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His Eminence Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, the Mufti of Uganda, has flagged off the Ugandan pilgrims for the year 2024. The colorful ceremony was held in the UMSC Conference Hall shortly after the Friday congregational prayers at the National Mosque on May 24, 2024. The Mufti began his uplifting remarks by chanting the sublime and popular Hajj phrase often recited by pilgrims, “Labbaik Allahuma Labbaik,” which means, “Here I am, my Lord and Creator, at Your service; indeed all glory, praises, and power belong to You, and nothing is comparable to You.” The congregants echoed this phrase, filling the air with devotion. Mufti Mubaje reminded his attentive audience that performing the Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and leads a Muslim faithful to attain divine rewards and blessings. He advised the pilgrims to ensure they had paid all debts, cleared their Zakah (alms-giving to the poor), and to better utilized their stay in Makkah in devotion rather than indulgence in worldly affairs. He also urged private Hajj companies to ensure that those pilgrims who have fully paid and met the requirements for the journey are assisted in fulfilling their Hajj obligations. He noted that UMSC would take strong actions against companies that cheat clients.
Earlier His Eminence Sheikh Muhammad Ali Waiswa, the Deputy Mufti, explained that the Hajj symbolizes the bond between Almighty Allah and man and the unity of Muslim believers globally. “It isn’t a mere trip but rather a spiritual awakening,” Sheikh Waiswa preached. Hon. Hadji Abbas Muluubya Ssekyanzi, the UMSC Secretary General, highlighted Hajj as a source of blessings, a means of soul purification, and a sign of equality among different races and nations.
Meanwhile, Sheikh Ali Juma Shiwuyu, UMSC Secretary in charge of Hajj and Umrah, disclosed that his office had registered 95 pilgrims, 55 men, and 40 women. He assured that they are well instructed in the Hajj rituals, have taken the required immunizations, and are scheduled to travel on June 5 and return on June 24, 2024, via the national carrier Uganda Airlines. Notably among this year’s pilgrims are Hon. Sheikh Rashid Musa Moro, Koboko Muslim District representative to the UMSC General Assembly, and Haj Salim Matata, the Yumbe Muslim District chairman.
In attendance were UMSC Heads of Departments.