The Pilgrims Affairs Office of Ghana (PAOG) has confirmed the death of a Ghanaian prospective pilgrim in Mecca during this year’s Hajj pilgrimage.
The deceased, identified as Musah Sidi, aged 53, reportedly died while performing Tawaf at the Haram in Mecca, one of the central rituals of the Islamic pilgrimage.
According to a statement issued by PAOG, Musah Sidi collapsed while circumambulating the Kaaba, the sacred structure at the centre of the Grand Mosque, and passed away shortly afterwards.
The office indicated that the family of the deceased has officially been informed about the incident, while preparations are underway for Janaza prayers to be held after Friday’s Jumu’ah prayers before his burial in Saudi Arabia.
PAOG noted that in Islamic tradition, a pilgrim who dies while in a state of worship and in Ihram is regarded as receiving special spiritual honour in the hereafter.
The office further extended condolences to the bereaved family, friends and loved ones of the deceased.
“We pray that Allah forgives his shortcomings and grants him eternal rest in Jannatul Firdaus,” the statement said.
Thousands of Muslims from across the world, including Ghana, are currently in Saudi Arabia to perform the annual Hajj pilgrimage, one of the five pillars of Islam.