TheNewsGuru

Tag: Saudi Arabia

  • Delta Hajj pilgrims bag Saudi Arabia’s good conduct award

    Delta Hajj pilgrims bag Saudi Arabia’s good conduct award

    The Delta State contingent to the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage have been given an award for good conduct in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

    The award, which was presented by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, was received by the Chairman of the State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board and leader of the delegation, Alhaji Auwalu Tukur.

    The Saudi Arabian authorities had expressed appreciation to the Delta contingent for their exemplary conduct and as one of the best and peaceful performing state in Nigeria in the 2024 hajj.

    Alhaji Tukur who presented the award to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, on Thursday, in Asaba in company of the State Commissioner Bureau for Special Duties, Mr Terry Etagherure, and his Special Assistant, Mr Ferguson Atakere, expressed appreciation to all the pilgrims from Delta State for their good behaviour and cooperation with Hajj officials, which culminated in the award.

  • Saudi issues warning on visas for Hajj pilgrimage

    Saudi issues warning on visas for Hajj pilgrimage

    Saudi Arabia has accused tourism companies from other countries of misleading visit visa holders into participating in the Hajj pilgrimage.

    The Security Spokesperson of the Saudi Interior Ministry, Talal Shalhoub, said that those companies issued visas not intended for Hajj, and encouraged them to violate regulations by staying in Mecca two months before the Hajj season, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

    The spokesperson emphasised that a Hajj permit is not merely a transit card but a crucial tool that facilitates access to pilgrims and identifies their locations to provide necessary care and services.

    The spokesperson underscored that individuals without a Hajj permit face challenges in accessing essential services and healthcare during the pilgrimage.

    According to Shalhoub, 83 per cent of the total mortalities during the Hajj season this year, amounting to 1,079 out of 1,301, were those without Hajj permits.

  • 1,301 pilgrims died in 2024 Hajj- Saudi Arabia Authority reveals

    1,301 pilgrims died in 2024 Hajj- Saudi Arabia Authority reveals

    Saudi Arabia has announced that 1,301 pilgrims died during this year’s hajj.

    The country’s minister of health, Fahd Al-Jalajel, in an interview on Sunday, said 83 per cent of the 1,301 fatalities were unauthorised pilgrims who walked long distances in high temperatures to perform the hajj rituals.

    The minister said 95 pilgrims were being treated in hospitals, some of whom were airlifted for treatment in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia.

    He said, “1,301 people died during the #Hajj1445 season. May Allah have mercy on them all, 83% of them are not authorised for Hajj, who walked long distances under the sun, without shelter or rest, including a number of elderly people and people with chronic diseases.” 

    On May 26, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) said Tawakaltu Alako, a Nigerian pilgrim, slumped and died in her hotel at Makkah.

    Following this incident, NAHCON has reported many more deaths in this year’s hajj.

    Abubakar Adamu, head of Nigeria’s medical team for 2024 Hajj, had told journalists on July 17, that one of the Nigerian pilgrims died due to heatstroke while on his way to Jamrate to perform the ritual of throwing stones.

    Temperatures in Mecca this year climbed as high as 51.8 degrees Celsius (125 degrees Fahrenheit).

    Mohammed Al-Abdulaali, a spokesperson for the Saudi health ministry, had said that more than 2,760 pilgrims suffered from sunstroke and heat stress on July 16 alone.

  • Nigerian pilgrim returns lost $800, other currencies in Makkah

    Nigerian pilgrim returns lost $800, other currencies in Makkah

    Malam Abba Limawa, 52, a Nigerian pilgrim from Dutse Local Government Area of Jigawa State, has returned 10,500 Russian rubles, 800 dollars and 690 Saudi Riyals, he found, to the authority in Makkah.

    Limawa handed over the different currencies to the Executive Chairman, National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Malam Jalal Arabi during the post-Afarat conference, held on Wednesday in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.

    The pilgrim explained that he found the money inside a waist bag, while on his way to pray at the Masjid Haram (Mosque).

    ”Initially, I wanted to ignore the waist bag and moved to the Mosque, but on a second thought, I said it might belong to a Nigerian, especially some of our old women.

    “So, I decided to pick it, and I proceeded to the mosque. When I returned to my accommodation, I opened the bag and discovered that there is no Nigerian currency and no any sign that it belonged to a Nigerian.

    ”Immediately, I approached one of the officials of the Jigawa State Pilgrims Welfare Boards, narrated the story and presented the money to him.

    ”From there, he commended me for showing an exemplary character and honesty and told me that he will handover the money to the NAHCON, to ensure that the owner gets his or her money,” he said.

    Responding, Arabi commended Limawa for being honest and projecting the image of Nigeria positively at the international arena.

    Earlier, in his presentation on the outcome of the just concluded Hajj ritual, the NAHCON boss explained that the aim of the post-Afarat conference was to review what had transpired.

    “This will enable us to have a sincere post-mortem of what we did at the battle field and improve on the success recorded.”

    Arabi disclosed that Saudi government had released the time-table and timeline for the 2025 Hajj operation on Tuesday.

    ”Perhaps by Thursday we will have known what they allocate (Hajj slots allocation) to each nation of the world, how the visas will commence.

    ”But interestingly for the first time, they (Saudi authority) have opened the e-portal as from Tuesday.”

    He, therefore, called on the States Pilgrims Welfare Boards, Tour Operators and all other stakeholders to take notes of the development.

    Also, the Head of Aviation of NAHCON, Malam Goni Sanda, said that three flights carrying pilgrims from Kebbi, Nasarawa and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) will take off to Nigeria on June 22.

  • Plateau pilgrim dies in Saudi Arabia

    Plateau pilgrim dies in Saudi Arabia

    Mr Ismaila Musa, a pilgrim from Plateau, has passed on in Makka, Saudi Arabia.

    Alhaji Daiyabu Dauda, the Executive Secretary, Plateau Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday in Jos.

    Dauda said that the deceased, who hails from Mangu Local Government Area of the state, died on Tuesday after a brief illness.

    ”He was ill and had been on admission at Annur Specialist Hospital in Makka since May 31.

    ”We wish to extend our heartfelt condolences to his immediate family, the government and people of Plateau.

    ”We pray that Allah will accept his hajj, grant him eternal rest and give his family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” Dauda prayed.

  • SAD: Nigerian pilgrim dies in Saudi Arabia

    SAD: Nigerian pilgrim dies in Saudi Arabia

    A Nigerian pilgrim [name withheld] has died in Saudi Arabia on his way to Jamrate to perform the ritual of throwing stones.

    Head of Nigeria’s Medical Team for the 2024 Hajj, Dr Abubakar Adamu, confirmed this in an interview with newsmen on Monday in Mina, Saudi Arabia.

    It was gathered that the pilgrim collapsed and eventually died due to heatstroke.

    This is coming after Jordan’s foreign ministry announced that 14 of its nationals had died “after suffering sun stroke due to the extreme heat wave” at the ongoing Hajj.

    Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah had around 11a.m. stopped pilgrims from proceeding to the Jamarat Bridge for the ritual of throwing stones from 11a.m. to 4p.m. due to excessive heat.

    The pilgrims were cautioned against flaunting Saudi authorities directive that prohibit them from the ritual of throwing stones within the stipulated time.

    Adamu said, ”even before the commencement of this year’s hajj operation, we have been educating and sensitising members of the medical team on how to prevent heatstroke that could arise from heatwave.”

    He advised pilgrims to use umbrellas to protect themselves from the heatwave sun.

    He implored the pilgrims to always seek shade whenever possible to avoid direct sunlight.

    Adamu also empahaised the need for pilgrims to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day, even if they do not feel thirsty.

    ”Pilgrims are also advised to pay close attention to all health advisories and instructions provided by the medical team.

    ”To limit sun exposure, pilgrims should avoid going outside during peak heat. They should also refrain from walking in the sun.”

    Also, the Assistant Director, Public Affairs, NAHCON, Mrs Fatima Usara, said that the commission had been doing its best to educate the pilgrims, about the risk factors associated with exposing themselves to sun.

    Also, Dr Kabir Moha, said at least 14 Jordanian pilgrims have died while on the hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia as temperatures soar in the kingdom.

    Recall that Jordan’s foreign ministry said, “14 Jordanian pilgrims died and 17 others were missing” during the performance of hajj rituals.

    It said its nationals had died “after suffering sun stroke due to the extreme heatwave” and that it had coordinated with Saudi authorities to bury the dead in Saudi Arabia, or transfer them to Jordan.

    The Iranian Red Crescent chief, Pir Hossein Kolivand, said “five Iranian pilgrims have lost their lives so far in Mecca and Medina during the hajj this year”, but did not say how they died.

    Mohammed Al-Abdulaali, a spokesperson for the Saudi health ministry, told reporters that more than 2,760 pilgrims suffered from sunstroke and heat stress on Sunday alone.

    Saudi Arabia has not provided any information on fatalities.

    The heat reached 47C (116.6F) in Mecca on Sunday, a temperature that was forecast to continue on Monday.

  • Hajj: Intense heat kills 14 pilgrims in Saudi Arabia

    Hajj: Intense heat kills 14 pilgrims in Saudi Arabia

    Officials have disclosed that at least 14 Jordanian citizens have died during the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia due to intense heat.

    Jordan’s foreign ministry said 14 of its nationals had died “after suffering sun stroke due to the extreme heat wave” and a further 17 had been reported missing.

    According to the AFP news agency, the Iranian Red Crescent confirmed that five Iranian pilgrims had also lost their lives, but did not specify how they died.

    Jordanian officials said searches were continuing for those missing.

    In a statement, the Jordanian foreign ministry said it was coordinating with the Saudi authorities on procedures to bury or transport the bodies of the deceased, according to the wishes of their families.

    Hajj is one of the largest mass gatherings in the world. More than 1.8 million pilgrims are taking part this year, according to Saudi officials.

    But it has a history of deadly catastrophes, including stampedes and tent fires.

    But most years, the main challenge comes from intense heat.

    Temperatures exceeded 46C (114.8F) this week, making many of the rituals that are performed outdoors and on foot challenging especially for the elderly.

    The head of Saudi national meteorology centre, Ayman Ghulam, warned last week: “The expected climate for Hajj this year will witness an increase in average temperatures of 1.5 to 2 degrees [Celsius] above normal in Mecca and Medina.”

    The two cities are at the heart of the five-day Hajj pilgrimage.

    A treatment centre near Mount Arafat recorded 225 cases of heat stress, the official Saudi Press Agency reported.

    “It’s physically gruelling, but it’s very spiritually charged,” Neron Khan, a Canadian pilgrim told AFP.

    She added that during some of the rituals, she was in “some sort of heat exhaustion situation”.

    The pilgrimage will end on Wednesday. Saudi officials say as part of heat mitigation measures, they have set up many climate-controlled areas. They distribute water and offer advice to pilgrims on how to protect themselves from the sun.

    The Saudi health ministry also issued an advisory, asking pilgrims to stay hydrated and avoid being outdoors during the hottest hours of the day between 10:00 and 16:00.

    Last year, at least 240 people died. And in the worst Hajj disaster, a deadly crush in 2015 killed more than 2,000 people.

  • BREAKING: Nigerian pilgrim delivers first baby of 2024 Hajj in Saudi Arabia

    BREAKING: Nigerian pilgrim delivers first baby of 2024 Hajj in Saudi Arabia

    A 30-year-old Nigerian pilgrim has given birth to a  baby boy at a Saudi Arabian hospital in Makkah.

    The pilgrim arrived at the Saudi hospital’s emergency room after experiencing labour pains at 31 weeks of the pregnancy.

    The emergency team swiftly assessed her condition and transferred her to the maternity ward, where she gave birth to the  baby boy naturally.

    While the mother is recovering, the baby named Mohammad, is receiving special care, being premature.

    According to the Saudi Gazette, this marks the first birth by a pilgrim during the 2024 Hajj Season.

    Meanwhile, the Head of the NAHCON’s Medical Mission for 2024 Hajj in Saudi Arabia, Dr. Abubakar Ismail has confirmed that the female pilgrim is from Borno State.

    He said the National Medical Team has received a report on the development from the Borno State Medical Team, saying the Woman evaded the mandatory Medical Screening in Nigeria.

    Despite the subsisting policy of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, which restricts pregnant women from travelling for Hajj, the cases of delivery during the annual pilgrimage season by the Nigerian pilgrims have continued unabated.

    NAHCON said Nigeria recorded seventy-five cases of pregnant women who travelled to Saudi Arabia for the 2023 Hajj.

    The commission disclosed they bypassed the statutory recommendations, with the women ending up with various medical complications occasioned by stress and the heat waves.

  • How to achieve Hajj Mabrur – Islamic cleric to pilgrims

    How to achieve Hajj Mabrur – Islamic cleric to pilgrims

    An Islamic cleric, Malam Kabiru Umar-Wasagu, Deputy Imam, Central Mosque, Birnin Kebbi, has charged pilgrims to completely submit to Sunnatic Hajj rituals to perform Hajj Mabrur.

    He stated this while addressing the pilgrims shortly after Subhi (dawn) prayer in Makkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Sunday.

    The cleric stressed the need for the pilgrims not to overstep the boundary and keep to all instructions of the holy Prophet (Peace be Upon Him) so as to earn Allah’s favour towards Hajj Mabrur (acceptable Hajj).

    Taking his text from the Glorious Qur’an and the Hadith of the Holy Prophet (Peace be Upon Him), the cleric took time to explain how to perform Dawaf (circumambulation) and Sa’ayi (trekking from mountain of Safa to mountain of Marwa) according to Sunnah.

    Umar-Wasagu reminded them that: “Hajarul Aswad (black stone)’ on Kaabah is a stone brought from Paradise and it is the right place to start Dawaf.

    “Ka’aba is a Secret Glorified House but you are not instructed to touch or scratch it to earn blessing but to circumambulate (go round it).”

    Explaining how to perform Sa’ayi, Umar-Wasagu said a pilgrim “is expected to recite ‘Innas Safa Wal Marwata min shi’a’irillah ………” and turn his/her face to Ka’abah and pray to God Almighty.

    He, however, said: “If you cannot recite it just say Bismillah and turn your face to Ka’abah and pray to God Almighty and commence Sa’ayi. This is what the Prophet did and we should keep to it.”

    Umar-Wasgu advised pilgrims to be modest and not to be carried away by the acts of some people who ignorantly do certain things contrary to prophetic teachings.

    “If you go to Arafat, do not collect the sand or stones from Arfat, it is not Sunnatic. You are expected to engage in azkar, recitation of the holy Qur’an and supplications.

    ”Pray for yourself, your family, your friends, your town, your state, your country and the entire Muslim Ummah.

    “Remember, the Prophet (SAW) said the best of prayer on Arfat Day is: ‘La ilaha illallahu wahdahu la sharikalahu lahul mulku walahul hamdu wahuwa ala kulli shai-in qadir’.

    “This is the du’a of the Prophets before me,” the cleric said.

    Umar-Wasagu encouraged the pilgrims to be close to Islamic scholars so as to learn more about how to perform their Hajj in accordance with the Sunnah of the Prophet (SAW).

  • Despite economic crisis, 18,906 pilgrims airlifted for 2024 Hajj

    Despite economic crisis, 18,906 pilgrims airlifted for 2024 Hajj

    About 18,906 pilgrims have been airlifted to Saudi Arabia for the 2024/1445 Holy Pilgrimage despite the country’s economic hardship according to reports from National Hajj Commission of Nigeria.

    NAHCON made this known in its official X handle on Saturday.

    “Today (Saturday), Air Peace flight APK7920 departed from Lagos to Madinah at 11:45hrs, carrying 298 pilgrims from Edo State. The group consists of 162 males and 136 females.

    It would be recalled that the Vice President Kasim Shettima confirmed that the federal government paid N90 billion in subsidies for 2024 hajj.

    In April, Nigeria’s headline and food inflation surged to 33.69 per cent and 40.53 per cent, respectively. This has impacted the cost of living in the country, as many Nigerians struggle to feed themselves.

    The National Bureau of Statistics multidimensional poverty index released in November 2022 said 41.01 per cent of Nigerians are poor.

    The Federal Government has been under fire for sponsoring  pilgrims for Hajj despite economic crisis in the country.