Hajj 2025: Lagos State Pilgrims Visits Historical Sites in Madinah

• Lagos State pilgrims in Madinah embarked on a meaningful visitation to historical sites as part of their Hajj 2025 experience
• Led by religious guides, they explored locations significant to Islamic history, deepening their understanding of key events and teachings
• The pilgrimage, fully supported by the Lagos State Government, provided an enriching spiritual journey for participants ahead of the main Hajj rituals in Makkah

The fourth batch of Lagos State pilgrims, who arrived in Madinah on Sunday, undertook a significant ziyarah (visitation to historical sites) on Monday in accordance with the teachings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

Led by Alhaji Idris Akanni, known as More Blessings, alongside members of the Ulamah and Hajj guides, the pilgrims visited Mount Hira, where the Prophet Muhammad and his companions fought a fierce battle against unbelievers.

Several companions, including Seyidinah Hamzah, died in the conflict and were buried near the mountain.

The group also visited Mount Hud, a site of immense historical significance. Akanni highlighted the importance of obedience to leadership, referencing how the companions’ failure to adhere to the Prophet’s command led to heavy casualties and the Prophet himself suffering severe wounds.

Visitation to masjid qiblatain and masjid Quba

The pilgrims toured Masjid Qiblatain, the mosque where the Prophet received Allah’s command to redirect prayers from Masjid Qudus in Jerusalem to the Kaaba in Makkah.

Another key location visited was Masjid Quba, the first mosque built in Madinah. Here, they performed two rakaats of solat, fulfilling a prophetic tradition that grants the reward of Umrah to those who pray in the mosque.

Pilgrims express gratitude to Lagos state government

Many of the pilgrims, particularly first-time participants, expressed immense joy and gratitude for the spiritual experience.

They appreciated the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, and his deputy, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, for fulfilling their promises and facilitating a seamless pilgrimage experience.

The cost of the ziyarah was fully covered by the Lagos State Government as part of the largesse pledged by the administration prior to departure. Officials ensured that pilgrims were transported comfortably in air-conditioned buses, further demonstrating the government’s commitment to their welfare.

Pilgrims to depart for makkah

Following the completion of their ziyarah in Madinah, the fourth flight of Lagos pilgrims is scheduled to proceed to Makkah on Thursday, where they will join others in preparation for the main Hajj 2025 rituals.

This year’s pilgrimage continues to reflect the dedication of Lagos State in providing a spiritually fulfilling and well-organized experience for its citizens.

Full statement below:

“The fourth batch of Lagos State pilgrims that arrived Madinah on Sunday has embarked on ziyarah (visitation to historical sites) in the city, in line with the dictates and teachings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

“The ziyarah, which is one of the important rites expected to be performed by every pilgrim in Madinah, was held in the early hours of Monday.

“The pilgrims, who were led by Alhaji Idris Akanni, popularly known as More blessings, some members of the Ulamah and Hajj guides, visited Mount Hira, where the Prophet and his companions fought a severe war against the unbelievers. Many of the companions, including Seyidinah Hamzah, died and were buried around the mountain.

“According to Akanni, the significance of visiting Mount Hud was for Muslims to learn to obey the instructions of their leaders and not to disobey constituted authorities.

“He stressed that the companions' disobedience to the directive given by the Prophet not to disembark from a strategic area of the mountain came with severe consequences, saying that while the war was eventually won by the Muslims, many of them were killed, and the Prophet himself was seriously wounded.

“Other places visited included Masjid Qiblatain, where the Prophet received an order from Allah to change the direction of prayer from Masjid Qudus in Jerusalem to the Kaaba in Makkah. They also visited Masjid Quba (the first Mosque built in Madinah) by the Muslims. The pilgrims offered two rakaats of solat here to get the reward of Umrah.

“Akanni quoted the Prophet as having given assurances that any pilgrim who performs two rakaats of nawafil in Masjid Quba would be given the reward of Umrah. The Sabua Masajid was also visited amongst other places of interest.

“The pilgrims, especially those performing Hajj for the first time, were highly elated and enthusiastic about their experiences of being at the sites. They expressed gratitude to Allah for the opportunity and appreciated the Governor and his deputy for keeping to their promises, as well as the officials for guiding them appropriately during the ziyarah and other activities in Madinah.

“Recall that the payment for the ziyarah was part of the largesse promised to the pilgrims by the administration of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, before departing from Nigeria.

“It is, therefore, noteworthy that none of the pilgrims paid anything for this important visitation, as officials made it a point of duty to effect the Governor's directive by providing conducive and comfortable air-conditioned buses which conveyed them to and from the various sites visited.

“The pilgrims on the fourth flight are expected to proceed to Makkah on Thursday to join others in preparation for the main Hajj rituals.”

NAHCON announces 2025 hajj fare for Nigerians

Legit.ng earlier reported that the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has officially announced the 2025 Hajj fare for intending Nigerian pilgrims.

The fare varies by geographical zone, reflecting differences in logistics and transportation costs.

According to NAHCON, the Southern zone will pay the highest fare at ₦8,784,085.59. Pilgrims from the Northern zone are to pay ₦8,457,685.59, while those from the Borno and Adamawa zone will pay ₦8,327,125.59, the lowest in the country.

Source: Legit.ng