Hyderabad: Deputy Chief Minister Mohammed Mahmood Ali flagged off the first batch of Haj pilgrims this morning at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Shamshabad.
Speaking to the pilgrims, Mahmood Ali said that Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhara Rao wanted to ensure that all facilities were provided to the pilgrims. He requested the pilgrims to pray for welfare and development of the country, nation and the state and for promoting harmony, integrity and peace.
Earlier in the Haj House, eminent scholar Moulana Mufti Khaleel Ahmed of Jamia Nizamia explained the salient features of Islamic prayers which are obligatory on every Muslim and said that Haj requires spending of money and bearing physical hardships of the journey.
Nampally MLA Jaffer Hussain Meraj congratulated the pilgrims for this sacred journey. Telangana State Haj Committee chairman Mohammed Masiullah Khan said Telangana was the only state in the country where peace, tranquillity and integrity prevail and the pilgrims should pray for its maintenance.
Special Officer Haj committee Prof. S. A. Shukoor said that Telangana was the only state which made special arrangements for training of pilgrims by conducting 15 training camps in city besides several camps in districts. (INN)