Pilgrims urged to prioritise their health ahead hajj rites

Lagos State government has urged the pilgrims performing the 2026 Hajj in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to prioritise their health ahead of the major spiritual exercise.

Abdullahi Jebe, the special adviser to the government on Islamic Matters and chairman of the 2026 Hajj ad-hoc committee, stated this during the visit of the historical sites in Makkah with the pilgrims being organised by the Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board.

Jebe said that it was imperative for pilgrims to conserve their energy, stay hydrated and be healthy ahead of the main Hajj rites which, according to him, was a rigorous process.
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He noted that the visits would allow pilgrims to see the sites firsthand and understand their significance before the main rites begin, noting that Mount Arafah may be difficult to access on the Day of Arafah due to the large crowds expected.

After completing the visit, pilgrims are expected to remain in Makkah until their movement to Mina on Sunday, May 24, corresponding to 7th Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH, for the start of the main Hajj rites.

Also, AbdulHakeem Ajomagberin, secretary, Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, maintained that the state government has secured Category A+ tents in Mina and Arafah for pilgrims’ comfort, advising the pilgrims to follow all instructions and pray for an accepted Hajj.

On his part, Kabir Paramole, chairman of the Dawah and Enlightenment Sub-Committee, said the sites highlight the historical and spiritual foundations of Islam.

“Islam is a religion of peace with historical and spiritual sites that show it is a divinely-given religion from Allah to Prophet Muhammad.”

The pilgrims visited Jabal Thawr, where Prophet Muhammad and Abu Bakr took refuge during the Hijrah; Jabal Nur, the site of the first revelation; and Mount Arafah, traditionally associated with the meeting of Prophet Adam and Hawwa after their expulsion from Paradise.