Hajj: Muslims urged to observe pilgrimage rites

Hajj

An Abuja Based Islamic Cleric, Sheik Yahya Al-Yolawi, has admonished Muslims to observe the rites of pilgrimage once in their life time as stipulated by Allah and his messenger.

Al-Yolawi, who is also the Chief Imam of Area 10 Abuja Mosque, made the call on Monday in Abuja.

He said that hajj is an obligatory duty ordained by Allah on every Muslim who is physically and financially capable, adding that it is compulsory only once during the lifetime of a Muslim.

“According to the teaching of Prophet Muhammad, hajj is mandated once and whoever does it more than once, is supererogatory.

“Allah says indeed, the first House of worship established for mankind was that at Mecca – blessed and for guidance of the world.

“In it are clear signs such as the standing place of prophet Ibrahim. And whoever enters it shall be safe.

“And due to Allah from the people is a pilgrimage to the House for whoever is able to find their to a way. But whoever disbelieves – then indeed, Allah is free from needs of the world,” he said.

Al-Yolawi explained that in the context of Islam, Hajj implied going to Mecca to observe the rites of pilgrimage stipulated in the holy Qur’an and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him).

He said that hajj that was being performed annually from the 8 to 12 and or 13 of Dhu al-Hijjah, according to Islamic Calendar.

The cleric said that observing hajj is the best deed in Islam, adding that “it is also the Jihad for the old, the weak and women, which wipes away past sins.”

“Prophet says he who performs hajj seeking Allah’s pleasure and avoids all lewdness and sins, therein will return after hajj free from all sins, just like he was on the day his mother gave birth to him.

“Observing hajj eliminates sins and poverty, just as the bellows eliminate impurities from iron, gold and silver,” the cleric said.

He appealed to the 2016 Nigerian pilgrims to Saudi Arabia to be good ambassadors and portray the country in good image while in the Holy Land.

Al-Yolawi, who advised Nigerian pilgrims to shun acts capable of projecting the image of the country in negative light, admonished them to imbibe the spirit of love and forgiveness.