First Flight of Umrah Pilgrims from the Country to the Two Holy Mosques
Thursday, 29 Safar al-Muzaffar 1448 AH, corresponding to 22 Asad 1405 SH
The first flight of Umrah pilgrims for the year 1448 AH departed from the country for the Two Holy Mosques to perform Umrah. On this occasion, the Ministry of MOHIA held a special meeting to provide the pilgrims with necessary information and recommendations regarding their Umrah journey. The meeting was attended by Honorable Hafiz Mawlawi Mohammad Hamid Hasib, the Ministry’s Professional Deputy Minister, several heads of central departments, officials and representatives of the Union of Umrah Companies, as well as the Umrah pilgrims departing from the country.
At the meeting, Honorable Hafiz Mawlawi Mohammad Hamid Hasib, the Ministry’s Professional Deputy Minister, delivered a speech. He described the Umrah journey as one of the most important, blessed and spiritual journeys, stating that during this journey, a Muslim practically demonstrates his servitude to his Lord, as well as his love and sincerity toward Him. He also provided the pilgrims with important information and necessary guidance concerning the rulings and virtues of Umrah.
The Deputy Minister further advised the pilgrims to practice patience, tolerance, perseverance and gratitude throughout their Umrah journey. He stated that during this blessed journey, a person may encounter various situations and circumstances; therefore, it is necessary to remain patient and composed under all circumstances, respect one another, and make the most of every moment of this blessed journey by spending it in worship, remembrance of Allah, supplication and good deeds.
Following this, Honorable Mawlawi Mohammad Nabi Mohammadi, Director General of Hajj, Umrah and Ziyarat, delivered a speech. While congratulating the pilgrims on being granted the opportunity to perform this important and blessed act of worship, he described them as guests of Allah Almighty. He stated that the Umrah journey is not merely an ordinary trip, but rather a great spiritual opportunity, and every moment of it should be utilized in seeking the pleasure of Allah Almighty, worship and performing good deeds.
Mr. Mohammadi called on the pilgrims to perform all the rites of Umrah correctly and completely, observe the sanctity of the Two Holy Mosques, comply with order and regulations, and exercise patience, tolerance and perseverance throughout all stages of the journey. He also emphasized that the pilgrims should respect one another’s rights and maintain the spirit of Islamic brotherhood and mutual respect.
The Director General of Hajj and Umrah also asked the pilgrims, alongside their worship at the Two Holy Mosques, to offer special prayers for the prosperity, stability, progress and greater well-being of Afghanistan, His Excellency the Amir al-Mu’minin, the country, its people and the Islamic system. He expressed hope that their acts of worship and supplications would be accepted.
At the meeting, Honorable Mawlawi Abdul Ghafour Haqqani, Director of Umrah and, also delivered a speech. He described Hajj and Umrah as acts of worship beloved and pleasing to Allah Almighty, adding that last year approximately eighty thousand (80,000) Afghan citizens traveled to Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah. He further stated that efforts would be made this year, in cooperation with relevant institutions and Umrah companies, to facilitate the travel of a larger number of pilgrims and provide them with better services and facilities.
At the conclusion, Mr. Al-Hajj Siraj Ahmad Al-Kozi, representative of the Union of Umrah Companies, delivered a speech. He expressed appreciation for the efforts and cooperation of the Ministry of MOHIA in facilitating Umrah travel, issuing visas and handling other related matters. He also assured the meeting of the cooperation of Umrah companies in better organizing the Umrah process and providing appropriate services to the pilgrims.
The meeting concluded with a prayer. Following the meeting, more than 120 Afghan Umrah pilgrims departed for Saudi Arabia through Kabul International Airport to perform Umrah.
