Kaduna Pilgrims Hold Special Prayers for Peace in Nigeria (Dhul Hajja)

Muslim pilgrims from Kaduna State performed special prayers in Saudi Arabia, asking God to end insecurity and strengthen peace and unity in Nigeria on the Day of Arafat.

In a statement released on Tuesday by Chief Press Secretary to Governor Uba Sani, Malam Ibraheem Musa, the government described the 9th day of Dhul Hijjah, known as the Day of Arafat, as one of the most important days in the Islamic calendar.

The statement urged pilgrims to pray to Allah for their personal needs, their families, loved ones, and their countries.

During the prayers, Sheikh Haliru Maraya emphasized the importance of prayer in overcoming challenges. He said praying for leaders is part of Islamic teachings.

The cleric also warned that cursing leaders is un-Islamic and added that no problem is too difficult to be solved through sincere and consistent prayers backed by faith.

Sheikh Maraya advised the pilgrims to continue praying in their tents after the special session until dusk, when they would move to Muzdalifah to continue other Hajj activities.

Among the Islamic scholars who led the prayers were Sheikh Aliyu Telex, Imam Buhari Mararaban Jos, Alkali Abubakar Salihu Zaria, Malam Rabiu Abdullahi, Imam Tukur Adam Almanar, and Malam Aliyu Kassim.

Other leaders included Sheikh Aliyu Rasheed Makarfi, Malam Lawan Na’ibi Ikara, and Malam Kassim Aminu.

After the prayers, the leader of the Kaduna State Hajj Delegation Committee, Alhaji Abubakar Mustapha, praised Governor Uba Sani for establishing structures that ensured smooth Hajj operations.

The former Head of Kaduna State Civil Service also commended the Special Hajj Committee and the staff of the Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency for their efforts toward a successful pilgrimage exercise.

Chairman of the Kaduna State House of Assembly Committee on Interfaith and Hajj, Hon. Naziru Abubakar, praised the agency, saying it has become a standard used by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to assess other state pilgrims boards.

In his remarks, Executive Chairman of the Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, Malam Salihu S. Abubakar, said Governor Uba Sani set up a Special Hajj Committee in December 2023 to improve all aspects of the pilgrimage process.

He added that the committee has carried out its responsibilities faithfully since its inauguration and that the governor has consistently supported requests aimed at improving Hajj operations and pilgrims’ welfare.