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MANILA (SDN) — Sheikh Ustadhz Mohammad Taha Ebus Edza is back starting with Umrah, the minor pilgrimage, in 2024.
In December, he will start leading and guiding his “jama’ah” (pilgrims) to Makkah and Madinah and other religious sites in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia founded by King Abdulaziz bin Abdul Rahman Al-Saud in 1932.
He is also expected to accept and lead pilgrims for the 2025 Hajj.
As this developed, Sheikh Mohd. Taha re-affirmed his strong support for Secretary Sabuddin N. Abdurahim as head of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF).
He said that he was particularly impressed with the new head of the Commission for being the last person to remain in Muzdalifah during this year’s Hajj pilgrimage, a feat made more notable because of the scorching heat of the sun that killed many pilgrims from other countries.
Sheikh Mohd. Taha explained that Muzdalifah is the jumping point for Hajj pilgrims as they descend from the plains of Arafah after Uqof (Standing in Arafah) on their way to Mina for the Throwing of Stones at three Pillars called Jamarats to symbolize humanity’s battle against Shaitan (Satan, the Devil).
He explained further the pilgrims from Arafah stay overnight in Muzdalifah to collect pebbles for the Mina rituals, pray the evening prayers Magrebh and Eesa. Then, at the break of dawn they scamble to take the bus to Mina, which is a very difficult thing to do because even if the NCMF had already contracted bus for Filipinos, pilgrims from other countries usually board every bus that arrives in Muzdalifah.
“This stage of the pilgrimage in Muzdalifah is very demanding physically, especially for the women and the old pilgrims because you to struggle for your bus and space in the bus,” says Sheikh Mohd. Taha.
He added that while he was not there for the 2024 Hajj, he was told by fellow sheikhs and pilgrims who were present performed the pilgrimage that Secretary Abdurahim did not leave and board the bus until every single Filipino pilgrim had left Muzdalifah for Mina.
If there are any issues or concerns about the 2024 Hajj, Sheikh Mohd. Taha says, “let us remember that Secretary Sabuddin Abdurahim assumed his duties and responsibilities as NCMF head when the Hajj operation was already in full swing, and that he can no longer make any changes.”
President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. appointed Abdurahim only in March 2024; the NCMF was already at its peak when he assumed his position as secretary and CEO of the Commission.
Regarding Umrah, Sheikh Mohd. Taha said Umrah pilgrims will also be toured in places close to the hearts in Madinah of Prophet Mohammad (SAW), at the Prophet’s Mosque, Al-Qiblatain Mosque (Islam’s first Qibla), Quba Mosque, Hira Cave, site of the Battle of Uhud, and many others.
Pandemic gave Sheikh Mohd. Taha over 2 years break
The Maguindanaon sheikh has been described as the “dean” of Filipino sheikhs for his exemplary length of service to pilgrims, strength of character, and untainted performance of his duties and responsibilities including during Hajj, the major pilgrimage.
He told SDN — SciTech and Digital News that he started as sheikh in 1995, a length of 19 years today, and wish to continue serving Filipino pilgrims for as long as he can possibly do.
In his Facebook page, Sheikh Mohd. Taha announced already his intention to accept Umrah jama’ah for December this year.
He said his December Umrah package for 15 days (quad room) is US$2,500 per person (additional $1,500 for Business Class seat), covering the following:
- International Air Fare
- Bus Transfer
- Hotels in Madinah and Makkah
- Accredited Sheikh Guide
- Raudah Permit
- More Freebies
- Zeyarah
Recall that the global pandemic caused by coronavirus that started in Wuhan City, China, in 2019 affected every human activity for over two years from government to business to schools to travel to routine life activities, including going to the market as lockdowns in many countries were put in place.
Sheikh Mohd. Taha took the break to re-charge and be with his family and friends, as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia restricted the number of pilgrims for 2020 Hajj to only 1,000, only 60,000 in 2021, with pilgrims only from inside Saudi Arabia.
As the pandemic gradually allows the return to life’s normal activities, the Kingdom increased the number of pilgrims to one million in 2022, and more in 2023.
Before the pandemic, Saudi-based pilgrims and those coming from other countries had reached at least two million people.
For those who want to join Sheikh Mohd. Taha for Umrah in December, he can be reached at 0965.297.0250; Facebook: Mohammad Taha Edza; WhatsApp: 0965.297.0259. — EDD K. USMAN (/)