2023 Hajj: Bauchi Pilgrims Converge on Mina Ahead of Arafat
From Abdullahi Idris,Bauchi
Bauchi Pilgrims has joined their counterpart from different parts of the world who came to Saudi Arabia for this year’s Hajj at Mina since the early hours of Monday in preparation for Arafat day.
The pilgrims moved in their white robes for Mina, about five kilometres from Makkah.
The movement of Bauchi pilgrims from Makka to Mina was completed before midday Saudi Arabian local time.
The pilgrims would spend the day at Mina before proceeding to Arafat on Tuesday, about 22 km East of Makkah and also spend the whole of Tueday on the plain of Mount Arafat, also known as mount of mercy, being the ninth day of Dhul-Hijjah, also known as Arafat day.
Staying at Arafah is one of the essential components of Hajj, hence, the religious journey will be invalid if a pilgrim fails to spend the required time at the plain.
In an interview with journalists at Mina the Executive secretary of Bauchi pilgrims Board Dr Abdulrahman Idris, said the State Pilgrims Welfare Board have made adequate arrangement for Bauchi state Pilgrims to observe a hitch free Pilgrimage.
Dr Abdulrahman appealed to the pilgrims to use the opportunity to pray for Bauchi state and Nigeria.
Also commended the leader of Islamic preachers sponsored by Bauchi State government to guide pilgrims on observing the etiquettes of Hajj while in Mina
Dr Abdulrahman Idris,equally cited a prophetic tradition which called on pilgrims to emulate Prophet Muhammad Peace be upon him while observing their pilgrimage.
He revealed that the preachers have since commenced responding to Pilgrims concerns on the basics of Hajj exercise.
The Executive Secretary cautioned pilgrims against flirting while in Mina which he said vitiates ones pilgrimage.
He also urged all pilgrims to continue with Qur’anic recitation and supplication for peace,development and stability of Nigeria.
