The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has verified that the Hajj for overseas pilgrims has been canceled for the 2021 season.
This was stated by NAHCON Chief Executive Officer Alhaji Zikrullah Hassan in a statement published by the commission’s public affairs officer, Ms Fatima Usara, in Abuja on Saturday.
Hassan stated that the NAHCON respects Saudi Arabia’s decision, no matter how unpleasant it may be for the commission and potential pilgrims all around the world.
The Hajj for overseas pilgrims has been canceled for the 2021 season, according to the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
“We have accepted that it is Allah’s divine design that the multitudes are not yet performing Hajj this year.
“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is only playing out a scenario ordered by our Creator long before the creation of the universe.
“Our prayer is that we collectively turn to him in repentance to admit us for Hajj in the years to come,” Hassan said.
He cited the “hadith (teachings) of the prophet advising Muslims to perform Hajj while they can before being prevented from doing so” as one of the lessons of the Hajj cancellations for foreign pilgrims in 2020 and 2021.
It strikes us once more that only Allah chooses those who will be His guests during the hajj. May Allah’s kindness not be taken away from us.
“May we be among those who will be chosen to perform the worship of Allah in the future,” said the boss of NAHCON.
Hassan hailed prospective Nigerian pilgrims for their perseverance and support throughout the “long and agonizing wait.”
The amount of support and respect displayed by their obedience to every direction issued by the panel profoundly impressed and moved the President.
“One example is full compliance with receiving the COVID-19 jab in the hope of performing Hajj 2021.
Similarly, the commission values the State Pilgrim Assistance Councils’ participation in its decision-making procedures.
Pilgrims who request repayment of their hajj installments will be reimbursed without delay, like in the previous year.
“However, as for those who would still wish to roll over their funds, the committee urges them to wait for further advice and decisions from the board of directors,” he said.
The president assured stakeholders of NAHCON’s open door policy and collaboration, and stated that in the near future, consultations with all hajj officials would be held on the way forward.
“This will be communicated to them in due course,” he said.
According to the Nigerian News Agency (NAN), the Saudi Authority has canceled the Hajj for international pilgrims in 2020 due of the global COVID-19 epidemic.
SOURCE: NNN
