They were greeted with fanfare amid shouts of ‘Allahu Akbar,’ Allahu Akbar,’ (Praise be to Allah).

Not even the early dawn showers, could deter some residents who were neatly dressed in white attires as a symbol of joy to welcome their relatives and friends back home after successfully fulfilling the religious obligation of embarking on the Hajj, at least once in a Muslim’s lifetime.

Some of the relatives of the pilgrims spent the night at the Hajj Village to welcome the first batch.

The Northern Regional Minister, Shani Alhassan Shaibu and members of the Hajj board welcomed the pilgrims.

Background

In all, about 4000 pilgrims from Ghana who participated in this year’s spiritual journey are expected to return home in batches in the coming days.

Hajj is a sacred pilgrimage and the fifth Pillar of Islam. It is performed in the holy Month of Dhul Hijjah which is the 12th month in the Islamic Calendar.