The sacred pilgrimage of Hajj has commenced, drawing Muslims from around the world to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina.
This year, a significant number of African pilgrims are partaking in this profound spiritual journey.
In total, 718,030 pilgrims of various nationalities have reached Medina so far, arriving through land and air via the Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport.
The African representation is robust, reflecting the deep-rooted Islamic faith across the continent.
Although the precise number of African pilgrims this year is not fully disclosed, estimates based on past Hajj seasons suggest a significant presence from countries like South Africa, Kenya, Senegal, and Egypt, among others.
Nigerian and Ghanaian Pilgrims Make Their Mark
Nigeria, with its substantial Muslim population, consistently sends one of the largest groups of pilgrims.
This year, the Nigerian contingent comprises over 65,000 pilgrims registered under the government quota. Some of these pilgrims have already begun their spiritual rituals in Medina, visiting the Prophet’s Mosque and other historical sites of Islamic significance, while some of them are in Mecca already and have fulfilled their Umrah rites
Ghana, contributing over 4,000 pilgrims, has also seen its faithful embark on this holy journey. The Ghanaian Hajj Board has ensured that all logistical arrangements are in place for a seamless pilgrimage experience, reaffirming the nation’s commitment to supporting its Muslim community in observing Hajj.
The Arrival in Medina
Upon arrival in Medina, pilgrims engage in several key activities at Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, the Prophet’s Mosque. They perform the five daily prayers, seek blessings at the Rawdah, and pay their respects at the Prophet Muhammad’s tomb. These prayers are integral to the Hajj experience, offering a time of reflection and deep spiritual connection.
Pilgrims also visited the Rawdah, a section of the mosque between the Prophet’s tomb and his pulpit.
A Glance at the History of Hajj and African Participation
Hajj, one of the Five Pillars of Islam, has been observed since the time of Prophet Muhammad.
It is an annual pilgrimage that every Muslim who is physically and financially able must undertake at least once in their lifetime.
The rituals of Hajj, which take place in the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah, include Tawaf (circumambulation of the Kaaba), Sa’i (walking between the hills of Safa and Marwah), and the standing at Arafat.
African Muslims have a long history of participation in Hajj, with pilgrims travelling from across the continent for centuries.
Historically, routes to Mecca from Africa included long journeys by foot, camel, and later, by sea. Today, modern transportation has made the pilgrimage more accessible, allowing larger numbers of African Muslims to perform Hajj each year.
As the 2024 Hajj progresses, the African pilgrims, alongside their global counterparts, continue to embody the unity and diversity of the Muslim Ummah, gathering in the spirit of worship and community.
