(L to R front row) Syed Mudassir Bukhari, Mohammed Omar Nadwi, Syed Khaja Viqaruddin, Mufti Ziauddin Naqashbandi, Ahmeduddin Owaisi, Mohammad Siadath Ali Khan and Nadeem Ahmed. (Back row) Aijaz Ahmed Khan-Hassan Bayazeed, Mohammad Shameem Kausar, Syed Khaja Fareeduddin, Sayeed Haroon-Mirza Qudrat Baig and Syed Khaja Ahsan. Syeda Amtul Saudi Gazette JEDDAH — Khak-e-Taiba Trust, a Jeddah-based community welfare group, organized a seminar to guide the pilgrims about the correct method and approach of performing various Haj rituals. A large number of expatriates with intention to perform Haj attended the event at a local restaurant. Scholars Mufti Syed Ziauddin Naqshabandi and Mohammed Omar Nadwi, with their in-depth research experience and analytical studies, spoke in length detailing every aspect of Haj. The scholars underlined the fact that Haj provides Muslims around the world with the rare opportunity to forget their differences and unite for the sake of Allah. “The lessons from Haj are very significant to a Muslim's daily life. It teaches generosity, kindness and the ability to share with the less fortunate,” Naqshabandi said. The scholars maintained that Islam is the only religion that teaches its adherents to rise above all racist prejudices, and Haj is a true reflection of this aspect of the faith. During Haj, millions of pilgrims with a multitude of ethnic and racial backgrounds from around the globe converge on Makkah and stay together on a single platform. Despite their divergent cultures and lifestyles, in the holy land they are dressed alike, recite the same prayers and perform the same rituals in a show of true solidarity. “This strengthens the spirit of unity, equality and brotherhood. These are the values on which Islam builds human society. These ideals are tested at Haj, a religious duty that must be carried out at least once in the lifetime by every able-bodied Muslim who can afford to do so,” Nadwi said. After the lectures, the speakers cleared the doubts of participants in an open question-and-answer session. The scholars suitably answered a wide range of questions from the audience. President of Bazm-e-Ittehad Ahmeduddin Owaisi stressed the importance of visiting Madinah to pray at the Prophet's Mosque and greet the Prophet (peace be upon him). “Of course, visiting Madinah is not an obligatory ritual of Haj, but anyone who comes for Haj and misses the Ziarah without any valid reason, believe me, is at a great loss,” Owaisi remarked. Earlier, welcoming the audience, Aijaz Ahmed Khan, KTT's Jeddah Center President, said, “KTT remains in the forefront of promoting Islamic and educational causes and the seminar is just a small step toward our commitment to the community.” Syed Khaja Viqaruddin, the forum's general secretary, anchored the program and Vice President Syed Mudassir Bukhari gave the vote of thanks. The seminar concluded with a special supplication by Mufti Ziauddin.
