Lagos govt urges 2026 Hajj pilgrims to prioritise health

Lagos State Advises Pilgrims on Health and Well-being Ahead of 2026 Hajj

The Lagos State Government is urging pilgrims preparing for the 2026 Hajj in Saudi Arabia to prioritize their health as they approach the major religious event.

Dr. Abdullahi Jebe, Special Adviser to the Governor on Islamic Matters and Chairman of the 2026 Hajj Ad-hoc Committee, issued this guidance during a recent tour of historical Islamic sites in Makkah, organized by the Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board.

Jebe emphasized the necessity of conserving energy and maintaining good health, noting that the physical demands of the Hajj rites require careful preparation. “It is imperative for pilgrims to conserve their energy, stay hydrated, and be healthy ahead of the main Hajj rites,” he stated.

The tour aimed to familiarize pilgrims with important religious sites and highlight their significance prior to the start of the core Hajj activities. Jebe pointed out that Mount Arafah, a key pilgrimage location, may become increasingly challenging to reach on the Day of Arafah due to the anticipated influx of worshippers.

After their visits to the historical sites, pilgrims will remain in Makkah until their scheduled departure to Mina on Sunday, May 24, corresponding to the 7th day of Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH, marking the beginning of the main Hajj rites.

AbdulHakeem Ajomagberin, Secretary of the Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, also announced that the state government has secured Category A+ tents in Mina and Arafah to enhance pilgrims’ comfort during the pilgrimage. He encouraged attendees to strictly adhere to instructions from officials and to maintain a prayerful mindset throughout the journey.

During the tour, Prof. Kabir Paramole, Chairman of the Dawah and Enlightenment Sub-Committee, remarked on the historical significance of the sites visited, which he described as reflections of Islam’s spiritual heritage. “Islam is a religion of peace with historical and spiritual sites that show it is a divinely given religion from Allah to Prophet Muhammad,” he stated.

The pilgrims toured several notable locations, including Jabal Thawr, where Prophet Muhammad and Abu Bakr are said to have sought refuge during their Hijrah, and Jabal Nur, recognized as the site of the first revelation of the Qur’an. They also visited Mount Arafah, traditionally viewed as the place where Prophet Adam and Hawwa reunited after their time in Paradise.

Additional sites included Mina, where pilgrims will reside during the Hajj rites; Muzdalifah, where pilgrims spend the night and collect pebbles; and the Jamarat area, known for the symbolic stoning of the devil.

Read Full Article