Kano Pilgrims have joined their counterparts from different parts of the world who came to Saudi Arabia for this year’s Hajj at Muna since the early hours of Monday in preparation for Arafat Day.
DailyNews24 reports that this was confirmed in a statement released by Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, who doubles as the Kano State governor’s spokesperson and chairman of the state’s 2023 Hajj Media Team.
The pilgrims moved in their white robes to Muna, about five kilometers from Makkah.
The movement of Kano pilgrims from Makka to Muna was completed before midday Saudi Arabian local time.
The pilgrims would spend the day at Muna before proceeding to Arafat on Tuesday, about 22 km East of Makkah, and also spend the whole of Tuesday on the plain of Mount Arafat, also known as the 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 Muna, Dawakin Tofa said the State Pilgrims Welfare Board has made adequate arrangements for Kano state Pilgrims to observe a hitch-free Pilgrimage.
Dawakin Tofa appealed to the pilgrims to use the opportunity to pray for Kano State and Nigeria.
Also commenting, the leader of Islamic preachers sponsored by the Kano State government to guide pilgrims, Malam Tijjani Shehu Maihula, admonished pilgrims to observe the etiquette of Hajj while in Muna.
Malam Tijjani Shehu Maihula cited a prophetic tradition that 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 about the basics of Hajj exercise.
The cleric cautioned pilgrims against flirting while in Muna, which he said vitiates one’s pilgrimage.
Also commenting, Malam Aliyu Mukhtar Darma and Gwani Musa Falaki advised Pilgrims on Quranic recitation and supplication during their stay in Muna.
