Hyderabad: Advisor to the Telangana Government Mohammed Ali Shabbir said the state had made elaborate arrangements for Telangana Haj pilgrims this year and decided to bear the additional airfare burden of Rs 10,000 imposed on each pilgrim for Haj 2026.
Addressing pilgrims from Nizamabad and Kamareddy districts at Haj House on Saturday, Shabbir Ali flagged off buses carrying them to Rajiv Gandhi International Airport.
He congratulated Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy for extending support to Telangana Haj pilgrims undertaking the sacred journey.
According to Shabbir Ali, the Haj Committee of India introduced additional airfare charges because of the prevailing situation in West Asia. However, he said the Chief Minister’s intervention brought relief to nearly 7,000 pilgrims from Telangana.
Haj Committee Chairman Syed Ghulam Afzal Biabani, committee members, religious scholars, officials, volunteers and community representatives attended the programme.
Telangana Haj pilgrims advised to remain patient
Addressing the gathering, Shabbir Ali said nearly 4,000 Telangana Haj pilgrims had already reached Holy Mecca. Meanwhile, authorities continued arrangements for the departure of the remaining pilgrims.
He described the opportunity to perform Haj as a blessing and said Allah had chosen them as His guests for Haj 2026.
Quoting Hadith, Shabbir Ali said a properly performed Haj purified a believer like a newborn child free from sins.
He urged the pilgrims to maintain discipline, offer prayers regularly and remain patient during hardships and delays.
Referring to travel difficulties, he said Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) had prayed for ease for Haj pilgrims. Therefore, he advised them to stay calm during immigration checks, baggage procedures and travel formalities.
Telangana Haj pilgrims urged to focus on worship
Shabbir Ali asked the pilgrims to spend maximum time in worship at Haram Sharif and continue reciting Talbiyah throughout the journey.
He urged them to pray sincerely after seeing the Holy Kaaba and said Allah listened to genuine prayers.
The Advisor also advised the pilgrims to take care of their health during the pilgrimage because of the hot weather conditions.
He asked them to drink sufficient water, eat carefully and follow doctors’ advice to avoid illness.
Further, Shabbir Ali urged the pilgrims to avoid unnecessary arguments and worldly distractions during Haj. Instead, he encouraged them to devote more time to worship and spiritual reflection.
He also stressed the importance of educational and social progress within the community. According to him, reservations had benefited many people, while learning modern technologies like Artificial Intelligence would support future advancement.
Shabbir Ali appealed to the pilgrims to pray for peace, prosperity and development. He also requested them to remember him and others in their prayers at Makkah and Madina.
Before flagging off the buses, he appreciated the services of Haj Committee members and volunteers for assisting pilgrims over several years.