Straits Central Agency (SCA) recently held a briefing for some 67 Hajj pilgrims who are set to depart for Saudi Arabia on 15 June.
The session was led by Imam Haji Ahmad Tarmizi on preparations for their month-long pilgrimage and what to expect throughout their journey.
It will be among the first batch of Bruneian pilgrims since the reopening of air travels which were previously halted for more than two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
SCA is one of the three authorised Hajj travel agencies approved by the Department of Haj Management, Ministry of Religious Affairs.
In an interview with The Bruneian, General Manager of SCA, Nur Khadijah Abdullah said, “Alhamdulillah, after 2 years of the closed borders, we are grateful that the Hajj pilgrims can now go and they also feel very happy when it was announced that they can go for their Hajj.”
Performing Hajj pilgrimage is a big honour for Muslims and to finally be able to perform this religious obligation could not be expressed with words.
The general manager further said that there is a long waiting list for the Hajj pilgrimage.
“New applicants will have to wait years before they can go for their Hajj, so they are relieved that the Hajj pilgrimage can resume starting this year after the long wait,” said Nur Khadijah.
The management of the agency is also praying and seeking the blessing of Allah Subhanahu Wa ta’ala so that Bruneian delegations will be in good health whilst performing their duties in both holy cities and also for them to return safely.
SCA is also grateful for the Hajj Jemaah in choosing them and trusting them for their Hajj pilgrimage.
Not forgetting the Ministry of Religious Affairs, The Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia, Royal Brunei Airlines, and their business partners, SCA is appreciative of them for their assistance and cooperation in making this happen.
This article was first published on 11 June 2022 in our Weekly Epaper issue 197 |
THE BRUNEIAN | BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
