Training camp helps pilgrims prepare for Hajj

Описание: (3 Aug 2018) LEADIN
Pakistani Muslims are making final preparations before embarking on the annual Hajj pilgrimage.
Special training and vaccinations are being given, to ensure the pilgrims travel safely and know what to expect when they arrive in Mecca.
STORYLINE:
Finshing touches are underway for many Pakistani Hajj pilgrims who are making the trip to Mecca.
Identity and travel documentation is being placed into plastic wallets, bags are being packed and medicine is being stored in plastic bags.
These pilgrims have completed training in Islamabad, learning about the practicalities of being a pilgrim and what to expect from the Hajj.
They are preparing to travel.
Hajj pilgrim Javed Anwar says the training has been very well organised.
"By the grace of Allah, there are good arrangements here in the Hajj complex, as well as over there (in Saudi Arabia). Our government tries to make the best arrangements, and the Saudi government also tries to ensure a Hajji (person doing Hajj) does not face any problems," he says.
This year many thousands of Pakistanis will make the journey to Mecca, the birthplace and spiritual home of Islam.
There is a strict set of guidelines and requirements are laid out by the Islamic canonical law, or Shariah, that every pilgrim must adhere to during their visit to Mecca.
It covers every aspect of the pilgrimage, from attire to behaviour, from the various rituals to their proper chronology.
Hajj pilgrim Fiza Akhtar says she is looking forward to the experience.
"It's the happiest moment for me. And because of these great feelings I don't know what I am doing. When I reach the home of Allah, how should I appear before Allah? What will my feelings be at that moment? How do I have to prepare? At that time, I have to present my feelings and emotions according to my religion. May Allah forgive my mistakes," she says.
The Hajj training complex in Islamabad has been set up to accommodate pilgrims coming from across the country.
At this training camp women and men receive their instruction separately.
Master trainer Noor Ahmed is offering training and advice to the female pilgrims.
"Some of them are very simple Hajj pilgrims, but by the grace of Allah, training is given. I told them once you are at home drink water in sips. Your ablution (the ritual washing to be performed in preparation for prayer and worship) will also hold and you will not become dehydrated," she says.
Men also receive instruction including how to wear a special garment called an 'ihram'.
Hajj pilgrim Mohammad Yasir says he has learnt a great deal during the training.
"He taught us all sequences, how to perform umrah (another pilgrammage) and also about the basic principles of Hajj during 8th to 13th Zilhajj (the calendar time for Hajj)," he says.
Before they travel to Mecca the pilgrims get ready to be immunised against a range of diseases before they can be cleared to fly.
Joint Secretary of Hajj at the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Raja Zahid Pervez, says he thinks the pilgrims are well prepared for their journey.
"We have made our best possible support and best possible arrangements for our pilgrims from Pakistan. And we hope that they will benefit from the arrangements made by the government of Pakistan and perform their Hajj with full devotion and come back with a good health," he says.
The pilgrims receive a vaccination for meningitis and drops to prevent polio.
Head of the vaccination centre, Dr Sabir Ayub, says they look after hundreds of pilgrims each day.
Hajj this year will begin Sunday 19 August until 24 August.

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