Lagos govt urges 2026 Hajj pilgrims to prioritise health

Lagos State Government has advised pilgrims who will participate in the 2026 Hajj in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to focus closely on their health and wellbeing before the main pilgrimage rites begin.

Dr Abdullahi Jebe, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Islamic Matters and Chairman of the 2026 Hajj Ad‑hoc Committee, delivered the advice while touring historic Islamic sites in Makkah that were organised for Lagos pilgrims by the Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board.

Jebe emphasised the need to conserve energy and maintain good health in preparation for the physically demanding Hajj activities.

“It is imperative for pilgrims to conserve their energy, stay hydrated, and be healthy ahead of the main Hajj rites,” he said, describing the pilgrimage activities as rigorous and demanding.

He said the excursion to the historic sites was intended to give pilgrims first‑hand knowledge of the locations and an understanding of their religious significance before the core Hajj rituals begin.

Jebe explained that Mount Arafah, one of the major pilgrimage sites, could become difficult to access on the Day of Arafah because of the large number of worshippers expected.

After the visits, the pilgrims are expected to remain in Makkah until they move to Mina on Sunday, May 24, the 7th day of Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH, when the main Hajj rites will commence.

AbdulHakeem Ajomagberin, Secretary of the Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, revealed that the state government has secured Category A+ tents in Mina and Arafah to ensure the comfort of pilgrims during the exercise.

He urged the pilgrims to follow officials’ instructions strictly and to remain prayerful throughout the pilgrimage.

Also speaking during the tour, Prof. Kabir Paramole, Chairman of the Dawah and Enlightenment Sub‑Committee, said the historic sites visited by the pilgrims reflected the spiritual heritage and historical foundations of Islam.

“Islam is a religion of peace with historical and spiritual sites that show it is a divinely given religion from Allah to Prophet Muhammad,” he said.

During the tour, the pilgrims visited Jabal Thawr, where Prophet Muhammad and Abu Bakr reportedly sought refuge during the Hijrah, as well as Jabal Nur, recognised as the location where the first revelation of the Qur’an was received.

They also visited Mount Arafah, traditionally believed to be the place where Prophet Adam and Hawwa reunited after leaving Paradise.

Other locations toured included Mina, where pilgrims are expected to stay during the Hajj rites; Muzdalifah, where pilgrims spend the night and gather pebbles; and the Jamarat area, where the symbolic stoning of the devil takes place.