BY HARUNA  RAZAQ

One of the most valuable embodiments of Islam is Hajj. When Allah ordered mankind to perform Hajj through Prophet Muhammad (SAW) about 1,427 years ago, it was with certain fundamental norms meant to guide humanity towards virtues.

However, it is disheartening that many of the present Hujjaj from Nigeria lack qualities of a good Al-Hajj to the extent that some non-Muslim and misinformed Muslims thought that Hajj is meant for all and sundry judging by the category of people that bears the name (Al-Hajj) today, ranging from devoted Muslim to irreverent ones.

Therefore, in order to emphasize that Hajj must be performed according to the practice of the Prophet (SAW) which is based on morality from the beginnings to the end of the exercise, it is pertinent to state that some are not qualified to embark on the journey for the rites by not performing the first four pillars of Islam properly.

It is of note that many Hujjaj from Nigeria in recent time, lack the quality of sound Aqeedah (faith, doctrine, belief) heedless of the fact that faith is one of the conditions of the validity of deeds and its approval in Islam.

Also some lack what constitutes ability to perform Hajj such as good health, safety, enough money etc.

Another ways through which some Nigerian abuses Hajj is by not making the necessary provisions for Hajj such as: consciousness and fearing of Allah in actions and speech; good intention; knowledge of how to perform Hajj and Umrah ritual through reading of books, attending seminars, familiar with all Hajj and Umrah aspects.

Some embark on Hajj with sole aim of making worldly tour, seeking things that have to do with their worldly affair for protection, power, children, wife among others while some involve in un-Islamic practices such as committing shirk; such as magic, sorcery, visiting fortunes teller before traveling; going on hajj with forbidden money.

In other words, on getting to Saudi Arabia, some do not usually observe proper etiquette in holy lands of Makkah and Madinah as they usually violate the sanctity of Haram Sheriff, not performing their Hajj rites properly.

Sadly, on returning home, they get involved in acts that are at variance with Islam. Hope the new hujjaj will shun all these and strive to be as righteous as possible.