Media Tour and Press Conference on BM Hajj Exhibition

Hajj Exhibition at the British Museum:

Media Tour and Press Conference

Dr. Mozammel Haque

Through the vivid images and artefacts on display, the exhibition reveals the truly universal character of the Hajj, said His Royal Highness Prince Charles, heir apparent to the British throne, while inaugurating the Hajj Exhibition at the British Museum, on Thursday, the 26th of January 2012. He also added, “I cannot tell you what a pleasure it is to have been asked to open this splendid exhibition celebrating the Hajj; one of the five pillars of Islam and thus of the greatest possible significance to the spiritual and temporal lives of Muslim people across the entire world.”

The official opening of the Hajj Exhibition: “A Journey into the heart of Islam” was made in the presence of a large gathering of politicians, parliamentarians, academics and important figures in Britain, led by HRH Prince Abdul Aziz bin Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Member of the Board of King Abdul Aziz Public Library; HRH Prince Mohammed bin Nawaf bin Abdul Aziz, Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques in London and HE Mr. Faisal bin Abdul Rahman bin Muammar, General Supervisor of King Abdul Aziz Public Library.

Before the official inauguration of the Hajj Exhibition at the British Museum by Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and the heir apparent to the British throne, there were media lunch and media tour and conference. Immediately one day before the inauguration, there was media tour and press conference at the British museum on Wednesday, 25th of January and two days before the inauguration, there was Media Lunch at the Saudi Embassy, London, on Tuesday, 24th of January, 2012, detail reports are given below:

MEDIA TOUR AND PRESS CONFERENCE ON HAJJ
EXHIBITION AT THE BRITISH MUSEUM
Earlier, one day before the launch of the exhibition: “Hajj: A Journey to the Heart of Islam,” on Wednesday, 25th of January, 2012, a meeting with the members of the media from the British media, Arab and Islamic world was held at the British Museum. At the meeting, Saudi Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Prince Mohammed bin Nawaf, said, “Hajj provides wonderful examples of equality and peace among people. The Kingdom is concerned about people’s lives and is doing a lot to serve the pilgrims.”

Dr. Neil McGregor
In the beginning, Dr. Neil McGregor, the Director of the British Museum, explained the idea behind the Hajj Exhibition; its objectives and divisions. He pointed out the importance of Hajj as the fifth pillar of Islam and that it is one of the greatest phenomena in the world. He stated that the Hajj has a great impact on the lives of many people.

Mr. McGregor said, “It was not possible to have an exhibition on Hajj without the support and patron of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the support of the Saudi Embassy, London.”

He added, “We cannot address all of the five pillars of Islam in this Exhibition, but it is enough to point out the Hajj in two ways: firstly, the spiritual experience pilgrims go through and secondly, the logistics of the Hajj.”

The Director of the British Museum went on to explain that this ritual was performed by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) which dated back to Adam (peace be upon him) and through the ages until today. This made us address the method of transportation to Makkah (Mecca) throughout successive centuries down to the present.

Concluding his observations, Dr. McGregor thanked those who provided objects and artefacts to the exhibition including King Abdul Aziz Public Library in Riyadh. He also stated that “We need to remember that the duty and care for the Hajj rests on the shoulders of the ruler of Makkah” emphasizing that “this is important and central”.

He continued saying “Today this responsibility for the Hajj rests on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia led by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz.” The Museum Director made it clear that “It was not possible to have an exhibition on Hajj without the patron and support of the Hajj; i.e. the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. So we are honoured to have the presence of the Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, Prince Mohammed bin Nawaf bin Abdul Aziz here today.”

Prince Mohammed bin Nawaf
Saudi Ambassador Prince Mohammed bin Nawaf addressed the meeting where he thanked the British Museum, its Director and the Hajj Exhibition coordinator Dr. Venetia Porter, Assistant Curator of Islamic and Contemporary Middle East at the British Museum as well as Mr. Faisal bin Muammar.

Prince Mohammed bin Nawaf affirmed the importance of the Hajj in Islam and that it is an obligation upon every Muslim once in a lifetime if he is able, physically and financially. The Ambassador also said that “Pilgrimage comes on top of the concerns of Muslims and the trips they make whether they are men, women, old or young.” He pointed out that the exhibition provides only a glimpse of this great pillar of Islam and its evolution over the centuries.

Prince Mohammed bin Nawaf also stated that “The Hajj offers wonderful examples of equality and peace among humans, and the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is keen on protecting people’s lives. This is a top priority for Saudi Arabia and this is why it spends a lot of effort and money to serve the pilgrims and to develop the Holy Sites and the two cities of Makkah and Madinah.”

At the end, the Saudi Ambassador reiterated his thanks for the presence of media and those in charge of the exhibition and expected a great success for the exhibition.

Dr. Venetia Porter
After that, Assistant Curator, Dr. Porter stated about the difficult decisions made by officials at the Museum on how it would reflect the great meaning of the Hajj which has been going on for centuries. Dr. Porter then said, “The exhibition is divided into three parts, the first is about the access roads to the Hajj and the means of transport for pilgrims. The second is on what the pilgrims do in Mecca and the holy sites; the performance of rituals and a description of the place through some of the expressive artefacts and paintings. The third part is on how the Hajj has changed the lives of pilgrims, a description of their journeys and what they brought back to their own countries from Makkah after performing the Hajj.”

The Curator at the British Museum pointed out to the precious artefacts as well as the fascinating old and modern photos which came to the exhibition from multiple sources, including, of course, King Abdul Aziz Public Library.

Dr. Porter gave an example of Darb Zubaydah where some artefacts from Museums in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia dating back to the 8th century are on display.

Dr. Porter concluded her presentation with reference to the scene of standing in front of the Ka’aba which stunned the ancient and modern pilgrims and visitors to the Grand Mosque, who expressed their emotions in various means expressing the magnitude of this place and the holiness of this ritual.

After these brief statements, His Excellency Mr. Faisal bin Muammar, the General Supervisor of King Abdul Aziz Public Library led the media and journalists on a tour of the contents of the exhibition and answered their questions.

The British Museum has invited the media for a full day tour of the exhibition one day prior to its inauguration, where they moved freely inside the exhibition, took photos and conducted interviews. At hand was Dr. Ahmad Turkistani, the spokesman of King Abdul Aziz Public Library at the exhibition where he answered some of the reporters’ questions.

“Hajj celebrates peace, unity and our equality before God – men and women, of all ages, from every nation. It is a profound, life changing experience – it doesn’t guarantee a passage to heaven, but it focuses all Muslims on what is really important in life, as prescribed by our faith,” said Prince Mohammed bin Nawaf, Saudi Arabian Ambassador to the United Kingdom & Ireland at a Media Lunch on Tuesday, 24th of January 2012 prior to the British Museum Hajj Exhibition to be inaugurated on Thursday, the 26th of January, 2012.

The King Abdul Aziz Public Library of Saudi Arabia in cooperation with the British Museum is holding an Exhibition, Hajj: Journey to the Heart of Islam, which will be inaugurated on Thursday, the 26th of January, 2012 at the British Museum. His Royal Highness Prince Charles, Heir to the British Throne, is going to be the honorary guest for the inauguration of this exhibition and Prince Abdul Aziz bin Abdullah, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and a Member of the Board of King Abdul Aziz Public Library will be present at the inauguration ceremony among others. . The British Museum Hajj Exhibition will be opened from 26 January to 15 April, 2012.

Prince Charles inaugurates Hajj Exhibition at British Museum

Prince Charles inaugurates the Hajj Exhibition
at the British Museum

Dr. Mozammel Haque

I cannot tell you what a pleasure it is to have been asked to open this splendid exhibition celebrating the Hajj; one of the five pillars of Islam and thus of the greatest possible significance to the spiritual and temporal lives of Muslim people across the entire world – said His Royal Highness Prince Charles, Heir to the British Throne, while inaugurating the Hajj Exhibition at the British Museum, yesterday, Thursday, the 26th of January 2012.

The official opening of the Hajj Exhibition: “A Journey into the heart of Islam” was made in the presence of a large gathering of politicians, parliamentarians, academics and important figures in Britain, led by His Royal Highness Prince Abdul Aziz bin Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Member of the Board of King Abdul Aziz Public Library; HRH Prince Mohammed bin Nawaf bin Abdul Aziz, Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques in London and HE Mr. Faisal bin Abdul Rahman bin Muammar, General Supervisor of King Abdul Aziz Public Library.

Prince Abdulaziz bin Abdullah bin Abdulaziz
In the beginning of the ceremony, hosted by Prince Charles, Crown Prince of Britain and Prince of Wales, Prince Abdul Aziz bin Abdullah delivered a speech in which he welcomed Prince Charles, the audience and the guests of the exhibition. He appreciated the initiative of the British Museum and having the partnership of the first exhibition on the Hajj in Britain with the participation of King Abdul Aziz Public Library. He highlighted the importance of pilgrimage for being the largest gathering of Islam, goodness and devotion to God the Creator on the plan of Makkah; a safe sanctuary devoid of harm and violence and where pilgrims are devoted for the pure and lofty worship of the Creator.

Prince Abdul Aziz also pointed out that Saudi Arabia’s participation in this cultural exhibition aims to introduce the pilgrimage and to highlight the humanitarian aspects of pilgrimage since ancient time until now, and to display in this Museum the rare objects and artefacts as living evidences of the humanitarian values from diverse Muslim cultures and civilizations.

Prince Abdul Aziz addressed the efforts of King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz saying: “Tangible efforts exerted by Saudi Arabia to spread peace all over the world through the initiatives of the Man of Peace, King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz and his humanitarian projects include the service of the Hajj and the development of the Holy Sites’ facilities in Makkah.

Prince Charles
Then the patron of the event HRH Prince Charles delivered a speech in which he said: “I cannot tell you what a pleasure it is to open this splendid exhibition celebrating the Hajj, one of the pillars of Islam.” He went on to say that the Hajj is of the greatest possible significance to the spiritual and temporal lives of Muslim people across the entire world.”

The Prince of Wales welcomed Prince Abdul Aziz bin Abdullah who came to London especially for the exhibition which demonstrates the value of the exhibition for Muslims and non-Muslims alike. Prince Charles emphasized the spiritual aspect of this trip made by Muslims to Mecca every year which is reflected in the subtitle of the exhibition: “Journey to the Heart of Islam”.

Prince Charles also took note of the twenty five thousand Muslims of the United Kingdom who go on Hajj every year which explains how it affects Muslims performing this ritual, and reflects the unity of the human race from all over the world through the continued pilgrimage over the centuries. He said, “The exhibition reflects the universality of the Hajj.”

Prince Charles also pointed out, “like me, you will see that, by gathering together a remarkable collection of treasures from across the world, this exhibition brings to life the very human stories of the countless generations who have completed the Hajj through the ages – from Singapore to Istanbul, from Nanjing to Mombasa. Through the vivid images and artefacts on display, the exhibition reveals the truly universal character of the Hajj.”

The Prince of Wales also offered special tribute to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz on the hospitality, saying: “I wanted to pay particular tribute, if I may, to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques who, in accordance with Islamic teaching, generously hosts Hajjis making the pilgrimage to Mecca, providing remarkable practical all facilities to them.” Prince of Wales also mentioned, this recalls the hospitality shown to earlier pilgrims taking example from the guidance of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the Islamic tradition dating back to the era of Abraham (peace be upon him) who built the Ka’aba.

Prince Charles also commended the British Museum and its partners, including H.S.B.C., for their vision and foresight in developing this exhibition and persuading so many distinguished collectors to lend their artefacts.”

In the concluding part of his speech, Prince Charles said, “I can only pray, Insha Allah that this exhibition will be, for all who see it, a source of education, of understanding and of delight. It therefore gives me the greatest possible pleasure to declare the British Museum’s Hajj Exhibition open.”

Mr. Neil McGregor
Neil McGregor, Director of the British Museum, spoke a few words on the objectives of the exhibition and its sections indicating the importance of the Hajj as the fifth pillar of Islam and the greatest phenomenon in the world which has a great impact in the lives of many people. Mr. McGregor said that the exhibition offers a look into the Hajj as a spiritual experience and explaining its logistics.

The Director of the British Museum thanked all those involved in providing artefacts to the exhibition, led by King Abdul Aziz Public Library and pointed to the efforts of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the service of pilgrims and hospitality accorded to them under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz.

At the end of his speech, Mr. McGregor thanked the Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, Prince Mohammed bin Nawaf bin Abdul Aziz and Mr. Faisal bin Muammar, Advisor to the Custodian of theTwo Holy Mosques and the General Supervisor of the Library on their efforts to make the exhibition a success.

After the short ceremony, guests toured the exhibition enjoying all departments and watching a short film on pilgrimage.

King Abdul Aziz Public Library contributed to the exhibition some of the items reflecting the achievements and the expansion of the Two Holy Mosques since the reign of King Abdul Aziz until now. The Library has worked as a coordinator between the British Museum and museums and institutions in Saudi Arabia to display 51 rare pieces including parts of the curtain of the Ka’aba and rare pictures of Makkah and Madinah, in addition to artefacts from Darb Zubaydah, manuscripts, photographs and films on the Hajj.

British Museum Hajj Exhibition -Media Lunch

British Museum Hajj Exhibition
Media lunch at the Saudi Embassy

Dr. Mozammel Haque

"Hajj celebrates peace, unity and our equality before God, men and women, of all ages, from every nation. It is a profound, life changing experience – it doesn’t guarantee a passage to heaven, but it focuses all Muslims on what is really important in life, as prescribed by our faith,” said Prince Mohammed bin Nawaf, Saudi Arabian Ambassador to the United Kingdom & Ireland at a Media Lunch on Tuesday, 24th of January 2012 prior to the British Museum Hajj Exhibition to be inaugurated on Thursday, the 26th of January, 2012.

The King Abdul Aziz Public Library of Saudi Arabia in cooperation with the British Museum is holding an Exhibition, Hajj: Journey to the Heart of Islam, which will be inaugurated on Thursday, the 26th of January, 2012 at the British Museum. His Royal Highness Prince Charles, Heir to the British Throne, is going to be the honorary guest for the inauguration of this exhibition and Prince Abdul Aziz bin Abdullah, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and a Member of the Board of King Abdul Aziz Public Library will be present at the inauguration ceremony among others. . The British Museum Hajj Exhibition will be opened from 26 January to 15 April, 2012.

Prince Mohammed bin Nawaf at
Media Lunch at Saudi Embassy at London
The Saudi Arabian Embassy at London held a media lunch in preparation for the British Museum Exhibition on Hajj, titled Hajj: Journey to the Heart of Islam, at the Saudi Embassy, London, on Tuesday, 24th of January, 2012. In the beginning, Prince Mohammed bin Nawaf, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the United Kingdom & Ireland, gave a short statement regarding the importance of Hajj as a spiritual journey, so central to the Muslim faith. Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam and Muslims all over the world are very much concerned about Hajj. That’s why, the Saudi Ambassador wanted to explain to Muslim and non-Muslim media about the importance of Hajj and its centrality to Islam and of course, Hajj has to be done in Makkah.

The Saudi Ambassador said, “We are sitting in the majlis, at the heart of the embassy where we hold prayers every Friday. You will see that pictures of the Holy Cities of Makkah Al-Mukarramah and Medinah Al-Munawwarah surround us. This is particularly appropriate as we are here today to talk about the Hajj pilgrimage to Makkah Al-Mukarramah which is the focus of an exhibition being launched at the British Museum this week and to which the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has contributed.”

Prince Mohammed also mentioned, “This exhibition celebrates Hajj and traces the experiences of pilgrims undertaking this inspirational journey over the centuries. It also includes important artefacts and archive material from the Kingdom.”

“Through the exhibition you will see that Hajj has changed from a journey of great length and hardship undertaken by thousands, to the pilgrimage experienced by Muslims today, undertaken by millions,” said the Saudi Ambassador.

Last year three million people from every corner of the world undertook Hajj. Many millions more visited the Holy sites on the smaller pilgrimage of Umrah.

“To accommodate the growing number of pilgrims who wish to undertake Hajj a dramatic expansion of Makkah Al-Mukarramah has become essential. The expansion, which we will also hear about today, will more than double the size of the prayer area around the Ka’ba, the House of God built by Abraham, peace be upon him,” said Prince Mohammed and added, “Hajj is not just a physical journey: it is the most important spiritual journey a Muslim ever makes. It is an extraordinary experience. We leave our homes, our families and our every day concerns behind us, and submit ourselves totally to God’s will. This journey is at the core of what it is to be Muslim.”

The Saudi Ambassador also mentioned, “Hajj celebrates peace, unity and our equality before God – men and women, of all ages, from every nation. It is a profound, life changing experience – it doesn’t guarantee a passage to heaven, but it focuses all Muslims on what is really important in life, as prescribed by our faith.”

“It is our duty individually as Muslims to make this journey. And it is our prime concern as the people of Saudi Arabia, under the guidance of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Nayef bin Abdulaziz, to look after all pilgrims, their security and welfare and to care for Makkah Al-Mukarramah and Medina Al-Munawwarah,” concluded Prince Mohammed bin Nawaf, the Saudi Ambassador to the United Kingdom.

Dr. Ahmed bin Saifuddin Turkistani
Then Dr. Ahmad ibn Saifuddin Turkistani, on behalf of the King Abdul Aziz Public Library, Saudi Arabia, spoke about the history of Hajj and the history of Ka’aba as the centre for Hajj and centre of gravity for Muslims to come from all over the world in order to perform their duty of Hajj. Obviously Dr. Turkistani also talked about Hajj during the past, through different stages and periods till today. He also mentioned about different projects of developments and expansion of the Grand Masjid in Makkah al-Mukarramah and the holy sites. He particularly mentioned about the projects of King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques regarding the expansion of Masjid al-Haram, expansion of al-Masaa, the new bridge of Jamarat and the Monorail and the Haramain Mashair and then he also mentioned about the Kiswa of Ka’aba and Zam Zam water project.

Dr Ahmed al-Dubayan
Dr. Ahmed al-Dubayan, Director General of the Islamic Cultural Centre & The Regent’s Park Central London Mosque, also spoke on the website of this Hajj Exhibition. This website will be opened tomorrow, Thursday, 26th of January 2012 with the inauguration of the British Museum Hajj Exhibition. General public can visit the website. The British Museum Hajj Exhibition will be opened from 26 January to 15 April, 2012.

I interviewed Dr. al-Dubayan about the website. Answering to my query, Dr. Al-Dubayan said, “I talked about the website; the website which I explained actually to complete the information about the projects in Makkah al-Mukarramah for anybody who wants to have it. It was necessary because the exhibition, regardless of how big is it, is not enough to see everything about Hajj and about all the projects. And that’s why, the King Abdul Aziz Public Library thought of having the website where you add all the new things and all the detail information, numbers and statistical information about Hajj and about the projects. All these complete information are important for the exhibition. It will be available for everybody throughout the world.”

Dr. al-Dubayan also added, “Tomorrow, Thursday, 26th of January 2012 is the official opening and the website will also start tomorrow. I think it is important because our message from Saudi Arabia is not only for the people who will come to the exhibition but we need something if everybody can see it from everywhere and that’s why we have website.”

After the speeches, there were Questions & Answers session when members of the press, both Muslim and non-Muslim media, asked questions mostly and mainly about the new development, the cost of the new development, the accommodation of pilgrims in Makkah and the holy sites and the increasing numbers of pilgrims and so on and so forth.

His Excellency Faisal Al-Muammar
His Excellency Faisal Al-Muammar, General Supervisor of the King Abdulaziz Public Library, said “This exhibition celebrates Hajj, the most important journey taken by Muslims during their lifetime. Hajj is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, a pilgrimage that all Muslims who are able, from every nation and race across our globe, must make at least once in their lifetime.”

Mr. Faisal also said, “This exhibition aims to tell the story of Hajj over the centuries, exploring the individual and multi-cultural experiences of pilgrims, as well as the routes taken as they are drawn in unity towards the Ka’aba. It traces the heritage of this inspirational journey up to the present day in terms of objects, maps, books, pictures and recollections from all over the world and includes significant artefacts from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”

“Care for Makkah al-Mukarramah, for the Hajj, and for the security and welfare of all those undertaking this life changing journey and the lesser pilgrimage of Umrah, is the first priority of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Custodian of Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah, his government and his people. The Kingdom is continually looking at ways to improve transport and other facilities for Hajjis, and is currently undertaking a he expansion of the prayer space around the Ka’aba to meet the needs of the increasing number of pilgrims wanting to perform Hajj,” Mr. Faisal added.

Mr Faisal said, “We hope that through its visitors gain some understanding of Islam, and that it will be a source of inspiration, giving them a glimpse of the meaning of Hajj to Muslims worldwide.”

Today, Wednesday, the 25th of January, the British Museum holds another media conference. His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed addressed the event. His Excellency Faisal bin Muammar the General Supervisor of the King Abdul Aziz Public Library was also present at the event to answer questions regarding the contribution of Saudi Arabia or the Library as a coordinator of the Saudi institution with the British Museum.”

Interview with Dr Ahmad Turkistani
Dr. Ahmad ibn Saifuddin Turkistani mentioned, “The King Abdul Aziz Public Library has contributed actually 51 pieces of artefacts and objects to be shown in the exhibition. Of course, there will be wider picture of the exhibition but you can never understand the past or appreciate the present unless you go to the past and follow the trace and the trail of the Hajj throughout the ages until today.”

“There is some richness and lot of things in there at the Exhibition to see and to enjoy and to read and to bring back from history what took place in the past and actually this is important to make people aware,” mentioned Dr. Turkistani.

Dr. Turkistani also emphasized on the importance of the Exhibition. He said, “Obviously you can see the importance of this event for the Muslim community here in Britain and for the British community at large where we need people to get better understanding of what Hajj is all about, what Islam is all about and obviously Hajj, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed pointed out today, Hajj reflects the basic tenets of Islam of peace, tranquillity, equality, love of God and care for other pilgrims and so on.”

Karen Armstrong in The Guardian
Karen Armstrong, the renowned scholar and commentator, writing in The Guardian, mentioned, “Ever since the Crusades, when Christians from western Europe were fighting holy wars against Muslims in the near east, western people have often perceived Islam as a violent and intolerant faith – even though when this prejudice took root Islam had a better record of tolerance than Christianity. Recent terrorist atrocities have seemed to confirm this received idea. But if we want a peaceful world, we urgently need a more balanced view. We cannot hope to win the ‘battle for hearts and minds’ unless we know what is actually in them. Nor can we expect Muslims to be impressed by our liberal values if they see us succumbing unquestioningly to a medieval prejudice born in a time of extreme Christian belligerence.”

Writing on the eve of the exhibition at the British Museum – Hajj: Journey to the Heart of Islam – Karen Armstrong observed, “Like Hindus, Buddhists, Jews, Christians, Sikhs and secularists, some Muslims have undoubtedly been violent and intolerant, but the new exhibition at the British Museum – Hajj: Journey to the Heart of Islam – is a timely reminder that this is not the whole story. The Hajj is one of the five essential practices of Islam; when they make the pilgrimage to Mecca, Muslims ritually act out the central principles of their faith. Equating religion with ‘belief’ is a modern western aberration. Like swimming or driving, religious knowledge is practically acquired. You learn only by doing. The ancient rituals of the Hajj, which Arabs performed for centuries before Islam, have helped pilgrims to form habits of heart and mind that – pace the western stereotype – are non-violent and inclusive.”

Karen Armstrong also mentioned, the Muslim Hajj is all about the Abrahamic family – not Muhammad himself. Pilgrims re-enact the story of Hagar and Ishmael, symbolically returning to the era that preceded religious chauvinism. Alas, all traditions lose their primal purity and we all fail our founders.”

“But the British Museum’s beautiful presentation of the Hajj can help us understand how the vast majority of the world’s Muslims understand their faith. Socrates, the founder of the western rational tradition, insisted that the exercise of reason required us constantly and stringently to question received ideas and entrenched certainties. The new exhibition can indeed become a journey to the heart of Islam and also perhaps, to a more authentic and respectful western rational identity.”

British Muslim leaders mourn death of Dr. Syed Aziz Pasha

British Muslim leaders mourn death of the founder
of first Muslim Umbrella Organisation in the UK

Dr. Mozammel Haque

British Muslim leaders mourn the death of Dr. Syed Aziz Pasha, the founder of the first Muslim Umbrella Organisation in the UK, the Union of Muslim Organisations of UK & Eire (UMO). He was very disciplined, enlightened and organised leader the Muslim community of Britain had. He organised and held meetings, seminars, conferences, workshops and Summer camps and never missed recordings the proceedings of the conferences. Even he himself after the conferences sat down with his typewriter to write the press release and posted them to the newspapers and to the different departments and ministries, not only of the United Kingdom; but to other newspapers in other countries. I remembered very well as early as in the mid-70s, we used to get press releases of the conferences held by the UMO from Dr. Pasha for publication and as an editor of the Muslim World League Journal, we used to publish those press releases in our Magazine. Those press releases prepared, written and posted by Dr. Pasha are the primary source and documents of the Muslim community of Britain of those periods.

On the 7th of January, 2012 there was a recitation of the Qur’an programme at the Islamic Cultural Centre, London, organised by the UMO. In spite of my many efforts, I could not attend the programme at the ICC. I was in Saudi Arabia at that time. Though I was not physically present at the recitation of the Qur’an programme, I made special supplication at the Masjid al-Nabawi in Madina Munawwarah and also at Masjid-al-Haram at Makkah al-Mukarramah and also made dua after every prayer for the soul of Dr. Pasha.

Dr. Abdullah Omar Naseef
On Sunday, the 8th of January, 2012, I was in Jeddah in the office of Dr. Abdullah Omar Naseef, former Secretary General of the Rabita al-Alam al-Islami and present Secretary General of the International Islamic Council for Da’wah and Relief (IICDR). When Dr. Pasha passed away, Dr. Naseef was at that time in the United Kingdom and he attended Dr. Pasha’s Janaza at the London Central Mosque at Regents’ Park. I interviewed Dr. Naseef about Dr. Pasha. Speaking about Marhum Dr. Pasha, Dr. Abdullah Omar Naseef said, “Dr. Pasha was really an Islamic personality; he was spending all the time to the service of the Muslim community and nothing for his person.”

“He was hard worker and went from here to there and followed up the matters of the Muslims. He used to have good relations with the authorities in Britain. So he could manage to pass many things that are very useful for the Muslims,” observed Dr. Naseef and added, “He was very much really interested in Islam and worked accordingly, Alhamdo Lillah.”

Speaking about his personal relationship with Dr. Pasha, Dr. Naseef, who was Secretary General of the Muslim World League in those days, said, “As far as my relationship is concerned, Rabita al-Alam al-Islam is for everybody and he used to come and discuss the needs of the Muslims. Dr. Pasha put me on the Council of Muslim Education Trust as governor. I attended once or twice the meeting of the Muslim Education Trust as governor. He invited all shades of people from different communities, everybody; not only Indian or Pakistani community, everybody was there at the conferences.”

“As a person Dr. Pasha was really a wonderful man,” said Dr. Naseef and prayed to Almighty Allah by saying, “I ask Allah Subhanahu wa Taala to bless his soul and send him to Paradise.”

Recitation of the Qur’an Programme at
The London Central Mosque at Regents Park
The Recitation of the Qur’an programme for Dr. Syed Aziz Pasha Marhum, the former Secretary General of the Union of Muslim Organisations of the United Kingdom & Ireland (UMO) was conducted at the London Central Mosque at Regents Park on Saturday, 7th of January 2012 after Salatul Zuhr and it was concluded by the time of Salatul Maghreb. There were many lovers of Dr. Pasha present in this meeting. They were Mr. Noon, one of the executive members of the UMO, Sir Iqbal Sacranie, former Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) and present Chairman of the Muslim Aid Trust, Mr. Yousuf Bhailok, also former Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain; Mr. Mohamed Ali from Islam Channel, Maulana Dr. Shahid Raza, Chairman of the Mosques and Imams National Advisory Board Trusts (MINAB) and the imam of the Acton Mosque. There was an Imam from the Islamic Cultural Centre who participated at the programme and concluded the meeting with dua (supplication).

As I was not at the meeting and as I could not find any recordings of the proceedings or any press releases, I personally contacted those people who spoke on the occasion and I am grateful to those speakers who cooperated and helped me by giving an interview at the eleventh hour about their statements. First of all, I requested Sir Iqbal Sacranie about his speeches at the programme.

Sir Iqbal Sacranie
Sir Iqbal Sacranie said, “The first point the very presence of cross section of the Muslim community is a clear testament of the love and affection towards late Dr. Pasha. Dr Pasha gave his entire life for the betterment and unity of the Muslim community. He was a beacon of light and the principled man who stood firm on the teachings of Islam.”

“I was privileged to have attended the very first meeting of the formation of UMO and was fortunate to work closely with Dr. Pasha in the UMO committees for many years. I learnt a lot from him and was able to utilise that experience and knowledge in my work for the community,” mentioned Sir Iqbal.

Sir Iqbal concluded by saying, “His mission in life was to ensure that Muslims in the UK were united so that they can have effective voice. The most appropriate way to show our appreciation to this wonderful personality is first of all to remember him in our daily prayers and to work for the unity of Muslims in the UK.”

Sir Iqbal also observed, “It is now very important that over the last 25 years, time has changed and it is about time that major organisations, such as Muslim Council of Britain ( MCB), British Muslim Forum (BMF) and Union of Muslim Organisations (UMO) should seriously consider how they can work together for the benefit of the Muslim community of UK.

Mr. Yousuf Bhailok
Mr. Yousuf Bhailok, former Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) said, “The late Marhum Haji Dr. Syed Aziz Pasha was a God-fearing man; above all, of such taqwa! Man of integrity and a man of service to the deen of Islam. Right to the last breath.”

“Dr. Pasha was a wonderful human being, an old-fashioned charm and sharp intellectual with vision for the future,” observed Mr. Bhailok and mentioned, “We held for the UMO 25th anniversary in 1990 an international three-day event at Earls Court. We lobbied at many political conferences and attended many international functions.”

Mr. Bhailok said, “Dr. Pasha always said blunt truth, without fear or favour, even to the highest dignitaries he reminded them of duty and accountability to Allah swt.”

Recollecting to his last visit to the hospital, Mr. Bhailok mentioned, “Dr. Pasha was a decent man, in the last visit to him in hospital, he said to me, first do your salaat, then sit with me. He trained many of us, we were young men then, who later took prominence in UK, but without doubt he was our senior Statesman. He had commitment, passion and energy to serve.”

“He inspired me and was my mentor. I had great respect for him as a good human being and an example in this modern society,” said Mr. Bhailok and added, “We had a selfless individual, whose lifetime and dedication to UK Muslims is second to none. He was the conscience and voice of UK Muslims.”

Mr. Bhailok concluded by praying, “May Allah Subhanahu wa Taala accept his services. I will surely miss him.”

Maulana Dr. Shahid Raza
I interviewed Maulana Shahid Raza about Dr. Pasha. Speaking on the life and services of Dr. Syed Aziz Pasha Marhum, Maulana Dr. Shahid Raza said, “Since I came in this country in 1978, from that time until the end Dr. Pasha always advocated unity among the Muslims and I considered it as one of the great contributions to the life of the Muslim community in this country. Perhaps he was the only Muslim leader who genuinely and in reality made all possible efforts in order to achieve unity of the Ummah in this country.”

“Dr. Pasha never supported or never favoured any of the groups. This country has so many groups, so many organisations, different Mazahebs and different Sects; but he was, in my opinion, loved by all, respected by all. In his programme, I have seen all the groups, all the schools of thoughts present, even the non-Muslims. But among Muslims, all the Muslim groups were represented in his programme. That was in my opinion one of the unique features of Dr. Pasha’s life that he was the symbol of unity; he was great advocate of the unity of Muslims in this country,” said Maulana Raza.

Speaking about another quality of Dr. Pasha, Maulana Raza mentioned, “The second thing I have very strongly and distinctly noticed in the life of Dr. Pasha is that he was a very bold person, a very courageous person. He used to speak in front of Prime Minister, Home Minister and other Ministers and whatever he felt truth, he never compromised. I can tell you that he never compromised. Look that I am sitting with the Prime Minister and if I say something he might be upset, he might be angry. He did not care about it. Whatever he believed to be correct, he used to speak boldly and clearly.”

Maulana Raza said, “Dr. Pasha was a messenger of truth. The Hadith (the Tradition of the Prophet peace be upon him) of the Prophet says: “If you say the truth in front of a ruler, this is one of the biggest Jihad. Dr. Pasha was a Mujahid. He continued this Jihad throughout his life in front of Prime Minister Tony Blair, in front of Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, in front of Home Minister Jack Straw and whenever he used to meet the ministers in front of many other Muslims and in front of many other non-Muslims, he always used to say what he believed to be correct and true. So this is something I believe everybody will agree that Dr. Pasha was a true bold courageous leader in the Muslim community in this country.”

Speaking about Dr. Pasha’s contribution, Maulana Raza said, “Dr. Pasha’s contribution is something which we will never forget; about organising Summer camps for the training of Muslim young boys and girls and I personally know many Muslim boys and girls who attended his Summer camps of moral, spiritual and Islamic training and after attending those camps these young Muslim boys and girls became practising Muslims and they came back from his camps as genuinely interested in learning Islam. I know some of those who attended these Summer Camps, now are doctors working with big companies, in big organisations, but they still practise Islam. So Dr. Pasha, through his company, through his discourses, through his trainings put Islam and love of Islam in the hearts of thousands of young Muslim boys and girls. He also trained so many young people who later on became leaders of the Muslim community in this country.”

I enquired whether someone has suggested how to remember the services of Dr. Pasha. Maulana Raza said, “Unfortunately, there were no suggestions about how Dr. Pasha needs to be remembered regularly by us all; it could be an annual memorial lecture, it could be, for example, an annual conference dedicated to Dr. Pasha.”

I mentioned that throughout his whole life Dr. Pasha never missed the celebration of the Birthday of the Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him; it was a sort of interfaith conference where people of all different religious communities were invited, people from the government and political parties participated and attended in the celebration. Maulana Raza said, “This is something Dr. Pasha was unique that he celebrated Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi all the years as an interfaith programme. I think it was the first Milad-un-Nabi in the history of Muslims in the United Kingdom to be celebrated in that way where representatives from political parties, from the government, from the police and from other faith communities, they used to join Muslims and we used to share with them the great miracles and message of our great Prophet peace be upon him. So it was a wonderful programme and he was the founder of this programme and he took it at the peak and I think it would be something wonderful if the UMO can carry this programme of Milad-un-Nabi exactly as Dr. Pasha designed it. It would be a great tribute to Dr. Pasha if UMO can continue with this programme.”

Problems faced by World Muslim Community and Solutions

An interwith with WMC President
Problems faced by World Muslim
Community and solutions

Dr. Mozammel Haque

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: A Two days five yearly assembly of the World Muslim Congress (Motamar Al Alam Al Islami) was held on 13th and 14th November, 2011 at Hotel Ramada, Colombo, capital of Sri Lanka. This international conference was organised by Sri Lanka Islamic Centre-Maligawatta in association with Motamar al-Alam al-Islami (World Muslim Congress), Islamabad, Pakistan. The theme of the conference was “Problems faced by the World Muslim Community and Solutions”.

The opening session was addressed by the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Mr. D. M. Jayarathna and Minister for External Affairs, Prof. G. L. Peiris. The delegates included Field Marshall Abdul Rahman Sowar Al-Dahab, former President of Sudan, Dr. Abdullah Omar Naseef, former Deputy Chairman of the Shoura Council of Saudi Arabia, M.H.Mohammed, Senior Vice President, Sri Lanka Islamic Institute; Senator Raja Muhammad Zafar-ul-Haq, Secretary General of the World Muslim Congress, Senior members of the executive council of the Motamar, eminent scholars and a large number of Muslim religious and political leaders from all parts of the world.

As an executive councillor of the World Muslim Congress, I was supposed to be present at the Conference, but I could not attend the conference because I received King Abdullah’s invitation to perform Hajj this year and I was in Saudi Arabia from 3rd November onwards upto 23rd of November, 2011. So I met Dr. Abdullah Omar Naseef in Jeddah when he returned back from the conference in Sri Lanka and I discussed and interviewed him about the meeting.

An Interview with Dr. Abdullah Omar Naseef
President World Muslim Congress
Dr. Naseef said, “The theme of the conference was what we shall do under the present situation of the Muslim world? How to help the people to overcome the difficulties and to cope with the very good changes that are taking place? The conference discussed this besides the five yearly affairs of the Motamar. People spoke about how the Muslims should be able to adapt to the Islamic principles with the changes that are happening in the Muslim world and the Arab world. People were also discussing that we have to keep in our mind that Islam has solution to all affairs of the people for all the time. So we should be able and be careful about to adhere to our Islamic principles as far as the future of the Muslim Ummah is concerned politically, socially and economically and so on.”

The conference also discussed, said Dr. Naseef, the economic situation today internationally; the fall of the western system of capitalism and what Muslims can offer, the Islamic economic system of banking, finance and all the related subjects in this situation. He also added we encourage people to introduce whatever knowledge they have about Islamic economics to offer to solve the problems of the west and the east.

Referring to the problems of both the societies of the east and that of the west, Dr. Naseef said, “We should be modest to show that we have very important and valuable system to overcome the interest problem. Because Riba (interest) is the source of all which are happening today. We can introduce the Islamic finance system which has no interest (Riba) involved. This kind of interest-free financing system should be introduced and encouraged and should find its way towards media and to the people in action in the west.”

Palestine issue
The conference discussed about the general issues such as Arab spring, Palestine issue and others. Speaking about the Palestine issue, Dr. Naseef said, the conference urged people “to aid the people in Palestine to cope with whatever and to bring real unity to overcome the differences happening between Hamas and Fatah.” Dr. Naseef said, “It is the time they should be united towards their cause, because Israelism is eager to spread their settlements there and continue to divide people particularly the Palestinians and we urge them to be united and complete the process of peace between the factions there and to struggle for their cause in a proper manner.”

In this connection, Dr. Naseef mentioned about the Palestinian camps in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Jordan and other places. He said, “We urge people to give attention to the Palestinian camps in Lebanon, in Syria, in Iraq and Jordan and in other places. There the Palestinians are living under the level of inhuman treatment and there they need the support of Muslims, individuals and organisations to support their infrastructure and to support in so many ways so that they can live standard human lives.”

Somalia
Dr Naseef also mentioned that the World Muslim Congress (the Motamar) talked about Somalia. He said, the things in Somalia are little bit improving but it needs help from Muslims. In next eight month, there will be new election for the Parliament and the President of Somalia. Dr. Naseef said, the conference urged the government of Somalia to make the process changes and hoped the new election for the Parliament and the President should be normal and the conference wishes them good luck.”

South Sudan
Referring to the southern Sudan which was discussed in the conference, Dr. Naseef mentioned, “The Conference talked about the creation of the southern state of Sudan. The Muslims in the southern Sudan needs support, help and guidance because they are not educated and they have no place in the society. May be, they have very few people in the Parliament; there was not a single Muslim Minister and we have to encourage Muslims to involve themselves in the political, economical and educational life of their country. The conference asked Muslims to support projects there: they have schools, centres for the Muslims. We should encourage Muslim countries, Muslim individuals and organisations to donate aid to help and support Muslims in southern Sudan.”

“This is generally all about the conference,” said Dr. Naseef.

In reply to my query what the conference discussed about Arab spring, Dr. Naseef said, “The conference expressed concern and asked people to keep their Islamic system of life and we urged Syria and Yemen to stop bloodshed and transfer power smoothly.”

Condolences to King Abdullah
Dr. Naseef also mentioned that the Conference passed and sent the condolence messages to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, condolences, first to King Abdullah and later on to the Crown Prince, Prince Naif bin Abdul Aziz and wishes them good luck.

Dr. Naseef also mentioned that there was another item which was that the Motamar appreciated the establishment of a Centre for Dialogue and anti-terrorism in Vienna.

Statement of Policy
The conference declared the statement of policy: “We as Muslims believe in the equality of all human beings as the off springs of Adam and Eve. This principle of universal fraternity ensures equality of all nations and states. Mutual recognition, coexistence and cooperation for the welfare of all mankind regardless of race, religion, colour or creed is an article of faith, based on the eternal teachings of the Holy Quran.”

Declaration
At the conclusion of the Two-day meeting, the Conference passed the following resolutions:

“World Muslim Congress deeply appreciates and eulogise the establishment of a centre for dialogue and anti terrorism in Vienna by King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz besides International Conferences on this topic in the United Nations Headquarters and in Spain for promoting the cause of International Peace and Understanding. World Muslim Congress will fully cooperate with these noble efforts and would continue with renewed vigour, the efforts for Interfaith Dialogue and understanding, as a basic creed of the organisation.

“Islam’s agenda for human life is founded on the establishment of justice amongst all human being, strengthening the values of mutual respect and generosity.

“The conference noted with concern the attitude of some of the establishments and societies against Muslims which displays prejudice and utter lack of understanding. The conference hoped that with the passage of time and efforts of Muslim individuals and organisations based on a positive and constructive attitude will improve the atmosphere.

“The conference reviewed the popular uprising termed as “Arab Spring” in some of the Muslim countries and hoped that the new leadership would bring peace and stability in their societies without further violence and come up to the expectations of their general public.

“The conference of the World Muslim Congress also reviewed the situation in and around Sudan and observed the necessity of good neighbourly relations and cooperation between the two new entities, in the interest of their peoples and calls upon the neighbouring countries to help both of them to overcome their economic and political difficulties. We also hope that the Muslim minority in South Sudan will have their legitimate rights protected including their representation in the democratic setup.

“The Conference observed that Somalia is slowly coming back to normalcy and the new general elections are to be held within the next eight months. This devastated country deserves humanitarian relief from International relief organisations. Motamar Al Alam Al Islami is already playing its role under the umbrella of the OIC. These efforts need acceleration.

“The Conference discussed in detail the issue of Palestine and took stock of negative and positive developments. The demand for the recognition of Palestine as the full member of the United Nations is a legitimate demand and we appreciate the support by a large number of members of the United Nations, to admit Palestine as a full member and also expect a positive response from the members of the UN Security Council.

“The Conference expressed its disappointment at the reaction of the United States in stopping its contribution towards UNESCO after the admission of Palestine in this organisation with the support of one hundred and seven members.

“The Conference reiterates its appeal to different factions of the Palestinian people for internal unity and mutual cooperation as a national imperative in their struggle for achieving their national rights and providing protection to life and property of their people. This would also enhance International support for their legitimate demands including the right of the Palestinians to return to their homeland.

“The Conference expressed its solidarity with the people of Jammu and Kashmir who are struggling for their legitimate right to self determination, as the only peaceful and democratic method of resolving this issue.

“The conference appreciates the role of All Parties Hurriyat Conference. This conference demands the inclusion of the true representatives of the people of Jammu and Kashmir in the negotiations to resolve this issue.

“The conference appeals to the human rights institutions to take practical steps to protect life and honour of the Kashmiri men and women being violated under the protection of draconian emergency laws.

“The conference observed that the basic decision of the OIC Summit for setting apart a specific amount for the work of Islamic Dawah by each member state should be revisited with the purpose of fulfilling the responsibilities of the member states in the field of Dawah and also to improve the methods as well as coordination.

“The conference took note of the demonstrations in several capitals of the world, especially in the US and Europe, against the negative effects of the capitalistic and exploitative economic system. There is a general rejection of the present economic order. It is the time that Muslim scholars and economic experts put forth a blue print for the third option based on the principles of Islamic economic system. Many economists have already made substantial contribution under this title. Boards have been established to advance usury free banking modes but there has to be a comprehensive Islamic economic order. World Muslim Congress would encourage efforts in this direction.

“The conference also expressed its concern over the pitiable condition of the stranded people in Bangladesh, who need generous international relief and support.”

Qur'an Qani in memory of late Dr. Syed Aziz Pasha on 7th January at 2.00pm at ICC

Qur’an Qani in memory of Late Dr. Pasha at Islamic
Cultural Centre, London on Saturday,7th January 2012

Dr. Mozammel Haque

This is to inform you that Qur’an Qani (Recitation of the Holy Qur’an) in the memory of late Dr Syed Aziz Pasha, the Secretary General of Union of Muslim Organisations UK & Eire (UMO) who passed away on 23rd November 2011, will take place on Saturday 7th January 2012 at London Central Mosque and Islamic Cultural Centre 146, Park Road London NW8 7RG at 2.00 p.m. Insha-Allah.

In this connection, it may be reminded that Dr. Pasha devoted his entire life and time for the community service, for the well-being of the British Muslims through his organisation, UMO and dedicated his life to the service of Islam and Muslim.

Dr. Pasha was awarded an OBE in January, 2005 by the Queen of the United Kingdom for his contribution to the Muslim Community and multicultural harmony. The British Muslim Community also acknowledged his devotion, dedication and perseverance and he was honoured in 2006 by the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) and the Islamic Cultural Centre, London, for his lifetime services to the Muslim Community in Britain. In 2007, the Global Peace and Unity (GPU) also awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award to Dr. Pasha.

I am requesting each and everyone to attend the Qur’an Qani (Recitation of the Holy Qur’an) in memory of late Dr. Pasha at the Islamic Cultural Centre and Regent Park Central London Mosque, 146 Park Road, London at 2.00 p.m. and please make du’a (supplication) for the soul of Dr. Pasha.

I have been praying for the soul of Dr. Pasha and I will, Insha Allah, make a special prayer for him at the Masjid al-Haram, Makkah al-Mukarramah.

What the Pilgrims say about Hajj 2011

What the Pilgrims say about Hajj 2011

Dr. Mozammel Haque

There is no question or doubt that Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam and every able body who can afford financially must perform Hajj. Now the world population, particularly the Muslim population is increasing; consequently the number of pilgrims will increase. It is a fact that the area of Holy sites, such as Mina, Arafat, Muzdalifah and Makkah is fixed. I think it is another wonder of the world that millions of people moved in a constrained place in a constrained timeframe. Similarly, it is another wonder to manage a gathering of four and a half million pilgrims moving at the same time from one place to another place within that small area and to arrange for them adequate transportation, accommodation and feeding.

No doubt, the pilgrims are the guests of Allah the Almighty. Allah supports the cause and that’s why, it is going smoothly. Of course, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the people of Saudi Arabia have left no stone unturned to bring ease and comfort to the pilgrims through building roads, infrastructure and expansion of the Haramain. Let us see how the pilgrims who went to perform Hajj this year feel and what are their opinions, views and experience about Hajj in 2011. Irrespective of position, status, geographical affiliation, I interviewed pilgrims from the president of a country to the common man, belonging to Bangladesh, Malaysia, Mali, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, Uganda and the United Kingdom.

General (Retired) H.M. Ershad
Former President of Bangladesh
Former President of Bangladesh, General (Retired) H.M. Ershad, present chairperson of Jatiya Party said, “I have not heard any complain from anybody. All the Hajjis are so happy; they are so well look after and the medical facilities, water arrangement and the evacuation of casualties in case of accident was wonderful. I feel that the Saudi authorities tried heart and soul to look after every individual who has come and joined this Hajj.”

Former President Ershad said, “I actually on my behalf and on behalf of Bangladeshi congratulate the King Abdullah and the people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for this achievement, wonderful achievement.

Dr. Abdiweli Mohamed Ali
Prime Minister of Somalia
I met the Prime Minister of Somalia, Dr. Abdiweli Mohamed Ali, who came for the first time in Saudi Arabia. This is his first Hajj. He said, “It’s a life chance experience and I enjoyed it. The facilities are great; absolutely fabulous. I think the Saudi government has learnt and they perfected how to manage chaos. I think even for the US, to manage three million people at one time in small area is tough.”

Somali Prime Minister also said, “I think we are very thankful to the Saudi government for providing all this facilities to us, really they are real Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. Really they are and I think Allah meant to put this religion in this place for good reasons and I think they did a good job.”

Mr. Uthman Serengi
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Uganda
I met Mr. Uthman Serengi, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Uganda. This is his first Hajj. But his father made Hajj some time back. Speaking about his father’s experience of Hajj, Mr. Uthman said, “At Jamarat my father found such a nightmare for him. Of course, I know sometime back there was dead there. So this time I was also expecting problems but Alhamdo Lillah, it was such a small exercise I went through the Jamarat quite easily and then the staying at Mina was good. Alhamdo Lillah, the facilities at Mina, Muzdalifah and Arafat are quite good.”

Mr. Uthman observed, “.I have seen thousands and thousands of people using the rail. It was really wonderful. The rail was quite spectacular. I was seeing every two minutes train was passing by and it was quite good particularly during Arafat and I am sure the pilgrims have found it very useful. My wife was also doing for the first time and she also said she is extremely happy and elated about the experience. Insha Allah we will do this again.”

Mr. Uthman also said, “The transportation was great; was very yuppie, very befitting, in fact we are flattered and humbled by the treatment we have been given, we just prayed to Allah to reward them abundantly for everything they have accorded to us.”

“We have an excellent Hajj. We just are praying to Allah to reward King Abdullah and the people of Saudia with good health and long life so that they can look after more and more pilgrims, Jazakamullah jazah,” said Mr. Uthman

Lord Sheikh
Peer, House of Lords, British Parliament
I met Lord Mohammed Altaf Sheikh, Peer of the House of Lords, who performed Hajj three times and two Umrahs before. Lord Sheikh believes that Hajj is just like going for Jihad; it’s a test; it is test of ones ability to respond to issues which are not very comfortable.”

Speaking about Hajj 60/70 years before, Lord Sheikh mentioned, “My mother used to tell me that my grandmother came on Hajj. I don’t know 60/70 years ago and at that time she was living in Kenya; so she travelled from Kenya, went to Sudan and came by boat from Sudan to Jeddah and it was very very difficult.”
,
Speaking about his own experience when he came for the first time, Lord Sheikh said, “I personally enjoy the first Hajj because when you come here for the first time you see the Ka’aba Sharif in front of you that is a rare real experience. At that time if you look at the Haram Sharif, the area around Haram Sharif was not doubled; there was very few quality hotels; for example, the floor of Safa Marwah was not cool; but now if you go you will see it is very cool at the moment but at the Bibi Hazera’s time it was quite different, it was open, it was quite two hills and of course it was very open.”

Speaking about the differences, Lord Sheikh said, “certainly there are differences now. There are more hotels now. Life is a little bit easy; even for people who can afford it. But people who cannot afford it undoubtedly, they would not be staying at international hotel, they would stay five six people seven or eight people in one room, where inadequate washing facilities.”

Baroness Uddin
Baroness of House Lords, British Parliament
I also met Baroness Uddin who came with her husband to perform her first Hajj this year but she performed her first Ummah 12 years ago. Speaking about her Hajj experience, Baroness Uddin said, “I had seen so many pictures of Hajj and I had also seen Hajj transmitted live on Television. But nothing comparing witnessing with your own eyes and feeling of being in this place nothing is comparable.”

“The kingdom has made the journey as easy as possible. We have seen hundreds and hundreds of men and women and many with families incredibly brave walking on the streets but I have seen no hardship in their face. This is due to the facilities provided by the Kingdom,” said Baroness Uddin and added, “Facilities are immensely immeasurable. I could not have imagined until I have seen it.”

She also said, “I believe no other country on earth manages this level of flow of people from different countries, from different continents and different backgrounds.”

Mr. Shahid Malik

Former British Minister

I met the former British Justice Minister, Mr. Shahid Malik, who is performing Hajj this year. This is his second Hajj. He said, “The progresses are incredible. If you look at the Monorail transport system, it is amazing. When I came it was steel concrete on the ground and now it is functioning and the people are using it.”

Former British Minister also said, “I think each year there is massive progress. I think the credit must go to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah and his leadership on this issue. King Abdullah said, don’t call me Majesty, call me the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. I think that’s say a lot about his commitment on this issue. It said a lot to the outside world, to the Muslim world about this issue and you can see it in the investment taking place.”

Mr. Malik observed, “The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 10/15 years time, Insha Allah, will be incredibly different from what you know the biggest investment in mainline railway structure which will connect Makkah, Madinah and Jeddah etc. You are also seeing massive massive home building programme that is taking place and massive expansion of the Haram.”

Mr. Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko
Governor of the State of Sokoto, Nigeria
I met the Governor of the state of Sokoto, Nigeria, Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, during the last ten days of last Ramadan. He is a regular visitor to the Haram during Ramadan. So when I met him this time during Hajj, I enquired about his Hajj. Governor Aliyu said, “Alhamdo Lillah, I am so happy that the arrangement is so unique and so comprehensive that I must commend the Kingdom for such organisation because it goes to show that the Kingdom is doing a lot for the Muslims the world over.”

This year about 7,000 people came from the state of Sokoto alone and 100,000 from Nigeria this year. Governor Aliyu said, “Alhamdo Lillah people are so comfortable and lots of improvements from the previous Hajj as mentioned by many pilgrims came this year. Previously, the tent ruined, the Jamarat was a hell, but this year it is so simple, it is made easier, simpler and more comfortable. Even at Jamarat, people moved pillar to pillar easily. Allah accepts our Hajj.”

Governor Aliyu also observed, “Let me tell you the Kingdom is doing a lot to show that we are all God’s guests to the Holy Land. We were well received, well-treated and well-served, best of their ability. The problem of hosting millions of people at a particular time and moment I must commend the Kingdom, not many countries in this world, can do this, over three/four million guests at one time. Giving an adequate transportation, accommodation, feeding is a really wonderful job. Alhamdo Lillah, God supports the cause; that’s why we have a heat-free pilgrimage this year and equally I must repeat my recommendation to the Kingdom to its resources and to all people in this year’s Hajj. The jobs are well-done.”

General Tan Sri Dato Sri Zulkifeli bin Mohd Zin
Chief of the Defence Force, Malaysia
I met the chief of the Defence Force of Malaysia, General Tan Sri Dato Sri Zulkifeli bin Mohd Zin, who performed Umrah a couple of times before, in 2007 and 2009 but this is his first Hajj. He recollected what his parents used to say: “My late parents had performed Hajj six or seven times. The process they have gone through was tedious as opposed to the present day. The story my late parents told me about their experience performing the Hajj and from my own personal experience, I could say that there is a vast difference now; because the infrastructure was very well developed. It is now more convenient and more efficient.”

General Sri Zulkifeli said, “Now the infrastructure at Jamarat was very well developed by the Kingdom. That is positive development. You look at the monorail system. In times to come, the monorail from Mina to Arafat and to Muzdalifah is another positive development,” Mr, Jufi said.

General Sri Zulkifeli also observed, “I think everybody is successfully able to perform their pilgrimage and at the end, everybody like me is very happy with the system, with the food, accommodation and the process I went through. This is something very great. I would like to reckon my observation to the King of Saudi Arabia for taking the trouble to ensure the development of the Holy Land and to ensure Muslims all over the world to be able to perform their Hajj efficiently and confidently.”

Lt. Gen. (retired) Salauddin Satti
Ambassador of Pakistan to Brunei Darus Salam
I met Lt. Gen. (retired) Salauddin Satti who was posted after retirement in 2008 to Brunei Darussalam High Commission as an ambassador for two years and now returning back to Pakistan. Mr. Satti performed Hajj in 2006 but this time he performed Hajj along with his wife who did not perform Hajj before.

Mr. Satti said, “Lots of improvements have taken place so far as the infrastructure is concerned. In Mina itself the train system, the community system at rami (Jamarat) is phenomenon, technologically.”

The number of Muslims throughout the world is increasing; naturally the number of pilgrims will increase. So the management of the pilgrims have to be considered. Mr. Satti said, “I am sure the Saudi authorities are already trying to keep pace with it and I am very much sure that the Kingdom is very much aware of it and the expansion plan of both Haram Sharif in Makkah and in the Masjid-e-Nabawi in Madinah, a lot have been done already. So it is a race and it will continue but I must acknowledge that a lot of improvement in the infrastructure and management has been taken place, I have observed personally.”

Judge Abdul Malek
Shariah Court Judge, Malaysia
While I was going along with Dr. Suhaib Hasan to perform Maghreb prayer in the Masjid at the top floor of the Safa Palace Makkah, I met Judge Abdul Malek of the Shari’ah Court of Malaysia, who performed Hajj before in 2008. This is his second Hajj. He told me while discussing, “There are lot of differences; infrastructure, transportation, organisation and management of crowd at Jamarat. It is very very easy.”

Diplomat, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mali
I met a diplomat from the Foreign Ministry of Mali who is very much pleased and happy to see the arrangement in the Hajj this year and who said, “It is a good opportunity for the Muslims to build bridges among the Muslim brothers.”

Dr. Ehsan al-Ameen
Advisor to the President of Iraq
I met Dr. Ehsan al-Ameen, Advisor in the Office of President of Iraq who performed Hajj three times before. The last time he performed pilgrimage is about 15 years ago. Speaking about his experience of Hajj this year, Dr. al-Ameen said, “There are many differences. Every year, it is better from the last year. There is too different at Jamarat. 15 years before, only in Jamarat, 115 persons were died, you know. There were many difficulties. Now this year, I think this is the easier Hajj in the history.”

Dr. Al-Ameen also said, “It is better than before, but I think it needs to complete the project the monorail programme. The walking on the road is better than the past. I remember in the past while walking many people used to sit and sleep on the street. Now I follow this point specially and I find the street is all walking. I think the police are doing good work. They guide the people to the different directions.”

British Civil Servant
A young British civil servant who did his first Hajj in 2000 and wanted to remain anonymous performed Hajj this year. Comparing his experience of Hajj this year with that of previous one and the facilities, he said, “I think the facilities are phenomenal and I choose my word carefully; the first Hajj I did in 2000 and since then the facilities have been continually improved.”

“The Jamarat is now the manifestation of money they have spent on safety and this is phenomenal and there is another improvement for the ease of the Hujjaj,” said the young British civil servant who is in his early thirties and mentioned, “The Monorail is one classic example. I remember the conversation dated back to 2000 when I did my first Hajj: should we have a monorail? It is interesting because the cost-benefit of the Monorail is actually the cost-benefit of five days and for five days I don’t know how much monorail cost but I can imagine it’s nothing sort of over 700 million and 700 million for an infrastructure to be used only five days in a year, separate from testing, is a phenomenal testament how the government approaches what they wanted to do.”

He also mentioned another wonderful experience and made observation. He said, “I think the part of the infrastructure must be all the people in their individual areas doing their parts. The responsibility that everyone has to bear is phenomenal and I only pray that our Ummah should have patience generally. When the people on duty tell you ‘Ya Allah Haji, move from here.’ You may not like it; you may think he can talk to me nicely or I don’t speak this language, but what you don’t understand the part of the mechanism is to make it better for the ten thousands Hajis down the road, you can’t see and you don’t know but they know and they are following.”