The committee of Ulama of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria NAHCON has read out the riot act to intending pilgrims against carrying any sort of medication with them to avoid any incident with the Saudi authorities.
The revered Muslim scholars led by Imam Tajudeen Oyebanji gave this warning during a meeting with NAHCON team and its Chairman, Alhaji Zikrullah Kunle Hassan at Hajj House, FCT, Abuja on Wednesday, May 31.
Imam Oyebanji, who is also the Southern Coordinator of JIBWIN in Nigeria, speaking with Peace Magazine after the meeting said, “Another point of discussion that relates with the pilgrims is that we should know the essence of why we are going on hajj. We should be good ambassadors of our country and not be found with any hard drugs. Even the regular drugs we use at home should not be put in our bags. This is because we do not know under what category such drugs will be classified by the authorities in Saudi Arabia”.
“We have seen in the past how a man was jailed for 10 years for trying to deliver a drug (tramadol) to his friend from her mother while he was not aware of its nature. NDLEA will not be lenient with anyone found with hard drugs. Hence, all drug items should be given to the NAHCON medical team. They will list the drug items and certify it with the Saudi authorities. Pilgrims with drugs that are not certified might be arrested.” he said.
The respected scholar said the members of the Ulama will be on ground to educate, enlighten and guide pilgrims throughout the hajj rites.
Speaking further he noted that “most people who go for hajj do not know how to perform the rites of hajj. Hence, the Ulamas have taken up the responsibility to visit pilgrims in their respective States. Most of us are fluent in different languages like Hausa, Fulani, Yoruba, Arabic and so on. With these, we can communicate with the pilgrims in whatever language they understand. Our aim is to ensure that the pilgrims understand the rites of hajj.”
He then urged pilgrims to pray for Nigeria in the holy land, stressing that, “Praying and showing love for one’s country is encouraged in Islam. The Imams in Saudi Arabia usually pray for the King and the authorities in their country, hence we should remember our new President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, his Vice, Kashim Shettima and the government at all levels. May Allah guide the new President and make it possible for him to lead the country successfully”.