Hajj Flakes – 28th Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH
By Abdullahi Yusuf
1. The first batch of Sokoto State pilgrims has departed Makkah for King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah, ahead of their return journey to Nigeria.
2. A return flight departed Jeddah for Sokoto at 19:17hrs conveying 481 Sokoto pilgrims.
3. 19,953 Nigerian pilgrims have been successfully airlifted back to the country through 50 return flight operations.
4. The first batch of Sokoto pilgrims is expected to arrive safely in Nigeria as the state’s return airlift gathers momentum.
5. Saudi authorities have announced that, with the end of the Hajj season, only Umrah pilgrims in the state of Ihram will be allowed access to the Mataf area to perform Tawaf.
6. The new Mataf regulation officially came into effect today as preparations begin for the new Umrah season.
7. Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has suspended 21 Umrah service companies over poor performance and violations recorded during the previous season.
8. The ministry disclosed that 15 companies were suspended for failing to meet approved performance standards, while six others were sanctioned for regulatory violations.
9. Saudi authorities said the action forms part of efforts to improve service quality, strengthen competition among operators and enhance pilgrims’ experience in line with Vision 2030.
10. The ministry reiterated that it would show zero tolerance for negligence or shortcomings affecting the rights and welfare of Umrah pilgrims.
11. The Niger State Pilgrims’ Welfare Board has announced the death of one of its pilgrims, Alhaji Salisu Ibrahim from Kontagora Local Government Area, following injuries sustained in a road traffic accident in Makkah.
12. The board said the deceased died while returning from the Holy Mosque and was buried in Makkah in accordance with Islamic rites.
13. The Niger State Pilgrims’ Welfare Board extended condolences to the family of the deceased and prayed for Almighty Allah to forgive his shortcomings and grant him Aljannatul Firdaus.
14. The board reaffirmed its commitment to the welfare, safety and well-being of all pilgrims under its care throughout the Hajj exercise.
Didi you know/ fun facts
15. One of Makkah’s largest commercial districts is Souq Al-Kakiyah (Kakiyah Market), located about 8 kilometres from Masjid al-Haram, yet many pilgrims never visit it during their stay.
16. Kakiyah Market is a popular shopping destination for pilgrims looking to buy prayer mats, abayas, perfumes, dates, tasbihs, Qur’ans, and other Islamic souvenirs at wholesale-friendly prices.
17. A taxi ride from Masjid al-Haram to Kakiyah Market typically takes around 15 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
18. Shopping markets outside the central Haram area often attract local residents as well as pilgrims because of their wider selection of goods and competitive prices.
19. Many experienced pilgrims prefer buying gifts toward the end of their stay to avoid carrying extra luggage during the physically demanding days of Hajj.
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