As the airlift of this year’s intending pilgrims to Hajj 2025 commences on Thursday, a faith-based civil society organisation, Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR), has called on all service providers to act with the fear of God.
In a statement issued to journalists in Abuja by IHR national coordinator, Ibrahim Mohammed, the group emphasised that Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam, and any service in that regard draws immense rewards from Allah (SWT).
“Beyond any economic gains, any service rendered to one’s best abilities to the guests of Ar Rahman will surely earn those who offered the services Allah’s mercy,” he said.
The CSO urged officials of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), those from across the State Pilgrims Welfare Boads and Commissions and the FCT, to abide by their Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), especially regarding the invitation of pilgrims to transit camps.
“We have had scenarios in the past whereby intending pilgrims are asked to report to camp after being informed that they will be airlifted within 24 hours, only for such pilgrims to spend several days there, thereby exposing them to untold hardships even before they arrive in Saudi Arabia.
“Officials should also be open and transparent concerning the distribution of Basic Travel Allowance (BTA) to the pilgrims!,” IHR said.
IHR also urged all service providers in Nigeria and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to abide by their terms of engagement.
“To the pilgrims themselves, we urge you all to know that Allah chose you out of over a billion Muslims to perform this important religious obligation, the result of which is Aljannah Firdaus,” he added.
He reiterated that their goals should be to perform Hajj Mabrur, and anything that tries to come in their way should be seen as a distraction and a gimmick by Iblis, the cursed one, to deny them the chance to achieve their aims.
“Your patience will be tested not just by officials but by service providers and even fellow pilgrims themselves. Kindly ignore everything, remain patient and focus on your Hajj rites.
“Know that officials are human beings too who are there to serve you, but can make mistakes,” the CSO concluded.