First Batch of Brunei Haj Pilgrims Depart for Madinah

On May 23, 2024, the first batch of Brunei Darussalam's intending haj pilgrims departed from Brunei International Airport for Madinah, Saudi Arabia. The Royal Brunei Airlines (RB) flight BI4201 took off at 9:45 AM and is scheduled to land in Madinah at 2:40 PM local time.

The flight carried 254 pilgrims, with 126 registered under Darussalam Services Sdn Bhd (DSSB) and 125 under Straits Central Agencies Sdn Bhd (SCA). The DSSB group included 49 males and 77 females, while the SCA group comprised 60 males and 65 females. Three officers from the Haj Affairs Medical Office and officers from the haj package providers accompanied the pilgrims.

Several high-ranking government officials and the Saudi Arabian Ambassador were present at the Brunei International Airport to bid farewell to the pilgrims. Among them were the Minister of Religious Affairs, Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman, and his spouse; the Minister at the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) and Minister of Defence II, Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General Rtd Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof; and the Minister of Health, Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohammad Isham bin Haji Jaafar. The Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Brunei Darussalam, Mohammed Abdullah Al-Buraithin, was also in attendance.

The haj pilgrimage is a significant religious duty for Muslims, and the presence of high-ranking officials underscores the importance of this spiritual journey for the Brunei community. The successful organization and execution of the haj season can have a positive impact on Brunei's relations with Saudi Arabia and the global Muslim community.

The departure marks the beginning of the haj season for Brunei pilgrims, who undertake this journey as one of the Five Pillars of Islam. The haj pilgrimage is a significant religious duty for Muslims, and the presence of high-ranking officials underscores the importance of this spiritual journey for the Brunei community.

The haj pilgrimage to Mecca and Madinah is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many Muslims, offering a chance for spiritual renewal and fulfillment of religious obligations. The Brunei government, through its haj package providers and medical officers, ensures that the pilgrims are well-supported throughout their journey.

As the pilgrims embark on their sacred journey, the farewell ceremony at the airport highlighted the communal and national significance of the haj. The presence of high-ranking officials and the Saudi Ambassador reflects the strong ties between Brunei and Saudi Arabia, particularly in facilitating religious pilgrimages.

This year's haj season is expected to see more pilgrims from Brunei, with subsequent flights scheduled to transport additional groups to Saudi Arabia. The careful planning and coordination between Brunei's religious authorities and health authorities aim to ensure a safe and fulfilling pilgrimage for all participants.

The departure of the first batch of pilgrims is a momentous occasion, symbolizing the dedication and faith of Brunei's Muslim community. As the pilgrims arrive in Madinah, their journey will continue with rituals and prayers, culminating in the haj rites in Mecca.

Key Takeaways

• 254 Brunei pilgrims departed for Madinah, Saudi Arabia on May 23, 2024.
• High-ranking officials and Saudi Ambassador bid farewell to pilgrims at Brunei International Airport.
• Pilgrims were accompanied by Haj Affairs Medical Office and package providers' officers.
• This year's haj season expects more pilgrims from Brunei, with subsequent flights scheduled.
• The haj pilgrimage is a significant religious duty for Muslims, symbolizing dedication and faith.