• Says Kingdom prioritises pilgrims’ welfare
• Muslim News publisher among 30 Nigerians on King Salman’s guests for 2024 Hajj
The Saudi Embassy in Abuja, in a momentous ceremony bid farewell to the participants in the “Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Guests Program for Hajj, Umrah and Visit”, as well as the pilgrims from Nigeria for this year’s hajj.
His Excellency, Ambassador Faisal Ibrahim Al-Ghamidy presided over the ceremony on Friday, June 7, which was attended by a diverse group of officials, dignitaries, and the chosen pilgrims.
In his speech, Ambassador Al-Ghamidy highlighted the continuous efforts and dedication of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in serving and caring for the pilgrims who journey to the sacred house of Allah in Makkah.
He emphasized the importance of this mission and the pride with which the Kingdom undertakes the responsibility of ensuring a safe and spiritually enriching hajj experience for all pilgrims, which reflects the Kingdom’s longstanding commitment to facilitating pilgrimage for Muslims worldwide.
“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has always placed a high priority on the well-being and comfort of pilgrims visiting the holy sites. Under the leadership of the Custodian of the two holy mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Kingdom has made significant investments to enhance the pilgrimage experience, ensuring that all visitors can perform their religious duties with ease and peace of mind,” said Ambassador Al-Ghamidy.
The Ambassador extended his heartfelt gratitude to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed for their unwavering commitment and generous directives aimed at overcoming all challenges faced by pilgrims and umrah participants.
He acknowledged the meticulous planning and extensive measures put in place by the Kingdom to accommodate and serve the millions of Muslims who undertake hajj each year. This dedication, he noted, underscores the deep spiritual and cultural importance of hajj and umrah in the Islamic faith.
As the ceremony drew to a close, a “pilgrim’s gift” was presented to the Nigerian guests as an appreciation and support that symbolises the Kingdom’s commitment to their comfort and well-being during the pilgrimage.
This year, 30 Nigerian pilgrims will join the programme of Guests of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, an initiative designed to provide special care and services to pilgrims from around the world.
Some of the chosen pilgrims include the President of the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria, SCSN, Sheikh AbdurRashid Hadiyatullah; former Grand Khadi, Justice Idris Abdullahi Haroon, OFR; Director Daru Nai’i, Sheikh Imran Eleha; Special Assistant to the President on Digital Communications, Bashir Ahmad; Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to Governor Sanwo-Olu on New Media, Jubril Gawat; Publisher, PR Nigeria, Yushau Abdulhameed Shuaib; Aliyu Abdul Lateef from Daily Trust and the Publisher of Muslim News Nigeria, Rasheed Abubakar, among other top Muslim professionals and scholars.
The programme of Guests of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques is an esteemed initiative that annually sponsors and hosts thousands of pilgrims from various countries, enabling them to perform hajj with support and assistance provided by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to promote Islamic solidarity and foster a sense of global Muslim community.
