The Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammad Sanusi II, says Nigerians will stop participating in the devil-stoning ritual of the yearly Hajj exercise.
Over 70 Nigerians have been reported killed from the stampede that occurred in Mina, Saudi Arabia, where hundreds of pilgrims died.
Emir Sanusi stated that the only condition in which Nigerians will partake, is if accommodation is provided close to Jamrat, where the exercise usually takes place.
The Emir however, stated that Nigerians would rather undertake the substitute for the devil-stoning ritual, rather than lose their lives.
“During the era of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), he permitted pilgrims who came on camels to stay in Makkah after Arafat, instead of staying in Mina and sleeping at Muzdalifa.
“So, if the Prophet can give such grace to some people, just to protect their animals, why didn’t our scholars educate our people properly to avoid this untoward hardship and death?
“Therefore, it will be part of my recommendation to the Federal Government that, if we cannot get accommodation close to Jamrat where the Arabs reside in Mina, then this year may be the last time we will sleep in Mina and Muzdalifa because we want to stone the devil.
“If one deliberately refuses to perform the stoning of the devil ritual, all he needs to do is just to slaughter a ram. So, if this is the situation, why do we go and suffer and die instead of sacrificing a ram.”
