His Eminence Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, the Mufti of Uganda has flagged off the first batch of Uganda’s Pilgrims to the Holy City of Makkah in the Royal Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Addressing over 30 pilgrims at the old Kampala-based Uganda Muslim Supreme Council-UMSC headquarters on June 28th, 2022, Sheikh Mubaje congratulated them upon reaching their life moment to go for Haj rituals for the year 2022.
“You have cause to be thankful to the Almighty Allah for showering you with his divine blessings. You are among the chosen few in the Country in the aftermath of two years when Muslims the world over couldn’t perform the Haj due to the COVID-19 pandemic and many were unable to go due to many factors that include the above-required age of 65 as was set by the Saudi Gov’t ” Mufti Mubaje remarked.
Quoting several verses from the Glorious Quran, Mufti Mubaje drew illustrations that Admonish Pilgrims that on this life journey to exercise total commitment, humility and carry physical provisions in form of reasonable finances but above all exercise piety and purify their souls
“Shortly after performing his only pilgrimage to Makkah prior to his demise, the Almighty God revealed to Prophet Muhammad Peace Be Upon Him that had completed his divine favors upon believers and chosen for them Islam as their religion. This demonstrates that performing Haj rituals leads someone to a high level of spiritual enrichment and growth in presence of the Lord and in the hereafter they will be rewarded with the highest level of paradise,” he said.
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Mufti Mubaje advised the Pilgrims never to waste their precious time and carry on with their lifestyle like they were before traveling for Haj but rather “intensify your devotion, by showing inner gratitude to God for his guidance, life, protection, bounties and praise him as you circumambulate the Holy Kaabah and tour various holy stations as you would be guided by your team leaders,” Mufti Mubaje emphasized.
He urged them to pray for their own well-being, their families, colleagues, and leaders both political and religious, and the country and beseech the Almighty Allah to restore peace and sanity in the entire world.
Earlier on, Sheikh Ali Juma Shiwuyo, the UMSC Secretary for Haj informed the Mufti that a similar function had been organized in Iganga and Mbale for Pilgrims from Eastern Uganda. He also disclosed that they had concluded the final arrangements including vaccination against yellow fever and conducted COVID-19 testing 72 hours prior to departure on June 30th, 2022.
Sheikh Erias Kigozi, the Kadhi of Wakiso Muslim District, and Sheikh Muhammad Yunus Kamoga, the Amiir Ummah and head of the Nakaseero Mosque-based Jamiat Al Dawa Al Salafiya also advised the pilgrims to utilize the rare opportunity to seek for pardon and prepare to physically see what they have learned for many years.
In attendance were Haj Muhamood Kateregga Namuguzi the UMSC Executive Committee Member, Members of the Management including Haj Wahab Rugasa, the Administration Secretary, Sheikh Muhammad Murshid Luwemba, the Secretary for Religious Affairs, Sheikh Munir Ssebintu, the in-charge of Halal, Sheikh Juma Cucu Bakhit, the Secretary for Education, Sheikh Imran Abdnoor Ssali, the Secretary for Dawah, Sheikhat Raadhiyya Namakula Secretary for Women and Youths Affairs, Mr. Muhammad Ali Aluma, the Secretary for Social Services and Mr. Musa Lukwiya Secretary for Awqaf among others.
