It is inevitable that I have to address the frequently asked question to me how was the Hajj this 2014?” by my friends and acquaintances from government and private sectors, from high ranking officials from Malacanang, knowing that I am not part of the government delegations of Hajj, that I may be able to state my unbiased observation. While it is really a challenge with this year’s Millions of Muslim Pilgrims around the world vying for accommodation and the facilities in Holy Land. The National Commission on Muslim Filipino (NCMF) headed by Secratery Bai Yasmin Busran Lao is much to be applauded for this year’s (2014) Hajj. This is the first time that change has been seen from the usual cramped filled flat type accommodation to a 5 star spacious room hotel that the pilgrims have experienced. My Elder brother, Hadji Abdulrahman( Engr Arba), who had previously performed Hajj years back and other friends and relatives had told me of this good tidings, that this is the first time the Philippine government delegates have actually acted on the comfort of the Filipino Muslim Pilgrims. For years, in the aftermath of Hajj, complaints on the cramped and inhuman accommodation that were arranged by the previous heads of the Office on Muslim Affairs, were ignored. We have high hope that this is the initial step on the sincerity of change from the NCMF who had worked hard to attain the comfort that is due to the pilgrims this 2014. While in Mecca, I have seen the Chief of Staff of the Secreatary, Brother Norodin Busran Lomondot and the Al Raya Group worked in ensuring that we are comfortable, always asking if we have concerns that they can address and assist us with. In fact, in the last few days of our pilgrimage, I and my friend, Ali Amaikurut, got sick with colds and flu. Alarmed, the NCMF’s doctors, headed by Dr. Jun Alonto Datu-ramos, were very patient and attentive, giving us the necessary medications we require for us to be able to go through and finish the pilgrims. Indeed, it is a fact that the area of Holy sites, such as Mina, Arafat, Muzdalifah and Makkah is fixed. I believe it is another phenomenon of the world that millions of people moved in a constrained place in a constrained timeframe. Similarly, it is another marvel to manage a gathering of millions of pilgrims moving at the same time from one place to another place within that small area and for NCMF to arrange for more than 7,700 pilgrim’s competing with other countries, all for adequate transportation, accommodation and feeding. We have seen how other countries have organised and achieved a much comfortable access to these areas, and we have much to learn from this and attain similar if not better means of comfort and ease to our Pilgrims. The new NCMF and it’s dynamic force can see the difference and learn from experiences with an aim for a legacy that will forever change the way Hajj is handled in this country. A much more awaited change is looked upon next year and hope that the New NCMF will leave no stone unturned to bring ease and comfort to the pilgrims, a mandate and heavy responsibility entrusted to this Commission. Think not of what the country can do for you but think of what you can do to ease the comfort of the Muslim Filipino Pilgrims! Hajj Mabrouk To All The Pilgrims and Happy Weekend to All! Peace ;-)
Posted on: Sat, 18 Oct 2014 09:37:56 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015