A TOTAL of 1,370 Bruneians bound for the Holy Land for this year's Haj pilgrimage called on His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam yesterday.
The pilgrims also met His Royal Highness Prince Hj Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office, who accompanied His Majesty in receiving the male pilgrims while female pilgrims called on Her Majesty Raja Isteri Pg Anak Hjh Saleha, Her Royal Highness Pg Anak Isteri Pg Anak Sarah and Her Royal Highness Princess Hjh Rashidah Saadatul Bolkiah.
This year's intending Haj pilgrims comprising 677 men and 693 women include new 26 converts (muallaf) who are going on the trip free of charge courtesy of His Majesty through the Religious Council.
Abu Bakar Hj Abd Rahman, a 36-year-old Traffic Police Officer, who is part of this year's batch of intending pilgrims, yesterday expressed his deepest gratitude towards His Majesty for providing him with the means to perform the Haj under the government Haj airfare sponsorship for civil servants.
Performing the Haj is the fifth and final pillar of Islam and for those who have the means to do so even once in their lifetime is considered a blessing, said Abu Bakar who only recently became eligible for the government Haj airfare sponsorship.
Abu Bakar, who is scheduled to leave for the Holy City of Mekah along with the fifth group of Haj pilgrims this coming October 29, will be performing the Haj together with his wife and mother-in-law. Seventy-seven-year-old Ahmad Ismail accompanied by his son-in-law said he was grateful that he is finally able to fulfill his life-long dream of performing the Haj after so long.
Even though he may need assistance to perform several tasks, said Ahmad, "knowing that I am able to do this even at my age is good enough for me". After greeting the royal family, the intending pilgrims were each given a bag of ihram (worn during the pilgrimage to the plains of Arafah) for the males and telekong (female prayer attire) for the women upon exiting the room.
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