From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna
Kaduna State pilgrims prayed in Saudi Arabia on Arafat Day for an end to security challenges in Nigeria and for peace and unity across the country.
A press statement from Malam Ibraheem Musa, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Uba Sani, issued on Tuesday, mentioned that the day of ‘Arafah, which falls on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah, is one of the most significant days in the Islamic calendar.
The statement encouraged pilgrims to pray to Allah for their needs, as well as for their families, loved ones, and the nation.
Earlier, Sheik Haliru Maraya emphasized the importance of prayer in overcoming various challenges, adding that praying for leaders aligns with Islamic teachings.
As a member of the Special Hajj Committee of Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, Sheik Maraya argued that it is wrong for people to curse their leaders, pointing out that such actions are un-Islamic.
He also stated that no earthly challenge can be resolved without persistent prayer and faith.
The Islamic cleric urged pilgrims to return to their tents and continue praying after the special prayers until dusk, when they would leave for Muzdalifah to continue performing Hajj rituals.
The clerics participating in the special prayers included Sheik Aliyu Telex, Imam Buhari Mararaban Jos, and Alkali Abubakar Salihu Zaria.
Others who joined include Malam Rabiu Abdullahi, Imam Tukur Adam Almanar, Malam Aliyu Kassim, Sheik Aliyu Rasheed Makarfi, Malam Lawan Na’ibi Ikara, and Malam Kassim Aminu.
Following the prayers, the leader of the Kaduna State Hajj Delegation, Alhaji Abubakar Mustapha, expressed gratitude to Governor Uba Sani for establishing all necessary structures to ensure a smooth Hajj operation.
Alhaji Abubakar, a former Head of Kaduna State Civil Service, praised the Special Hajj Committee, the management, and staff of the Pilgrims Welfare Agency for their dedication to a successful Hajj.
Additionally, Hon Naziru Abubakar, Chairman of the House Committee for Interfaith and Hajj at the Kaduna State House of Assembly, commended the pilgrims’ agency.
He stated that the Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency has become a benchmark for the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) in assessing other state Hajj agencies.
In his opening remarks, Malam Salihu S Abubakar, the Executive Chairman of the pilgrims agency, noted that the Governor had established a Special Hajj Committee, which he chairs, to oversee all aspects of the pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia in December 2023.
He added that the committee has performed its duties with the highest level of trust since its members were sworn in.
Malam Salihu revealed that Governor Uba Sani has consistently supported the committee’s initiatives to improve Hajj operations and the welfare of pilgrims.
