Madinah: Nigerian pilgrims in Madinah have begun their movement to Makkah on Thursday.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, an update by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) stated that the movement to Makkah commenced after the pilgrims had spent four days in Madinah.
The commission reported that the four official airlines for the Hajj operation-Max Air, Umza Airline, Air Peace, and Flynas-have transported 9,756 pilgrims to Saudi Arabia. Pilgrims wishing to visit the Rawdah, Prophet Mohammed’s burial chamber in Madinah, before departing to Makkah are encouraged to coordinate with their States’ Pilgrims Boards for proper arrangements.
NAHCON assures the Nigerian contingent to the pilgrimage that state pilgrims’ welfare boards’ officials have been guided and trained on the procedures for booking Rawdah visits. However, due to congestion and crowd management measures, access to the Rawdah is strictly subject to space availability and approved bookings. Pilgrims are advised to remain patient and orderly, and to follow the guidance of their Ulama regarding the validity and acceptance of their Hajj rites.
The commission clarified that visiting the Rawdah is a blessed opportunity, but not a condition for the validity of Hajj.