Good Morning, Mr. President



The Point

COLUMN
February 12, 2001
Posted to the web February 12, 2001


Mr. President. Today our subject is your 2001 Hajj package. The talk in
town, as you probably know, if the NIA is doing its job well, we think, is
about your great largesse extended to some people to perform this year's
Hajj.

The earlier figures talk about 147 beneficiaries, but to tell the truth, the
grapevine has now put the figure at 300, which brings to focus the whole
idea of sponsoring these people. Hajj is one of the fundamental pillars of
Islam. It is valued by the world's Islamic community, as verified every year
with the millions of enthusiastic Muslims that perform the Hajj. This is in
response to the Islamic injunction, which says it is an obligation for a
Muslim to visit Mecca at least once in his or her lifetime if he or she is
in the position to afford it.

Specifically, the injunction reads: "Pilgrimage thereto is a duty men owe to
Allah. Those who can afford the journey should do it "(Sura Al-Himran, verse
97). With the 147 people, we are talking about an amount of D3,528,000 for
the tckets at the official rate of D24,000 per pilgrim. For the 300 people,
the amount involved would be D7,200,000.

For the two scenarios, we have counted out allowances or pocket money. Now
there is a need to put the records straight by an indication of the number
of people you have sponsored. Is it 147 or 300 ? Whatever the figure, what
is exercising the minds of the people is why? What is the rationale for
sponsoring so many people to Mecca with your own resources, when all other
countries bank on the number of tickets offered by the Saudis? What do you
expect to receive in return for such a display of largesse? Is it Allah's
blessings? Or political points, as claimed by your political opponents?

Should you be seeking Allah's blessings only, then no discrimination based
on party affiliations should come into play. So, if that is the case, prove
them wrong! Parade on GRTS Television UDP members, NRP members and PDOIS
members that have also beneffited from your religious fervour. If you were
also only working for Islam, we hope that you have subscribed to the rules
governing the Hajj, in particular such as govern sponsorship of pilgrims.
For only the full adherence to these rules will ensure a Heavenly reward.
Please help us know the whole truth surrounding this affair. Have a Good
Morning!


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