KARACHI, Jan 17: The month-long pre-Hajj operation from Karachi began here on Thursday with the departure of the first batch of Hajj pilgrims to the Holy Land.

Sindh governor Mohammedmian Soomro was present to see the pilgrims off at the Hajj Terminal of the Karachi Airport.

Speaking on the occasion, the governor told the pilgrims they were fortunate to have been invited by Allah to the Holy Land.

Soomro said: “The Hajj as a form of worship carries the spirit of every noble act. It is a prayer because every pilgrim keeps reciting the Zikr-e-Ilahi. It is Zakat because it cannot be performed without spending in the path of Allah It is also fasting as, although taking food and drinks is not prohibited, it does carry many restrictions”.

The ritual, he said, demands that every Hajj pilgrim should develop the spirit of sincerity and submission.

The governor said what he expected from them during the Hajj was that their behaviour, attitude, actions, way of speaking would be such as demanded by Islam.

He pointed out that ministry of religious affairs had arranged the training programmes for Hajj pilgrims and they had also been provided guidance through radio, television and newspapers. Besides, they had also been provided “Anwar- e- Harmain”, a book on the Hajj rituals.

He said if the pilgrims acted according to the guidance provided in the book, it would reduce their problems and make their journey very pleasant as well.—APP