A renowned Islamic scholar has urged the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, to take full charge of the sacrificial offering, known as Hadaya, performed by Nigerian pilgrims during the annual Hajj exercise.
Speaking in Makkah, Professor Mansur Ibrahim Sokoto expressed serious concerns about how the Hadaya is currently being handled, describing it as “fraught with negligence, fraud and mismanagement.”
The scholar, who performs his own Hadaya annually, said it is unfortunate that some pilgrims are forced to fast due to the failure to arrange their sacrifices properly.
“Hadaya is a mandatory rite, not an optional one. It must be given the respect it deserves. It is disheartening to see pilgrims fasting because they couldn’t perform their Hadaya, even after receiving five hundred dollars as Basic Travel Allowance.” He said.
The renowned Islamic scholar revealed that some agents collect as little as 200 to 300 Saudi Riyals for Hadaya far below the actual cost of a proper animal sacrifice.
“You cannot carry out a legitimate Hadaya with less than 500 or 600 Riyals but People are being swindled by individuals claiming to handle Hadaya on their behalf. This needs to stop.” he warned.
Professor Sokoto also raised concerns about state organised Hadaya services, claiming that even some officials receive “appreciation” from Saudi suppliers, leading to reduced or substandard sacrifices.
“This malpractice shortchanges pilgrims and undermines the spiritual integrity of the Hajj,” he said.
He called on NAHCON to include Hadaya charges in the official Hajj fare and to contract and supervise reputable Hadaya suppliers directly, the same way it does with accommodation, transportation and feeding.
The scholar didn’t stop there but also recommended that the two-piece Ihram clothing for male pilgrims be provided as part of the official Hajj kit, cautioned female pilgrims against wearing white Ihram, which he described as “too transparent and inappropriate.”
Professor Mansur Sokoto urged NAHCON to intensify education and enlightenment efforts for pilgrims. “There is an urgent need for high-level sensitisation on all aspects of the Hajj. Pilgrims must know what is expected of them spiritually and logistically.”
By Mubarak Mahmood.
