Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale flags off the first group of 300 Hajj pilgrims heading to Saudi Arabia
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The Hajj pilgrimage, one of the most revered rites in Islam, holds immense spiritual significance for millions of Muslims worldwide.
This year marks a significant moment as pilgrims from diverse backgrounds gather once more in the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, for the Hajj, following a challenging three-year period where the COVID-19 pandemic greatly limited the pilgrimage's scale. They seek God's forgiveness for their sins and aim to follow in the footsteps of esteemed prophets such as Muhammad and Abraham. Among the pilgrims is Huda Zaqqout, a 64-year-old woman from Gaza who has faced numerous hardships throughout her life, including raising ten children on her own in a region plagued by conflict and blockades.
Despite these challenges, Zaqqout's lifelong dream of performing Hajj has been a source of strength and hope for her. With the recent easing of Saudi policy allowing more women to participate without the requirement of a male relative escort, Zaqqout is finally able to embark on this sacred journey alongside a group of women, all over the age of 60. In Kenya, a total of 3,300 pilgrims are making their way to Mecca in a phased travel plan. The first group of 300 Hajj pilgrims was recently flagged off at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi by Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale. The successful coordination between various entities, including the government, the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM), and the Saudi Embassy in Kenya, has facilitated a smooth travel process for these pilgrims.
The government has played a crucial role in expediting passport applications and issuance through the State Department of Immigration, while SUPKEM and the Saudi Embassy have worked diligently to ensure the timely issuance of Hajj visas. Hajj is a unique experience that combines both the communal and the personal. Muslims from diverse races and socioeconomic backgrounds come together to perform the rituals as one united community, yet each pilgrim brings their own individual aspirations and life experiences to the journey. The pilgrimage spans several days and involves a series of rituals at holy sites in and around Mecca, culminating in the symbolic stoning of pillars representing Satan.
It is a time for deep introspection, fervent prayer, and seeking God's mercy and forgiveness. For many, Hajj represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that holds profound spiritual meaning. Looking to the future, the Supreme Council of Kenyan Muslims (Supkem) has announced new conditions for upcoming Hajj pilgrimages. The next Hajj is scheduled to take place from June 14 to June 22, 2024, in Mecca. In response to stringent measures implemented by Saudi Arabia, the number of approved Hajj agents in Kenya will be reduced from 70 to 50. These regulations aim to prioritize the safety and well-being of pilgrims throughout their sacred journey.
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Wrong news.
Those are Somalis .
From Mombasa...mogadishu
The blind sheep 🐑
Hahaha did you mean "The Blind Sheikh..."
Good for them.However,I would like to point out that there are numerous documented evidence that shows prevalent discrimination during the Haji.There have even been fights.Africans have been known to be discriminated against largely because of their skin color.Infact the Koran does not paint black people in good light.This goes back the time when Prophet Mohammad owned,and traded in slaves.
Yes Iknow just about all religions have their good and bad points.This truism is evidenced more when you consider that religious beliefs do not lend themselves to evidence.All you need is just faith.
Anyway, I take issue with the statement,"and aim to follow in the footsteps of esteemed prophets such as Muhammad and Abraham"
From what I have read about Prophet Mohammad,I honestly dont see any 'dictum',that would make me admire him. This is because I question,and I like critical thinking. Let's see the following things the prophet did and you will understand my position;
1. At the age of 54 he married a 6 year old girl who was still playing with dolls.
2. He married his son's wife. Granted the son was adopted,he called The prophet father.
3. He had at least 11 wives who he had sex with one after another without taking showers in between
4. He said camel urine was medicine
5. He told muslims not to be friend with Christians and Jews.
6. He was a warlord He fought in battles and engaged in raids
7.He gave himself the right to have any woman he wanted.
Of course muslim apologists refute all these claims,with excusess such as "do you speak Arabic?" or "You are taking it out of context." My question is if Mohammad is the perfect example of morality,and humality,and aprophet of ALL TIMES, how to do you square his actions with this supposedly saintly Image? To me Jesus comes close to perfection compared to Mohammad. Well ,my two cents.