The Naibul Amir, Cultural Affairs of The Muslim Congress (TMC), Ustadh Sheriffdeen Ibrahim has said the Hajj, the fifth pillar of Islam is a spiritual journey which requires maximum preparation.
Ustadh Sheriffdeen made the disclosure while speaking at a Hajj Seminar organised by one of Nigeria’s leading Hajj and Umrah operators, Hajj Mabrur Ventures Limited (HMVL) in Lagos.
He said, “going for Hajj is answering the call made by Prophet Ibrahim. The journey is a spiritual one which requires preparation. The best of preparation according to the Qur’an is piety.
“The call is a meeting with Allah and it’s time to purify your soul. We must get prepared fully in terms of knowledge by reading books on Hajj, gathering money and also arranging for food, which should not be in excess.
“Psychological preparation is also important. The mind must be ready for the various rites and obligations so as to maximize all rewards inherent in Hajj. Time management is also important. Know what to do, when to do and why doing them. This would aid us in having a Hajj Mabrur,” he said.
Earlier on Saturday, the agency in collaboration with the TSH Medical Team carried out a thorough medical check on its intending pilgrims, numbering about 350.
The screening, which included clinical and laboratory checks cut across pulse rate, blood pressure, height, weight, consultations, blood sampling, genotype, hemoglobin level, sugar level, PCV, pregnancy test, and vaccinations, among others.
Ensure your luggage are safe – Customs
The Chief Superintendent of Customs (CSC), Alhaji A. B. Abdullah also advised the intending pilgrims to stick to the rules and regulations surrounding the journey from Nigeria to Saudi Arabia and ensure they guarantee the safety of their luggage.
The last phase of the seminar for pilgrims who came to Lagos from different parts of the country except Abuja will be held on Sunday, July 21 at the Islamic Centre Hall, University of Lagos.
Similarly, a one-day medical seminar will be held for intending pilgrims in Abuja on Saturday, July 20, 2019 at Stonehedge Hotel, Central Business District, FCT, Abuja. Medical screening starts 9:00am and the seminar proper commences by 10: 15am.
The Managing Director of Hajj Mabrur Ventures Limited, Alhaji AbdulHameed Solate, who welcomed the guests and pilgrims to the seminar, noted that the training became necessary in order to acquaint the intending pilgrims with what to do and also what to abstain from so as to have a successful and hitch-free Hajj exercise.
By Abdul Waheed Shotonwa
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