At least 2,000 pilgrims from Nigeria have arrived the Holy city of Madinah, Saudi Arabia for the 2022 Hajj exercise.
The pilgrims are from Borno and Nasarawa States and the Federal Capital Territory.
They are among the 43,000 pilgrims approved for Nigeria to perform this year’s Hajj by the Saudi Arabian government.
One million pilgrims,including those from Saudi Arabia are expected to perform this year’s hajj.
Pilgrims traditionally visit Madinah to pray at the mosque of Prophet Muhammad, the prophet of Islam, either before they begin the Hajj rites or once they have completed them.
Prayers said in Prophet Muhammed’s mosque are believed to have rewards of praying a thousand times anywhere else except for prayers said at the holy mosque in Makkah.
Alhaji Zikrilluh Hassan, chairman of National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, (NAHCON) admonished pilgrims to always be good ambassadors of the country during their stay by adhering to rules and regulations of the host country.
Committees of NAHCON, which include media, medical, accommodations, finance and operations were already on ground to make the stay of pilgrims comfortable in Madinah and in Makkah.
The pilgrims have started settling down in their accommodations around the Holy Mosque in Madinah.
Most of the hotels are few minutes’ walk to the mosque but pilgrims need to pay for transportation to say their five mandatory daily prayers at the mosque.
About two million Muslims visit the Holy Kaaba in Makkah annually to perform Hajj, a religious event that takes place in the Islamic month of Dhul Hajj.
During the period, Muslims are strictly forbidden from engaging in any type of sin including arguments, violence, and illegal sexual activities.
They are enjoined to adopt a calm demeanour throughout the pilgrimage.
