Will the Last Rites of Hyderabad Pilgrims Be Held in Madinah?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Last rites for 45 pilgrims are set for Friday.
- Telangana government is actively involved in supporting families.
- Funeral prayers will be held at Masjid-e-Nabawi.
- Burial will take place at the revered Jannat-ul-Baqi.
- Ex-gratia payments are being provided to the victims' families.
Hyderabad, Nov 20 (NationPress) The final ceremonies for 45 Umrah pilgrims from Hyderabad, who tragically lost their lives in a bus accident close to Madinah in Saudi Arabia on November 16, are scheduled to take place in the sacred city on Friday.
A delegation from the Telangana government, led by Minorities Welfare Minister, is currently present in Madinah to supervise arrangements for the last rites. On Thursday, they convened a meeting with representatives from the government of India, including Andhra Governor S. Abdul Nazeer; Secretary (CPV & OIA), Ministry of External Affairs Arun Kumar Chatterjee, and Indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan.
During the discussions, both parties reviewed all ongoing preparations thoroughly.
Azharuddin has requested that funeral prayers be held on Friday at Masjid-e-Nabawi (The Prophet’s mosque), with the burial taking place at Jannat-ul-Baqi, a significant cemetery in the second holiest city of Islam.
A statement confirmed that Saudi officials have agreed to this request, and the necessary procedures are in progress.
Family members of the deceased have arrived in Madinah to take part in these final ceremonies.
The Telangana delegation, which includes Azharuddin, MLA Majid Hussain, and B. Shafiullah, Secretary to the Government, Minorities Welfare Department, has been in Madinah for three days, providing support to the victims' families and coordinating relief efforts with Saudi authorities.
“We are working diligently to finalize the required formalities, and Insha’Allah, the last rites and funeral will take place tomorrow (Friday), likely at Jannat-ul-Baqi in Madinah Shareef. We are grateful to the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and all officials for their cooperation,” Azharuddin expressed on ‘X’.
He also thanked Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy for authorizing an ex-gratia payment of ₹5 lakh to the families of each deceased. Additionally, two members from each victim's family have been allowed to travel to Saudi Arabia to participate in the last rites.
The Telangana government has organized their travel, meals, and lodging, extending all necessary assistance to the grieving families.