Differing information making pilgrims doubt status of pilgrimage
MAKKAH: The differing information that Malaysian pilgrims get from their neighbourhood surau and that provided by Tabung Haji ( TH), as well as the fact that their haj was performed a long time ago has confused some, causing them to doubt the status of their pilgrimage.
Tabung Haji Operations Director (Guidance) Tengku Aziz Raja Abdullah said there were many pilgrims, especially those who performed their pilgrimages a long time ago, who contacted TH after they had doubts about their haj status.
“After returning home, he listens to a talk at the surau near his house (on the pilgrimage) and recalls what he did during the haj which was a long time ago. Most likely, he did it correctly,” Tengku Aziz told reporters here yesterday.
As such, he said, pilgrims are encouraged to check with the TH guidance unit after performing the rituals in Arafah, Muzdalifah and Mina, before returning to Malaysia or leaving Makkah.
“If the guidance counsellor has confirmed that the pilgrimage has been properly done, then hold on to it until you die,” he said.
Tengku Aziz said the guidance unit in the Holy Land complements the basic and intensive courses TH conducts in Malaysia which would prepare the pilgrims for the haj as they are conducted in a way which would ensure they do not forget what has been taught.
However, he said, the PIHTAS ( haj ritual guides) are in the Holy Land to help pilgrims who are not sure what to do during the pilgrimage.
Tengku Aziz added that pilgrims could also contact TH’s 24-hour hotline 01-25706161 which begins operating two weeks before wukuf until two weeks after it to clear their doubts. — Bernama