The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board will begin distributing travel materials to intending Hajj pilgrims on Saturday.
The distribution will take place during the second phase of the education and orientation exercise at the permanent Hajj camp in Bassan Jiwa, near Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. The event is scheduled to run from Saturday to Sunday.
A statement released in Abuja on Wednesday by the board’s Public Relations Officer, Muhammad Lawal, confirmed that all necessary materials had been secured to help intending pilgrims prepare adequately for the upcoming pilgrimage.
The items to be distributed include uniforms, literature, and audio materials designed to educate and engage pilgrims in learning Hajj rites. Lawal noted that these materials would be particularly useful as they allow the pilgrims to continue their studies during the holy month of Ramadan.
He also stated that activities related to the Hajj would be temporarily suspended during Ramadan to allow pilgrims to fully participate in the religious observances of the month in their respective communities. Preparations for the journey will resume immediately after Ramadan to ensure a smooth and successful pilgrimage.
According to Lawal, the board remains committed to ensuring that all intending pilgrims are well-equipped with the necessary knowledge and guidance to perform the Hajj properly.
“As usual, the second phase of the orientation exercise held this weekend will be conducted in seven languages by Islamic scholars due to the peculiar nature of the FCT, and it will begin by 8 a.m. each day.
“The orientation exercise that is being conducted in phases will enable the intending pilgrims to get proper enlightenment on the Hajj rites.
“It will also allow them to be enlightened on the guidelines and the new policies introduced for this year’s Hajj by the Saudi authorities and the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON),” he said.
Lawal further urged intending pilgrims who have not yet submitted their completed application forms or international passports to do so as soon as possible. This will help the board speed up the process of obtaining their travel documents ahead of their departure to Saudi Arabia.
