Ghanaian Pilgrim Dies on Day of Arafat During Hajj in Saudi Arabia

The Pilgrims Affairs Office of Ghana has announced the death of Ghanaian pilgrim Alhaji Sulemana Iddrisu, 60, who passed away on the plains of Arafat on Tuesday, May 26, 2026.

According to the Office, Alhaji Iddrisu died while performing Hajj and has since been buried in the Holy Land in line with Islamic traditions, after his family was duly notified.

The Pilgrims Affairs Office of Ghana said it coordinated with Saudi authorities to inform the family and provide regular updates ahead of the interment.

In Islam, dying in a state of Ihram on the Day of Arafat is considered a deeply honourable passing.

Under Islamic tradition, a pilgrim who dies during the rites is regarded as having completed one of the most spiritually blessed acts of Hajj.

Saudi regulations provide that the body is respectfully prepared and buried in the Holy Land, with the death officially documented, and others are not required to complete the Hajj on their behalf.

According to a hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), a pilgrim who dies during the pilgrimage will be resurrected on the Day of Judgment still in Ihram.

The Office extended condolences to the immediate family, loved ones, and sympathisers of the deceased.

“We pray that Allah (SWT) accepts his Hajj as Hajj Mabroor, forgives his sins, and grants him Jannatul Firdaus,” the statement said.

Story by Hajara Fuseini

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