A TOTAL of 243 pilgrims returned to Brunei after completing the fifth pillar of Islam yesterday with a more tolerant and open-minded attitude towards different cultures.
According to Hjh Jamilah Hj Md Salleh, her visit to the Holy Land has made her respect the different methods performed by other Muslims who follow different mazhab (school of thought).
"Though they were doing it in slightly different ways, they were still performing the same rukun wajib and sunat of the ibadah (act of worship)," said the 58-year-old.
Among the differences she observed under the different mazhab is when a man and wife are permitted to have physical contact after taking wudhu (ablution). Under Mazhab Syafie, this is not allowed, said Hjh Jamilah.
"In addition to making me respect their unique ways, it has also made me appreciate our local practices even more," she added.
An employee of the Belait Customs and Excise Department branch, Hj Abu Kasim Hj Rauf, said that he realised that Muslims should be tolerant of different ways of life because even though they come from different cultures, everyone is there for the same purpose.
"We were here to worship Allah (SWT) and that is what's important so we should focus on our common grounds instead of pointing out the differences."
Hj Abu Kasim added that not only has he become open-minded towards other cultures, the journey has also taught him to be more patient.
"Though we faced a number of obstacles and discomfort, surprisingly a majority of us remained calm because in our hearts, all we wanted was to attain a pilgrimage with Haji Mabrur (accepted by Allah SWT)," he said. Hardship in this world is nothing compared to the rewards in the hereafter, he added.
His wife, Hjh Mariam Hj Jumat, also agreed, saying that the pilgrimage has made them more tolerant because they aimed at attaining a Haj accepted by Allah SWT. "I'm glad I went and it made me proud that Muslims across the globe gathered at the same location, demonstrating our unity," said the Belait resident.
Another pilgrim, Hj Takung Hj Awang, said that the journey and experience provided the Muslims with opportunity to observe and understand each other's way of life, thus promoting an open-minded attitude among Muslims all over the world to the different cultures of different Muslims.
Upon their arrival at the Brunei International Airport yesterday, the pilgrims were received by the Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs, Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Hj Badaruddin Pengarah Dato Paduka Hj Othman, along with other senior officers from the ministry. (DKR1) The Brunei Times
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