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Tag: Hajj

  • Details of Hajj

    Details of Hajj

    Preamble

    This is the season of Hajj. It comes up in the month of Dhul Hijjah every year. Hajj means aspiration towards a higher pedestal in spirituality. It is, divinely, a pillar of Islam made obligatory by Allah for Muslims who can afford it once in a lifetime. Hajj is an ordained pilgrimage and not a mere tourism. Thus, the visa issued to Muslims who perform Hajj annually is that of pilgrimage and not one of tourism. Whilst pilgrimage is a spiritual exercise, tourism is a pleasurable journey.

     

    Similitude of Hajj

    The similitude of Hajj in the life of a Muslim is like that of pregnancy in the womb of an expectant mother. The experience may vary from woman to woman as the foetus in the womb undergoes various stages of development before it reaches the stage of delivery. By the time the child is finally delivered, the mother feels a relief of her life while the child assumes a tabula rasa (clean slate) that makes him absolutely innocent.

    Spiritually, a pilgrim is like a newly born baby if he strictly performs Hajj as prescribed by Allah. But if he returns into the world of vanity after Hajj, he automatically becomes like a person in snow-white attire who finds himself in a palm oil market. Unless he spiritually guides his loins, he may immediately become a tainted person both in body and in soul.

     

    Rigours of Hajj

    Muslim pilgrims who are going on Hajj must be prepared to go through series of rigour both spiritually and physically. The rigour of getting the money with which to perform Hajj; the rigour of getting the travelling documents including visa; the rigour of taking care of the home front before embarking on the Holy journey; the rigour of boarding the plane with a sense of high risk; the rigour of going through the security checks at the embarkation point at the home of residence as well as the disembarkation point in Saudi Arabia;  the rigour of performing the Tawaf and Sa’y; the rigour of moving from Makkah to Mina on the 8th day of Dhul-Hijjah, then to Arafah on the 9th day of Dhul-Hijjah, and back to Mina via Muzdalifah on the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah; the rigour of locating the tents at Arafah; the rigour of throwing the pebbles at the Jamrat in Mina on the three or four days known as Ayamu-t-Tashrik; The rigour of performing Tawaful Ifadah at the Sanctuary in Makkah after the first day of throwing the pebbles; the rigour of shaving the head (by men) and slaughtering the rams by all; the rigour of performing the farewell circumambulation otherwise known as Tawaful Wida‘i,  all in the midst of millions of people can be too much to forget easily after Hajj.

    Whoever is not bothered by the money spent on Hajj should at least be bothered by the various stages of the rigour involved including that of visiting Madinah. To lose all these to the forces of Satan after Hajj is like losing one’s travelling passport after obtaining visa. The prayer of every genuine pilgrim is to retain the validity of Hajj forever.

     Conditions for Hajj performance

    Performance of pilgrimage must be based on certain fundamental conditions. These include genuine intention and high spiritual standard. An intending pilgrim must have attained puberty. He must have been an ardent practitioner of the first four pillars of Islam: (Salat, Zakah, and Sawm) all of which are fervently based on faith (Iman). Hajj without these pre-requisites is like a tree without roots. Money is a major pre-requisite for Hajj but it is not absolute.

    Hajj, the last pillar of Islam shows very vividly, the similitude of what mankind will experience on the Day of Judgment. Looking at the unique way in which pilgrims dress for Hajj and how they assemble at Arafat leaving their luggage behind in Makkah, one will realize how ephemeral this world is.

    Purpose of Hajj

    The various stages of preparation through which pilgrims pass before arriving at Arafat are symbolic of our peregrinations in life as human beings. Like the Day of Judgment, Arafat is the climax of Hajj performance. Anybody who misses Arafat misses Hajj. But Arafat is not by physical appearance alone. It takes a combination of factors to participate effectively in that great assembly which serves as the climax of Hajj.

    For Hajj to serve its spiritual purpose in the life of a pilgrim, certain steps must be taken before leaving home. They are as follows:

    • Fine-tuning the first four pillars of

    Islam very sincerely

    • Packaging the intention to perform Hajj
    • Ascertaining the security of the way
    • Providing adequately for the family and     dependants at home
    • Paying all outstanding debts including promises
    • Ascertaining the condition of health
    • Perfecting immigration procedures
    • Undergoing all necessary medical ser vices including inoculation
    • Assuming a mood of humility like that

    of a servant approaching his Master

    • Readiness to endure hardship and to

    tolerate fellow pilgrims’ attitudes.

    Admonition

    While admonishing Muslims on spiritual journey including Hajj Prophet Muhammad once said: “Actions shall be judged according to intentions. Whoever embarks on a spiritual journey for the sake of Allah will be adjudged on that basis. And whoever bases his/her intention for pilgrimage on marriage or material gains should not expect any reward beyond that for which the intention is based”. The steps to follow in the performance of Hajj are as follows:

    The Miqat

    Miqat is the specified place for the wearing of Ihram dress. There are five of such places in all. But the one earmarked for pilgrims from Nigeria cannot be reached by pilgrims travelling by air. It is over-flown while crossing the Red Sea. What most Nigerians do therefore is to wear their Ihram dress in Jeddah which has now been adjudged right through a Fatwah. Thus, Nigerian pilgrims can now wear their Ihram dress on arrival at the pilgrims’ airport in Jeddah. However, pilgrims whose first destination in Saudi Arabia is Madinah have no problem with Miqat. Such pilgrims should just wear their Ihram dresses at the Miqat in Madinat.

    Tawaful-Qudum

    Tawaf means circumambulation of the Ka’bah. The very first Tawaf to be performed by any pilgrim on entering Makkah is called Tawaful Qudum (meaning welcoming circumambulation). It is performed before a pilgrim settles down in any residence. Tawaful Qudum is an obligatory Sunnah from which only residents of Makkah among pilgrims are exempted.

     

    Residence in Makkah or Madinah

    Most Nigerian pilgrims often seek their accommodations in Makkah or Madinah close to the Haram. This is to enable them to walk to from the Haram conveniently at the time of any Salat. To minimise pilgrims’ regular occurrence of missing their ways, they are provided with hand bands bearing the addresses of their residences. Pilgrims are therefore advised to wear such bands at all times to enable them show it to either the official Saudi Hajj guides or Saudi policemen when the road is missed. It is also important for pilgrims to always be with their identity cards provided by Nigerian Pilgrims’ Commission or private agents. This is to enable them to be identified in case of sickness, accident or even death.

    Movement to Mina

    Pilgrims’ statutory movement to Mina is on the 8th of Dhul Hijjah. Such pilgrims must spend the night of the 8th of Dhul-Hijjah in Mina where they must observe Salatus-Subhi of the 9th day of Dhul Hijjah which is Arafah Day before proceeding to the Plain of Arafah. Pilgrims must be ready to undergo some rigour in the process of moving to Mina from Makkah. The rigour which normally affects all pilgrims is engendered by limited time available for millions of   pilgrims who must move to that spiritual camp before the sunset on the day preceding Arafah day. Such movement must commence from Makkah and after Tawaful Qudum. There is movement to Mina from Madinah since there is no Tawaf in Madinah.

    The Day of Arafah

    All pilgrims proceed to the Plain of Arafat are advised to stay under their tents and concentrate on the spiritual activities that take them to the place. They must reach Arafat not later than mid day when Salatu-d-Dhuhr and ‘Asr should be observed combined. Anybody who is not at Arafat by mid day is considered not to have taken part in the assembly and therefore missed Hajj.

    Immediately after observing the combined Salatu-d-Dhuhr and ‘Asr the Imam who led the two Salat is expected to give a sermon. Listening to such sermon is as compulsory as giving it by the Imam. The great assembly of Arafat terminates shortly before sunset (Magrib) while the pilgrims return to Mina via Muzdalifah.

    Muzdalifah

    At Muzdalifah, pilgrims are expected to halt their journey to observe Magrib and ‘Ishai combined. They are also expected to pass the night there and observe the Salat-s-Subh of the following day before proceeding to Mina. Muzdalifah is adjacent to Mina and a walking distance to the Jamrat (the stonning place).

    Jamrat

    Stoning of the devils (Rajmu Jamrat) begins a day after Arafat and continues for the next three or four days that the pilgrims are supposed to spend at Mina. This exercise is obligatory and without it Hajj is considered incomplete except when and where a pilgrim is hindered by certain inevitable conditions. There are three points at which stones are to be thrown. Seven pebbles are to be thrown at each point on every one of the three or four days to be spent in Mina.

    While going for the pebble-throwing exercise, pilgrims are advised to take their pebbles along with them. On the first day of stone throwing, only seven stones are thrown at only one spot. On the subsequent three or four days,   pilgrims are required to throw twenty one pebbles each day with seven stones thrown at each of the three spots provided. These amout to 21 stones each day.

    Picking such pebbles at the point of throwing them is forbidden. All pebbles must have been picked before leaving the tent for the ‘Jamrat’ or on the way to the ‘Jamrat’. For pilgrims who deside to spend three days in Mina, the total number of pebbles to be thrown is 49 (7 for the first day, 21 for the second day and 21 for the third day). For pilgrims who choose to spend four days, the total number of pebbles to be thrown is 70.

    Majzarah (Abattoir)

    Slaughtering of all sacrificial animals is done at the abattoir in Mina. Pilgrims do not need to bother themselves by going to the abattoir for the purpose of carrying out this compulsory obligation. They can simply buy the guaranteed ticket sold by designated Saudi agents. The ticket is the evidence that one has performed that duty. The slaughtering is done on behalves of the pilgrims by some authorised artisans who are paid by the Saudi Hajj authorities from the money paid for those animals. The animals to be slaughtered at Jamrat range from rams to camels. A pilgrim should slaughter one ram or more while seven pilgrims may combine to slaughter one camel or five of them may jointly slaughter on cow.

    Tawaful Ifadah

    For pilgrims who can afford to go to Makkah after throwing the first seven pebbles, it is good to perform Tawaf-ul-Ifadah. For those who cannot, the exercise can be deferred till the end of Tashrik. Pilgrims who have performed Tawaf-ul-Ifadah are free to shave their heads and change from their Ihram dress into civil or traditional dresses.

    The only reason for any pilgrim to go to Makkah from Mina during the camping period is to perform Tawaf-ul-Ifadah. No pilgrim should break camping rule by going to Makkah without performing Tawaf-ul- Ifadah. And after performing Tawaful Ifadah, no pilgrim should remain in Makkah or elsewhere without returning to Mina before sunset.

    With the completion of the camping days in Mina which is climaxed with Tawaful-Ifadah and the arrival of all the pilgrims in Makkah, Hajj has been completed except for Tawaf Wida‘i  otherwise called farewell Tawaf. That Tawaf is also obligatory.

    It is then left for pilgrims to decide whether or not to go to Madinah. Visiting the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah is not obligatory. But it will be spiritually odd for any pilgrim to choose not to visit the Prophet’s Mosque before or after performing Hajj in Makkah and its environs.

    Conclusion

    Throughout the Hajj exercise, what should be uppermost in the mind of a pilgrim is the spiritual benefit. Hajj is made compulsory only once in a life’s time for those who have the wherewithal to undergo it and can satisfy the conditions attached to its performance.

    On arriving home finally, pilgrims are not expected to start organizing parties in celebration of a successful Hajj performance as ignorantly done by some Nigerians. Maintaining Hajj is a necessity for those who know the value of doing that. Whoever is privileged to perform Hajj once should forever be grateful to Allah as no one is sure of getting another chance.

  • Hajj: NAHCO facilitates airlift of Muslim pilgrims

    Hajj: NAHCO facilitates airlift of Muslim pilgrims

    The Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc (NAHCO Aviance) said on Tuesday that it is establishing itself at the forefront of facilitating ongoing airlift of thousands of Muslim pilgrims to Saudi Arabia from 10 airports in Nigeria.

    This is just as the firm has assured its investors and stakeholders that it continues to operate at full swing to bring value to shareholders funds.

    As part of the current operation which started off at the weekend, its spokesman, Tayo Ajakaye said is estimated to handle a minimum of 99 outbound and 105 inbound flights from ten airports across the country.

    The Head of Corporate Services of the Company, Mr. Ahmed Bashir Gulma, said every year, NAHCO had always put its services at the behest of Muslim devotees performing their religious obligation by assisting them in ensuring a hassle – free handling to the holy land.

    According to Gulma: “We collaborate with the airlines, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and the Federal Government in ensuring that Muslim faithfuls on pilgrimage get excellent passenger handling on their way to and from the holy land.”

    “The airports on the schedule of NAHCO include Abuja, Sokoto, Katsina, Ilorin and Bauchi. Others are Gombe, Maiduguri, Yola, Minna and Kaduna.

    “The promise to make this year’s passenger handling service for Hajj exceptional comes as the Company’s management assured investors, regulators and other stakeholders that it was doing all within its power to resolve the issue regarding the recent visit of operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to its offices.”

    The Company said in a published statement, “As a Publicly Quoted Company, NAHCO is guided by its Apex Regulator, The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) and the listing rules. We are also aware of our shareholder rights as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, extant rules and the mutual investment protection treaty covering European strategic investors on our Board. As such, this information update has become necessary.”

    It further pointed out that as a regulated and listed business entity with strong international Corporate Governance credentials, NAHCO believes that SEC and NSE should be aware of any petition and are in the best position to provide guidance, proper feedback and/or even sanctions regarding any alleged infractions by a regulated entity.

    While declaring that it still awaits details from the investigating authorities as is the practice worldwide so as to ensure the protection of both local and international investors’ interests, NAHCO asserts its envious CV as a fully privatized Company, with one of the most successful privatization track records for eleven years with zero Government interests.

    NAHCO’s Management further assures that the event of the past weeks had been properly managed as to have little or minimal impact on operations and business continuity.

    NAHCO AVIANCE therefore reassures its numerous customers, shareholders and its European Union strategic investors that Company operations are unhindered under the current situation.

    While asking for the understanding of all stakeholders, the Company further announced that the Managing Director/CEO, who was on a short vacation had since returned to the country and is back at the helm to take full charge of affairs at the Company.

  • Hajj fares: NAHCON gives deadline

    The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has given July 6th ultimatum to State Pilgrims Welfare Boards/Agencies/Commissions to pay the balance of the 2016 Hajj fares or risk the forfeiture of their slots.

    The deadline, according to a statement by the commission’s Head of Media, Alh. Uba Mana, was informed by the Saudi authority’s decision not to allow access into its Visa Portal unless every payment is duly completed to the Service Providers in the Kingdom.

    He urged the Chief Executives of the 36 State Boards including the FCT and Armed Forces to strive to comply with the directive.

  • ‘Create Hajj code of conduct’

    A CIVIL society organisation, Independent Hajj Reporters, has called for the creation of “Hajj code of conduct” to guide pilgrims and hajj officials.

    In a statement by its National Coordinator, Ibrahim Muhammed and Publicity Secretary, Abubakar Mahmoud, the group said: “We call on NAHCON to create hajj code of conduct to guide against misconducts by both pilgrims and official during hajj operation. This becomes necessary in view of some events in the past, where some pilgrims will engage in act of politicking during hajj exercise. Such pilgrims cause confusion and create an atmosphere that distracts pilgrims from concentrates on his/her spiritual purification – the primary reasons for hajj.” Manufacturing and spreading of rumuors should be discouraged during hajj exercise.

    “Likewise, state or federal government appointed hajj officials either in adhoc or permanent capacity should be made to sign legally binding operational guidelines. It should be in the form of tripartite contractual agreement between pilgrims, hajj officials and the Federal Government – as represented by NAHCON. Hajj exercise is an activity that involves many countries. Pilgrims serves as ambassadors to their various countries.”

  • Hajj subsidy

    Hajj subsidy

    Lagos joins others; bids it bye

    Lagos State has joined the few states in the country that have taken the pragmatic decision to stop funding of holy pilgrimages to Mecca or Jerusalem. The state’s commissioner for home affairs, Dr AbdulHakeem AbdulLateef, who announced this while addressing some Muslim faithful in Ikeja, Lagos, said the decision became inevitable in view of the dwindling oil price which has adversely affected the state’s finances. According to him, the state government now requires about N1million to sponsor each pilgrim, an amount it could ill-afford, given more pressing challenges that also require the government’s attention. Some other states that have stopped funding pilgrimages are Kano, Edo, Kaduna, Ekiti and Kwara.

    Dr AbdulLateef’s announcement reechoed Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s position last year, to the effect that he would not spend a dime of the state’s resources on hajj. According to the commissioner, “It is better to invest such an amount in public schools or hospitals for the benefit of Lagos residents and Nigerians at large. Individuals intending to visit Saudi Arabia for Hajj and Umrah and those going to Jerusalem should be prepared to bear the economic implications involved, as the state government is resolute about cutting wastages.”

    Media reports say the country spends about N70billion on sponsorship of pilgrimages annually. This was when things were good and our currency was relatively strong. Lagos State sponsored a good number of pilgrims annually and was therefore paying substantially to subsidise their trips. So, we understand Governor Ambode’s situation. For the state, it is not just that the revenue from the centre is dwindling; even the special status that the state should be enjoying is not forthcoming.

    This must be a tough decision, given the several attempts in the past to stop the practice. President Goodluck Jonathan had in 2011 hinted that the Federal Government may have to hands off funding of pilgrimages due to the huge costs involved. He was worried that the number of intending Christian pilgrims had tripled since his administration came on board. But his government could not stop the sponsorship obviously due to political patronage.

    Yobe State government tried to do a similar thing but could not go the whole hog. It stopped funding of pilgrimages for politicians and government officials in 2014. According to the governor, Ibrahim Gaidam, politicians and political office holders have enough “packages” to sponsor themselves to hajj. The governor however added that the state government would continue to sponsor clerics and traditional rulers “…who will pray for peace and stability of the state and the country…”; whatever that meant!

    Even President Muhammadu Buhari said last year that his government would not sponsor any official delegation to Mecca or Jerusalem. We can only hope his government would not reverse itself. Some states are equally contemplating reducing the number of the beneficiaries as their own cost-saving measure. While we are not in a position to make them jettison the idea completely, we feel this is mere tokenism.

    If government must be involved in hajj matters, it should not go beyond providing consular services. Pilgrimage is an individual affair; there is therefore no reason why the state must pick the bill. As Dr Abdullateef noted, “Islam is a religion of capacity. Whoever has the intention of performing Hajj and does not have money to pursue such dream will have the reward of someone that has performed hajj.” It is as simple as that.

    We urge other state governments to follow the examples by states that have stopped sponsoring pilgrimages. It is the commonsensical thing to do. Those that hitherto lacked the political will should take advantage of the economic situation to bid bye to the arrangement. We believe God too would understand that money spent on pilgrimages for a few can be deployed to better uses.  He would understand that anyone who wants to commune with Him outside of his or her country can and indeed should do so on his own or her own accord, and account. It does not make sense to give foreign exchange at concessionary rates to a select or privileged few for pilgrimage.

    Although the decision might not go down well with some powerful religious interests, it is the best thing to do, especially in the circumstance. It is a case of economy trouncing politics. Government’s funding of pilgrimages is a political decision; at best, it should be a matter of convenience, not compulsion. It is indeed an aberration ab initio.  Even for Islam that hajj is one of its pillars, it is not a matter of must; it is for those who can afford it.

  • Hajj stampede: Saudi to determine status of 35 missing Nigerian pilgrims

    Hajj stampede: Saudi to determine status of 35 missing Nigerian pilgrims

    The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) yesterday said Saudi Arabia will soon determine the status of 35 Nigerian pilgrims declared  missing after last year’s Hajj stampede.

    It also said the Saudi government has retained 76,000 quota given to the country.

    The Secretary to NAHCON, Dr. Bello Tambuwal, said last night that 280 Nigerians died in the twin tragedies of 11th and 24th of September, 2015.

    The statement said: “Saudi Arabian Authorities have promised to expedite action in determining the status of 35 Nigerian pilgrims declared missing in the aftermath of the stampede that occurred in Mina, Saudi Arabia during the just concluded Hajj 2015 exercise. “This promise was made during a Ministerial Meeting held between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia on Thursday in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

    “The meeting, which kick-started Hajj 2016 preparatory activities witnessed the Saudi Arabian delegation, led by The Minister of Hajj, Dr Bandar Bn Muhammad Al Hajjar and Nigeria’s Delegation led by Minister of State, Foreign Affairs, Hon. Khadija Bukar Ibrahim discussing the 2015 Hajj operations and preparations for Hajj 2016.

    “The Saudi delegation also  comprised  representatives of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Hajj, Interior and other agencies.

    “The Nigerian delegation comprised Executive Members of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) led by its Chairman and Chief Executive, Barr. Abdullahi Muktar Muhammad and the Director General, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) Capt. Muhtar Usman.

    “The Nigerian Delegation had earlier on, condoled Saudi Arabia on the twin tragedies that occurred on the 11th and 24th of September, 2015 which claimed many lives including 280 Nigerians.”

    The statement explained that  Saudi Arabia promised to look into the demands of NAHCON including moving closer to Jamaraat, better tent facilities in Mina and finding solutions to the high cost of Umrah.

    The statement added: “The NAHCON Chairman informed the meeting of the Commission’s plans to embark on nation-wide enlightenment activities of pilgrims and its resolve to establish a Hajj Institute for professional training of Hajj Managers in Nigeria.

    “The Saudi delegation emphasized the need for proper enlightenment of pilgrims and promised to cooperate with the commission towards enhanced services to pilgrims. “Similarly the Saudi delegation promised to address Nigeria’s request to be moved closer to Jamaraat area and better tent facilities in Mina and Arafat. It also agreed to meet with the commission at a later time to discuss and find solutions to the high cost of Umrah and other challenges of the exercise,

    “Meanwhile, the quota of Nigeria for the 2016 Hajj remains 76,000 slots pending the outcome of a Committee set up by the Saudi Government to review the allocation of slots to all countries once the Haram expansion project is concluded.”

  • Hajj stampede survivor returns

    The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has confirmed the return of the last Nigerian pilgrim, Hajiya Fatima Isa, who survived last year’s hajj stampede in Saudi Arabia.

    This is contained in a statement in Abuja by the commission’s Head, Media and Publicity, Alhaji Uba Mana.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalled that the stampede occurred during hajj rites in Mina last September.

    According to the statement, the pilgrim was admitted in East Jeddah Hospital.

    “The pilgrim arrived at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) on January 22, on board a Med-View Airline Flight VL0202, accompanied by workers of the Nigerian Consulate in Jeddah.”

    The statement said she was received by NAHCON officials and the leadership of the Sokoto State Pilgrims Welfare Agency (SSPWA).

    It added that the pilgrim, who was hale and hearty, was taken to Sokoto State.

    The statement said NAHCON hailed the Saudi Arabia authorities and Nigeria’s foreign missions in the country for taking care of the pilgrim throughout her stay in hospital.

    It said the commission also praised the Sokoto State government for its support.

  • 280 Nigerians died, 43 missing in 2015 Hajj

    280 Nigerians died, 43 missing in 2015 Hajj

    National Hajj Commission of Nigeria’s (NHCN) Chairman Abdullahi Mohammed said yesterday that 280 Nigerians died from the crane incident at the Grand Mosque in Makkah on September 11 and the stampede in Mina on September 24.

    Forty three other Nigerians, he added, are still missing.

    Mohammed spoke  while submitting the report on the 2015 Hajj to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir David Lawal, in Abuja.

    According to a statement by Bolaji Adebiyi,  the Director (Press) in the Office of the SGF, Mohammed described this year was the most eventful in the history of Hajj Operations because of the two tragic events.

    He condoled with President Muhammadu Buhari, families of victims and Nigerians on the loss of lives.

    The NHCN boss assured that the report submitted contained observations and recommendations that would ensure more successes during future Hajj operations.

    While 75,081 Nigerian Pilgrims participated in the exercise, the statement said both the outbound and inbound flights were concluded well ahead of schedule.

    Receiving the report, the SGF lauded the commission’s chairman and its board for their exemplary performance in Saudi Arabia, especially during the tragedies that occurred.

    He said he was impressed with the conduct of the chairman in providing the government and the public adequate and incontrovertible information throughout the crisis.

    He assured the commission that the report submitted would receive the prompt attention of the Federal Government.

  • Hajj tragedy like no other

    It was a harvest of tragedy in Saudi Arabia in the outgoing year. Twice, the holy land was visited with tragedies.  First, two weeks before the annual pilgrimage, 107 lives  were lost during a crane collapse at the grand mosque.

    Two week later, September 24, while nationalities from different parts of the world were performing the hajj,  more than 2000 people lost their lives in a stampede many  have described as the deadliest tragedy in the history of  hajj.  As at the last count, Iran recorded the highest  casualty losing about more than 1,453 of its citizens; Egypt  lost 148 and 120 people from Indonesia died in the stampede.

    It is not uncommon to see Nigerians die during the annual holy pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia. But the number of  death recorded by Nigeria in 2015 was unprecedented. As at the last count, more than 200 Nigerians died while some are still missing.

    To make the matter worse, the country lost some of its best  brains, including Tijani El-Miskin, a professor of Islamic Studies at  the University of Maiduguri and a former head of special training course for the students of Arabic Studies at the  University of Maiduguri in Gamboru. He also was the Chairman  of the Borno State Pilgrims Board.

    Another victim was Hajiya Bilkisu Yusuf, the first female editor from the northern part of Nigeria. She studied political science in Nigeria and the USA and journalism in Russia.  Hafsat Shittu, a member of Nigeria’s medical team, also died in the incident.

    In a reaction to the incident, the Emir of Kano, and Nigeria’s Amirul Hajj, Alhaji Muhammad Sanusi II, said except Nigerians get accommodation close to Jamrat, where the stoning of devil ritual takes place, they would no  longer participate in the exercise.

    Although the Saudi authorities has promised to pay  N26.5m  to the injured victims, while families of dead  victims would be receiving a sum of N53.1m each, whether  this would assuage the families of the deceased is a conjecture.

    Aside the number of people that that died, many would not forget in a hurry the insults hurled at Africans by the  Saudi Arabia’s head of the central Hajj committee, Prince  Khaled al-Faisal, blaming the crush outside the holy city on  African pilgrims. Indeed it is an issue in the outgoing year.

  • Lagos to employ traffic personnel for 2016 Hajj

    The Lagos State Government will recruit traffic personnel to guide and enlighten pilgrims in Mecca during next year’s Hajj, Home Affairs Commissioner  Dr AbdulHakeem Abdullateef has said.

    This is to prevent the kind of stampede witnessed during this year’s hajj in which hundreds died.

    Speaking at a reception in his honour at the weekend,  AbdulLateef said government would also engage clerics to educate pilgrims on the pebbles throwing rite.

    Traffic officers, he said,  would be trained, adding that the trained personnel would go on pre-visit and understand the routes to Jamarat before guiding the pilgrims.

    He said: “We must now recruit traffic officers from home who will guide the pilgrims in Mecca. Pilgrimage has to do with traffic. If you look at the stampede for instance, the Saudi authority has its own share of the blame. People who embark on pilgrimage need to be educated especially in the area of obeying those in authority. The essence of pilgrimage is not to go and die, rather for worship. If the government can allocate specific time for specific nation, it must be obeyed. We need to educate the pilgrims that throwing of pebbles, as fundamental as it is among the hajj rites is not as fundamental as the Arafat.”

    Emphasising the need for people to be guided and enlightened when embarking on the hajj, Abdul-Lateef said conscious efforts would be made on the part of the government to guide against possible stampede and death.

    The Commissioner said the state government has begun arrangements to make the subsequent hajj exercise stress-free for the pilgrims, especially in the transportation area.

    “Our forms will be out between November 2 and 30. We will ensure there are no fraudulent acts in selling the forms. We will begin enlightenment by December,” he said.