Imrana Sulaiman Maikanti, Gombe
The Chairman of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa’iqamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS), Gombe State chapter, Sheikh Salisu Muhammad Gombe, has called on all intending Muslim pilgrims from the state to adhere strictly to the rules and regulations guiding the Hajj pilgrimage.
He made the call during an exclusive interview with Jewel Times in his office on Tuesday, where he expressed the importance of approaching the sacred journey with sincerity, preparation, and deep spiritual commitment.
Sheikh Salisu commended the Gombe State Pilgrims Welfare Board for its proactive role in organizing thorough orientation sessions for the pilgrims. According to him, these efforts are not only timely but essential, especially for first-time pilgrims who need adequate guidance on both the spiritual and logistical aspects of the Hajj rites. “The orientation helps to enlighten our people about the dos and don’ts of Hajj. It’s a great initiative that will go a long way in helping the pilgrims fulfill their religious obligation correctly and in line with Islamic teachings,” he said.
The cleric emphasized that every pilgrim must be armed with Iman (faith) and Taqwa (consciousness of Allah) as they embark on the spiritual journey to the holy land. “Hajj is not just a physical act of travel; it is an act of worship that requires sincerity, purity of intention, and deep fear and awareness of Allah. Iman and Taqwa will guide them through every step of the journey, from patience in trials to humility in rituals,” he explained.
Sheikh Salisu further urged the pilgrims to conduct themselves with utmost discipline, dignity, and decorum, stressing that they are not only representing themselves but also the image of Gombe State, Nigeria, and the entire black race. “Every step you take, every word you say over there reflects on all of us. You must be good ambassadors of Gombe, show the world the values of our people respect, honesty, and compassion. Let people see the beauty of Islam through your character,” he advised.
In his address, the Islamic scholar also offered a summarized guide to the Hajj rites, giving a brief outline of what the pilgrims should expect. He explained the significance of entering the state of Ihram, performing the Tawaf (circumambulation of the Ka’abah), the Sa’i (walking between Safa and Marwah), standing at Arafat, the symbolic stoning of the devil at Mina, and the final Tawaf al-Ifadah. “Each stage of Hajj carries deep meanings of sacrifice, remembrance, and submission. It is important for pilgrims to understand these rites and perform them correctly,” he added.
Highlighting the immense reward of an accepted Hajj, Sheikh Salisu noted that it is one of the most powerful acts of worship in Islam. “The Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, said that whoever performs Hajj without indulging in obscenity or wrongdoing will return like a newborn baby free from all past sins. And the reward of an accepted Hajj is nothing less than Paradise,” he stated, urging pilgrims to strive for sincerity and devotion.
Sheikh Salisu encouraged all intending pilgrims to take advantage of the sacred moments during Hajj to make heartfelt prayers for Gombe State, Nigeria, and the Muslim Ummah. “Pray for peace, unity, prosperity, and good leadership. Don’t forget to include your families and friends in your Du’a. Hajj is a golden opportunity maximize it,” he urged.
With the first batch of pilgrims set to depart soon, Sheikh Salisu’s heartfelt message serves as both a reminder and a spiritual compass for those preparing to fulfill this noble obligation.