Hajj 2017: Pilgrims tasked on piety, patience

Intending pilgrims to this year’s hajj exercise have been urged to give the journey for the pilgrimage the seriousness it deserves and be good ambassadors of the country in Saudi Arabia. The Ameerah (Leader) of the Jamaatu Da’awah (Islamic propagation) women’s wing of the Fuad Lababidi Islamic Academy, Abuja Rakiya Shehu Bamalli gave the advice […]

Intending pilgrims to this year’s hajj exercise have been urged to give the journey for the pilgrimage the seriousness it deserves and be good ambassadors of the country in Saudi Arabia.

The Ameerah (Leader) of the Jamaatu Da’awah (Islamic propagation) women’s wing of the Fuad Lababidi Islamic Academy, Abuja Rakiya Shehu Bamalli gave the advice in Abuja at the 16th annual intensive Hajj seminar for intending pilgrims.

She also urged the Federal Government to intervene in the exchange rate discussion in the interest of many Nigerians who may not be able to meet up the fare for this year’s exercise.

“Nigerian intending pilgrims to the Holy Land for the Hajj pilgrimages need detailed enlightenments especially for the first timers. It is a journey of a life time and as it is becoming more expensive to perform the journey, it is not the best for someone to go there and not know what to do as expected.

“We are happy that this seminar in its 16th year has made credible and positive impacts on Muslims pilgrims such that the feedback we received from the pilgrims after their returns was encouraging,” Bamalli said.

She also urged the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to review some charges on the pilgrims and other ways of reducing the cost especially on the exchange rate that affect the fares.

“We want to urge the pilgrims too to fear Allah and be patient in the Holy Land. They should avoid any act that can void their pilgrimage. They should also make provisions for their families and ensure that the monies they are spending are halal (permissible),” she said.

The Chief Imam of Wuye Central Mosque Abuja, Ustaz Muhammad Kabir who conducted the mock pilgrimage rites urged the intending pilgrims to ask question or grey areas and ensure they maximize the rewards of the pilgrimage.