Pilgrims from Jigawa State have commenced Hajj rites with optimism as they are being transported from the tent city at Mina camps to Mount Arafat for the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage.
Hajj rites usually commence from the 8th to the 13th day of Dhul-Hijjah each year, during which pilgrims are conveyed to Mina transit camp before proceeding to Arafat, Muzdalifah, Jamaratul Aqabah, and finally to Makkah to complete the circumambulation of the Holy Ka’abah.
Most of the pilgrims who spoke to Radio Nigeria expressed hope that despite the rigours associated with Hajj activities, they remain determined to achieve a smooth and successful pilgrimage.
Some pilgrims from Kirikasamma and Jahun Local Government Areas, Alhaji Musa Yau Muhammad and Alhaji Sabitu Hussaini, explained that the fear and love of Allah motivate them to endure the difficult Hajj activities.
According to them, Allah has assured believers that prayers offered during Hajj will be answered, making it necessary for pilgrims to endure the challenges of the exercise because nothing worthwhile comes easy.
According to another pilgrim, Iliya Ahmad from Dutse pointed out that hajj is one of the pillars of Islam which every Muslim who can afford it is expected to undergo and the Quran states that, all request made by pilgrims will be granted.
He added that assurance alone, gives him the satisfaction of going through all processes of hajj no matter how difficult.
The pilgrims were of the opinion that, the fact that hajj is Allah’s calling which makes them his special guests, no amount of long distance walk or hot sun and the large population which may cause them inconvenience will discourage them from the worship.
According to teachings of Islam, any pilgrim who performs the hajj rituals accordingly, has all of his sins erased and given another chance of starting a new life just like a new born child.
Also in an interview with Radio Nigeria the Director General of the Jigawa State Pilgrims welfare board, Alhaji Ahmed Umar Labbo said all necessary provision for the state pilgrim’s comfort has been arranged in Arafat.
According to him, the pilgrims would be transported to mount Arafat this night.
“The tent is well air conditioned with mattresses, pillows and blankets provided for each pilgrim. And because of the hot sun, we stationed between water coolers by each tent to reduce the risk of dehydration amongst the pilgrims”.
Labbo further explained that, three square meals with juice, bottle water and fruits will also be provided for the state pilgrims.
The DG advised all pilgrims to first have the fear of Allah in their hearts, saying, its the first step of performing a smooth hajj.
“The Prophet, peace be upon him, performed hajj by moving to Mina camps after sunrise on the 8th of Dhul Hijja, but due to the large population, the movement is being done from midnight of the 7th in order to convey all pilgrims at the required time. They are also moved to mount Arafat at midnight, all for the sake of beating time”.
As at the time of compiling this report, each pilgrim will be screened thoroughly by the Saudi Mu’assasa officials before allowing him or her to enter any of the buses provided by the jigawa state pilgrims welfare board to transport them to Mount arafat.
Usman Mohammed Zaria
