HAJJ 2025: Lagos pilgrims pray for Lagos State, Nigeria at Arafah
The 1,315 Lagos State pilgrims gathered at the plain of Arafah have offered fervent prayers for Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR), Lagos State Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, and his deputy, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat.
The gathering at Arafah, a major highlight of the Hajj pilgrimage, took place on Thursday, the ninth day of Dhul-Hijjah. In line with Islamic tradition, every pilgrim performing Hajj must be physically present at Arafah to be officially recognized as an Alhaji or Alhaja.
In addition to prayers, the event featured a lecture on the significance of Arafah delivered by an Islamic scholar, Imam (Engr.) Shakiru Ayinde Gafar. He explained that Arafah is historically regarded as the meeting point of Prophet Adam and his wife Hawau (Eve) after they were sent out of paradise due to disobedience to Allah’s command.
A key highlight of the event was the formal declaration of all the pilgrims as legitimate Alhajis and Alhajas by the Amir-ul-Hajj and Commissioner for Home Affairs, Hon. Olanrewaju Ibrahim Layode. He congratulated the pilgrims and urged them to allow the teachings of Hajj to reflect in their personal lives, businesses, and relationships.
Layode also expressed appreciation to Governor Sanwo-Olu and Deputy Governor Hamzat, who joined via video call to felicitate with the pilgrims. He extended gratitude to the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, and other government officials for their support toward the success of the pilgrimage.
Pilgrims participating in the 2025 Hajj began the major rites on Wednesday, the eighth of Dhul-Hijjah, with their movement from Makkah to Mina. From there, they proceeded to Arafah on Thursday. They are scheduled to continue to Muzdalifah to collect pebbles, which will be used for the symbolic stoning of the Jamarat from Friday, the 10th to the 12th of Dhul-Hijjah, as prescribed by Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
