Pilgrims from Oyo State and millions of others from the rest of the world are set to return home after rounding up this year’s hajj exercise in Mecca.
The pilgrims on Friday returned to their hotels in Makkah from Mina where they have been staying since Monday.
During their five day sojourn in Mina, the pilgrims performed major Hajj rites such as ascension of Mount Arafat as well as staying briefly at the neighbouring Muzdalifah.
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The Hajj exercise was completed with the symbolic stoning of Satan at Jamarat, walking round Islam’s holiest site, the Kabbah and the runs from Safa to Marwa.
Oyo State Deputy Governor and the Amir Hajj, Barrister Abdul Raheem Adebayo Lawal on Tuesday joined millions of other Muslim faithfuls across the world in ascending Mount Arafat, a compulsory rite in Hajj exercise.
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In compliance with Islamic tradition, the convergence of pilgrims on Mount Arafat heralded the annual celebration of Eid-El-Adha festival which is characterised by mass slaughtering and sharing of rams by Muslims.
The Eid-el-adha was held on Wednesday across the world and coincided with the commencement of the symbolic three day stoning of Satan in emulation of Prophet Ibrahim and his wife, Sarah who resisted Satan’s attempt to discourage them from fulfilling their convenant with Allah.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Governor also joined other pilgrims from Oyo State in offering special prayers for the state and the nation.
At the prayer session held on Wednesday, the pilgrims also prayed for the success of President Bola Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde in their aspirations at improving the living conditions of their people.
With the completion of the 2023 Hajj exercise, efforts are underway to bring back the pilgrims to Nigeria.
More than two million pilgrims from over 160 countries around the world took part in this year’s edition, according to Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
