Oloshogbo Isiaka Idris, a pilgrim from Lagos State participating in the Y2024 Holy Pilgrimage in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, passed away on Tuesday after returning from the Tawaf, or circumambulation, of the Holy Kaaba in Makkah.
According to Saheed Onipede, the secretary of the Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, the 68-year-old pilgrim from Shomolu Local Government passed away in the evening (after Solat Maghrib) while consuming his meal. Onipede emphasized that even though a medical examination had not yet determined the reason for his death, it was impossible to rule out a connection between his high blood pressure and the stress he experienced during the Tawaf.
As he sent the state government’s condolences to the deceased’s friends and family, he also prayed to Allah, asking that He pardon his transgressions and grant him Aljanat Fridaos and the Hajj reward, because he had already made the intention.
The Board Secretary urged the other pilgrims to be cautious and not put themselves under undue stress before the start of the actual Hajj rituals, which have not yet been completed. The deceased has been laid to rest at Makkah following the regulations set forth by Saudi Arabian authorities.
The final group of pilgrims will leave Madinah for Makkah on Thursday to complete further spiritual exercises after spending the four days that the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) mandates for pilgrims to stay in Madinah.
The pilgrims engaged in a variety of religious practices while in Madinah, including praying for the Prophet and his companions at their tomb, visiting the Prophet’s tomb, and observing regular solat in the Prophet Mosque, which has spiritual significance for any pilgrim who visits the Raodah, a special section of the mosque.
Among the other places pilgrims went were Masjid Quba, the Prophet Muhammad’s first mosque in Madinah; Masjid Qiblatain, a mosque with two qiblas; and Mountain Huud, the location of the killing and burial of Hamzat and many of his companions after a conflict with the infidels.
The Special Advisor to the Governor on Islamic matters, Dr. Ahmad Abdullahi Jebe, spoke about the pilgrims’ excellent behavior in Madinah and expressed the hope that Makkah, where they are expected to stay for a longer period of time, would see a similar level of behavior and conduct from the pilgrims.
In addition, the board chairman, Imam (Engr.) Shakiru Ayinde Gafar thanked the pilgrims for their forbearance, tenacity, and patience. He said it was encouraging that they behaved like they did in Madinah. He assured them that the board would make sure they had plenty of comfort throughout their Hajj rituals while they were in Makkah.
