Hajj 2021: NAHCON confirms cancellation of international pilgrims

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has confirmed the decision of the Saudi authorities, regarding the cancellation of international pilgrims for the 2021 season.

NAHCON Head of Public Affairs, Fatima Sanda Usara, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday June 12, 2021.

The commission’s officials in Saudi Arabia stated that state television and radio stations in the Kingdom have announced the news.

“NAHCON respects the decision of Saudi Arabia in this regard no matter how painful that decision may be to us and to intending pilgrims worldwide.

“We have accepted that it is Allah’s design that multitudes will again this year not perform the Hajj. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is only playing out a script ordained by our Maker long before creation of the universe. Our prayer is that we collectively turn to Him in repentance so that He admits us for Hajj in the coming years,” the statement reads.

The statement adds that one of the lessons from these two years’ cancellations of Hajj for foreign pilgrims’ is in the Prophet’s hadith urging Muslims to perform Hajj while they can before they are prevented from doing so.

“Again, it impresses on us that it is only Allah that selects those who will be His guests for Hajj. May we not be deprived of Allah’s mercy. May we be among those who will be chosen to perform Allah’s worship in future,” it says.

The NAHCON Chairman, Alhaji Zikrullah Kunle Hassan commended the resilience of Nigerian intending pilgrims and the support they have shown in this long and tortuous wait.

“The Chairman is particularly impressed and humbled by the level of support and respect displayed as evidenced by their adherence to each instructions given by the commission.

“An example is the total compliance in receiving Covid-19 jab with the hope of performing the 2021 Hajj. Equally, the Commission appreciates cooperation of States’ Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards in its decision-making processes,” he said.

The commission therefore reiterated that pilgrims who request refund of their Hajj deposits will be granted such without unnecessary delay.

“As for those who would still wish to roll-over their funds, the commission strongly urges them to wait for further advice and decisions by the board.

“Finally the Chairman assures stakeholders of NAHCON’s open door policy and cooperation. Consultations will be held with all Hajj managers on the way forward in the nearest future. This will be communicated to them in due course,” NAHCON said in the statement.