Hajj Flakes – 22 Dhu al-Qadah 1447 AH

By Abdullahi Yusuf

1. As at now, a cumulative 14,408 Nigerian pilgrims have now been airlifted across 34 flights since operations commenced on May 3.
2. Plateau State has successfully concluded the airlift of 1,138 intending pilgrims in three batches through flights from Bauchi to Madinah.
3. Adamawa State also recorded fresh movement today, as a flight departed Yola for Jeddah at 09:22hrs carrying 557 pilgrims.
4. Kwara State has completed the airlift of its 1,714 pilgrims following the departure of its final batch of 223 pilgrims aboard from Ilorin.
5. Lagos State confirmed the arrival of 343 pilgrims in Madinah aboard its inaugural flight, comprising 169 males and 174 females.
6. Another flight carrying 306 pilgrims and 11 officials from Lagos via Abuja landed safely in Madinah in the early hours of today.
7. The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria has urged pilgrims to remain patient as Saudi authorities enforce advance booking systems and timed entry slots into Rawdah.
8. Access to the Rawdah area at Al-Masjid an-Nabawi is emerging as a major challenge due to heavy congestion and stricter Saudi crowd-control measures.
9. Religious officials continue to remind pilgrims that visiting Rawdah is spiritually significant but not compulsory for the validity of Hajj rites.
10. Health monitoring is becoming increasingly important this season, as Bangladesh confirmed two additional pilgrim deaths in Saudi Arabia, bringing its total fatalities to 12, with most cases recorded in Makkah.
11. Bangladesh has so far airlifted 50,111 pilgrims through 128 flights, making it one of the largest Hajj operations globally this year.

Fun facts:

11. The historic Well of Uthman (Bir Uthman) was purchased by Caliph Uthman ibn Affan to provide free water to the people of Madinah. Its endowment (waqf) continues to serve the city till today.
12. Water from Ghars Well was used to wash the blessed body of the Prophet Muhammad pbuh after his passing, marking it as a site of deep reverence.
13. Salman Al-Farsi Garden: Here, the Prophet pbuh personally planted date palms to help free Salman Al-Farsi from slavery.
14. Fun fact: Wadi al-Jinn, a mysterious valley near Madinah where cars appear to move without acceleration. While attributed to magnetic forces, local legends abound, making it a fascinating tourist attraction.
15. Dar Al-Madinah Museum: This institution houses remarkable models and exhibits on the Islamic history of Madinah, including replicas of Masjid Nabawi and pivotal battles.

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