Hajj 2024: Nigerian pilgrim gives birth to baby in Makkah

A Nigerian pilgrim has welcomed the first Hajj baby of the year in Makkah, a baby boy named Muhammad.

This joyous occasion took place at Makkah’s Maternity and Children’s Hospital, as reported by Arab media outlets.

The 30-year-old Nigerian woman was admitted to the hospital’s emergency room at 31 weeks of pregnancy, experiencing severe labor pains. Despite the premature birth, both mother and baby are receiving medical care, with the mother’s condition steadily improving.

Expressing gratitude, the Nigerian pilgrim thanked the medical team for their assistance during the delivery.

Makkah’s maternity hospital sees numerous births during the Hajj season annually, with dedicated staff ensuring the well-being of both infants and mothers.

Hajj, one of the Five Pillars of Islam, occurs annually during Zil Hajj, the twelfth and final month of the Islamic calendar. Thousands of pilgrims from Muslim nations worldwide converge on Makkah to undertake this sacred journey, which spans from the 8th to the 13th of Zil Hajj. It is an obligation for physically and financially capable Muslims to perform Hajj at least once in their lifetime.