Today, Tuesday, May 28, the first group of Ghanaian pilgrims for the 2024 Hajj departed from Tamale International Airport to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia. This marks the beginning of a deeply spiritual journey for over 4,000 pilgrims from Ghana who are participating in this year’s Hajj.
Abdul-Rahman Gomda, Communications Director for the Hajj Board, spoke with Citi News, emphasizing the importance of cooperation among the pilgrims to ensure a smooth and fulfilling experience. He urged them to follow the instructions provided by the organizers. “Pilgrims should learn to be with us and take instructions from us. There have been instances where people don’t follow our guidance, and that complicates things,” Gomda noted.
He further highlighted the religious significance of the pilgrimage, encouraging pilgrims to maintain their spiritual focus. “Being a religious exercise, it is crucial for them to stay spiritually centered to fully benefit from the pilgrimage,” he added.
To support the pilgrims, the Hajj Board has established the Dawah Committee, composed of Islamic clergymen, many of whom have studied in Saudi Arabia. These clergymen will guide the pilgrims through the various stages of the pilgrimage, offering recitals and instructions on the proper practices and rituals.
About Hajj
Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, requires every Muslim who is physically and financially able to undertake the pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in their lifetime. The pilgrimage occurs during the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah and involves several days of rituals:
– Ihram: Pilgrims enter a state of spiritual purity by donning specific garments and making the intention to perform Hajj.
– Tawaf: Pilgrims circumambulate the Kaaba seven times, reciting prayers and supplications.
– Sa’i: Pilgrims walk seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah, commemorating Hagar’s search for water for her son, Ishmael.
– Arafat: Pilgrims gather at the plains of Arafat on the 9th day of Dhul-Hijjah for a day of prayer and reflection, seeking forgiveness and blessings.
– Muzdalifah: Pilgrims spend the night under the open sky, gathering pebbles for the stoning ritual.
– Ramy al-Jamarat: Pilgrims throw pebbles at three pillars, symbolizing the rejection of evil.
– Eid al-Adha: Pilgrims perform the sacrifice of an animal, commemorating Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God.
The Hajj is a profound demonstration of the solidarity of the Muslim people and their submission to Allah. This annual pilgrimage unites millions of Muslims from around the world in shared faith and devotion.
