Ghanaian pilgrim Musah Sidi, 53, dies while performing Tawaf at Holy Kaaba in Mecca

The Pilgrims Affairs Office of Ghana (PAOG) has confirmed the death of a Ghanaian prospective pilgrim, Mr Musah Sidi, aged 53, who collapsed while performing the sacred ritual of Tawaf at the Grand Mosque in Mecca and passed away shortly afterwards.

In a press release issued on Friday, May 22, 2026, the PAOG announced the sad news with the Islamic declaration: "Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un" – To Allah we belong and to Him we shall return.

The incident

According to the Office, the deceased collapsed at the Haram during Tawaf, the ritualistic act of walking in a circular path around the Kaaba – a central rite of the Hajj pilgrimage. He died shortly after the incident. The bereaved family has been duly informed of his demise.

Funeral arrangements

The body is being prepared for Janaza prayers, which are scheduled to take place after Jummah prayers, following which interment will be conducted in accordance with Islamic tradition.

A blessed passing

The PAOG noted that passing away while performing Tawaf is considered a profound blessing and a sign of a beautiful ending for a blessed Muslim.

"In Islamic tradition, a pilgrim who dies in a state of worship and in Ihram is promised immense spiritual honour in the hereafter," the statement read.

Condolences

The Office extended its deepest condolences to his immediate family, sympathisers, and loved ones, praying that Allah forgives his shortcomings and grants him Jannatul Firdaus – the highest level of paradise.

The statement was signed by Mohammed Amin Lamptey, Director of Communications of the Pilgrims Affairs Office of Ghana.