DUSHANBE, 19.10.2019 (NIAT Khovar) – Tajikistan respects the pilgrimage to Mecca, also known as Hajj, as one of the five pillars of Islam, and attaches particular importance to this issue, but it is necessary to observe the requirements and commandments that are established and determined by Sharia norms. This sentimet was expressed by Deputy Prime Minister of Tajikistan Azim Ibrohim during a regular meeting with the participation of members of the commission on summarizing the results of the Hajj pilgrimage in 2019.

“Thanks to independence, all conditions have been created for the fulfillment of the religious order, including pilgrimages to Hajj. This year, thousands of citizens visited the sacred places of Islam with the help of domestic airlines,” said Ibrohim.

“The fulfillment of religious precepts such as compassion and support for those in need are among the important moral issues that Islam and other world religions observe. Considering this importance, this year pilgrims rendered assistance to orphans and disabled people in need in the amount of more than 6.5 million somoni, and improved the roads of mahallas and villages,” he continued.

“It should be noted that some people turned the pilgrimage into a means of showcasing their supposed moral superiority for self-promotion. They unnecessarily go to the Hajj three, four times or more. There is no logic and sense in these actions,” said Ibrohim.

He emphasized that if they instead spend the money that they have earmarked for a second pilgrimage to Hajj, for the improvement of roads, streets, mahallas and villages, bridges, water supply networks, repairs and construction of social institutions, including schools, children’s gardens, hospitals, libraries and other facilities then they will gain more beneficence. If money is used for charitable purposes to support orphans, prayers of these children will please the souls of deceased ancestors.

The Committee on Religious Affairs, Regulation of Traditions, Celebrations and Ceremonies under the government of Tajikistan, the relevant ministries and departments, as well as other local bodies are entrusted with the organization of the process of citizens going to pilgrimage at the proper level and making their worthy contribution to the prosperity and improvement of the motherland.