Lagos State pilgrims have joined the rest of the world at the plain of Arafah to offer prayers for their respective countries as the 2025 Hajj exercise nears its climax.
The gathering at the plain of Arafah, which marks a significant aspect of the Holy pilgrimage exercise, takes place today, Thursday, the ninth of Dhul-Hijjah.
In line with Islamic tradition, every pilgrim performing Hajj must be physically present on the mountain to complete their Hajj rites.
About 315 Lagos State pilgrims who gathered at the plain of Arafah prayed fervently for Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, and his deputy, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat.
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Apart from offering prayers, other activities carried out by the State officials included a lecture on the significance of Arafah delivered by an erudite Islamic Scholar, Imam (Engr.) Shakiru Ayinde Gafar emphasized that the mountain of Arafah is the meeting point for Prophet Adam and his wife Hawau (Eve) after they were chased out of paradise by Allah for their disobedience to His commandments.
The highlight of the event was the declaration of all pilgrims as legitimate Alhajis and Alhajas by the Amirul-Hajj/Commissioner for Home Affairs, Olanrewaju Ibrahim Layode.
He congratulated everyone for the privilege and encouraged them to allow the teachings of Hajj to reflect in their personal lives, businesses, and relationships with fellow human beings.
Layode used the avenue to appreciate the Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, and his deputy, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, who made a video call to felicitate with the pilgrims.
He also expressed gratitude to the Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Dr. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, and other government functionaries for their cooperation and support towards the success of the Hajj exercise.
Recall that pilgrims participating in the 2025 Hajj began the major rituals on Wednesday, the eighth of Dhul-Hijjah, with their movement from Makkah to Mina, from where they moved to Arafah on Thursday.
They would proceed to Musdalifah to pick pebbles to be thrown at the Jamarat on Friday, the 10th till the 12th Dhul-Hijjah, as prescribed by Muhammad (SAW).