By Soliu Oyesiji
The Osun State Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Board has commenced a two-week enlightenment programme for intending pilgrims, as part of preparations for the 2026 Hajj exercise.
The exercise, flagged off on Saturday, is designed to equip pilgrims with the spiritual, physical and logistical knowledge required for a successful pilgrimage.
Chairman of the Board and Amirul Hajj, Abdul Maruf Ishola, urged intending pilgrims to see the opportunity to perform Hajj as a divine privilege that must be approached with gratitude and responsibility.
“Not everyone who has the money gets to go to Makkah. Allah chooses His guests, and you have been chosen. This is not a privilege to take lightly; it is a responsibility before Allah, before this state and before your families,” he said.
He emphasised the need for early spiritual preparation, advising pilgrims to seek forgiveness, resolve disputes and purify their intentions ahead of the journey.
“Before you board that aircraft, settle all disputes. Return what does not belong to you. Seek forgiveness from those you have wronged. Hajj begins in the heart before it begins on the road,” he added.
Ishola also urged participants to cultivate patience, describing it as essential to achieving Hajj Mabrur, while stressing that the enlightenment programme should be taken seriously.
“The knowledge you acquire here will be your compass in Saudi Arabia. Do not treat this programme with levity. Attend every session and go prepared,” he said.
He, however, cautioned experienced pilgrims against misleading first-timers, urging all participants to adhere strictly to official guidelines.
In his remarks, the Board Secretary, Muritala Fakunle, charged pilgrims to conduct themselves as worthy ambassadors of the state and comply fully with the training.
He noted that the sensitisation programme remains critical to the success of the Hajj exercise, adding that attendance is compulsory for all intending pilgrims.
