AMEINAH ALZEYOUDI (ABU DHABI)
To support Emiratis going on Hajj, the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments, and Zakat (Awqaf) has prepared a comprehensive kit to help them understand the essential values, virtues, and etiquette for the sacred pilgrimage.
This kit is especially valuable given that nearly 91% of UAE pilgrims this year are performing Hajj for the first time. The annual pilgrimage officially begins on June 4.
The kit — which has been put together in partnership with the UAE Council for Fatwa — is comprised of carefully curated brochures and booklets that aim to enrich the spiritual and practical knowledge of pilgrims, Awqaf told Aletihad.
"This Hajj awareness kit reflects our deep commitment to guiding and supporting UAE pilgrims in performing their rituals with knowledge, faith, and peace of mind," the authority said.
“It is our responsibility to make sure that each pilgrim is academically and spiritually ready for this auspicious voyage.”
Among the key publications in the bag is “Values of the Pilgrim”, a booklet that offers lessons on essential moral and ethical values that a pilgrim should uphold during the sacred journey, the authority said.
These values include humility, patience, generosity, and kindness — qualities that help pilgrims fulfill the true spirit of Hajj and enhance the likelihood of their pilgrimage being accepted.
Another essential component of the kit is “Supplication in Hajj”, which highlights the significance of du’a (supplication) during the pilgrimage. It provides insights into the virtues, etiquette, and conditions of du’a, along with a collection of comprehensive prayers that pilgrims may need throughout their journey.
The package also includes a scholarly guide titled “They Ask You About Hajj: Fatwa Stations”, compiled by the UAE Council for Fatwa. This publication addresses frequently asked religious questions and issues related to Hajj, offering reliable rulings and clarifications based on Islamic jurisprudence. It serves as a valuable reference for pilgrims seeking authentic answers during different stages of Hajj.
In addition to the booklets, the kit features a map of the main Hajj stations, helping Emiratis understand the geographic and procedural flow of the pilgrimage. It serves as a practical guide to support planning, navigation, and the performance of rituals.
Every pilgrim also received a copy of the holy Quran and a special Hajj prayer booklet as part of the kit, offering both spiritual guidance and easy access to essential religious text.
This UAE initiative underscores the importance of proper religious preparation and spiritual awareness, ensuring that pilgrims are not only physically ready but also spiritually and intellectually equipped for this profound religious journey.