1st September, 2015
Abiodun Onafuye/Abeokuta
Over 540 pilgrims from Ogun State, western Nigeria, who have arrived in the holy city of Saudi Arabia to perform this year’s holy pilgrimage (hajj) were Monday moved from the state lodge at Medina to the city of Makkah to perform their lesser hajj (Umrah) at the Holy Ka’abbah in Makkah, Al Mukarrama mosque.
The pilgrims, who were in batches A and B, departed Medina for the lesser hajj where they will be having tawwaf round the Holy Ka’abah and observed safar and maruwat rite round the holy mosque.
Speaking with our correspondent from the Holy land, the Chairman, Information Committee of the State Muslim Pilgrims
Board, Sheik Iskeel Lawal, said all is well in the state’s pilgrims’ camp, adding that “all Umrah rites have just been concluded and I want to call on all pilgrims to pray for the State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun for continuation of peace in the state and further development of both state and the nation at large.”
He cautioned the pilgrims to ensure that they perform all Hajj rites guided by the morals and teachings of the Holy Prophet Mohammad (S.A.W) and as also stipulated by the Holy Quran.
Lawal also charged the pilgrims to be steadfast in prayers by intensifying their supplications to Almighty Allah.
He noted that self-control should be exhibited by completing other rites as expected of them while the exercise lasts.
One of the pilgrims, Jide Salisu, who spoke with our correspondent, commended the arrangement regarding the movement of the pilgrims from the city of Medina to Makkah, and noted that the Umrah exercise had opened their minds to what the day of Arafat would look like.
He posited that the exercise since they arrived in the Holy City, has increased the belief of many of them in Allah, adding that the fear of God has remained paramount in their minds.