MAKKAH: A number of Haj missions have expressed satisfaction with the consummate services provided by the Establishment of Mutawifs for Pilgrims of African Non-Arabs during the recent pilgrimage.
Head of the Nigerian Haj mission Muhammad Mousa Balu told chairman of the establishment Abdul Wahid Burhan Saifuddin the services provided have greatly contributed to the success of their pilgrims’ holy trip.
“I would like to extend our deepest thanks and gratitude for the distinguished services extended to us, including the provision of suitable accommodations in Makkah, Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifah. Your quick response to our diverse demands and the comfort in all areas which enabled our pilgrims to devote their time to worship,” he said.
Balu also expressed appreciation for the establishment’s evaluation of the Nigerian pilgrims’ behavior during the previous Haj season, which led to proposals on how to improve their conduct in various areas.
Chairman of the Ivory Coast’s Haj mission Binati Ibrahim also praised the establishment. “The cooperation of your office with us has left its mark in my heart and the hearts of all my colleagues,” he said.
The establishment obtained an ISO certificate for the quality of its services for 2008.
“We are determined to preserve our excellence in the years to come,” Saifuddin said, adding that these accomplishments were only made possible by the efforts and sacrifices of its entire staff.
The establishment provides Haj services to pilgrims from 46 non-Arab African countries.
The chairman of the Kenyan Haj mission was also impressed by the services provided to pilgrims from his country. “We appreciate the excellent services provided to us from reception, accommodation and transport until our departure home, which enabled us to perform the fifth pillar of Islam in ease and comfort.” The Consul General of South Africa has also expressed his appreciation for the establishment. “Your close ties with South Africa is further proof of your sincere efforts to make the Haj a success and to enable our pilgrims perform the rituals comfortably,” Mahdi Yassin said.
The Gambian Amir of Haj Mbye Kebba Kah lauded the excellent arrangements and facilities provided by the Saudi government for pilgrims from all over the world.
“We have noticed a steady improvement both in infrastructure and organization in cities and places of worship. So much so, the Haj is becoming really easy,” he said.
Head of the Tanzanian Haj mission Khaled Muhammad Mirsho also praised the resounding success of the pilgrimage season and the excellent services provided, singling out Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah and the Saudi government for gratitude.
Chairman of the Mauritian Haj mission Farhad Ismael Aumeer, who is also chairman of the country’s Islamic Cultural center, commended the establishment’s handling of logistics, accommodation, transport and the warm reception and send-off pilgrims received.
“Words are not enough to express my satisfaction of the way you have handled difficult times due to the torrential rains that we had on the first day at Mina. Our feelings are hopefully testament enough to your continuous help and dedication to the welfare of all our Mauritian Hajjis,” he said.
Omar Karamuth of Karamuth Trading Enterprise Co. in Mauritius also expressed his satisfaction with the services provided despite the flooding.
“The comfort, hygiene and health of our pilgrims were foremost in the establishment’s thoughts,” he said.
Head of the Nigerian travel and tourist agency Batijay Travels Sanousi Moussa, while praising the establishment, also noted some delays and confusion in the transport of pilgrims who had booked through his company and hoped that they would be avoided next year.
