By Abdullahi Yusuf

1. NAHCON mulls N23bn refund for 2,717 intending pilgrims denied visas due to late registration. Refunds are being processed based on regional Hajj fares ranging from N8.3m to N8.7m.

2. Return journey begins 13 June (17 Dhul-Hijjah) with first flights set for pilgrims from Imo (Air Peace), Bauchi (Max Air), Kebbi & Sokoto (Flynas). NAHCON urges readiness and cooperation.

3. Hajj 2025 crowd movement praised as smooth and safe as pilgrims performed four main rituals on Friday: stoning, sacrifice, shaving/trimming, and Tawaf Al-Ifadah. Security, medical, and civil defence personnel ensured safety amid intense summer heat.

4. Jamarat Complex handles over 300,000 pilgrims per hour, enabling seamless stoning rituals across Tashreeq Days. Multi-level access, crowd control tech, and shaded paths provided crucial support.

5. Massive transport logistics: 23,000+ buses & Mashaer Metro transported over 604,000 pilgrims with 3-tier operations. Train and shuttle systems achieved record efficiency.

6. 125,000+ health services delivered, including 216 cardiac catheterizations and 18 open-heart surgeries. Saudi medical teams also maintained 24/7 readiness at Jamarat and Grand Mosque.

7. Over 5.5 million Nusuk Card scans recorded, with 310,000+ queries handled via unified line 1966 and 65,000+ inspection tours conducted to ensure service compliance.

8. Haircut services available at Grand Mosque post-Tawaf and sai’ to complete Hajj rituals. Stations located at Al-Marwah Gate and Eastern Courtyard operate 24/7 using sterilized tools.

9. Saudi Interior Ministry: 436 illegal Hajj campaigns busted, with 462 arrests made for aiding violators. Pilgrims urged to follow scheduled movements and instructions to ensure order.

10. Saudi Crown Prince hails Hajj 2025 success, credits security, civil and health personnel. Over 213,000 personnel contributed to a well-coordinated pilgrimage.

11. Ghanaian President Mahama promises Hajj fare relief, reveals plans to cut Hajj costs by 2026 and make Eid-ul-Fitr a public holiday. He reiterated commitment to Muslim welfare.

12. Did You Know?: The Days of Tashreeq are the 11th, 12th, and 13th of Dhul-Hijjah, days of eating, drinking, and remembering Allah. The Prophet pbuh said, “These are days of eating, drinking, and remembrance of Allah.” (Muslim)

13. Did You Know?: It is forbidden to fast on any of the three Days of Tashreeq.

14. Fun Fact: Even though Hajj is nearly complete, pilgrims must stay in Mina at night during Tashreeq unless excused.

15. Did You Know?: If a pilgrim leaves Mina before sunset on the 12th (after stoning), they’re excused from the 13th, but staying the extra day is Sunnah.

16. Fun Fact: A successful Hajj is believed to erase all past sins, and a returning pilgrim is described as being “like a newborn baby.”

17. Did You Know?: Many pilgrims experience a spiritual high after Hajj and strive to maintain Taharah beyond the ritual.