The Head of the Da’awa Committee of the Pilgrims Affairs Office of Ghana, Sheikh Abdul Malik Abdul Rahman Maiga, on Friday, May 15, 2026, led a special farewell Jummah prayer for Ghanaian prospective pilgrims preparing to embark on this year’s Hajj pilgrimage to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The special prayer session, described as a “Farewell Jummah,” brought together hundreds of prospective pilgrims, Islamic scholars, officials of the Pilgrims Affairs Office of Ghana, and members of the Muslim community to seek Allah’s guidance and blessings ahead of the sacred journey.

In his sermon, Sheikh Maiga highlighted the spiritual significance and elevated status of Hajj in Islam, stressing the importance of understanding the rites and rewards associated with the pilgrimage.

According to him, Islam encourages believers to seek knowledge about every act of worship before undertaking it, adding that Muslims must understand both the obligations and the immense spiritual rewards attached to Hajj.

He explained that a properly performed Hajj carries enormous blessings and can lead to spiritual purification and closeness to Allah.

The respected cleric also used the occasion to offer prayers for Ghana, President John Dramani Mahama, government officials, security agencies, and the leadership of the Pilgrims Affairs Office of Ghana.

Special prayers were also offered for the Chairman of the Pilgrims Affairs Office of Ghana, Alhaji Abdul Rauf Tanko, members of the Hajj Board, and all individuals contributing towards the successful organization of the 2026 Hajj operations.

Sheikh Maiga expressed gratitude for the commendations received regarding his leadership of the Da’awa team during this year’s Hajj preparations but remained humble, praying for sincerity and steadfastness.

He noted that Ghana is blessed with many knowledgeable Islamic scholars capable of serving in such capacities, emphasizing that leadership is ultimately by the will of Allah.

“We always pray to Allah to make us better than what people think of us and to protect us from pride whenever people praise our efforts,” he stated.

Meanwhile, the Communications Director of the Pilgrims Affairs Office of Ghana, Alhaji Mohammed Amin Lamptey, praised Sheikh Maiga for what he described as a refreshing and impactful style of leadership within the Da’awa team.

According to him, the farewell sermon was informative, educational, interpretative, and clarifying, noting that many worshippers left the mosque with a deeper understanding of the spiritual preparations required for Hajj.

Alhaji Lamptey further commended Sheikh Maiga for introducing a more structured approach to Da’awa activities during the Hajj preparations, including detailed guidance for scholars, clear schedules, and strategic coordination of preaching activities.

He revealed that the reforms and organization introduced by the Da’awa leadership have attracted positive feedback from pilgrims, Islamic scholars, and the media.

He also expressed appreciation to President John Mahama and the leadership of the Pilgrims Affairs Office of Ghana for appointing Sheikh Maiga to lead the Da’awa team, describing him as a blessing to the country’s Hajj operations.