Jigawa State pilgrims have commenced Hajj rites with optimism as they are transported from Makkah to Muna camps, where they will proceed to Mount Arafat for the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage.
In this special report, our correspondent Usman Mohammed Zaria reports that Hajj rites usually commence from the 8th to the 13th of Dhul Hajj each year.
Pilgrims are conveyed to the Muna transit camp and thereafter proceed to Arafat, Muzdalifah, Jamratul Aqabah, and finally to Makkah to complete the circumambulation of the Kaabah.
Most of the pilgrims who spoke to Radio Nigeria expressed hope that despite the rigors involved in Hajj activities, they are determined to achieve a smooth and successful pilgrimage.
A pilgrim from Kiyawa Local Government Area, Alhaji Salisu Yau Katanga, explained that his fear and love for Allah give him the motivation to endure the challenging aspects of Hajj.
He emphasized that Allah has promised to answer all prayers, so enduring the difficulties is essential, as nothing worthwhile comes easily.
According to another pilgrim from Suletankarkar, Hajiya Habiba Musa, Hajj is one of the pillars of Islam which every Muslim who can afford it is expected to undertake, and the Qur’an states that all requests made by pilgrims will be granted.
She added that this assurance alone gives her the satisfaction of going through all the processes of Hajj, no matter how difficult.
The pilgrims believed that because Hajj is a divine calling that makes them special guests of Allah, no amount of long-distance walking, intense heat, or large crowds causing inconvenience would deter them from worship.
Islamic teachings state that any pilgrim who correctly performs the Hajj rituals has all their sins erased and is given a fresh start, similar to a newborn 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.
“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”.
At the time of compiling this report, each pilgrim was being thoroughly screened by Saudi Mu’assasa officials before being allowed to board the buses provided by the Jigawa State Pilgrims Welfare Board for transport to Mina camp.
In Makkah, Usman Mohammed Zaria
