Hyderabad, May 9 (RAHNUMA): Advisor to Telangana Government Mohammed Ali Shabbir on Saturday said the State Government had made elaborate arrangements for Haj pilgrims this year and provided major relief by deciding to bear the additional airfare burden of Rs. 10,000 imposed on each pilgrim for Haj-2026.
Addressing Haj pilgrims from Nizamabad and Kamareddy districts at Haj House in Hyderabad before flagging off buses to Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Shabbir Ali congratulated Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy for extending support to pilgrims undertaking the sacred journey.
He said the Haj Committee of India had introduced additional airfare charges in view of the prevailing situation in West Asia, but the Chief Minister’s timely intervention brought relief to nearly 7,000 Haj pilgrims from Telangana.
Haj Committee Chairman Syed Ghulam Afzal Biabani, Haj Committee members, religious scholars, officials, volunteers and local community representatives attended the programme. Among those present were Mohammed Majeed, Mufti Aleem, Dr Mutlaq, Dr Syed Akbar, Majeed, Faisal, Mohammed Jahid and several representatives from Nizamabad and Kamareddy districts.
Addressing the pilgrims, Shabbir Ali said nearly 4,000 Haj pilgrims from Telangana had already reached Holy Mecca and arrangements were continuing for the departure of the remaining pilgrims. He described the opportunity to perform Haj as a great blessing and said Allah had chosen them as His guests for Haj 2026.
Quoting Hadith, he said a Haj performed properly purifies a believer like a newborn child free from sins. He urged the pilgrims to maintain discipline, offer prayers regularly and show patience during the journey despite hardships and delays.
Referring to the difficulties associated with Haj travel, he said Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) had prayed for ease for his followers in performing Haj. He advised the pilgrims not to become anxious during travel formalities, immigration checks or baggage procedures and asked them to remain calm throughout the journey.
Shabbir Ali urged the pilgrims to spend maximum time in worship at Haram Sharif and continue reciting Talbiyah during the journey. He asked them to pray wholeheartedly after seeing the Holy Kaaba and said Allah listens to sincere prayers.
He also advised the pilgrims to take care of their health during the pilgrimage, particularly because of the hot weather conditions. He asked them to drink sufficient water, eat carefully and follow doctors’ advice to avoid illness during the Haj period.
Stating that the main purpose of the journey was worship, he urged the pilgrims to avoid unnecessary arguments and worldly distractions and instead devote more time to prayers and spiritual reflection.
The Advisor also spoke about the need for educational and social progress in the community. He said reservations had benefited many people and stressed the importance of learning new technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, for future advancement.
He appealed to the pilgrims to pray for peace, prosperity and development and requested them to remember him and others in their prayers at Makkah and Madina. He also asked them to convey salutations at the Roza of Prophet Mohammed (PBUH).
Shabbir Ali appreciated the services of Haj Committee members and volunteers, saying many of them had been serving pilgrims continuously for several years despite hardships. He prayed for a safe journey and acceptance of Haj for all pilgrims before formally flagging off the buses.
