At least 47 Imams from across Nairobi are currently on their way to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, to perform the Hajj, an Islamic pilgrimage which is an important spiritual milestone in the life of a Muslim.
Their trip has been facilitated by Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, who has paid all the expenses of the travelling Imams.
In a statement on Monday, May 26, the governor's office announced that Sakaja had sponsored Imams in less-privileged neighbourhoods of Nairobi, including Kibera, Majengo, Maringo, and Utawala.
Led by Ustadh Hassan Ally Amin, the chairman of the Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya, the group thanked the governor, noting that the trip was critical for them.
“We are privileged by Allah to go and worship Him. We thank the governor for his gesture in supporting this group. This is an honour and an important journey for every Muslim," Ustadh Amin, speaking at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi as the group departed.
“If you can’t say thank you to people who have done you well, you can’t say thank you to Allah. That is why we are grateful for the governor’s gesture in helping us embark on this important journey."
He added that Hajj is not just a physical journey, but also a profound act of humility, devotion, and reflection that reinforces the core tenets of Islam and the unity of the global Muslim community.
The Health Cabinet Secretary Adan Duale saw off a group of Kenyan pilgrims at the same airport, announcing that 4,500 pilgrims from across the country will travel under the Kenya Hajj Mission this year.
He was accompanied by the Saudi Embassy and SUPKEM chairman Hassan Ole-Nado, who wished them well as they began this spiritual milestone.
Hajj is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, a mandatory religious duty for Muslims who are physically and financially able to perform it. It represents a deeply spiritual journey of faith, equality, and submission to Allah. Other pillars include declaration of faith, prayer, almsgiving, and fasting.
It is an annual pilgrimage that happens in Mecca, Saudi Arabia and undertaken by undertaken by millions of Muslims from around the world, not just Imams.
It typically happens during the month of Dhul Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic calendar, usually in June or July and this year's is projected to take place between June 4 to June 9 depending on the sighting of the moon.
Notably, Mecca is considered the holiest city of Islam in the world.
