Gombe Cleric Urges Pilgrims to Prioritize Sincerity, Health During 2026 Hajj
By Jamilu Umar, Makkah
An Islamic cleric from Gombe state and member of the 2026 Hajj Committee, Adamu Muhammad Dokoro, has urged Nigerian pilgrims to uphold sincerity, patience and strict adherence to health guidelines during the 2026 Hajj exercise in Saudi Arabia.
Dokoro gave the advice while addressing pilgrims and intending pilgrims from Gombe State ahead of key Hajj rites, including the movement to Mount Arafat.
He stressed that pilgrims must remain focused on the spiritual purpose of Hajj by maintaining sincerity in their worship and cooperating fully with officials overseeing the pilgrimage operations.
According to him, obedience to leadership and patience under difficult conditions are essential to ensuring a smooth and successful Hajj exercise.
“The primary reason that brought them to the holy land is worship, and they must strive to maintain sincerity in all their acts,” he said.
Dokoro also advised pilgrims to remain prayerful throughout the pilgrimage by praying for themselves, their families, communities, states and Nigeria as a whole.
Speaking on the harsh weather conditions expected during the Hajj period, the cleric warned pilgrims against excessive exposure to the scorching sun and urged them to comply with medical advice issued by healthcare officials.
He cautioned against the constant consumption of extremely cold water and advised pilgrims to stay hydrated while minimizing unnecessary movement under direct sunlight.
According to him, pilgrims should avoid excessive trekking to the Haram Mosque during peak daytime temperatures to reduce the risk of dehydration, heatstroke and exhaustion.
He further recommended scheduling physically demanding activities, including climbing Mount Arafat, later in the day when temperatures are relatively cooler.
Dokoro noted that Islam encourages every action that protects human life and well-being, adding that religion was never intended to expose people to harm.
He also called for the prompt evacuation of pilgrims after the completion of Hajj rites to prevent unnecessary hardship and prolonged stay in Saudi Arabia.
The cleric expressed optimism that the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria would ensure a smooth return process for Nigerian pilgrims.
He prayed for all pilgrims to perform an accepted Hajj, remain healthy throughout the exercise and return safely to their families.
