Pilgrims from Ogun State have commenced visitations to several holy sites having significant historical importance to Islam, including Mount Toor, Mount Nur, and Mount Arafat., all in Makkah

The Chairman of the Ad-hoc Committee for  2024 Hajj, Sheikh Lawal Hussein Kehinde, during the tour said, the visitations or Ziyarah, were intended to acquaint the pilgrims with Islamic history, emphasising that there were numerous lessons to be learnt from such engagements.

Sheikh Lawal Kehinde highlighted that Mount Nur, known as Jabbal Nur, is where Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) received the first revelations of the Holy Qur’an during the month of Ramadan, while Mount Toor, or Jabbal Toor, contains the cave where Prophet Muhammad and Abubakr sought refuge for three days and nights from the Quraysh before departing for Medinah.

Speaking on the significance of Mount Arafat, the Chairman noted that prayers offered at its premises were answered by Allah, adding that this underscores the essence of the Day of Arafat, which signifies the completion of Hajj.

The Commissioner for Education, Mr. Abayomi Arigbabu, who was also on the pilgrimage, described the visitation to Mount Arafat as an opportunity for pilgrims to climb the mountain and offer prayers and supplications to Allah, noting that the process could be arduous on the Day of Arafat due to the presence of millions of other pilgrims from around the world.

Commenting on adequate welfare and guidance provided by the Ogun State Pilgrims Welfare Board at ensuring that all pilgrims were comfortable, the Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters, Chief Jide Ojuko, and many other pilgrims interviewed expressed gratitude to the state government for facilitating the Ziyarah in Medinah and Makkah, highlighting that Governor Dapo Abiodun's moral and financial support had enriched their Hajj experience thus far.