Kaduna Pilgrims Offer Special Prayers on Arafat Day for Nigeria

Kaduna State pilgrims prayed for an end to the country’s security challenges, and for peace and unity across Nigeria, while in Saudi Arabia on the day of Arafat.

In a press statement released by Chief Press Secretary to Governor Uba Sani, Malam Ibraheem Musa, on Tuesday, the importance of the day of “Arafah,” which falls on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah, was highlighted as one of the most significant days in the Islamic calendar.

The statement noted that pilgrims are encouraged to offer prayers to Allah for all their needs, to pray for their families and loved ones, and for their nations.

Earlier, Sheikh Haliru Maraya stressed the power of prayer to overcome all kinds of challenges and added that praying for leaders aligns with Islamic teachings. As a member of the Special Hajj Committee of the Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, he argued that it is wrong to curse leaders, calling such actions un-Islamic.

He further said that no earthly challenge is beyond the reach of constant prayer and faith.

The cleric urged pilgrims to return to their tents and continue praying after the special prayers until dusk, when they would leave for Muzdalifah to proceed with other Hajj rituals.

Islamic clerics who led the special prayers included Sheikh Aliyu Telex, Imam Buhari Mararaban Jos, and Alkali Abubakar Salihu Zaria. Other participants were Malam Rabiu Abdullahi, Imam Tukur Adam Almanar, Malam Aliyu Kassim, Sheikh Aliyu Rasheed Makarfi, Malam Lawan Na’ibi Ikara, and Malam Kassim Aminu.

After the special prayers, Alhaji Abubakar Mustapha, leader of the Kaduna State Hajj Delegation Committee, thanked Governor Uba Sani for establishing all necessary administrative structures to ensure a smooth Hajj operation.

Former Head of Kaduna State Civil Service Alhaji Abubakar praised the Special Committee on Hajj, the management, and staff of the pilgrims welfare agency for their dedication to a successful Hajj exercise.

Hon. Naziru Abubakar, House Committee Chairman of Interfaith and Hajj at the Kaduna State House of Assembly, also commended the pilgrims agency. He noted that the Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency has become the benchmark against which the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) evaluates similar state Hajj agencies.

In his welcome address, Executive Chairman of the pilgrims agency Malam Salihu S Abubakar mentioned that the Governor had formed a Special Hajj Committee, which he chairs, in December 2023 to oversee all aspects of the pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia. He said the committee has largely fulfilled its mandate with utmost trust since its members were inaugurated.

Malam Salihu added that Governor Uba Sani has consistently supported the committee’s requests to improve Hajj operations and pilgrims’ welfare.