Cleric tasks Nigerian pilgrims on proper conduct, disciplin
Pilgrims
By Kadiri Abdulrahman
Madinah, May 7, 2026 (NAN) An Islamic Cleric, Imam Yahya Alyolawi, has advised Nigerian pilgrims performing the 2026 Hajj to conduct themselves responsibly and obey the laws of their host country, Saudi Arabia.
Alyolawi, who is the Chief Imam of Area 10 Jumat Mosque, Abuja, gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Madinah.
He is also a member of the Ulama team for the 2026 Hajj.
“Our pilgrims should be law-abiding, respectful, and present themselves as ambassadors of Islam, ambassadors of the Nation Hajj Commissionof Nigeria (NAHCON), and ambassadors of Nigeria.
“Apart from being law-abiding, they should try to stick to scholars, atttend their seminars for proper understanding of the Hajj rites. .
“The seminars have started. The Ulamas have embarked on the house-to-house enlightenment, and the pilgrims are benefiting,” he said.
According to Alyolawi, Hajj is all about knowledge.
“You know the Umrah has three pillars: Ihram, Tawaf, and Sa’i. When you observe these you have finished your Umrah. You can finish Umrah in two hours.
“But Hajj has four pillars, you can finish it four days,” he said.
Alyolawi commended NAHCON for the hitch free airlift of pilgrims so far since the commencement of the operations on Sunday.
He said that NAHCON always tried its best to ensure smooth Hajj operations on a yearly basis.
The cleric also urged states pilgrims welfare boards to strengthen their collaboration with NAHCON for more successful operations.
“We recognise the role of NAHCON as the parastatal in charge of Hajj activities. We need the state pilgrims to emulate the synergy within NAHCON in discharging their responsibilities,” he said.
He said that the ability of NAHCON to navigate challenges that came before the commencement of the Hajj operations was particularly commendable.
“We know the number of meetings and the tireless efforts to make sure that the airlift of pilgrims commenced as scheduled, and up to now, there has not been any delay or flight cancellation.
“Now, we are getting to 10,000 successfully transported to Saudi Arabia since the airlift started on Sunday with four designated airlines, Air Peace, Umza, Flynas, and Max Air.
“The airlines have also lived up to expectations,” he said.
The cleric also commended the Chairman of NAHCON, Amb. Ismail Yusuf for his tireless efforts to ensure a successful Hajj operation.
“We also want to commend the effort of NAHCON team receiving people here in Madinah. We have received very good accommodations, and things are going the way they should be.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Deji Abdulwahab
