Thousand Wheelchairs Enable Disabled Pilgrims To Perform Hajj 2019
Umer Jamshaid Published August 14, 2019 | 10:20 AM
ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 14th Aug, 2019 ) :The Holy Hajj is obligatory for all Muslims who are physically and financially capable to perform it. Some worshipers with certain illnesses, injuries and disabilities are exempted, but insist on performing it anyway. One invention, that of the German watchmaker, Stephan Farffler, has made it easy for them to do so.
The Saudi government and private philanthropists have made thousands of wheelchairs available to Hajj pilgrims.
Through its social department, the Health Affairs Directorate in Makkah has provided some 819 wheelchairs of different types this year alone, worth SR229,320 (over $61,000). These included self-powered chairs for those who needed them, as well as assistants, Arab news reported.
Security forces assigned special paths at camps to the Jamarat for wheelchair users to ensure their safety while performing their Hajj rites. Boy scout volunteers have also exerted great effort in helping these pilgrims and those found exhausted after long treks.
Social contribution supervisor, Mahasen Shuaib, told Arab News: "The program includes many gifts and services to the pilgrims, including clothes and hundreds of thousands of drinking water bottles. These were all made available for all pilgrims in need." Saleh Abdussalam, a Hajj service company provider, said that private companies were also providing pilgrims in need with wheelchairs for free.
"They use them to go to Jamarat. We also help in grouping them during non-peak hours or when they like to go out. We have some 150 wheelchairs distributed in our camps."In islam, a disabled pilgrim can ask another pilgrim to do the stoning on their behalf. However, some pilgrims are keen to do it by themselves, despite all the difficulties they can go through.
Last year, the General Presidency for the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques announced the launch of an application to help elderly and sick pilgrims, who were estimated at about 250,000, electronically book wheelchairs.
Recent Stories
IMF Officials assure support to Pakistan’s economy
Naqvi directs foolproof measures for protection of Chinese nationals
Israel carries out attack inside Iran, report US media
Saudi Assistant Minister of Defence calls on army chief
Currency Rate In Pakistan - Dollar, Euro, Pound, Riyal Rates On 19 April 2024
Today Gold Rate in Pakistan 19 April 2024
Rock-solid Ruud racks up season-leading win in Barcelona
At UN, Iran says it will make Israel 'regret' reprisals
G7 hears calls for 'critical' Ukraine aid
EU seeks to leverage might to confront China, US challenge
5 Customs officials martyred as their vehicle ambushed by terrorists in D I Khan
Pak-New Zealand match called off due to rain
More Stories From Pakistan
-
Seminar highlights importance of kitchen gardening, herbs
2 minutes ago -
Good governance, relief for masses top priorities of govt: Sarfraz Bugti
2 minutes ago -
President lauds Banking Mohtasib for providing Rs 1.26 b relief to bank customers
2 minutes ago -
Six injured in road crash
12 minutes ago -
Bilawal condemns attack, says foes of Pak-Japan want to spoil relations
12 minutes ago -
12th death anniversary of activist poet Abeda Iqbal Azad on Saturday
12 minutes ago
-
Turkish CGS calls on Minister for Defence
22 minutes ago -
Minister briefed on hydroponic system for agriculture development
22 minutes ago -
Lanjar orders security high alert across Sindh
31 minutes ago -
Govt absorbs Rs 45 bln burden, spares public from sales tax, petroleum levy: Tarar
31 minutes ago -
Rains play havoc with KP; 36 killed, 2391 houses damaged
32 minutes ago -
22 suspects arrested with illegal weapons, drugs
32 minutes ago