Several pilgrims took courses in Jeddah and Riyadh recently on how to perform the Haj properly.

Mohammed Najeeb Qasmi and Abdur Rahman Umari ran the courses in Riyadh. The two men have been offering the courses for several years.

The course was held on Sep. 26 that included information on the rituals and pictures of the Grand Mosque and other holy sites. Pilgrims were able to ask questions after the presentation.

Umari started the program with a recitation from the Qur’an. Qasmi did the presentation and Musharraf Ali, a medical doctor, gave the pilgrims advice on how to keep healthy during the pilgrimage.

This year, Khak-e-Taiba Trust (KTT) in Jeddah also organized a similar program in Jeddah on Sept. 27. Qari Noor Mohammad started the proceedings by reciting verses from the Qur’an, with Khalid Madani offering a naat.

Qasmi presented the program. Mufti Ziauddeen Naqshbandi from Jamia Nizamia in Hyderabad gave a lecture on the virtues of Haj, and urged pilgrims to be patient and behave properly during their journey.

Qasmi has published two videos “How to perform Umrah” and “How to perform Haj.” These can be seen on YouTube and his website (www.najeebqasmi.com).

Aleem Khan Falaki, convener of the program, said in his lecture that the Haj should be performed with halaal (permissible) income. Falaki, the KTT’s chief advisor, presided over the event along with Ahmed Abdul Hakeem, the KTT president.

Also present at the event was the forum’s overseas trustee Shamim Kausar, trustee Aijaz Ahmed Khan and trustee and general secretary, Syed Khaja Viqaruddin. Mohammad Siadath Ali Khan, who is responsible for personality development, emphasized the need to organize literary functions to benefit the community.

Khak-e-Taiba Trust is an education and welfare organization with its head office in Hyderabad. It offers technical courses, helps women and the youth find jobs, and runs free schools.