Malaysian pilgrims praise Saudi Arabia's holy mosques programme

By Muammar Eusouffi Zainol Abidin

MAKKAH, April 12 (Bernama) -- Malaysian guests of Saudi Arabia's Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Programme sang praises for the event, which they said have enabled them to perform the umrah and establish a friendship with participants from other countries.

The 10-day programme which started on April 3 sees the participation of 225 pilgrims from 27 countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, Pakistan, Thailand, South Korea, Serbia, Montenegro, Albania, Morocco, Egypt, China, Sudan and Lebanon.

There are 11 Malaysians in the programme, comprising academicians as well as individuals from religious and non-governmental organisations among others.

Gathering pilgrims from various countries to enable the exchange of views on Islam and strengthening relationships between them are among the goals of the kingdom's Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance in carrying out the programme.

International Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) head, Datuk Mustapha Ahmad Marican, expressed his appreciation to the Saudi Arabian government and added that the event has been successful in forging close relationships between participants of various countries.

“It is hoped that such an event will continue and more visits will be held in the future,” he said to Bernama.

Besides undertaking the umrah, the group visited various historical sites in Makkah and Madinah such as the Nabawi Mosque, Mount Uhud, King Fahd Complex for the Printing of the Holy Quran, and The Kiswa Factory of the Holy Ka'ba. 

Pahang Islamic Religious Department's principal assistant director Datuk Badli Shah Alauddin said it is evident, through the visit to the sites, that the Saudi government is committed to preserving the two holy cities and the grandeur of Islam.

“The programme, coupled with the host's hospitality, is a novel experience for the participants,” added Badli Shah.

-- BERNAMA