12/13/2004 3:30:00 PM GMT
Source: Manila Bulletin
Muslim officials said that they expect this year’s pilgrimage to Mecca to be "smoother" for the Filipinos, citing President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s "great support" for promoting Muslims' cultural practices such as the annual performance of hajj in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
"All is set for the performance this year of hajj among the prospective Filipino pilgrims in a fashion we highly hope to be much smoother," said Sulu Rep. Hussien Amin, the Amirul Hajj (official head of delegation) for 2004.
The Office on Muslim Affairs (OMA) has registered 3,250 individuals for this year’s performance of Hajj, the fifth pillar of Islam.
Director Kasan urged the registrants with unpaid obligations to "pay immediately" to ensure their participation in the Hajj, affirming that the deadline for the payment of fares and mutawiff (fees for accommodation in Saudi Arabia) amounting to 1,900 for each pilgrim was approaching.
The number of pilgrims has increased by 15per cent this year due to the "better coordination" among concerned authorities, and President Arroyo’s "growing support" for the Hajj and other Muslim welfare ventures, Rep. Amin, and Director Kasan said.
Last week, Mrs. Arroyo ordered the release of R4million for the purchase of vaccinations for this year’s registered pilgrims, Kasan added.
In predicting a "smoother" process this year’s Hajj, Rep. Amin said he coordinated with Saudi authorities and inspected chartered buildings in Saudi Arabia that will accommodatet the Filipino pilgrims.
The Amirul Hajj and OMA officials, led by Executive Director Zamzamin Ampatuan, have been holding meetings to discuss preparations for the coming Hajj, said Amin, who alreadyhas performed several major and minor pilgrimages to the holy lands.
Meanwhile, Director Kasan, asserted that all the pilgrims who have paid the dues for Hajj will be accommodated in Saudi Airlines’ eight (8) regular flights and in six (6) more flights; reserved in other airlines.
"OMA has never allowed any single registered pilgrim to be left behind," Kasan said.