* Diasporan pilgrims depart May 16 and 17, Nigerian airlift set for May 19
A leading Hajj and Umrah operator, Virgo International Limited, has admonished intending pilgrims for the 2026 Hajj to approach the sacred journey with sincerity, discipline, and total commitment, stressing that Hajj is a spiritual obligation that demands preparation rather than merriment.
The admonition was given during the company’s Pre Hajj 2026 Seminar held on Sunday, May 10, 2026, at Al Hikmah University, Ilorin, Kwara State, where renowned Muslim scholars and stakeholders gathered to educate intending pilgrims on the rites, ethics, and practical aspects of Hajj.
The company announced that its 2026 Hajj airlift operations commenced with the departure of the first batch of its diasporan pilgrims on Saturday, May 16, while the second batch is scheduled to depart on Sunday, May 17. It further disclosed that the airlifting of its Nigerian pilgrims will begin on Tuesday, May 19.
Muslim News gathered that the seminar was led by the Grand Kadi of the Shariah Court of Appeal, Honourable Justice Abdullateef Kamaldeen, who urged pilgrims to purify their intentions and remain mindful of the spiritual significance of Hajj throughout their journey.
The programme commenced with the recitation of verses from Surah Hajj in the Noble Qur’an, setting the tone for detailed sessions on spiritual, mental, physical, and health preparations required for a successful pilgrimage.
Other speakers at the seminar included Sheikh Dr Kamaldeen Ajijolakewu, Sheikh Dr Uthman Abdulhameed, and Dr Lawal Olohungbebe.
One of the scholars, Sheikh Ajijolakewu, reminded pilgrims that “Hajj is serious undertaking, not for merriment,” stressing the need for endurance, patience, obedience, and dedication during the pilgrimage.
During one of the practical sessions, Dr Abdulhameed explained the procedure for wearing the ihram, the sacred pilgrimage garment, particularly for pilgrims performing Hajj Tamattu, a pilgrimage combining Umrah and Hajj with a break in between.
He noted that male pilgrims would first wear the ihram for Umrah, the lesser pilgrimage, return to their normal clothes after completing the Umrah rites, and later wear the ihram again when it is time for the Hajj rites.
The seminar also focused extensively on common mistakes committed during Hajj and ways to avoid them, while scholars educated participants on proper Hajj etiquette, conduct, and interpersonal relations in the Holy Land.
A major highlight of the event was the practical demonstration session led by the Grand Kadi alongside Dr Sanusi Lafiagi, where intending pilgrims were taken through step by step demonstrations of the Hajj rites, including the proper way of wearing the ihram.
There was also a symbolic representation of the Kaaba, the sacred house of worship in Makkah, used during the practical session on Tawaf, the circumambulation around the Kaaba, giving participants a clearer understanding of the exercise and other rituals associated with the pilgrimage.
The intending pilgrims expressed excitement and satisfaction with the seminar, describing the sessions as simple, practical, and easy to understand.
Among dignitaries present at the event were Dr S L Nurudeen, Arc Salihu Sulaiman, and Sheikh Abdullahi Jibreel, among others.
Special prayers were also offered for the intending pilgrims, the company, and the success of the 2026 Hajj operations.
The seminar was coordinated by Dr Sanusi Lafiagi and Mallam Nafiu Olamilekan Ayinde, with the Chairman of the company, Mallam Nafiu Abdulrahman, presiding over the occasion.
Addressing the pilgrims via Zoom, Mallam Nafiu Abdulrahman, reaffirmed Virgo International Limited’s commitment to delivering seamless and spiritually fulfilling Hajj and Umrah experiences through carefully designed packages and professional services.
Mallam Abdulrahman stated that the company has over 20 years of experience in the travel and pilgrimage industry, offering personalised travel solutions and quality customer service to thousands of pilgrims over the years.
He further noted that it is a registered member of the Hajj and Umrah Tour Operators of Nigeria and is fully licensed by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria to airlift pilgrims for Hajj and Umrah operations.
He also disclosed that the company is affiliated with the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, accredited by the International Air Transport Association, and a member of the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies.
According to him, its extensive experience and commitment to professionalism, integrity, hospitality, and reliability have continued to earn it the trust of pilgrims across the world.
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