Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in last December’s election is in Mecca with his wife, Hajia Samira Bawumia, and close friends including the former Minister of Youth and Sports, Mustapha Ussif to perform Umrah, the Islamic pilgrimage.
The trip, which took place shortly after the January 7 inauguration of President John Dramani Mahama marked a moment of reflection and thanksgiving.
Running on the ticket of the incumbent New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr Bawumia lost the December 7, 2024, Presidential Election to Mr. John Dramani Mahama who run on the ticket of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
In a post on his social media channels, Dr. Bawumia shared his reasons for the pilgrimage, saying, “Together with Hajia Samira Bawumia and some friends, I arrived in Mecca yesterday to perform Umrah (Islamic Pilgrimage to Mecca). This is to thank the Almighty Allah for His grace. We also prayed for guidance and protection for us and for our nation, Ghana.”
Dr. Bawumia, who attended President Mahama’s inauguration on January 7, 2025, continues to express his gratitude for the support of his followers during the election campaign, while also seeking spiritual renewal as he embarks on this sacred journey.
About Umrah
Umrah is a pilgrimage in Islam that can be undertaken at any time of the year, unlike the Hajj pilgrimage, which has specific dates in the Islamic calendar. It is considered a lesser pilgrimage, but it holds significant spiritual importance.
During Umrah, Muslims perform a series of rituals that are meant to purify the soul and bring them closer to Allah. These rituals include:
– Ihram: Before entering Mecca, pilgrims wear special white garments known as Ihram to signify purity and unity.
– Tawaf: Pilgrims walk around the Kaaba, the holiest structure in Islam, seven times in a counter-clockwise direction.
– Sa’i: Pilgrims walk seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah, emulating the actions of Hagar, the wife of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), as she searched for water for her son, Ismail (Ishmael).
– Shaving or Trimming Hair: After completing the rituals, male pilgrims typically shave their heads or trim their hair, while female pilgrims cut a small portion of their hair.
While it is not a mandatory act of worship like Hajj, Umrah is highly recommended for Muslims who are able to perform it, and it is believed to bring great spiritual rewards.
