With over two million pilgrims from across the world already in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to partake in this year’s hajj, the National Hajj of Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced that the Tarajudiyyah, movement of Nigerian pilgrims from Makkah to Muna, a suburb of the holy city of Makkah, in readiness for the basic rites of the spiritual journey will begin on Sunday, 7th Dhul-Hijjah (June 25), two days to the Arafat.
Dr Aliyu Tanko, NAHCON’S coordinator of Taraddudiyyah, made the announcement shortly before the inspection of facilities in Muna, Arafat and Mudeslifa for ‘Mushair’.
A total of 95,000 Nigerian pilgrims are expected to perform this year’s Hajj with over 75,000 of the pilgrims both from the states and private tour operators already transported to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in readiness for the spiritual exercise, while the rest are expected to be airlifted to the Holy Land before the closure of the Saudi’s airspace.
According to the traditions of Hajj, pilgrims performing Hajj are expected to observe the Zuhr (Noon) prayer at Muna a day to the Arafat, 8th Dhul-Hijjah, which marks the commencement of Hajj.
Dr Tank said the decision to move pilgrims on the night of 7th Dhul-Hijjah became imperative sequel to the directive and arrangement made by Saudi authority to ensuring hitch-free hajj exercise.
He said the pilgrims’ movement will be in batches and urged officials of the state pilgrims welfare boards and agencies to ensure full compliance, saying violators will be seriously sanctioned.
“The Saudi authority has advised that states and countries with large contingent of pilgrims to this year’s Hajj must move to Muna in batches and the movement starts on the night of 7th Dhul-Hijjah. The target is to ensure pilgrims get to Muna and have enough rest before they move to Arafat.”
“Arrangements have been perfected to transport them in batches and pilgrims are advised to stay in their accomodation while waiting for buses and this to ensure that none of our pilgrim to this year’s Hajj miss any of the fundamental aspects of the pilgrimage.
“States’ officials should ensure full control of their pilgrims. Buses will be available to convey all the pilgrims to Muna,” Dr Tanko said.
Head of pilgrims’ movement to and fro Makkah for Suadi’s company in charge of pilgrims from African Non-Arab countries, (Mutawifs) Abubakar Babamah, appealed for cooperation of the pilgrims by staying within their tents to ensure a speed and hitch free movement.
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