24th batch of Haj pilgrims flagged off
Hyderabad: The 24th batch of 295 Haj pilgrims was ceremoniously flagged off on Monday by Assembly Speaker G Prasad Kumar at the Hyderabad Embarkation Point located at Haj House, Nampally.
At the farewell ceremony, he congratulated the pilgrims and extended heartfelt wishes for a safe and spiritually fulfilling journey. Prasad emphasised the significance of Haj and advised the pilgrims to embrace positive transformation in their lives upon their return. 'When you sincerely ask forgiveness from Allah, He will forgive you,' he said, encouraging the gathering to seek spiritual uplift during the pilgrimage.
Syed Gulam Afzal Biyabani Khusro Pasha, chairman, State Haj Committee, urged both pilgrims and designated State Haj inspectors to assist elderly pilgrims throughout the journey and to seek their blessings. He expressed joy that the pilgrims this year are fortunate to perform 'Haj Akbar', a rare and highly significant occasion in the Islamic calendar. Sajjad Ali, executive officer, State Haj Committee, welcoming the pilgrims assured them of full support for a smooth and comfortable pilgrimage. The event was marked by a spirit of devotion, unity and care, as the pilgrims prepared to embark on their sacred journey to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Indian Express
14 hours ago
- New Indian Express
Chhattisgarh Waqf Board caps Nikah Khutba charges at Rs 1100; Muslim scholars question move
RAIPUR: A circular issued by the Chhattisgarh State Waqf Board fixing a maximum fee amount of Rs 1100 for performing Nikah (marriage) sermons has evoked strong reactions, with many Muslim religious scholars and intellectuals questioning the need for such a directive. 'The order will put unnecessary pressure on poor Muslim families to pay,' they asserted. As per the Waqf Board's directive, the Imam or Maulvi (religious leaders/scholar in Islam) officiating Nikah can take a maximum of Rs 1100 as their charges. The Waqf Board chairman, Salim Raj, told TNIE that action will be taken on a complaint against those who take more than Rs 1100 for reading out the Khutba (sermon) of Nikah and performing Dua (supplication)—the usual schedule of Muslim marriage contract. 'The Islamic shariat advocates that the Nikah ceremony must be simple, easy, affordable and full of blessings. Then why should the poor families suffer? When all Imams and Muttavallis (caretaker of mosques) come within the domain of the state Waqf Board, this order has been issued to adopt as standard practice,' said Raj, adding that he issued the directive after a Imam refused to perform Nikah of a poor family who couldn't afford to pay Rs 5100.
The Hindu
16 hours ago
- The Hindu
Bakrid celebrated with congregational prayers, distribution of meat in Tiruchi
Muslims in Tiruchi celebrated Id-ul-Azha (Bakrid) with great fervour on Saturday with congregational prayers and the distribution of sacrificial meat among family, friends, and the needy forming a major part of the festivities. Congregational prayers were held in mosques and open grounds across the city early in the morning. A large number of men, women, and children participated in the prayers at the ground near Uzhavar Sandhai in Tennur, besides other venues. Sales of sacrificial livestock remained brisk despite the rise in prices this year. The qurbani (sacrifice) ritual took place after the Id prayer, which signifies the end of the Haj pilgrimage. Many residents opted to have the animals sacrificed at the butcher shops to save time. Families gathered for celebratory banquets with caterers called in to prepare large quantities of biryani rice and other delicacies as accompaniments. Id-ul-Azha emphasises the importance of sharing and empathy for the less privileged, said the religious leaders.
Time of India
16 hours ago
- Time of India
Eid Al Adha 2025: Viral escapes by sacrificial animals cause traffic jams and public safety incidents
Image composite: X During Eid Al Adha, scenes of worship and tradition unfold across the Arab and Islamic world , but increasingly, so do scenes of chaos. As families attempt to carry out the sacred act of animal sacrifice, viral videos from cities like Cairo, Istanbul, and beyond have shown a different side of the holiday: calves charging through busy roads, goats leaping over market stalls, and sheep bolting down alleys with panicked owners in pursuit. As reported by Gulf News, these incidents , both comedic and alarming , have become a recurring and highly visible feature of the Eid season in urban centers, raising deeper questions around animal welfare, safety, and public conduct during religious rituals. Viral moments: Humor meets havoc Across social media platforms, particularly during Eid, feeds have been flooded with clips capturing the sudden escapes of sacrificial animals , usually seconds before they're due to be slaughtered. In one widely shared video from Egypt, a terrified ram was seen darting through congested traffic, weaving swiftly between cars and motorcycles as pedestrians jumped out of its way. Other viral clips showed animals crashing into storefronts, toppling goods, and in some cases, injuring bystanders as untrained handlers lost control. One sheep reportedly jumped a vegetable stall before disappearing into a residential alley, with children and butchers giving chase. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Mix 4 Kitchen Ingredients, Wake Up Thinner Every Morning Nutrition With Pink Salt Learn More Undo While many viewers reacted with humor, resharing the clips alongside jokes and emojis, others were uneasy about what these videos really represented. 'Behind the funny videos are real people, some of whom saved for months to afford the sacrifice,' said Dr. Walid Hindi, a psychological health consultant based in Cairo. 'And behind the fleeing animal is often a child frightened, a parent panicked, or a motorist in danger.' Fear, not rebellion Veterinary experts say the problem isn't disobedience, but fear. Animals are overwhelmed during Eid, especially in densely packed city areas where sensory overload is common, crowds, blood, loud noises, and heat create a high-stress environment. 'When sheep smell blood, they instinctively flee. It's fear, not disobedience,' said one veterinary expert, highlighting that many animals are handled by untrained individuals with little understanding of how to manage stress responses. The scenes might look amusing to some, but they stem from deep-rooted challenges around urban sacrifice practices, improper animal handling, and growing pressure on families trying to uphold religious traditions in tight spaces with minimal resources. Real injuries, real risk The situation took a more serious turn in Turkey, where local media reported that over 14,000 people were injured during the Eid Al Adha holiday while attempting to slaughter animals without professional help. According to the country's health minister, most of these injuries were preventable. He urged citizens to seek out trained butchers and designated slaughterhouses, warning that lack of expertise not only endangers people but also increases the suffering of the animals. Elsewhere across the Arab world, similar but smaller-scale incidents have caused traffic jams, property damage, and minor injuries, underscoring the need for safer, more organized sacrificial practices in urban areas. A call for respect and responsibility Beyond safety, religious scholars have expressed concern about how these incidents , and especially the viral videos , frame the ritual of sacrifice. Some believe the public sharing of these chaotic moments risks reducing a solemn act of worship into viral entertainment. 'The act of sacrifice is a profound form of worship,' said Dr. Hisham Rabi', a scholar at Egypt's Dar Al Ifta. 'It deserves solemnity , not spectacle or amusement.' His remarks point to a broader appeal for dignity, compassion, and respect in how the sacrifice is conducted, and perceived. Eid Al Adha is, at its heart, a spiritual practice rooted in devotion and empathy, not spectacle.
