Over two point five million Muslim Pilgrims from all over the world, including Nigeria, today Tuesday (June 27, 2023) gathered on the plain of Arafat in Saudi Arabia to perform the most important aspect of Hajj rites.
The pilgrims include the 95, 000 that performed this year’s pilgrimage from Nigeria and 3,740 from Kwara State , North Central Nigeria.
The day of Arafah is one of the most important days in the Islamic Calendar. It is the ninth day of the month of Dhul Hijjah and the day before Eid al-adha.
Unique and best day
The day of Arafah is regarded as the peak of Hajj exercise as the day is reputed to be the unique and best day among the 365 days of the year.
The Pilgrims are expected to be on this sacred mountain from morning till the evening time (from sun rise till close to sun set) and are also expected to make sufficient supplications today while those that do not partake in Hajj are advised to fast on this day as prayers offered today receive Allah’s blessings.Pilgrims are not qualified to have performed Hajj until they appear on the mountain of Arafah, those who miss this significant part of the exercise do not perform Hajj.
This day is also significant in Islam as it is the Day the Prophet (SAW) gave his farewell sermon.
It has historical and religious significant with Islam as it commemorate several important events and milestones.
As Ramadan is reputed to be the best month of the year, lailatul-L-Qadr the night of Majesty being the best night, Friday is the best day of the week, so also today being the day of Arafah is the most valuable day of the year.
Pilgrims are expected to observe their last prayers on the plains of Muzdalifa on their way to Muna.
In an interview with VON, the Kwara State Chairman of Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Dr. Abdulkadir Shambaki said all pilgrims from the state are doing fine as they are hale hearty .
According to him, there is no case of arrest or wrong doing by any of their pilgrims and no incident of severe health challenge of casualty.Well behaved
Shambaki disclosed that though, the number of pilgrims for this year was far above what they were allocated in the past pilgrimage but said they are coping and the pilgrims are well behaved.
He commended the state governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his concern to the pilgrims and for providing adequate logistics before their departure and while in the holy land.
The board chairman said all the pilgrims offered special prayers for themselves, their families, loved ones in the state, the entire nation, the world over and the leaders.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Government has declared Wednesday and Thursday as public holidays to celebrate the Eid – el- Kabir festival which will hold on Wednesday.
Lateefah Ibrahim
