Monrovia – The Chief Imam of the Fanima Mosque in Clara Town, Bushrod Island, Montserrado County, Abdullah G. Massaray, has called on Muslims preparing for the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage to remain steadfast in their faith and conduct.
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Delivering his sermon during Friday prayers, Imam Massaray—former Chairman of the National Muslim Council of Liberia—urged prospective pilgrims to “fear Allah in everything they do,” emphasizing the spiritual significance of the journey to Mecca.
Hajj a Core Islamic Obligation
Imam Massaray reminded worshippers that Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and is mandatory for Muslims who are financially capable and in good health.
“We have begun emphasizing the importance of the 2026 Hajj,” he said. “It is compulsory for every Muslim who has the means and the health to undertake it at least once in their lifetime.”
Registration, Cost and Travel Timeline
He disclosed that the ongoing Hajj registration process is being coordinated by recognized Muslim agencies under the supervision of the National Muslim Council of Liberia.
According to him, the cost of the pilgrimage has been set at US$6,700, which includes required health documentation such as the yellow fever vaccination card. He added that departure for Liberia’s pilgrims is expected in the first week of May 2026.
Historical and Spiritual Significance
Reflecting on the origins of Hajj, Imam Massaray recounted that Allah commanded Prophet Abraham to build the Kaaba as a sacred place of worship. He explained that the pilgrimage was later restored to its true purpose by Prophet Muhammad after a period in which idol worship had distorted its meaning.
“The Kaaba was cleansed and restored as a place of worship for one God, and Hajj became firmly established as one of the pillars of Islam,” he said.
Global Gathering with Set Quotas
Imam Massaray also noted that Hajj remains the largest annual religious gathering in the world, attracting millions of Muslims each year.
He explained that the government of Saudi Arabia sets quotas for each country to manage the number of pilgrims, as it cannot accommodate unlimited participants annually.
The Imam concluded by urging all intending pilgrims to approach the journey with sincerity, discipline, and a deep sense of religious responsibility.
