The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, and Nigerian pilgrims on Thursday organised a National prayer for the nation and its leaders, including traditional rulers at a sacred hill known as Mount Arafat in Saudi Arabia.
Arafat Day, the ninth day of the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah, is a highly significant day in the Hajj pilgrimage and Muslim calendar.
The prayer session was led by NAHCON Ulama team, using various Nigerian languages to preach and pray for the nation, President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima and other leaders, including traditional rulers.
In his opening remarks, Chairman of NAHCON, Prof. Abdullahi Saleh, said the day of Arafat and at the plains of Arafat are particularly unique for acceptance of prayers.
He therefore urged the Ulama and the generality of Nigerian pilgrims at Arafat to pray for Allah’s divine intervention in the affairs of Nigeria.
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“The Holy Qur’an says we should be showing gratitude to Allah for His favours and calling upon Him for assistance over challenges,” he said.
Sheikh Muhd Bin Uthman, a member of NAHCON Ulama team, who urged pilgrims to love their country, prayed for unity and peaceful coexistence of the country.
Arafat Day is a day when millions of pilgrims converge on Mount of Arafat, located near Makkah, to perform the most important ritual of Hajj, known as Wuqoof-e-Arafat.
Mount Arafat is also believed to be the place where Prophet Muhammad delivered his final speech, known as the Farewell Sermon, at the sacred mount 1,435 years ago.
In the sermon, the prophet called for equality and unity among Muslims.
The Day is considered the peak of the Hajj pilgrimage, with pilgrims spending the entire day in prayer and supplication at Mount Arafat.
It is also the day Muslims who are not performing Hajj fast, repenting for their sins and seeking God’s forgiveness.
Source: NAN
