JEDDAH: The number of Chinese pilgrims coming for Haj is on the rise, with 13,333 pilgrims expected this year, compared to 12,700 in 2009, 11,000 in 2008 and 10,000 in 2007. “Chinese pilgrims enjoy the full support of their government. The Haj mission is organized by our Islamic association, which has 51 branches in different parts of the country. The association helps to organize Haj missions from various regions,” said Mustafa Yang Chibo, president of the Islamic Society of China, who heads his country's Haj mission. He spoke to Saudi Gazette at the Chinese consulate in Jeddah on Saturday. There are 10 Islamic groups in China, which has almost 21 million Muslims. This year Chinese pilgrims are coming from various provinces on 40 chartered flights. The average age of the pilgrims is 60. The first flight from China arrived on Oct. 18 at Prince Muhammad Bin Abdul Aziz International Airport in Madina from Latinshu city. A total of 4,620 pilgrims will arrive from Latinshu, 2,310 from Yantishwan, 3,188 from Uromitshy, and the rest from other parts of the country until Nov. 4. All Chinese pilgrims will be in the Kingdom by Nov. 9. The Chinese Haj mission has two groups, a management team and a medical team with 38 doctors, 10 nurses and 10 assistants. The mission also includes 40 imams who are on hand to guide and teach pilgrims about Haj rituals. Chibo said various Islamic civil associations and other groups have been established in each of the provinces and cities of China. These Islamic organizations help the government to implement a policy of freedom of religion and to develop Islam in China, he said.
