Saudi Ambassador to Nigeria Adnan Bin Mahmoud Bostaji (middle) with 2019 Hajj Guest of the King from Nigeria today in Abuja: Photo Credit: Saudi Embassy
IHR
The embassy of Saudi Arabia in Abuja has on Friday bided farewell to the guests of King Salman Bn Abdulaziz to the 2019 Hajj.
The farewell took place at the Saudi Arabian embassy Maitama Abuja.
Speaking at the occasion, the Saudi Ambassador to Nigeria, Adnan Mahmoud Bostaji said the practice of inviting a cross-section of Muslims across the world to perform Hajj began since the establishment of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under the leadership of King Abdulaziz Al-Saud.
He said the aim of the programme is to encourage brotherliness among Muslims from diverse backgrounds, adding “today, it is you who represent this elite for your country, the Federal Republic of Nigeria”.
Mr Bostaji also said the programme equally affords those who are invited “the opportunity to observe closely the great efforts made by the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in service of the Two Holy Mosques and the great capabilities, services and facilitations afforded in order to enable the guests of the most gracious lord (Allah) to perform their Hajj with every ease and simplicity”.
The ambassador prayed to God to give the King’s guests and all other pilgrims “the grace of performing an acceptable Hajj and having sins forgiven”.
One of the travelling guests, Professor Abdulbaqi Mohammed was announced as the leader of the team.
Speaking in a brief speech, Professor Mohammed also expressed the gratitude of the team to King Salman and the Crown Prince Mohammed Bn Salman for helping Muslims complete their faith by undertaking an important aspect of Islam, which is Hajj.
“As Nigerians, we remain grateful to King Salman who has maintained this tradition of inviting selected Muslims to perform Hajj since it was first started by the first Saudi monarch, King Saud.
“We also express special thanks to the Crown Prince, Mohammad Bn Salman and pray to God to continue to bless them to continue the good works they are doing of helping the underprivileged,” he said.
The team leader also prayed for Nigeria and its leader, President Muhammadu Buhari.
To fellow intending pilgrims, he told them that what is given to them is an opportunity to carry out an important religious obligation.
He, therefore, admonished them to obey all the rules of Saudi Arabia while they are in the Holy Land.
