Lagos State Government has advised pilgrims participating in the 2026 Hajj in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to pay close attention to their health and wellbeing ahead of the commencement of the major pilgrimage rites.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Islamic Matters and Chairman of the 2026 Hajj Ad-hoc Committee, Dr Abdullahi Jebe, gave the advice during a tour of historical Islamic sites in Makkah organised for Lagos pilgrims by the Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board.
Jebe stressed the importance of conserving energy and maintaining good health ahead of the physically demanding Hajj exercises.
“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.
According to him, the excursion to the historical sites was designed to help pilgrims gain firsthand knowledge of the locations and understand their religious significance before the commencement of the core Hajj rituals.
He 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.
Following the completion of the visits, the pilgrims are expected to remain in Makkah until their scheduled movement to Mina on Sunday, May 24, corresponding to the 7th day of Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH, when the main Hajj rites will begin.
The Secretary of the Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, AbdulHakeem Ajomagberin, disclosed that the state government had secured Category A+ tents in Mina and Arafah to ensure the comfort of pilgrims during the exercise.
He advised the pilgrims to comply strictly with instructions from officials and remain prayerful throughout the pilgrimage.
Also speaking during the tour, the Chairman of the Dawah and Enlightenment Sub-Committee, Prof. Kabir Paramole, said the historical sites visited by the pilgrims reflected the spiritual heritage and historical foundations of Islam.
According to him, “Islam is a religion of peace with historical and spiritual sites that show it is a divinely given religion from Allah to Prophet Muhammad.”
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.