Kwara State pilgrims have joined millions of Muslims from across the world in visiting historic Islamic landmarks in Mecca for prayers, spiritual reflection, and divine guidance as preparations for the 2026 Hajj continue.
Done with the Umrah since Tuesday night, which is the first leg of the Hajj rites, some of the notable sites the Kwara pilgrims visited included Jabal-e-Saur – a cave where Prophet Muhammad and his companion, Abu Bakr As-Sidiq, sought refuge during their migration (Hijrah) to Medina; Jabal-Nur (where the first revelation was received); Minna; Muzdelifa; and Mount Arafah, which climaxes the spiritual engagements for all pilgrims.
Earlier in Medina, the state pilgrims had been to important places like Masjid Nabawi and the Rawdah (Prophet’s Mosque and Graveyard) almost on a daily basis.
They also paid homage to Masjid Quba – the first mosque in Islam, built by the Prophet in the 7th century upon his migration to Madina – Jabal Uhud (Mount Uhud) – the site of the famous battle between Muslims and the Quraysh tribe – Masjid Qiblataeni; and the Saba Masajid, among other significant landmarks.
Being a high-demand prayer point in the Prophet’s mosque, Rawdah is always filled to the brim, making it challenging for the pilgrims to gain access. To facilitate access, relevant authorities from individual countries or states book appointments to ensure pilgrims visit this highly revered site.
According to reports, Kwara pilgrims encountered no hitch in accessing Rawdoh, which is a commendation given to the officials of the State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, who coordinated the movements, including the pilgrims’ visits to other historic sites.
The landmark tours have left many Kwara pilgrims spiritually fulfilled, reflecting on the profound significance of these visits for their faith journeys.
Speaking at Masjid Quba , Sheikh Hassan Taye Agbaji, an Islamic scholar who assisted the Board, explained that the historic tour provided pilgrims with practical insights into Islamic sites and their relevance to the Hajj pilgrimage.
He stated that anyone who offered two rakats at Masjid Quba gains a spiritual reward equivalent to performing Umrah, the minor pilgrimage to Mecca.
Meanwhile, all the 1,714 pilgrims from Kwara have, since last Tuesday, arrived in the holy city of Mecca, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and have been allocated accommodations in a serene environment ahead of the 2026 Hajj rites.
Satisfied with this arrangement, the worshippers commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for providing them with a special welfare package, including quality and adequate feeding.
“We are grateful to the Kwara State Government for the special attention and care given to us. We are truly happy and satisfied,” one of the pilgrims, Alhaji Olohunwa, told reporters.
“We have comfortable and well-equipped rooms with standard air conditioning, modern toilet facilities, and other essential amenities. Sitting outside does not mean we lack accommodation; it is simply part of our lifestyle. He dismissed social media claims that Kwara pilgrims were denied accommodation in Mecca. Another pilgrim, Alhaji Adam, said,
