PUC releases code of conduct for pilgrims

LAHORE :Pakistan Ulema Council while releasing ‘code of conduct’ urged the intending pilgrims visiting Saudi Arabia from Pakistan to follow rules and regulations of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.  During Hajj days, pilgrims should stay away from any controversial debates and taking part in any procession, political gathering and sloganeering, it said. 

The ‘code of conduct’ urged the elderly pilgrims to say prayers in mosques near to their residences in Makkah and Madina. Pakistan Ulema Council Chairman Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi and other Ulema and Muftis associated with ‘Dar-ul-Afta’ Pakistan Ulema Council announced the ‘code of conduct’ for pilgrims. 

The pilgrims in the ‘code of conduct’ were stressed to stay away from any political gathering in Haram during Hajj days and ensure obedience to Saudi laws and act upon the instructions of their ‘Muhalim and guide’. The pilgrims were urged to say prayers in mosques nearby to their residences as in the jurisdiction of Haram saying prayers in vicinity of Haram are all equal. The youths were also urged to take care of elderly and sick pilgrims from their respective groups during Hajj days. The pilgrims were urged not to take any medicine with them without doctors’ prescription. The pilgrims are instructed to cooperate with security personnel of Saudi Arabia in Harem and stay away from sitting on pathways in the vicinities of Haram. 

Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi talking to the media on the occasion said enemies of Muslims and Islam could move to disrupt peace and sanctity of Harmain Al-Sharifain. Pilgrims from all over the world should follow rules and regulations to ensure peace of Harmain Al-Sharifain, he said. In case of any emergency or crisis, the pilgrims should coordinate with complaint cells of Saudi Ministry of Religious Affairs and complain cells of Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs, he added. 

Pakistan Ulema Council has constituted a complaint cell for Pakistani pilgrims to redress any issue in Saudi Arabia and training workshops are also being arranged all over Pakistan on account of Pakistan Ulema Council to assist pilgrims, Hafiz Tahir Ashrafi said.