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Published: Friday November 13, 2009 MYT 7:24:00 PM

Nik Aziz was not wrong in accepting paid trip to Mecca: Son-in-law

By SYED AZHAR


KOTA BARU: Kelantan Mentri Besar Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nikmat’s son-in-law Abdul Ariffahmi Abdul Rahman said there was nothing wrong in his father-in-law, who is a revered Ulama, to accept offers from people willing to sponsor him for Haj pilgrimage as they felt his presence would spiritually enhance their stay in Mecca.

He added that it was a norm for people to spend money to take Tok Gurus from Pondoks or Zawiya (monastery) in Kelantan to perform the Haj in Mecca.

“Its like this, he (Nik Abdul Aziz) is like other Tok Gurus and many people want to go to the Holy land with people like him because his knowledge of Islam is inspiring.

“Naturally many would want to perform Haj with him including me.

“We can benefit from his knowledge, tazkirah, his experience that would have an effect to our soul, he said this to reporters during an interview at his house in Pulau Melaka recently,” he said.

Abdul Ariffahmi, 35, who is also the chief executive officer of Kelantan Mentri Besar Incorporated (PMBK), was asked to comment on this issue after talk emerged that Nik Abdul Aziz had accepted a RM65,000 sponsorship to perform the Haj from Nov 18.

Earlier this week, Nik Abdul Aziz, who is also the PAS spiritual adviser, said it was okay to accept sponsorships from individuals to perform the Haj, saying that this was not an act of corruption.

Abdul Ariffahmi added that many Tok Gurus did not have enough money to perform the Haj and that it was not out of the ordinary for someone to volunteer to pay for the trip.

Abdul Ariffahmi said he was expected to leave for the Holy land on Sunday.

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