Hajj
By Muhammad Lawal
Makkah, June 12, 2024 (NAN) An Islamic cleric, Malam Kabiru Umar-Wasagu, has urged all opportune Muslims not to refuse to perform Hajj so as not to die like those who did so during the pre-Islamic era.
Umar-Wasagu, the Deputy Imam of Central Mosque, Birnin Kebbi, stated this at a routine enlightenment session shortly after the dawn (Subh) prayer in Makkah, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Wednesday
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the essence of the enlightenment session is to educate the pilgrims on rituals of Hajj towards an acceptable Hajj (Hajj Mabrur).
The cleric, who is also a member of the Da’awah Committee, Kebbi Pilgrims Welfare Board, advised the Muslims especially the wealthy ones to use their resources to perform Hajj or else die as ”in the period of Jahiliya.”
He said: “As a Muslim, if you have the opportunity to perform Hajj but you refused, you will die like in the period of fitra or jahiliya (a time when there is no prophecy from God Almighty, this is according to Prophet Muhammad (SAW).”
Umar-Wasagu cautioned those holding strategic offices especially where money flows to exhibit the fear of God Almighty to come and perform Hajj at least once in their life time, assuring that: “This is not optional but obligatory upon them to do so, provided they have the means.”
Speaking on the five pillars of Islam, Umar-Wasagu reminded the pilgrims of the need to strengthen and purify their faith in Allah and stand firm in observing Salat according to the Sunnah of the holy Prophet (SAW).
“For you to become a Muslim, you have to pronounce Kalimah, confirming that there is nobody who deserves to be worshipped except Allah (SWT) and avoid shirk in all ramifications.
“Depend on Allah (SWT) for everything in life, bearing in mind that He is the only one that gives and takes away anything in life.
”Therefore, do not hold on to or rely on anybody for anything that only He (Almighty) has the power to provide,” he cautioned.
The cleric stressed the need for Muslims not to toy with performing obligatory prayers in congregation, adding that it was the only form of Ibadat that a Muslim must perform in all circumstances.
He, therefore, urged Muslims to accord Salat the emphasis it deserved being the biggest form of Ibadat.
Umar-Wasagu, however, said that other three pillars of Islam, Fasting, Zakkat and Hajj “depend on how opportune you are to observe them.”
He said fasting was being observed once a year, adding that a Muslim may have the opportunity to defer it due certain provisions by Sharia.
“You may be alive in the month of Ramadan but inflicted with illness, travelling or a woman who is in her menstrual period and other provisions of the Islamic Sharia, unlike Sallah.
“While Zakkat and Hajj are annual Islamic rituals strictly for those who have the means to observe them. If you don’t have the means, you are exempted,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
KLM/BRM
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Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani
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