‘All preparations, arrangements done for this coming Hajj season’

Zakat House spends generously on needy

KUWAIT CITY, June 22: Director of Hajj Affairs Office at Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs Mohammad AlMutairi announced that the ministry, through his office, has concluded all preparations and arrangements related to the forthcoming Hajj pilgrimage season, reports Al-Rai daily.

Al-Mutairi said the ministry followed the Hajj requirements as contained in the schedule laid down by the office for Hajj 1438 AH.

He assured that activities in the office have been steadily ongoing throughout the year, indicating that the plan for this Hajj season started after returning from the previous pilgrimage last year.

Al-Mutairi urged all intending pilgrims to quickly register with the caravans of their choice, ensuring that the caravans with which they intend to register are officially registered and licensed by the concerned authorities and Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs. He affirmed that this is the best way for pilgrims to book a seat at the right time.

He explained that the pilgrims should sign necessary agreements with the Hajj caravan operators. Doing this will guarantee the rights of both parties, so that nobody can manipulate with the details of the agreement later.

The executive law No. 134/2016 stipulates the penalties against those who breach any clause of the agreement.

Meanwhile, Al-Zakat House posted cash proceeds of KD 7.726 million (some $25.2 million) in Q1 2017, rising by 14 percent as compared to last year’s same period.

Local and external expenditures reached KD 12.483 million (approximately $40.8 million).

Spending from donors’ contributions for external projects amounted to KD six million ($19.6 million), the house said in a statement released on Thursday.