Hyderabad: There is a possibility for the selected categories of the Haj pilgrims from the State getting downgraded in view of the shortage of buildings at Makkah. Pilgrims who have opted for the first category might be shifted to second category and those who chose the second might be moved to third, according to Minister for Minorities Welfare Mohd Fareeduddin.

Addressing the first Haj training camp organised by the State Haj Committee here on Sunday, the Minister, who recently visited Saudi Arabia to select buildings, said nearly 4000 buildings, which were not in good condition were dismantled in Makkah this year. This was done in view of the collapse of a building last year in which several pilgrims died. This had led to shortage of buildings.

Getting downgraded

This year 47,000 applications were received for first category from all over the country while the buildings selected had capacity to accommodate only 33,000 pilgrims. For the second category 27,000 applications were received where as the buildings selected could house 20,000 pilgrims. "Therefore, there is a chance of the categories getting downgraded. If this happened the differential amount would be refunded to the pilgrims," Mr. Fareeduddin assured.

He said there would be no guarantee that the buildings selected by him would be allotted. However, efforts were on to accommodate all pilgrims from Andhra Pradesh at one place. This time the Saudi Government had constructed buildings at Sheesha for accommodating pilgrims. This place had all the facilities only it would be at a distance of 2 km from the grand mosque. However, arrangements would be made for transport, the Minister said.

He said this year the Saudi Government had planned to allow the pilgrims to stone the devil at staggered timings so as to avoid untoward incidents. The elderly pilgrims could have this ritual done on their behalf by others.

Different rituals

Hafiz Peer Shabbir Ahmed, chairman, State Haj Committee, urged the pilgrims to develop the habit of walking and being patient. In spite of all the care taken they would be put to some discomfort because of the sheer number of pilgrims assembling at one place.

Mufti Sadiq Mohiuddin explained at length the different rituals connected with Haj and the method of performance. Moulana Ashiq Ali demonstrated how `Ihram', the two pieces of unstitched cloth, should be draped around the body. Moulana Abid Khan spoke about `Ziarat-e-Madina'. He urged the pilgrims to spend their time in worship and supplication and not in mundane matters.

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