As the airlifting of pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for this year’s Hajj continues, those that will participate in the exercise have been urged to be of good conduct and adhere strictly to the rules and regulations of their host country.
One of the Chief Imams of the Lagos State Secretariat Central Mosque, Alausa, Imam Saheed Abiola Aro gave this charge at a one-day seminar organized for the intending pilgrims by the New Crescent International Travels Limited.
Imam Saheed Aro explained that intending pilgrims should cater for the financial needs of those to be left behind at home, saying the essence of performing Hajj is to strengthen the faith in Allah, seek forgiveness as stipulated in the pillars of Islam which is the pilgrimage to the Holy land.
The cleric said that the Hajj should be performed in line with the teaching of the Prophet Mohamed which mandates that the Muslim faithful should converge on Muna, Mount Arafat on the ninth day of Dhu al-Hijja which is the twelfth month in the Islamic calendar to perform Hajj.
Imam Saheed Aro reminded the intending pilgrims on what to do during the Hajj period which included praying at Mount Arafat, throwing pebbles, and visitation to the Holy Mosque in Mecca before returning back to the country.
Addressing the pilgrims on the level of preparations for the Hajj exercise, the General Manager of the New Crescent International Travels Limited, Alhaji Abdul-Jabar Sanni said all is set to ensure a hitch-free Hajj exercise.
Alhaji Sanni said that one hundred and seventy pilgrims would be on their train for this year’s Hajj adding they would be lodged in five-star and three-star hotels around the holy mosque in Mecca and Medinah.
According to him, the group would airlift pilgrims in four batches starting from the 16th of this month, (June 2023) 19th, 20th, and 21st of June 2023.
Alhaji Sanni pointed out that all necessary arrangements have been made in Mecca, Medina, and other locations to achieve comfort for the pilgrims, saying that they would be given two meals every day for their period of stay in the Holy Land.
He warned against possession of prohibited items such as kola nut, advising the pilgrims that they should pack their luggage themselves and desist from assisting other persons in carrying their bags or baggage throughout their journey.
Some of the pilgrims who spoke with newsmen at the seminar expressed excitement and joy for the level of preparation and welfare package lineup for them by New Crescent International Travels Limited for smooth stay in the Holy land.
They expressed appreciation that despite challenges occasioned by the crisis in Sudan which brought about an increase in the fare, the New Crescent International Travels Limited did not add to their charges.
