11,800 CHINESE PILGRIMS TO PERFORM HAJJ

Jeddah, 26 Dzulqa’idah 1434/ 1 Oktober 2013 (MINA) – A total of 11,800 Chinese pilgrims will perform Haj this year. They have now arrived in Makkah and Madinah and all are in good health, said Mustapha Young Jee Poo, Chief of the Chinese Haj mission.

He was speaking at the event to welcome the Haj delegation of People’s Republic of China at the Chinese Consulate on Sunday. According to Mustapha 9,300 pilgrims are in Makkah and 2,500 in Madinah till date, Saudi Gazette quoted by Mi’raj News Agency (MINA) as reporting.

The pilgrims began arriving to the Kingdom from September 1 and will depart from the Kingdom on November 9. He appreciated the efforts of the Saudi government for the excellent service to the guests of God.

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He also commended the expansion projects being implemented in Makkah and Madinah. “The expansion of the Mataf (the circumambulation area in the Grand Mosque) greatly helps to accommodate the ever-increasing numbers of pilgrims,” he said.
Lige, Deputy Director of the Islamic Department of the State Administration for Religious Affairs of China, also addressed the gathering and said: “The Chinese government respects Haj and Chinese Muslims religious beliefs, and the government helps Chinese Muslims go for Haj, and meets their needs for Haj promptly while supporting the Haj action which is hosted by China Islamic Association.”

He added: “According to China Religious Affairs Regulations, Chinese Muslims Haj is hosted by China Islamic Association. The Chinese central government recently held a special meeting for Muslims’ Haj and promulgated three documents of Haj action. It has opened up enhancements in five aspects like: Enhancement of organization and management, services and guarantee, security and safety, education and guidance with coordination and leadership.”

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According to him the existing measures supports Haj with the state’s relevant departments providing support for Chinese Muslims’ Haj, such as offering Charter flights, enter names for Haj in order to conduct physical examinations, select personnel to provide organizational service, medical and health and religious direction, education and training, and exchange foreign currency etc.(T/P08/E1)

Mi’raj News Agency (MINA)