The 512 Ondo state pilgrims are safe and are set to begin a journey to mina for the commencement of hajj rites tomorrow Monday 26, 2023, it has been disclosed.
The State Chairman of Muslim Welfare Board, Alhaji Zikirulullah Adam Chandy disclosed this in a telephone conversation .
Chandy said the pilgrims would leave Mecca city for their tents in Mina later today Sunday 25, 2023 to commence the hajj proper at dawn on Monday 26, 2022 with the morning prayer.
He said the pilgrims would later leave their tents at Mina to Arafa on Tuesday for the early morning prayer, then leave Arafa after Magrib prayer in the evening .
According to the Chairman, the pilgrims will head to Musdalifah where they will pick 49 pebbles for stoning of the devil and pass the night there.
On leaving Musdalifah before dawn, Chandy stated, that they will go back to their tents at Mina where they will observe the morning prayer on Wednesday 28, 2023.
Chandy narrated that after the prayer, the pilgrims will around 10am, proceed to Jamarah for the throwing of the first seven pebbles against the devil.
Thereafter, the pilgrims will head back to their tent at Mina for slaughtering of their sacrificial ram after which they will all have their hair scrap.
He said the second stoning against the devil would be observed next day on Thursday 29th and Friday 30th when 21 stones would be thrown simultaneously to complete the 2023 holy pilgrimage rites.
According to the Muslim Welfare board Chairman, the pilgrims will depart the holy land in Saudi Arabia 10 days after the completion of the exercise.
One of the leading Imams among the state pilgrims, Alhaji Abdulganeey Imam Bello, the Olodeke of Ekan Ikare said the pilgrims had earlier been educated and instructed on the processes and religious obligation required at the various rite sites.
He said they have been taught about the recitations and what were expected to be done at every stop overs during the processes.
Also, a pilgrim, Alhaja Lateefat Ogunbayo who described the 2023 hajj as a great success applauded both the state Muslim Welfare Board officials and the Saudi Authority whom she said gave them a good treat and the best hospitality expected.
According to her, the state welfare Board provided them with good local foods in the mornings and evenings which does not create any room for personal cooking while the saudi authority kept giving them different kind of gift items.
