Dhu al-Qadah 14, 1447 (May 1, 2026)
Assalaamun Alaykum Warahmatullah Taallah Wabarakatuhu
To Intending Nigerian Pilgrims: Preparing the Heart Before the Journey
In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate.
All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. We praise Him, we seek His help, and we ask for His forgiveness. We bear witness that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah alone, and we bear witness that Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) is His servant and His Messenger.
Dear brothers and sisters, especially those among us who are preparing for this year’s Hajj from Nigeria – this is not just a journey of the body; it is a journey of the soul. It is not merely a trip to the blessed cities; it is a return to Allah. Many have gone before you, but not all returned transformed. The difference was not in the distance they traveled, but in the sincerity they carried.
Hajj is Not Tourism, It is Transformation
Let us begin by correcting our intention (niyyah). Hajj is not a status symbol. It is not a title to be worn – “Alhaji” or “Alhaja” – while the heart remains unchanged. It is not an opportunity for selfies, shopping, or social media display. It is a sacred appointment with Allah.
Ask yourself:
Why am I going?
Is it to fulfill an obligation?
Is it to seek forgiveness?
Is it to begin a new chapter of righteousness?
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said that whoever performs Hajj sincerely for the sake of Allah and avoids indecency and wrongdoing will return like the day he was born; free from sin. But that promise is tied to sincerity and discipline. Without them, the rituals may be performed, but the reward may be lost.
Purify Your Wealth Before You Pack Your Bags
Dear pilgrims, one of the greatest dangers is embarking on Hajj with impure wealth. Money obtained through corruption, fraud, exploitation, or injustice cannot carry you to Allah. It may take you to Makkah physically, but it will not elevate your Hajj spiritually.
If your wealth is questionable, purify it. Return what does not belong to you. Seek forgiveness from those you have wronged. Settle debts. Clear your conscience. For Allah is pure and accepts only what is pure.
Do not be among those who raise their hands in the sacred precincts, crying “Labbayk Allahumma Labbayk,” while their earnings contradict their words.
Reconcile With People Before You Seek Reconciliation With Allah
Hajj is a journey of forgiveness. Thus, it begins with you forgiving those who have wronged you and also seeking forgiveness from those who you have wronged. Imagine you standing on the plains of Arafah asking Allah to forgive you while your heart is a chilling room for grudges, hatred, and unresolved conflicts.
Call that brother or sister with whom you have not been on speaking terms. Visit that relative you offended. Apologize sincerely; even if you believe you were right. Humility is the gateway to acceptance.
Remember, Allah may forgive what is between you and Him, but He will not forgive what is between you and His servants until they forgive you.
Prepare for Patience as Hajj is a Test of Character
Hajj is not easy. It is crowded, physically demanding, and emotionally draining. It is a yealy conference of millions of Muslims converging at the same place, doing the same thing, the same way, and at the same time.
You will meet people from different cultures, languages, and temperaments. There will be delays, discomfort, and moments of frustration.
But this is the test.
How will you respond when someone steps on your foot?
How will you react when things do not go as planned?
Will you complain, argue, and lose your temper?
Or will you remain patient, remembering that every hardship is an opportunity for reward?
Allah says that Hajj is known months, and whoever undertakes it must avoid obscenity, sin, and argumentation. Your character during Hajj matters more than your rituals.
Guard Your Tongue and Your Eyes
Dear pilgrims, in this age of smartphones and constant connectivity, many have turned sacred moments into public displays. Be careful.
Do not let your Hajj become a photo album instead of a spiritual transformation. There is nothing wrong with capturing memories, but do not let it distract you from remembrance of Allah.
Guard your tongue from gossip, backbiting, and unnecessary discussion. Guard your eyes from distractions. Fill your time with dhikr, du‘a, and reflection.
When you stand before the Ka‘bah, let your heart speak. Not your camera.
Understand the Meaning Behind the Rituals
Every act in Hajj carries deep meaning. When you wear the Ihram, you are stripping away worldly identity: no wealth, no status, no tribe. You stand equal before Allah.
When you perform Tawaf, you are declaring that Allah is the center of your life.
When you walk between Safa and Marwah, you are remembering the struggle of Hajar, teaching you that reliance on Allah must be accompanied by effort.
When you stand at Arafah, you are standing on a field that resembles the Day of Judgment: millions gathered, humble, hopeful, and fearful. That is the moment to pour out your heart. Do not waste it.
When you pelt (stone ) the Jamarat, you are rejecting Shaytan; not just symbolically, but in your daily life. Ask yourself: Will I return to the same sins I am renouncing here?
Be Ambassadors of Nigeria and of Islam
Dear Nigerian pilgrims, you carry not only your personal identity; you carry the image of your country and your faith.
Let your conduct reflect dignity, discipline, and kindness. Be respectful to officials, guides, and fellow pilgrims. Avoid actions that bring shame or embarrassment.
Let people say: These Nigerians are disciplined, patient, and God-conscious.
Islam is not only what you say; it is what you show.
Do Not Return the Same Person
The greatest tragedy is not failing to reach Makkah. The greatest tragedy is reaching Makkah and returning unchanged.
If after Hajj you return to dishonesty, corruption, immorality and neglect of prayer – then what did you gain?
Hajj should mark a turning point. A new beginning. A covenant with Allah.
Make a commitment now:
To guard your prayers
To speak the truth
To earn halal income
To treat people with justice and compassion
To remain conscious of Allah in public and in private
A Final Reminder
Dear brothers and sisters, many longed for this opportunity but did not live to see it. You have been chosen. This is a privilege, not a right.
Do not take it lightly.
Prepare your body; but more importantly, prepare your heart. As you pack your luggage,you should also pack your sincerity, humility, patience, and repentance.
And when you stand on Arafah, remember us in your prayers. Remember Nigeria. Pray for peace, unity, and guidance for our dear County.
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O Allah, grant our pilgrims a safe journey. Accept their Hajj. Forgive their sins. Purify their hearts. And return them to us as better Muslims, better citizens, and better servants of You.
Ameen.
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Endeavour to recite Surah Al-Kahf (Chapter 18: Verses 1-110).
Juma’ah Mabrouq
