A total of 2,332 Nigerian pilgrims from Lagos who are in Saudi Arabia for the 2017 Hajj have been moved from Medina to Makkah, after performing the necessary rites.

This was disclosed by the Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Mr. Muftau Okoya, during a meeting with the officials of the state in his office in one of the hotels in Makkah on Wednesday.

“The last batch of Lagos pilgrims numbering about 304 finally arrived the city of Makkah yesterday (Tuesday) from Medina to join their counterparts after completing Umurah rites.

“A total of 2,332 Pilgrims left the city of Medina after the necessary rites and finally arrived in Makkah,” he said.

All the pilgrims, according to Okoya, have been successfully housed in two different hotels with necessary welfare package and enlightenment programmes.

He also confirmed the prompt and adequate medical attention given to the pilgrims and commended the medical team for living up to expectations while urging them to keep the flag flying. Some of the pilgrims in their responses also testified to this excellent performances.

Okoya expressed satisfaction with the Accommodation Committee for having sleepless nights to ensure that all pilgrims are properly accommodated in their respective hotels.

Meanwhile, the Saudi Arabian Government has declared Thursday, August 31, as Arafat Day and Friday, September 1, as Eid-el-Kabir, while Dhul Hijah begins on Wednesday, August 23, 2017.

In a lecture, an Islamic scholar, Dr. Tajudeen Yusuf, from the University of Lagos, highlighted some of the deeds expected of Muslims within these 10 days of Dhul Hijah. He named these to include visiting the sick; propagating Islam’ staying away from music and obscene videos; as well as praying fervently for themselves, their families and the country at large. Another requirement, he said, is fasting on the day of Arafat if one cannot make the 10 days.

Dr. Yusuf also stressed the need for Muslims to avoid backbiting, join congregational prayers and always maintain the first row; feed grains and water to the birds and to people in their neighbourhood, including all fasting Muslims and, most importantly, be dutiful and show love to their parents.

He urged Muslims, particularly those participating in this year’s hajj, to plan what is good on these days, otherwise these days will run out without knowing. “If you fail to plan, then, you plan to fail,” Yusuf said.

•Nigerian pilgrims boarding a flight.

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