By Abdul-Kadir Abdullah
The Edo State Amirul Hajj, HRH Mallam Ali D. Suleyman, the Oghieaga of Ivbie, has oriented Edo pilgrims ahead of their departure to Mina for the commencement of the major Hajj rites, urging them to remain focused, patient and spiritually prepared for the sacred exercise.
The orientation programme, which was held in Makkah on Sunday, also had in attendance the leadership of the Edo State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, who educated the pilgrims on the practical aspects of the Hajj and the need for discipline during the spiritually significant days ahead.
Addressing the pilgrims, HRH Mallam Ali D. Suleyman described the movement to Mina as the beginning of the real purpose of the pilgrimage and advised them to conserve their energy for the core rites, especially the standing at Arafat.
He said, “Now we are going towards the real purpose, the Hajj. We are now prepared to move to Mina. Like I told you people, I asked you to conserve your energy as much as possible because whatever you do here, if you are unable to observe these four days, particularly standing at Arafat, there is no Hajj,”
The Amirul Hajj urged pilgrims with health concerns to seek immediate medical attention before the movement to Mina and encouraged them to report any challenges to officials of the board.
He added, “If you have your challenges ensure you see the doctor. If you have anything that disturbs you, let us know before we move on to Mina,”
He further appealed to the pilgrims to be patient with one another and endure temporary inconveniences in the spirit of sacrifice and worship.
“Some of you are inconvenienced, I understand. But the more sacrifice you make, the more the rewards. We are very lucky to have the leadership of the board that we have. Please be your brother’s keeper,” he stated.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Board, Mallam Musa Muhammad Uduimoh, appreciated the pilgrims for their cooperation and understanding since the commencement of the pilgrimage operations.
He prayed, "I thank every one of you for your understanding so far. May Allah guide us and make our Hajj mabrur,”
Mallam Uduimoh reminded the pilgrims that the practical aspect of the Hajj rites was about to commence and stressed the importance of adhering strictly to the teachings and lectures earlier delivered to them.
“As from tomorrow, you begin to see the practicals as they were taught to you. That is why it is important to learn the rites of Hajj because Hajj is a serious business,” he said.
He also cautioned the pilgrims against insisting on climbing Mount Arafat because of the expected heavy crowd, noting that every part of Arafat is valid for the rite.
“Please do not insist on climbing the mountain Arafat. Everywhere around there is Arafat because the crowd is tough. After everything, we will arrange to take you there to see and climb it,” he assured.
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of the Board, Alhaji Eranga Abdulkabir Muhammadkabir, educated the pilgrims on the essential items required for the journey to Mina and emphasized the need for utmost concentration during the Hajj rites.
Other pilgrims who spoke, commended the leadership for the sacrifice and smooth operations so far.
