(Bandar Seri Begawan, 17th) His Majesty the Sultan of Brunei received the faithful who are about to depart for the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca at Istana Nurul Iman in a solemn and grand occasion.
Those present included the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office, Al-Muhtadee Billah.
This reception ceremony saw 1,020 pilgrims being received, including 490 men and 530 women, as well as administrative and medical personnel from the Brunei Hajj Affairs Office and representatives of Hajj service operators.
Before the audience with the Sultan, all the pilgrims took part in congregational prayers. During the ceremony, His Majesty presented gifts to the pilgrims to express his care for the fulfillment of Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam. The male pilgrims received ihram garments, while the females received headscarves.
It is reported that all pilgrims nationwide will depart for Mecca in batches starting from May 4. People from all walks of life wish the pilgrims a smooth journey, a successful Hajj, and a safe return.