanding the haj and umrah,
especially for first-timers, so that it will help them achieve a perfect haj.

"We pray that all pilgrims achieve the perfect haj when they return and to
continue being good Muslims," he added.

Tengku Aziz said those who arrive early in the holy land are encouraged to visit
Arafah, Muzdalifa and Mina to prepare themselves for Wukuf day on Nov 15.

Pilgrims from all over the world throng Mecca daily, with the second group from
Malaysia arriving at the Al Janadriyah Hotel from Madinah early Tuesday morning,
after the first group of 1,100 people early Monday morning.

Despite the dry arid climate, Malaysian pilgrims are healthy and were reported
to have experienced a smooth journey by bus.
-- BERNAMA