The Kwara State Pilgrims Welfare Board has issued a strong warning to intending pilgrims from the state, urging them to approach the 2025 Hajj with sincerity and spiritual discipline, rather than treating it as a social media opportunity. The board particularly cautioned against taking selfies and videos at the Kaaba, stressing that such acts could undermine the spiritual value of the pilgrimage.
Speaking at a sensitisation programme held on Sunday at the board’s premises in Ilorin, the Executive Secretary of the board, Alhaji AbdulSalam Abdulkadir, reminded pilgrims that Hajj is a sacred religious obligation and not a tourist trip.
“Hajj is not for fancy or tourist attraction but a spiritual exercise. Going there just to take selfies, pictures, and videos should be reconsidered,” he said. “We are not there to show off. Unfortunately, this is what many focus on, and it may cause Allah to reject their Hajj.”
He continued, “I know people who have been to Hajj more than 20 times and have never taken a single picture, even in their *ihram* (the sacred state of purity). This year, we are placing strong emphasis on enlightenment to help people purify their intentions and avoid actions that may invalidate their Hajj.”
Alhaji Abdulkadir noted that in a struggling economy like Nigeria’s, where people are paying over N8 million to fulfill their religious duties, it would be unfortunate for such sacrifices to go unrewarded because of avoidable mistakes.
The Executive Secretary also provided an update on payment progress. Out of the 4,365 Hajj slots allocated to Kwara State for 2025, a total of 2,150 intending pilgrims have fully paid the sum of ₦8,459,000 for the pilgrimage.
He gave a two-day ultimatum for others who have not completed their payments to balance up or face a refund.
“We have people that have paid N8 million, some N8.4 million, and others N7 million. We are giving them a grace of two days to complete their payment, or we will refund their money,” he said. “As of now, fewer than 30 pilgrims are yet to balance up, compared to 84 last week. We hope they will complete the payments in time.”
He also explained that a few pilgrims deposited more than required. “Some paid N8.5 million, and we have assured them that they will be refunded the extra amount after the Hajj.”
On the scheduled airlifting of pilgrims, Alhaji Abdulkadir said the official date was initially set for May 6, 2025, but it may be pushed forward by one week. A final decision on the matter is expected to be made at a meeting scheduled in Abuja this week.
He urged all intending pilgrims to remain prepared and stay updated through official channels.
Also speaking at the event was the Ameerul Hajj for the state and the traditional ruler of Ajase Ipo, Oba Ismail Yahya Alebiosu, who advised the pilgrims to be mindful of their conduct throughout the pilgrimage. He emphasized the importance of representing both Kwara State and Nigeria positively while in the Holy Land.
“We have seen videos of people praying at the Kaaba, asking Allah to make them as rich as Otedola or Dangote, without thinking about their spiritual needs or the hereafter,” he said. “Many forget the prescribed spiritual exercises and instead focus on material desires. This should be a concern to all of us.”
He urged pilgrims to reflect on the true purpose of the Hajj and to avoid embarrassing behavior that may attract negative attention to Nigeria or Islam.
The Chairman of the Hajj Board, Professor Mashood Mahmud Jimba, also addressed the gathering. He thanked Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his consistent support, noting that preparations for the 2025 Hajj have been smooth due to the state government’s involvement.
“We appreciate the governor for providing all the necessary support. With this, we believe this year’s Hajj will be one of the best ever for Kwara State,” he said.
He encouraged the pilgrims to exercise patience and discipline throughout the Hajj period. “Please be calm, be organized, and behave in a way that brings pride to your families, to Kwara State, and to Nigeria. Let’s all be good ambassadors.”
Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and is a mandatory religious duty for Muslims who are physically and financially able to perform it at least once in their lifetime. It involves a series of rituals performed in and around the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia. The exercise is deeply spiritual, symbolizing humility, unity, and submission to the will of Allah.
Over the years, however, concerns have been raised about the growing trend of pilgrims focusing more on documenting their journey for social media than on spiritual reflection. Religious leaders and scholars have warned that such behavior could distract from the essence of the pilgrimage and potentially reduce its religious merit.
In Nigeria, where millions save for years to afford the expensive pilgrimage, the warnings by the Kwara Pilgrims Board are being seen as timely and necessary.
As preparations continue for the 2025 Hajj, the Kwara State Pilgrims Welfare Board has pledged to intensify its awareness campaigns. More sensitization programmes are expected across the state to help intending pilgrims understand the dos and don’ts of Hajj, especially in relation to behavior, spiritual readiness, and financial commitment.
For the thousands of Muslims preparing to journey to the Holy Land, the message from Kwara is clear: Hajj is a spiritual journey, not a photo opportunity. Pilgrims are advised to make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime experience by approaching it with sincerity, humility, and full devotion to Allah.
