ONE of Lagos State’s pilgrims already in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, Oloshogbo Isiaka Idris, has died.
A statement by Assistant Director, Public Affairs, Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board (LSMPWB), Taofeek Lawal , said the pilgrim died on Tuesday after returning return from tawaf (circumabulation of the Holy Kaaba) in Makkah.
The statement said the news of the death was conveyed by the secretary of LSMPWB, Mr Saheed Onipede, who revealed that the deceased, a 68-year-old pilgrim from Shomolu Local Government Area, died while eating his food in the evening, after Solat Maghrib.
Onipede said that the cause of the death was yet to be medically ascertained, but it could be connected to high blood pressure and the stress he passed through during the tawaf.
While extending the condolences of the state government to the immediate family and friends of the deceased, he prayed Allah to forgive his shortcomings and grant him Aljanah as well as the reward of the hajj, since he already had the intention.
The board secretary appealed to other pilgrims to exercise caution and refrain from stressing themselves before the commencement of the hajj rites which are yet to be fulfilled.
The deceased has been buried in Makkah in line with the principles of the Saudi Arabian authorities. A board member, Waheed Shonibare, led other state officials and some pilgrims to observe the janaza prayer for the pilgrim in Kaabah.
Meanwhile, the last batch of the pilgrims were expected to proceed to Makkah from Madinah on Thursday to continue other aspects of the spiritual exercise.
This followed the expiration of the four days allowed by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) for pilgrims to stay in Madinah.
While in Madinah, the pilgrims embarked on various activities such as observing regular solat in Masjid Nabawih (The Prophet’s Mosque), visitation to the Raodah (a special section in the mosque), as well as visitation to the tomb of the Prophet and his companions, to pray for them.
Other sites visited by the pilgrims included Masjid Quba (the first mosque built by the Prophet in Madinah), Masjid Qiblatain (mosque with two qiblas), and Mountain Huud (where Hamzat and many other companions were killed and buried) during a war with the unbelievers.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Islamic Matters, Dr Ahmad Abdullahi Jebe, said that the pilgrims conducted themselves very well in Madinah and expressed the hope that such conduct and behaviour would be replicated in Makkah where they are expected to stay much longer.
The board chairman, Imam Shakiru Gafar, appreciated the pilgrims for their patience, endurance and perseverance.
He described the patience they exhibited in Madinah as commendable and assured them that the board would ensure they enjoy substantial comfort throughout their stay in Makkah for the hajj rites.
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