Kaduna Pilgrims Urged to Continue Prayers as Hajj Concludes

Kaduna State pilgrims have been urged to deepen their prayers in order to fully benefit from worshipping in Makkah, even though the 2026 Hajj officially concluded last Saturday.

Sheikh Haliru Maraya, a member of the Special Hajj Committee, delivered the message after the afternoon (Zuhur) prayer at the Ibrahim Khalil Street residence of the pilgrims on Saturday.

A statement from the Chief Press Secretary of Governor Uba Sani, Malam Ibraheem Musa, released on Sunday, noted that approximately 1.7 million pilgrims from around the world participated in the 2026 Hajj.

The statement explained that the Hajj begins on the 8th day and ends on the 13th day of Dhul Hijjah in the Islamic calendar, which corresponded to 25 May through 30 May in the Gregorian calendar this year.

Speaking to the congregation after the afternoon prayer, Sheikh Maraya said that any act of worship performed in Makkah yields greater rewards than those performed elsewhere.

He, who chairs the 2026 Hajj Preaching Committee, added that worship in the city where Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was born is rewarded 100,000 times by Allah (SWT).

The cleric warned pilgrims against sinful acts, noting that even merely contemplating such acts is recorded as if the sins have been committed.

He cautioned against the temptation to rush home, describing such thoughts as often the work of the devil or shaytan.

Sheikh Maraya urged pilgrims to engage in voluntary prayers, read the Qur’an, and offer various supplications to maximize the benefits of their stay in Makkah after the Hajj.

He also requested that pilgrims pray for Nigeria, its leaders, and for an end to the security challenges afflicting the country.

Sheikh Maraya praised Governor Uba Sani for providing the necessary logistics and empowering the Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, which ensured a smooth 2026 Hajj experience.