By: John Bassey.
Intending pilgrims from Kebbi State on the fourth flight of the 2025 Hajj exercise arrived safely at King Abdulaziz International Airport, Madina, on Monday.
The flight, which departed from Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport, Birnin Kebbi, conveyed 423 pilgrims.
Among those on board were members of the Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Agency (PWA) Board, Government Officials, PWA Staff, and prominent Islamic scholars.
Notable among them were Alhaji Amadu Bala, Chairman of the PWA Board members; Dr. Suleiman Abubakar Fana, member of the Kebbi State House of Assembly and the Chairman of the Hadaya Committee; Malam Sharif Jega; Malam Aliyu Rini Jega, Muftin Gwandu.
Upon arrival, the pilgrims commenced visits to significant Islamic sites in Madina as part of their spiritual preparation for the Hajj pilgrimage in Makkah.
The visits were guided by Islamic scholars, including Malam Sharif Jega, Malam Aliyu Rini Jega, Muftin Gwandu, and Abubakar Wadata Kangiwa, the Hajj Guide for Arewa Local Government Area.
They enlightened the pilgrims on the spiritual importance of the sites and emphasized the need for fervent prayers for the nation, Kebbi State, leaders, families, and friends.
The sites visited included: Masjid Qiblatain, Masjid Quba, and the historic Mount Uhud, where 70 companions of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW) were martyred.
Malam Aliyu Rini Jega explained that the Masjid Quba was the first Mosque built in Islam following the Prophet’s migration (Hijrah) to Madina.
He noted that the Mosque holds great spiritual significance, as referenced in the Holy Qur’an, and that offering two Rak’ahs of prayer there is rewarded as if one performs both Hajj and Umrah.
Abubakar Wadata Kangiwa also explained the importance of Mount Uhud, where notable companions of the Prophet (SAW), including Sayyiduna Hamza and others, were martyred during the famous battle of Uhud.
The scholars and Hajj officials commended Gov. Nasir Idris for his unwavering commitment to the welfare of Kebbi State pilgrims.
They also praised the Executive Chairman of the Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, Alhaji Faruku Musa Yaro, for his effective coordination and management of the Hajj operations.
