Religious Affairs Adviser Dr AFM Khalid. File Photo

DHAKA, April 9, 2025 (BSS) – Religious Affairs Adviser Dr AFM Khalid today said that worship would not be accepted if it is performed with money acquired through illegal means. 

He urged the Muslim devotees to perform hajj with money earned in a legal way. 

The adviser made these comments while inaugurating a ‘Hajj Pilgrims Training Programme-2025’ at Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the city.

“There is a tendency in people’s mind to earn money through getting interest from bank, bribery and corruption,” Khalid said, adding that the hajj would not be granted if it is performed with money gained through illegal ways.

Citing a quotation from a Hadit, Dr Khalid said that when a corrupt, looter, usurer and bribe taker reaches the ‘Haram Sharif (Kaaba)’ and says “O Allah! I am present here,  the angels say in chorus that your presence is not granted”.

The adviser urged all to earn money through legal ways.

Performing Hajj involves extensive physical labor and financial expenditure, he said, adding that sometimes there is uncertainty about availing transport services, in that case, one may have to walk to reach Mina, Arafah and Muzdalifah.

Thus, the hajj pilgrims should have a mentality to endure sufferings or sacrifices to gain the satisfaction of Almighty Allah.

Highlighting the importance of the training for pilgrims, Dr Khalid said that the training makes a person skilled to succeed in his work.

The hajj formalities would be easier for those who will be attentive in acquiring the  training, he added.

Terming the hajj pilgrims as fortunate ones, the adviser said the hajj is a matter of fortune and it is not correct that you can perform hajj if you have enough money.

Describing the importance of hajj, Dr Khalid said the reward of a hajj accepted by Allah is the ‘Jannat’ (heaven). 

Chaired by the Additional Secretary of the Hajj wing of the Religious Affairs Ministry Md Motiul Islam, Religious Affairs Secretary AKM Aftab Hossain Pramanik, president of the Hajj Agencies of Bangladesh Syed Golam Sarwar, its Secretary General Farid Ahmed Majumder and Joint Secretary of the Hajj wing Dr Manjurul Haque, addressed the function, among others.