The Kwara State Pilgrims Welfare Board has warned intending pilgrims from the state against engaging in actions that may deny them the acceptance of their Hajj in the sight of Almighty Allah.

Besides, those yet to complete their Hajj payments in full were advised to balance up to avoid the refund of their money.

The board’s executive secretary, Alhaji AbdulSalam Abdulkadir, stated this on Sunday during a sensitisation programme at its premises in Il?rin.

Reeling out the statistics so far, the executive secretary said “2,150 intending pilgrims out of the state’s slot of 4,365, have paid their N8,459,000 hajj fare in full”, adding that a grace of two days has been extended to others to pay their balance or forfeit the exercise.

“We have people that have paid N8 million, some N8.4m and others N7 million. We are giving them a grace of two days to balance up otherwise we refund their money. Those involved in this situation now are less than 30 from 84 last week and we hope they will be able to pay.

“Some people deposited N8.5 million but we have assured them of their refund once we return because it’s their right”.

He said “Nigeria is supposed to start the airlifting for this year’s Hajj on May, 6, 2025 but there is every likelihood that it is going to be shifted by a week which may be ratified in a meeting schedule for Abuja on Tuesday.

He advised the intending pilgrims to understand their spiritual mission to the Holy Land.

“Hajj is not for fancy or tourist attraction but a spiritual exercise and going there to concentrate on taking selfies, pictures and making videos should be reconsidered because we are not there to show off. Unfortunately, this is what many of us focus on which may have the potential to make Allah reject our Hajj.

“I know those who have been to Hajj more than 20 times and have never taken pictures even with their ihram. This is going to be a major part of our enlightenment this year for people to focus on purifying their intentions and avoid acts that may spoil it. What is the essence of going to Hajj with this huge amount and it’s not accepted at the end of the day because of an action.

“As business owners, it will not be smart to throw away over N8 million away in this economy. Yet, we are trading with Almighty Allah Who will reward us. So we should make our Hajj as pure as possible”, he submitted.

Speaking, the state Ameerul Hajj and Olupo of Ajase Ipo, Oba Ismail Yahya Alebiosu, advised the pilgrims to shun any act that may rub off negatively on the state and the country as a whole.

“We have videos of people who were supplicating Allah to enrich them like Otedoela and give them the kind of wealth He gave to Dangote right at the Kaaba without remembering to supplicate for their hereafter. Yet many of them neglect the spiritual exercise prescribed during the exercise. This really calls for concern”, he said

In his remark, the chairman of the hajj board, Prof Mashood Mahmud Jimba, thanked Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for providing all the necessary support to make this year’s hajj one of the best in the state.

He urged for patience and admonished the intending pilgrims to become good ambassadors of the state and Nigeria. (Daily Trust)