The Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Alhaji Jalal Ahmed Arabi, has sought forgiveness from Nigerian pilgrims for any shortcomings experienced during this year’s Hajj exercise.
This plea was made during his visit to the FCT Tent in Mina to monitor the ongoing Hajj activities and ascertain the situation on the ground.
Alhaji Arabi, accompanied by the NAHCON management team, commended the pilgrims for their commitment, humility, and tolerance throughout the rituals.
He acknowledged the difficulties faced but expressed gratitude for the pilgrims’ positive disposition.
“At least those of us that are here, can’t thank Allah enough for having the strength to even be standing now after going through all we went through. But the smile I saw on your faces shows that there’s an indication that Allah has accepted our supplications,” he remarked.
The Chairman urged the pilgrims to forgive any perceived shortcomings from the commission.
He emphasized that any issues were not deliberate and asked for understanding and pardon. “Only Allah is perfect. Most definitely, there are a lot of expectations by either those coming for the first time or those that would have been coming all this while. Please, if you have noticed any shortcomings, we ask for your forgiveness.
We didn’t do it in any way to make you suffer, wallahi, so find a place in your heart and forgive us just as you seek forgiveness from Allah. If we did anything wrong, please pardon us. It is not deliberate,” he stated.
Dr. Abdullahi Isa Kaura-Mata, Chairman of the Ministerial Committee for the FCT 2024 Hajj, also praised the pilgrims for their maturity and orderliness during the Hajj rituals.
He appreciated the support from the Honorable Minister of the FCT, Mr. Nyesom Wike, and the Honorable Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, ensuring the smooth conduct of the pilgrimage since their assumption of office in August last year.
Malam Abubakar Adamu Evuti, Director of the FCT Muslims Pilgrims Welfare Board, expressed satisfaction with the visit of the NAHCON Chairman to the FCT Tent in Mina. He commended the synergy between the Commission and the Saudi authorities, which contributed to a hitch-free exercise for the pilgrims.
Evuti highlighted new policies introduced by the Commission, such as reducing the number of days spent in Medina from one week to four days, which have eased the process for pilgrims.
Evuti called on the pilgrims to continue praying for peace and stability in Nigeria, particularly for the success of the Renewed Hope initiative of the current administration.
Source: Daily Independent
