Future haj pilgrims must be given real picture of holy land: Mujahid

SEPANG: People who run haj courses must give future pilgrims the actual picture of the situation and challenges they have to face in the Holy Land.
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Dr Mujahid Yusof said this should include the possibility of natural disasters so that the pilgrims and their families are prepared for any eventuality.
"Besides providing basic information on the requirements and rules of the pilgrimage, the course operators must also talk about the situation outside the context of the haj, such as incidents that may occur.
"This is important so that future pilgrims do not have too high expectations and are prepared to face changing conditions and the possibility of any unexpected crisis or natural disasters," he said.
Mujahid was speaking at the launch of the 35th National Haj Conference for the 1440H Haj Season which was attended by more than 300 haj course operators here today.
Mujahid said, as 'murabbi', the people who were often in contact with future pilgrims, they must share even the "unpleasant" stories other than providing information on religious, physical, and mental practices which the pilgrims must know.
He also urged the course operators not to give their personal opinions or information which contravened the religion as this could cause confusion and arguments among the pilgrims and Muslims.
He said the haj course operators must adhere to the resolutions of the Haj Conference regarding the pilgrims. — Bernama