Haj pilgrims briefed on maintaining health

ABOUT 200 participants of this year's Haj pilgrimage were given a pre-departure health talk yesterday at the Dewan Utama, International Convention Centre on maintaining good health while performing the Haj.

Collaboratively organised by the Haj Department, Ministry of Religious Affairs and Haj Medical Services Unit, Ministry of Health, the talk was conducted as part of a preparation series sessions where various government agencies provide advice and suggestions on what to do before and during the Haj Pilgrimage.

Delivering the opening address yesterday, Hj Abd Rajid Hj Mohd Salleh, the acting director of the Haj department, pointed out the differences in climate and environment between the Sultanate and Middle East and how it is necessary for them to be aware of the change of situations while in the latter.

"During every Haj season, we can imagine that the situation of the long journey between Mekah and Madinah, will test your patience," he said. "The same goes for travel between Arafat to Mina even though it is said to be a distance of four kilometres, sometimes it may reach up to 20 hours of travel time."

With such situations and conditions such as the hot weather, a pilgrim will require additional mental and physical strength to endure he said, advising the pilgrims to carry out their ibadah (act of worship) frequently in easing their journey throughout.

The participants were reminded to always prioritise their health before conducting their prayers and religious activities while away in the holy land as their safety is just as important as fulfilling their journey.

One of the speakers, Dr Hj Md Rashid Hj Muhammad spoke of maintaining health and the medical service in the holy land while Dr Nourul Hayati Azrina Hj Jaman and Dr Dk Hjh Norazieda Pg Hj Md Yassin focused on the female needs of Haj pilgrims.

The intending pilgrims are expected to depart the Sultanate at the end of September where they will join millions of other Muslims around the world in conducting the annual Haj that will last about a month.

The Brunei Times