Hajj 2026: Lagos Pilgrims Visit Historic Sites in Makkah Ahead of Rites
By Abdulrazaq Auwal
About 800 pilgrims from Lagos State began a pre-Hajj tour of key Islamic historical sites in Makkah on Tuesday as part of activities organized by the Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board ahead of the 2026 Hajj rites.
The pilgrims, accommodated in House 1 and dressed in green and black Ankara fabrics, visited several significant sites linked to Islamic history, including Jabal Thawr, where Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and Abu Bakr reportedly took refuge during the Hijrah, and Jabal Nur, the mountain associated with the first revelation of the Qur’an.
They also toured Mount Arafah, traditionally believed to be the place where Prophet Adam and Hawwa reunited after their expulsion from Paradise.
The ziyarah further took the pilgrims to Mina, where pilgrims will spend several days during Hajj; Muzdalifah, where pilgrims will gather pebbles and spend the night after Arafah; and the Jamarat Bridge area, where the symbolic stoning ritual takes place.
Officials of the board said the visits were designed to familiarize pilgrims with the locations and deepen their understanding of the historical and spiritual significance of the sites before the commencement of the main Hajj rites.
Chairman of the Dawah and Enlightenment Sub-Committee, Prof. Kabir Olawale Paramole, said the exercise reflected unity among the pilgrims and demonstrated the board’s commitment to effective coordination.
“As you can see, Lagos State pilgrims went on the visitation as a united body and returned as a united body,” he said.
Paramole added that the sites underscored the historical and spiritual foundations of Islam and described the religion as divinely revealed to Prophet Muhammad.
One of the pilgrims, Rafiu Williams, commended the Lagos State Government for the arrangements made for pilgrims in Makkah.
“I must commend the Lagos State Government. They have performed brilliantly, especially here in Makkah,” Williams said, while acknowledging that there was still room for improvement.
He praised officials of the board for being resourceful and supportive throughout the pilgrimage process.
The board said the ziyarah exercise would continue on Wednesday for pilgrims accommodated in Houses 2 and 3.
Pilgrims are expected to remain in Makkah until May 24, corresponding to 7 Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH, when they will proceed to Mina for the commencement of the core Hajj rites.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Islamic Matters and Chairman of the 2026 Hajj Ad-hoc Committee, Dr. Ahmad Abdullahi Jebe, advised pilgrims to conserve energy, stay hydrated, and prioritize their health ahead of the physically demanding stages of Hajj.
Board Secretary AbdulHakeem Ajomagberin said the state government had secured Category A+ tents in Mina and Arafah to enhance pilgrims’ comfort during the pilgrimage.
