Hajj Flakes – 19 Dhu al-Qadah 1447 AH

By Abdullahi Yusuf

1. Nigeria’s 2026 Hajj airlift entered Day 4 with sustained momentum, as operations expanded across additional departure points following a coordinated start on May 3.
2. A late-night flight departed Gombe for Jeddah at 23:28hrs carrying 550 pilgrims, while an early morning flight airlifted 481 Plateau pilgrims from Bauchi to Madinah at 05:55hrs.
3. According to the National Hajj Commission, a cumulative airlift figures have now reached 6,493 pilgrims across 15 flights, reflecting a steady scaling of operations within the first four days.
4. Plateau State formally commenced its airlift, with 303 male and 178 female pilgrims on its first outbound flight.
5. Governor Caleb Mutfwang bid farewell to 1,134 Plateau pilgrims, including 570 state-sponsored beneficiaries, urging them to serve as worthy ambassadors of Nigeria.
6. Civil society groups have called on state pilgrims boards and private tour operators to establish dedicated inquiry lines, citing growing demand for real-time information and improved communication during the pilgrimage.
7. A tragic incident was reported in Adamawa State, where an intending pilgrim was killed by unidentified assailants while en route to a Hajj seminar, raising fresh concerns over safety in parts of the country.
8. The Saudi Food and Drug Authority has updated medication clearance guidelines, requiring pilgrims carrying controlled drugs to present valid prescriptions, passport copies, and limit quantities to a 30-day supply.
9. Ondo State has confirmed plans to airlift 825 pilgrims in two batches on May 7 and 9, marking a notable increase from its previous annual average.
10. The Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board has completed refunds of Hajj fare differentials following a downward review from ₦8.5 million to ₦7.69 million.
11. The Niger State Pilgrims Welfare Board has convened a multi-agency stakeholders’ meeting involving aviation, security, immigration, and health authorities to finalise airlift logistics.
12. Governor Abdullahi Sule has sponsored Hadaya (sacrificial animals) for all pilgrims from Nasarawa State.
13. In Lagos, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu announced financial support packages covering Ihram, Hadaya, Siyara, and Arafat-day allowances for intending pilgrims.
14. Saudi authorities have dismissed viral claims of a ban on photography at holy sites, clarifying that no such restriction exists, while urging pilgrims to remain respectful during worship.
15. Saudi enforcement has intensified against unauthorized pilgrims, with 10 Indonesian nationals detained for attempting Hajj without valid permits.
16. Indonesia has so far airlifted about 89,000 pilgrims across 229 flights, with authorities also reporting minor health cases amid temperatures reaching 39°C in Madinah and Makkah.
17. Libya is set to commence its Hajj airlift, with four inaugural flights scheduled from Benina and Mitiga airports, each carrying about 170 pilgrims to Jeddah.

Did you know?

18. The Ihram is similar to prayer or fasting, certain everyday actions become prohibited during this sacred state.
19. Prohibited acts during Ihram include using perfume, cutting hair or nails, engaging in marital relations, hunting, getting married.
20. Ihram garments for men are two unstitched white cloths, Izar (lower body wrap) Rida (upper body wrap) and No underwear or sewn clothing allowed.
21. Ihram garments for women include women wearing loose-fitting black or white abayas, jilbabs, or burqas no decorative designs or colours, their hands and faces must remain uncovered.
22. Ihram must be worn before passing the Miqat. For flights landing in Jeddah, pilgrims must don Ihram before arrival.
23. Clothing forbidden in Ihram, Men must not wear caps, stitched garments, socks, pajamas, or saffron-coloured clothing. Women must not cover their faces or wear gloves. Also, If no shoes are available, leather socks may be worn.Abu Dharr al-Ghifari, a companion of the Prophet, survived solely on Zamzam water for an entire month during his early days in Makkah.
24. Historically used to treat illness, Zamzam was sprinkled on the sick by the Prophet and gifted to loved ones as a spiritual remedy.
25. Scientific tests show Zamzam has higher levels of calcium and magnesium, along with natural fluoride making it both refreshing and germ-resistant, without any chemical treatment.
26. The zamzam well is directly linked to Prophets Ibrahim and Ismail, and later became the home of Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) ancestors.
27. The zamzam well lies about 20 meters east of the Kaaba in Makkah, and is approximately 35 meters deep, still flowing miraculously to this day.
    

SPONSORED

SPONSORED