Be Dutiful to Allah on Hajj, Cleric Charges Intending Pilgrims
By Mariam Imran
An Islamic cleric, Engr. Abdulyassar Remilekun, has called on intending pilgrims to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, to be dutiful to Allah during Hajj and not allow their sacrifices, expenses, and physical exertions to go to waste.
Engr. Remilekun gave the advice while delivering a sermon on Friday titled “Preparation for Hajj Pilgrimage in Islam”, held in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.
He charged Muslim faithful to remain conscious of Allah at all times, saying: “Fear Allah, and do not let death overtake you except in a state of submission to Him.”
Quoting the Qur’an, he said: “O you who believe! Fear Allah (by doing all that He has ordered and abstaining from all that He has forbidden) as He should be feared. [Obey Him, be thankful to Him, and remember Him always], and die not except in a state of Islam (as Muslims), with complete submission to Allah.” (Al-Imran 3:102)
He described Hajj as the fifth pillar of Islam, which encompasses faith, Salaat (prayer), Zakaat (almsgiving), fasting, and pilgrimage.
He further explained the obligatory nature of the pilgrimage for every capable adult Muslim, emphasising that it must be performed during the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah—the twelfth month of the Islamic Hijrah calendar.
According to him, the rituals of Hajj involve five cardinal acts: Ihram, Tawaf, Sa’i, standing at Arafat (Arafa), and the throwing of pebbles (Ramy al-Jamarat).
He stressed that it is incumbent upon every pilgrim to learn the rites of Hajj and understand the procedures. Otherwise, they should follow a mutawwif or scholar appointed to guide them.
He reminded the faithful not to engage in any religious activity without proper knowledge of the rules laid down by Allah, affirming that Allah has instructed believers to seek knowledge when they do not know.
Quoting a Hadith, he said: “The Rasool (SAW) was reported to have said: He who performs Hajj without indulging in vain talk or committing any misbehaviour or indecency shall return from the pilgrimage as pure as he was on the day his mother gave birth to him.” (Bukhari & Muslim)
He cautioned and warned those who trivialise Islam or use it as content for entertainment, urging them to desist from such acts.
He concluded with a prayer that Allah grants intending pilgrims a successful journey with safety and good health, both in this congregation and worldwide.
“May He accept it as an act of worship, as He accepted that of the Rasool (SAW) and of our forefather in faith, Sayyiduna Ibraheem (AS).”
He also prayed for Allah’s mercy, grace, and the acceptance of the Hajj of those who have previously performed it, while seeking forgiveness for all.
