With the Arrival of the Final Flight of Afghan Pilgrims from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, This Year's Hajj Operation Successfully Concluded
Wednesday, 15 Muharram 1448 AH
Corresponding to: 10 Saratan 1405
The return process of Afghan pilgrims who performed Hajj in 1447 AH (1405 SH) from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which had commenced on the fifteenth of Dhu al-Hijjah in accordance with the plan of the Ministry of MOHIA, was successfully completed with the arrival of the final (96th) flight.
On the occasion of the successful completion of this year's Hajj operation, the Ministry held a special ceremony at the Kabul Hajj Complex. The event was attended by Honorable Mawlawi Abdul Salam Hanafi, Administrative Deputy Prime Minister; Honorable Shaykh al-Hadith Dr. Noor Mohammad Saqib, Minister of Hajj and Religious Affairs; senior officials of the Ministry; the pilgrims returning on the final flight; religious scholars; and a number of respected elders.
Welcoming the returning pilgrims, Honorable Mawlawi Abdul Salam Hanafi prayed for the acceptance of their Hajj and stated:
"It is by the grace and mercy of Allah Almighty that this year once again 30,000 Afghan pilgrims were honored to perform the sacred obligation of Hajj at the Two Holy Mosques. Today, with the arrival of the final flight, this major operation has concluded successfully, safely, and in an orderly manner."
He commended the Ministry of MOHIA for its effective management of Hajj affairs, the well-organized transportation of pilgrims, and the efficient coordination of services. He also expressed his appreciation to the Ministry's officials, members of the Afghan Hajj Mission, instructors, administrative and technical staff, Ariana Afghan Airlines and Kam Air, airport authorities, the security personnel, and everyone who contributed sincerely and tirelessly to serving and transporting the pilgrims. Furthermore, he conveyed gratitude to the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its relevant authorities for providing appropriate facilities and high-quality services to the pilgrims.
Thereafter, the Honorable Minister of MOHIA delivered a scholarly and advisory address to the returning pilgrims and participants. At the outset, he expressed his appreciation to the Ministry's officials, distinguished scholars, relevant institutions, and all those who had carried out their responsibilities with sincerity, dedication, and a strong sense of duty in organizing Hajj affairs and serving the pilgrims.
The Honorable Minister extended his congratulations to all pilgrims returning from the Two Holy Mosques and to their families. Addressing the pilgrims, he stated that Hajj is one of the fundamental pillars of Islam and among the greatest acts of worship prescribed by Allah Almighty. He emphasized that the acceptance of this act of worship depends upon its performance in accordance with all of its pillars, obligatory requirements, Sunnahs, and recommended acts.
Drawing upon the guidance of the Holy Qur'an and the Prophetic traditions, the Minister advised the pilgrims that Hajj and Umrah must be performed with complete sincerity solely for the pleasure of Allah Almighty, and not for fame, social recognition, competition, or any worldly objective.
He further explained that one of the clearest signs of an accepted (Hajj Mabroor) is a positive transformation in a pilgrim's character, speech, conduct, and behavior. If, after performing Hajj, a person demonstrates noticeable improvement in their manners, actions, ethics, and interactions with others, this is among the most significant indications that their Hajj has been accepted.
The Minister also emphasized that if Allah Almighty accepts a person's Hajj, then, as the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) stated, the individual becomes free from sins as though newly born. Therefore, pilgrims should make every effort after completing this great pillar of Islam to increase their righteous deeds, strengthen their devotion and obedience to Allah, and refrain from sins and undesirable actions.
In another part of his remarks, the Minister referred to the distinguished status enjoyed by Afghan pilgrims at the Two Holy Mosques, saying:
"You witnessed with your own eyes that Afghan pilgrims enjoy a unique and honored position in the Two Holy Mosques. People greet them with great respect, express happiness upon meeting them, and show them honor and esteem. This dignity and respect are the result of the great struggles, sacrifices, and steadfastness of the people of Afghanistan in defending their religion, independence, and values."
In concluding his address, the Honorable Minister prayed to Allah Almighty to accept the Hajj of all pilgrims, grant them a Hajj Mabroor, bless them with success and prosperity in this life, and bestow upon them eternal happiness and salvation in the Hereafter.
