MAKKAH – About 800 Lagos State pilgrims accommodated in House 1 on Tuesday began Pre – Hajj ziyarah of historic sites in Makkah, as part of the itinerary organised the Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board for the 2026 Hajj exercise.
Dressed in green and black ankara fabrics, the pilgrims visited Jabal Nur, the site of the first revelation, and Mount Arafah, traditionally associated with the meeting of Prophet Adam and Hawwa after their expulsion from paradise.
The group also toured Mina, where pilgrims will stay for at least five days during the main Hajj rites; Muzdalifah, where pilgrims spend the night and collect pebbles ; and the Jamrat areas, the site of the sybmbolic stonning of the devil.
A statement by Mr Taofeek Lawal, the Director, Public Affairs of Lagos State Muslim Welfare Board, disclosed that the Officials stated that visitation allows pilgrims to see the sites first hand and understand their significance before the main rites begins, noting that Mount Arafah may be difficult to access on the Day of Arafah due to large number of faithfuls expected.
Speaking during the visit, Prof. Kabir Olawale Paramole, Chairman of the Dawah and Enlightenment Sub – Committee, said the sites highlight the historical and spiritual formation of Islam.
“As you can see, Lagos State pilgrims went on visitation as a united body,” Paramole said. “The Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has not disappointed us. Islam is a religion of peace with historic and spiritual sites that show it is divinely – religion from Allah to prophet Muhammad.”
A pilgrims Rafiu Williams commended the state governments arrangements in Makkah. “I must commended the Lagos State. They have performed brilliantly, especially here in Makkah, Williams said.
“There are areas that need improvements, but overall they tried. My experience with state and officials has been excellent. They are knowledgeable, resourceful, and helpful. I rate them 8.5 to 9 out of 10.
Ziyarah will continue today, Wednesday, 20, for pilgrims accommodated in Houses 2 and 3.
After completing the visits, pilgrims will remain in Makkah until their movement to Mina on Sunday, May 24, corresponding to 7th Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH for the start of the main Hajj rites.
Dr Ahmad Abdullahi Jebe, Special Adviser to the Governor on Islamic Matters and Chairman of the 2026 Hajj Ad – hoc Committee, urged pilgrims to conserve energy, stay hydrated, and prioritize their health.
Board Secretary, Abdul Hakeem Ajomagberin added that the state government has secured Category A+ tents in Mina and Arafah for pilgrim’s comfort. He advised the pilgrims to follow all instructions and pray for an accepted Hajj.
