The Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, has prayed for sound health for Muslim pilgrims in Saudi Arabia as the 2025 Hajj rites get underway and pilgrims get set for
Day of Arafah on Thursday.
The emir’s prayer is in a statement issued by his Spokesperson, Dr Abdulazeez Arowona,
on Wednesday in Ilorin.
News Men reports that Arafah is the ninth day of Dhul-Hijjah of the lunar Islamic calendar and the second day of the Hajj pilgrimage, which falls on Thursday, June 5, 2025, followed by Eid el-Kabir on Friday, June 6.
Therefore, on the ninth day of Dhul Hijjah before noon, pilgrims arrive at Arafah, a barren plain some 20 kilometres east of Makkah, where they stand in contemplative vigil.
While in Arafah, pilgrims offer supplications, repent and atone for their past sins, seek Allah’s mercy and listen to Islamic scholars giving sermons from noon through sunset known as “standing before God’ (wuquf), one of the most significant rites of Hajj.
The emir, also the Chairman, Kwara Traditional Council of Chiefs, therefore, urged pilgrims to use the period to pray for peace and unity for the country and the world at large.
Sulu-Gambari reminded Muslims to explore the opportunity to get closer to Almighty Allah in body and soul, by performing the obligatory spiritual exercise of the sacred day of Arafah.
He said “pilgrims should perform Hajj with the fear of Almighty Allah, heart of piety and spirit of brotherhood to have full reward.
“Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam which fosters unity and harmony among Muslims globally.
“Arafah Day is a sacred day to all Muslims across the world, especially to pilgrims who have left everything behind, including family members in search of Allah’s forgiveness and mercies in the Holy land.”
He sent heartfelt greetings of members of Kwara Traditional Rulers Council to the pilgrims, including Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
Sulu-Gambari prayed that Almighty Allah grant them sound health and absolute guidance to complete the exercise with total acceptance.
He urged people at home to continue to pray for safe return of all family members who are performing the sacred religious journey.
