Story By: Faisel M. Mustapha
PRESIDENT John Dramani Mahama has praised the Ghana Hajj Board and all stakeholders for the successful organisation of this year’s Hajj pilgrimage to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
According to the President, about 6,900 Ghanaian Muslims were airlifted to Saudi Arabia to perform the sacred pilgrimage, with reports indicating that arrangements for accommodation, feeding, transportation and the overall welfare of pilgrims were satisfactory.
In his Eid-ul-Adha message, President Mahama said he had received positive feedback about the conduct of the pilgrimage and the services provided to Ghanaian pilgrims throughout their stay in the holy land.
“I have received encouraging reports on their accommodation, feeding arrangements, transport and overall welfare,” the President stated. He commended the Ghana Hajj Board, government officials, airline operators and all individuals who contributed to ensuring a smooth and successful pilgrimage for Ghanaian Muslims.
President Mahama also highlighted the spiritual significance of the Day of Arafah, one of the most important days in the Islamic calendar, during which pilgrims gather in prayer, seek forgiveness and offer supplications to Allah.
He prayed for Allah’s acceptance of the prayers and sacrifices of all Ghanaian pilgrims and asked for their safe return home after completing the religious rites.
“We pray that Almighty Allah will accept the prayers and supplications of all our pilgrims and grant them a safe return journey back home,” he said. The President, however, expressed sadness over the deaths of some Ghanaian pilgrims during this year’s Hajj.
On behalf of the Government and people of Ghana, he extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for Allah’s mercy and forgiveness for the departed souls.
“I offer my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and pray that Allah will forgive their sins and grant them Jannatul Firdaus,” President Mahama said.
The annual Hajj pilgrimage, one of the five pillars of Islam, attracts millions of Muslims from around the world to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah in Saudi Arabia each year.
Source: Nationaltymes.com
