The Pilgrims Affairs Office of Ghana (PAOG) has announced the death of another Ghanaian pilgrim during this year’s Hajj in Saudi Arabia.
In a Facebook post on Wednesday, May 27, the office disclosed that Alhaji Sulemana Iddrisu, 60, passed away on Tuesday, May 26, at the plains of Arafat, one of the holiest sites visited during the Islamic pilgrimage.
According to PAOG, the deceased has since been buried in Saudi Arabia in accordance with Islamic traditions after his family was duly informed.
The office explained that under Saudi regulations, pilgrims who die during Hajj are respectfully prepared and buried in the Holy Land, with the death officially documented without the need for another person to complete the pilgrimage on their behalf.
PAOG noted that in Islamic tradition, dying in a state of Ihram on the Day of Arafat is considered a deeply honourable passing.
“Dying in a state of Ihram on the Day of Arafat is considered a deeply honorable passing in Islam. According to the Prophet Muhammad(PBUH), a pilgrim who dies during the pilgrimage will be resurrected on the Day of Judgment still in Ihram” the statement said.
The office said it worked closely with Saudi authorities to notify the family and provide them with regular updates prior to the burial.
PAOG extended its condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for Allah’s mercy upon the deceased.
“We pray that Allah (SWT) accepts his Hajj as Hajj Mabroor, forgives his sins, and grants him Jannatul Firdaus,” the statement added.
His death follows that of another Ghanaian pilgrim, Musah Sidi, 53, who reportedly died while performing Tawaf at the Holy Kaaba in Mecca on Friday, May 22.
