From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna
Following the official conclusion of the 2026 Hajj, pilgrims from Kaduna State have been urged to intensify their acts of worship to fully maximize the spiritual rewards of their journey.
This counsel was given by Sheik Haliru Maraya, a member of the Special Hajj Committee and Chairman of the 2026 Hajj Preaching Committee, during the Zuhur (afternoon) prayer held at the Ibrahim Khalil Street residence on Saturday.
According to a statement released on Sunday by Malam Ibraheem Musa, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Uba Sani, approximately 1.7 million pilgrims from across the globe participated in this year’s Hajj.
The pilgrimage, which spans from the 8th to the 13th day of Dhul Hijjah on the Islamic calendar, took place between May 25 and May 30, 2026.
Addressing the congregation after the afternoon prayers, Sheik Maraya reminded pilgrims of the unique sanctity of Makkah, noting that acts of worship performed in the birthplace of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) are rewarded 100,000 times over by Allah (SWT).
To make the most of their remaining time in the holy city, the Islamic cleric said
pilgrims should dedicate their stay to voluntary prayers, reciting the Qur’an, and making continuous supplications.
He cautioned pilgrims against rushing or desperately longing to return home, attributing such unsettling thoughts to the distractions of Shaytan (the devil).
He also warned against engaging in sinful behaviors, reminding the congregation that even harboring sinful intentions in the holy land carries grave spiritual weight.
Sheik Maraya emphasized the importance of patriotism, calling on the pilgrims to use their remaining time in Makkah to pray fervently for Nigeria, its leaders, and an end to the nation’s ongoing security challenges.
Concluding his address, the cleric commended Governor Uba Sani for his immense logistical support and for empowering the Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, both of which ensured a seamless and successful 2026 Hajj operations for the state’s contingent.
