Over 200 Muslim pilgrims from Ekiti State have joined millions of faithful from across the globe in observing the key rituals of the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.
According to Alhaja Fatima Bello, a veteran journalist and one of the pilgrims, the Ekiti contingent has successfully arrived in Mina, one of the significant locations in the Hajj journey where they will engage in a series of spiritually symbolic exercises.
Before they arrived in Mina, the pilgrims began their Hajj rites in Mecca with Tawaf, the ritual of circumambulating the revered Kaaba seven times, followed by Sa’i, which involves walking between the hills of Safa and Marwa, in remembrance of Hagar’s search for water for her son, Prophet Ismail.
Following these initial rites, the pilgrims proceeded to Mina, where they spent the night in prayer and reflection.
From Mina, the journey continues to Arafah, widely regarded as the spiritual climax of Hajj where the pilgrims will devote the day to intense prayers, seeking forgiveness, guidance and spiritual renewal, before moving to Muzdalifah at sunset, where they will spend the night under the open sky and collect pebbles for the next major rite; the symbolic stoning of the devil.
The following day, the pilgrims will return to Mina to perform the Ramy al-Jamarat; the ritual stoning of the three pillars symbolising the rejection of evil, while this will be followed by the sacrifice of animals, commemorating Prophet Ibrahim’s obedience to God in his willingness to sacrifice his son, Ismail.
The pilgrims will then have their hair shaved or trimmed, signifying the near completion of their pilgrimage.
After these rites, the Ekiti pilgrims will return to Mecca for a final Tawaf al-Ifadah, a concluding circumambulation of the Kaaba that symbolizes spiritual purification and renewal, marking the completion of their major rites of Hajj.
The pilgrims said to be in high spirits, were full of gratitude for the opportunity to undertake this sacred journey, expressing deep appreciation to the Governor of Ekiti State, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, for the seamless arrangements and support that ensured their welfare throughout the pilgrimage.
They also commended Alhaji Salman Adedipe, Chairman of the Ekiti State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, for his exceptional coordination and planning.
The efforts of the Amir-ul-Hajj and other board members were equally praised for contributing to a smooth and spiritually fulfilling Hajj experience.
