Jigawa State pilgrims have commenced Hajj rites with optimism as they were transported from Makkah to Mina camps, where they will proceed to Mount Arafat for the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage.
Hajj rites typically begin from the 8th to the 13th of Dhul-Hijjah each year, as pilgrims are conveyed to the Mina transit camp and subsequently proceed to Arafat, Muzdalifah, Jamratul Aqabah, and finally return 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 involved in Hajj activities, they are determined to achieve a smooth and successful pilgrimage.
Some pilgrims from Jahun and Kiyawa Local Government Areas, Hajiya Maijidda Abdulhamid and Alhaji Mohammed Abdullahi Idris, explained that their fear of and love for Allah is what motivates them to endure the challenges of Hajj.
They noted that Allah has promised to answer all prayers during the pilgrimage, and therefore, it is mandatory for them to persevere because nothing good comes easy.
According to another pilgrim, Murtala Sani Lama 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.
“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 is being 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 Mina camp.
Usman Mohammed Zaria.
