Tragedy in Arafat: Nigerian Pilgrim Dies During 2025 Hajj – NAHCON Confirms

 

In a somber turn of events during this year's Hajj pilgrimage, a Nigerian pilgrim has tragically died on the sacred plain of Arafat in Saudi Arabia. This heartbreaking news was confirmed by the Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, who addressed the press shortly after the official national prayer session organized by the commission.

According to the NAHCON Chairman, the incident occurred during the spiritual highlight of the pilgrimage—the Day of Arafat—where millions of Muslims from around the world gather to seek forgiveness, offer supplications, and perform one of the most significant rites of Hajj.

“We received as a sad news that we lost one of our pilgrims today in Arafat, and the other one died before we left Mecca,” Prof. Usman told journalists.

The confirmation came as Nigerian pilgrims joined millions of others on the scorching plains of Arafat, under the intense Saudi Arabian sun, to mark what is considered the climax of the annual pilgrimage.

Natural Causes, Not Heatwave, Says NAHCON

In the wake of the unfortunate development, concerns quickly arose regarding the cause of death. The extreme heat and large crowds often pose health risks during the pilgrimage, especially to elderly and medically vulnerable pilgrims. However, Prof. Abdullahi Saleh Usman was quick to dispel any rumors suggesting that the death was caused by heat-related complications.

“It was a natural death,” the NAHCON Chairman clarified, firmly dismissing speculations that the incident may have been due to the notorious heatwaves that sometimes affect pilgrims in the desert region.

Every year, the Saudi authorities and Hajj commissions around the world, including Nigeria’s NAHCON, prepare extensively to mitigate health risks associated with the pilgrimage, particularly heatstroke and dehydration. This year’s temperatures in Arafat have reportedly soared past 40°C (104°F), making proper hydration and medical preparedness even more essential.

Identity of the Deceased Withheld for Family Notification

As per NAHCON’s long-standing policy and Islamic ethics, the identity of the deceased pilgrim is being kept confidential. The commission emphasized that it would not release any names or personal details until the pilgrim’s immediate family has been formally notified.

“As is NAHCON rule, the name of a deceased person is not allowed to be made public by the commission or media until his or her family has been formally informed,” the Chairman stated.

This policy is not just a bureaucratic procedure but a deeply respectful and culturally sensitive approach. Informing the family privately before making any public announcements helps prevent additional trauma and ensures that loved ones can mourn in dignity.

What Happened in Arafat: Understanding the Significance

For those unfamiliar with Hajj rituals, the Plain of Arafat, also known as Mount Arafah, holds immense religious importance in Islam. It is where the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) delivered his Farewell Sermon and where pilgrims gather on the 9th day of Dhul Hijjah (the last month of the Islamic calendar) to stand in prayer from noon until sunset.

This act, known as “Wuquf,” or standing in Arafat, is considered the most vital pillar of Hajj. In fact, the Prophet (SAW) is reported to have said, “Hajj is Arafat,” meaning that if a pilgrim misses this rite, their Hajj is invalid.

Therefore, Arafat is not only physically demanding but also spiritually charged. It is here that pilgrims raise their hands to the sky, crying out in prayer, repentance, and gratitude.

To experience a loss on this sacred ground is especially profound, both emotionally and spiritually. For the deceased pilgrim, dying on Arafat may be seen by many as a form of divine mercy. In Islamic belief, passing away during Hajj, especially in a state of devotion, is considered an honorable and blessed death.

Medical Preparedness During Hajj: What NAHCON and Saudi Authorities Do

Given the strenuous nature of the pilgrimage, both NAHCON and Saudi authorities typically put comprehensive health and safety measures in place.

This includes:

• Deploying Nigerian doctors and nurses with each state’s pilgrim delegation.

• Mobile clinics and ambulances stationed at key Hajj locations.

• Provision of oral rehydration salts, face masks, and umbrellas to reduce the effects of heat.

• Health screenings before departure from Nigeria to ensure that pilgrims are physically fit.

Despite all precautions, deaths during Hajj are not uncommon. In most cases, the causes are natural—heart failure, strokes, or complications from pre-existing health conditions. The intense physical effort required during Hajj can take a toll on the elderly or those with underlying illnesses.

Hajj 2025: A Larger Context

The 2025 Hajj has seen a large turnout of Nigerian pilgrims, with tens of thousands of faithful Muslims making the sacred journey under NAHCON’s guidance. The commission had earlier announced its readiness to ensure a safe and seamless Hajj experience for all pilgrims through improved logistics, health services, and accommodation arrangements.

This year, NAHCON also partnered with the Nigerian Medical Team and various state pilgrim boards to boost pilgrim welfare. The tragic loss of two Nigerian pilgrims—one in Arafat and another in Mecca before the group moved to Arafat—casts a shadow on what has otherwise been a peaceful and organized pilgrimage for Nigerian participants.

National and Spiritual Mourning

Though the pilgrimage is ongoing, news of the deaths has left fellow pilgrims and officials in deep reflection. NAHCON has reportedly offered prayers for the deceased and extended its condolences to the affected families.

As Muslims around the world mark the peak of Hajj with reflection and devotion, the death of a pilgrim on Arafat reminds us of the fragility of life and the ultimate journey we all must one day take.

For many, dying during Hajj is a powerful reminder of the closeness to God that the pilgrimage brings. It is believed that those who pass away in the holy land, especially during the rites of Hajj, are granted a special status in the Hereafter.

Final Words from NAHCON

While acknowledging the grief of the families and the nation, NAHCON remains committed to the safety and well-being of every Nigerian pilgrim.

“We are doing everything we can to care for the welfare of our pilgrims,” Prof. Usman said. “These are people who have come to fulfill a spiritual obligation, and we owe them the best support we can give—spiritually, medically, and emotionally.”

As the 2025 Hajj progresses, prayers continue for the safety of all pilgrims and for God’s mercy upon those who have passed away during this sacred journey.