Minister Of Religion Bans Congregants From Bringing Political Attributes During Hajj

JAKARTA - Minister of Religion Yaqut Cholil Qoumas forbade Indonesian pilgrims to carry the attributes of political parties or organizations during the pilgrimage.

"Even though this has entered the political year, there is no need to bring up party or organizational attributes," said the Minister of Religion when releasing the 1st flying group congregation at Soekarno-Hatta Airport, Tangerang, Banten in Tangerang, as reported by ANTARA, Wednesday, May 24.

He asked the congregation to take advantage of the opportunity to perform the pilgrimage well and only focus on worship, especially the opportunity for Hajj to be dreamed of by all Muslims in the world, especially Indonesia.

The Minister of Religion asked the congregation to avoid carrying luggage that had nothing to do with and not support them in worship.

"Moreover (attributes, ed) were taken for photos in the mosque area or the Prophet's Mosque. If caught by the security forces of Saudi Arabia, it could be punished," said Yaqut.

He also reminded the congregation of the prohibition of bringing all forms of obstacle because it could be exposed to the syiric article in Saudi Arabia with severe punishment.

"I hope that the congregation can wisely use social media while in Saudi. Do not carelessly create negative content while in Haramain and then upload it on social media. So once again I ordered, just focus on worship," he said.

The Minister of Religion explained that this year the pilgrims who were selected to go to Baitullah, performed the fifth Islamic rule, namely the pilgrimage.

He said that the pilgrimage requires excellent physicality so that they must always pay attention to the health aspect while traveling, in Saudi Arabia, until they return to the country.

"Don't overly force yourself to do activities, including sunnah worship, especially if you feel that your health is inadequate," he said.

The conditions in Saudi Arabia, he said, are different from in Indonesia. The weather in Saudi Arabia is much hotter than Indonesia so all participants in the pilgrimage must be able to adjust.

The government has also prepared officers to provide health services for the congregation.

"Don't hesitate to ask or consult if there are health-related complaints. There have also been prepared officers who will provide services, protection, and guidance to the congregation," he said.