On the sacred day of Arafat, pilgrims from Kaduna State gathered in Saudi Arabia to offer fervent prayers for Nigeria’s peace, unity, and an end to its security woes. The 9th of Dhul Hijjah, known as Arafat Day, holds profound significance in Islam as a time for supplication and reflection.
According to a press release from the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Uba Sani, Malam Ibraheem Musa, issued on Tuesday, pilgrims are encouraged to pray for their personal needs, families, and nations during this blessed period.
Sheikh Haliru Maraya, a member of the Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency’s Special Hajj Committee, underscored the power of prayer in overcoming challenges. He emphasized that praying for leaders aligns with Islamic teachings and condemned cursing them as un-Islamic. The cleric affirmed that no earthly challenge is insurmountable through steadfast prayer and faith.
The special prayers were led by several Islamic scholars, including Sheikh Aliyu Telex, Imam Buhari Mararaban Jos, and Alkali Abubakar Salihu Zaria. Others who participated 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 prayers, Sheikh Maraya urged the pilgrims to continue supplicating in their tents until dusk before departing for Muzdalifah to proceed with other Hajj rites.
Alhaji Abubakar Mustapha, leader of the Kaduna State Hajj Delegation Committee, expressed gratitude to Governor Uba Sani for establishing robust administrative frameworks that facilitated a smooth Hajj operation. The former Head of Kaduna State Civil Service commended the Special Committee on Hajj, as well as the pilgrims welfare agency’s management and staff, for their dedication to a successful pilgrimage.
Hon. Naziru Abubakar, Chairman of the House Committee on Interfaith and Hajj at the Kaduna State House of Assembly, also lauded the pilgrims agency. He noted that the Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency has become a benchmark for the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) when evaluating similar state agencies.
In his welcome remarks, the Executive Chairman of the pilgrims agency, Malam Salihu S. Abubakar, revealed that Governor Uba Sani established a Special Hajj Committee in December 2023, chaired by the governor himself, to reform all aspects of the pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia. He stated that the committee has executed its duties with utmost integrity since its inauguration and that the governor has consistently approved requests to enhance Hajj operations and pilgrims’ welfare.