Hajj: Kwara sets May 6–8 for intending pilgrims’ departure

The Kwara Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board says intending pilgrims from the state will now depart for the Holy Land on May 6, 7 and 8.

The Executive Secretary of the board, Alhaji AbdulKadri Abdulsalam, made this known at an enlightenment programme for the pilgrims on Sunday in Ilorin.

“Earlier, we announced departures for May 6, 7 and 9, but the airline has adjusted the schedule.

“Pilgrims will now depart on May 6, 7 and 8 consecutively, with two flights on the first day and one flight each on the second and third days,” he said.

The Executive Secretary said the exercise was crucial, noting that beyond collecting Hajj fares, the board had a responsibility to properly educate pilgrims on how to perform the pilgrimage.

“It would be unfair for us to collect N7.7 million from a pilgrim without teaching the person how to perform Hajj.

“We believe we have a duty before Allah to properly guide the pilgrims,” Abdulsalam said.

He explained that the training would cover the use of ihram, the performance of tawaf and sa’i, as well as other rites pilgrims would undertake on arrival in Makkah.

According to him, a prototype of the Kaaba had been provided to give pilgrims practical demonstrations, while the Grand Khadi of Kwara would lead the exercise.

Abdulsalam said vaccination of pilgrims would commence on April 27, while uniforms and travel bags were ready for distribution.

He said the immunisation exercise was expected to be completed within the week, depending on turnout, adding that health officials would be on ground from 9 a.m. daily.

He also urged intending pilgrims to be patient throughout the Hajj journey, describing patience as essential to a successful pilgrimage.

“Hajj is not a luxury or a jamboree. It requires patience and endurance.

“There may be challenges along the way, but pilgrims must take everything in good faith as they perform one of the pillars of Islam,” he added. (NAN)