Abdulkadir Badsha Mukhtar
2 July 2009
Abuja — Out of the 1698 Federal Capital Territory (FCT) intending pilgrims that took part in the just concluded screening exercise, 563 may not attend this years' hajj for failing the exercise that will qualify them.
This was made known in a report from the Director, FCT Directorate Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Dr. Shu'aibu Yakubu.
The report said the outcome of the screening shows that 382 were cleared while 202 were not cleared from Municipal zone; and from Gwagwalada zone, 756 were cleared while 358 were also not cleared.
The essence of screening, he said, was to ensure that all intending pilgrims from Abuja are well acquainted with the hajj rites and to weed out the miscreants among them.
He said the exercise was for the board to be satisfied with pilgrims' capability to perform the pilgrimage.
During the screening, FCT intending pilgrims had undergone the screening both in conduct and in practical aspect of Islamic doctrines.
Those disqualified on Islamic rites, according to the director, could have a second chance as the next screening exercise "is expected, probably before the commencement of the fasting period."
The board has argued that the essence of going on pilgrimage is for religious obligation not for sightseeing, adding that any intending pilgrim who failed the screening will not be allowed to go to hajj under FCT.
While making clarification, the Public Relation Officer of the board Aliyu Usman said those who failed would have their money paid back, while their seats will be allocated to others who deposited their money against next year.
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