FOCUS FULLY ON WORSHIP, PILGRIMS TOLD AHEAD OF HAJ SEASON

KUALA LUMPUR, April 12 (Bernama) -- Malaysian pilgrims performing the Haj this year have been reminded to give their full attention to the pilgrimage and uphold good manners and discipline throughout their time in the Holy Land.

Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan said the Haj is a special invitation from Allah SWT to His chosen servants, and should therefore be approached with sincerity and deep devotion.

He cautioned against the growing habit among some pilgrims of frequently posting on social media — including taking selfies in front of the Kaabah or going live on platforms such as TikTok — which could distract from the true purpose of the pilgrimage.

bootstrap slideshow

“At times this can be disturbing to other pilgrims who are concentrating on their worship. My advice to this year’s Duyufurrahman (guests of Allah) is to focus entirely on seeking Allah’s pleasure, not on glorifying oneself for social media popularity through likes or views,” he told Bernama.

Zulkifli stressed that the core of Haj lies in sincere worship for the sake of Allah SWT, adding that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) himself prayed that his pilgrimage remain free of riya’ and sum‘ah (showing off to seek attention or praise).

As such, he advised pilgrims to refrain from updating social media and instead make full use of their time in the Holy Land by priortising acts of worship such as prayers, supplication, and remembrance of Allah.

He also reminded pilgrims to make sufficient physical preparations for the journey, which involves considerable movement, including walking between their hotels and the mosque, during rituals like tawaf and sa’i, as well as while at Arafah, Muzdalifah and Mina.

As their final preparations, Zulkifli encouraged all pilgrims to attend the Perdana Haj course organised by Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH), which runs from  April 11 to May 4 across 22 locations nationwide.

“The course serves as a final refresher and provides practical simulations of key rituals such as tawaf, sa’i, stoning of the jamrah, and donning the ihram for male pilgrims.

“It also includes health tips and allows participants to consult directly with TH officers and Haj guides,” he said

The first group of Malaysian pilgrims is scheduled to depart for the Holy Land on April 29, with the final group departing on May 30.

-- BERNAMA