Lagos Government Charges Pilgrims to Prioritize Health Ahead of Hajj

By Olasunkanmi Akoni

The Lagos State Government has advised pilgrims heading to the 2026 Hajj in Saudi Arabia to focus on their health before the main religious rites.

Dr. Abdullahi Jebe, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Islamic Matters and Chairman of the 2026 Hajj Ad‑hoc Committee, made the remarks while visiting historic sites in Makkah with pilgrims organized by the Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board.

Jebe emphasized that pilgrims must conserve energy, stay hydrated, and maintain good health, noting that the Hajj is a demanding process. He added that the visits would allow pilgrims to experience the sites firsthand and appreciate their significance before the main rites begin, warning that Mount Arafah may be difficult to reach on the Day of Arafah due to expected crowds.

After the visit, pilgrims are expected to remain in Makkah until they move to Mina on Sunday, May 24, which corresponds to 7th Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH, marking the start of the main Hajj rites.

Mr. AbdulHakeem Ajomagberin, Secretary of the Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, noted that the state government has secured Category A+ tents in Mina and Arafah for pilgrims’ comfort, urging them to follow all instructions and pray for an accepted Hajj.

During the tour, Prof. Kabir Paramole, Chairman of the Dawah and Enlightenment Sub‑Committee, highlighted the historical and spiritual foundations of Islam, stating, “Islam is a religion of peace with historical and spiritual sites that show it is a divinely‑given religion from Allah to Prophet Muhammad.”

The pilgrims visited Jabal Thawr, where Prophet Muhammad and Abu Bakr took refuge during the Hijrah; Jabal Nur, the site of the first revelation; and Mount Arafah, traditionally associated with the meeting of Prophet Adam and Hawwa after their expulsion from Paradise.

The group also toured Mina, where pilgrims will stay for at least five days during the main Hajj rites; Muzdalifah, where pilgrims spend the night and collect pebbles; and the Jamarat area, the site of the symbolic stoning of the devil.

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