Over 1,000 Muslims travel to Mecca
A total of 1,020 Ugandan Muslims have gone to Mecca to perform the annual Hajj.
By Madinah Tebajjukira
A total of 1,020 Ugandan Muslims have gone to Mecca to perform the annual Hajj.
The Saudi Arabia Embassy head of consular section, Hamoud Ibrahim Alghrair, yesterday said the pilgrims travelled through four registered Hajj agencies.
The agencies registered with the Saudi ministry for Hajj are Nakasero Mosque Tours and Travel, Firdaws Tours and Travel, Africa Travel Limited and Welfare Tours and Travel.
Although the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) and Muzata and Others (owned by Sheik Nuhu Muzata) are not registered agencies, they arrange Hajj trips through the above agencies.
“We have registered a slight increase compared to last year,†Alghrair said.
Last year a total of 1,004 Muslims went for Hajj.
During the send-off prayers at Wandegeya Mosque on Sunday, Prince Kassim Nakibinge cautioned Muslims against engaging in unlawful activities. He noted that it is shameful for a Muslim seeking cleansing to engage in illegal activities.
“When you go for Hajj, it means you have gone to the well to clean dirt from yourself. It is therefore very unfortunate to go when your heart is thinking of something else, and the worst of it, when you even have debts,†he said.
Last year, a Ugandan pilgrim, Hajji Suudi Nsereko, was detained for allegedly stealing a woman’s bag.
For the crime, the Mbarara-based businessman was to have his left hand amputated. He was released after the bag he picked was found intact.
The pilgrimage to Mecca is once in a lifetime activity prescribed upon those who are physically and financially able.
Over two million people go to Mecca each year from every corner of the globe, providing a unique opportunity for different people to network.
The annual Hajj which begins in the 12th month of the Islamic year is closed with the celebration of Idd Adha and characterised by the slaughtering of animals.
Hajj activities include going around the Ka’bah and between the hills of Safa and Marwa seven times.
A total of 1,020 Ugandan Muslims have gone to Mecca to perform the annual Hajj.
The Saudi Arabia Embassy head of consular section, Hamoud Ibrahim Alghrair, yesterday said the pilgrims travelled through four registered Hajj agencies.
The agencies registered with the Saudi ministry for Hajj are Nakasero Mosque Tours and Travel, Firdaws Tours and Travel, Africa Travel Limited and Welfare Tours and Travel.
Although the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) and Muzata and Others (owned by Sheik Nuhu Muzata) are not registered agencies, they arrange Hajj trips through the above agencies.
“We have registered a slight increase compared to last year,†Alghrair said.
Last year a total of 1,004 Muslims went for Hajj.
During the send-off prayers at Wandegeya Mosque on Sunday, Prince Kassim Nakibinge cautioned Muslims against engaging in unlawful activities. He noted that it is shameful for a Muslim seeking cleansing to engage in illegal activities.
“When you go for Hajj, it means you have gone to the well to clean dirt from yourself. It is therefore very unfortunate to go when your heart is thinking of something else, and the worst of it, when you even have debts,†he said.
Last year, a Ugandan pilgrim, Hajji Suudi Nsereko, was detained for allegedly stealing a woman’s bag.
For the crime, the Mbarara-based businessman was to have his left hand amputated. He was released after the bag he picked was found intact.
The pilgrimage to Mecca is once in a lifetime activity prescribed upon those who are physically and financially able.
Over two million people go to Mecca each year from every corner of the globe, providing a unique opportunity for different people to network.
The annual Hajj which begins in the 12th month of the Islamic year is closed with the celebration of Idd Adha and characterised by the slaughtering of animals.
Hajj activities include going around the Ka’bah and between the hills of Safa and Marwa seven times.