(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - A TOTAL of 9,996 pilgrims from Bahrain will be embarking on the most important journey of their lives over the next few weeks.
They have officially signed up to take part in the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, the spiritual home of Islam, which every Muslim is supposed to complete at least once in their lives.
The Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments Ministry says it is negotiating for an increase in the number of pilgrims who make the journey to Saudi Arabia from Bahrain - which currently has an allowance of just 10,000 people a year.
Hajj Mission secretary-general Abdulnasser Abdulla said 47 caravan operators had been authorised to transport pilgrims and said they were being urged to make sure the sacred occasion did not become politicised.
"Caravans that are travelling to Saudi Arabia have been instructed to focus on rituals and the sacredness of the occasion rather than turn it into an atmosphere for politicisation," warned Mr Abdulla.
"Bahrain's pilgrims have to abide by instructions given to them by the Saudi authorities and we as a mission will support them (Saudi Arabia).
"We have a good relationship with our Saudi counterparts and through years of a strong relationship, especially when it comes to Hajj, we have been given privileged treatment and we want that to continue," he said.
"Currently, we have around 10,000 listed, but that number will increase through the mutual understanding that we have with Saudis."
He said the 9,996 pilgrims had been precisely divided among caravan operators.
"Bahrain's three biggest caravans have been given 300 seats, while 200 seats were given to some old caravans and new ones have been given just 150 seats," said Mr Abdulla.
He revealed the first group of pilgrimage officials and support staff would leave tomorrow for Mecca to prepare the mission's headquarters.
"It will also be the day that the first batch of caravans will be allowed to travel across the causeway to Saudi Arabia, whether they want to go Mecca directly or Medina," he said.
"From our side, we will be present in Mecca officially from Thursday to provide any necessary assistance to Bahrain's pilgrims."
The Hajj pilgrimage is the fifth pillar of Islam and should be carried out by every able-bodied Muslim who can afford it at least once in life.
Hundreds of thousands of people converge on Mecca for the Hajj and perform a series of rituals.
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They have officially signed up to take part in the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, the spiritual home of Islam, which every Muslim is supposed to complete at least once in their lives.
The Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments Ministry says it is negotiating for an increase in the number of pilgrims who make the journey to Saudi Arabia from Bahrain - which currently has an allowance of just 10,000 people a year.
Hajj Mission secretary-general Abdulnasser Abdulla said 47 caravan operators had been authorised to transport pilgrims and said they were being urged to make sure the sacred occasion did not become politicised.
"Caravans that are travelling to Saudi Arabia have been instructed to focus on rituals and the sacredness of the occasion rather than turn it into an atmosphere for politicisation," warned Mr Abdulla.
"Bahrain's pilgrims have to abide by instructions given to them by the Saudi authorities and we as a mission will support them (Saudi Arabia).
"We have a good relationship with our Saudi counterparts and through years of a strong relationship, especially when it comes to Hajj, we have been given privileged treatment and we want that to continue," he said.
"Currently, we have around 10,000 listed, but that number will increase through the mutual understanding that we have with Saudis."
He said the 9,996 pilgrims had been precisely divided among caravan operators.
"Bahrain's three biggest caravans have been given 300 seats, while 200 seats were given to some old caravans and new ones have been given just 150 seats," said Mr Abdulla.
He revealed the first group of pilgrimage officials and support staff would leave tomorrow for Mecca to prepare the mission's headquarters.
"It will also be the day that the first batch of caravans will be allowed to travel across the causeway to Saudi Arabia, whether they want to go Mecca directly or Medina," he said.
"From our side, we will be present in Mecca officially from Thursday to provide any necessary assistance to Bahrain's pilgrims."
The Hajj pilgrimage is the fifth pillar of Islam and should be carried out by every able-bodied Muslim who can afford it at least once in life.
Hundreds of thousands of people converge on Mecca for the Hajj and perform a series of rituals.
/129