By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
Pilgrims from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have been admonished to intensify their worship and spiritual devotion as the sacred first ten days of Dhul Hijja commence, a period widely regarded in Islam as one of the most spiritually rewarding times of the year.
The call was made during a preaching session held at House 3, one of the accommodation facilities for Nigerian pilgrims in Makkah, where a delegation from the Saudi Arabian government engaged with the FCT pilgrims.
The session focused on the spiritual significance of Hajj and the conduct expected of pilgrims.
The Saudi team emphasized that certain acts enhance the acceptance of one’s pilgrimage, while others may render it invalid.
They cautioned pilgrims to be mindful of their behaviour, particularly in relation to patience, tolerance, and forgiveness.
“Hajj is a school of patience,” one of the clerics said, stressing the need for pilgrims to remain calm in the face of challenges, including long queues, fatigue, and the large crowds that characterize the pilgrimage.
The pilgrims were also encouraged to forgive those who may have wronged them during their journey, and to use such acts of forgiveness as a pathway to seek Allah’s mercy. The clerics further advised pilgrims to devote more time to the recitation and reflection on the verses of the Holy Qur’an.
Dhul Hijja, the twelfth and final month of the Islamic calendar, is especially revered for its first ten days. Muslims believe that righteous deeds performed during this period are greatly multiplied in reward, making it a spiritually opportune time for increased prayer, charity, and remembrance of God.
This year’s Hajj pilgrimage is expected to peak with the Day of Arafah, followed by Eid al-Adha celebrations observed by Muslims across the world.
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