Guardian Nigeria
Muslims Seek Divine Intervention On Economic Challenges In Nigeria
Today, the ninth day of the month of Dhul-Hijja in Luna Calendar, Muslims across the globe have converged on the sacred ground, Arafah, to seek spiritual rebirth.
Convergence on the plain of Arafah is the real rite of hajj, sacrosanct for pilgrims yearning for acceptable pilgrimage in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Prior to arrival on Arafah, over 50,000 Nigerian pilgrims yesterday joined their counterparts from various countries in the world on a mass journey from Makkah to the tent city of Muna, a temporary settlement where pilgrims passed night.
At Muna, pilgrims are in high spirits to observe the special day where they seek forgiveness of their sins and divine intervention for economic challenges in Nigeria.
Shamsudeen Ahmad, an FCT pilgrim, who spoke with The Guardian in Muna, said his presence at Arafah would enable him to pray for forgiveness and seek better guidance for Nigeria’s leaders.
“I’m really in high spirits for the journey of Arafah. Arafah is considered the most important and we are trying to relax here in Muna ahead of Arafah. We are ready to pray hard on Arafah, seek forgiveness and pray for our leaders for wisdom and guidance.
“As you know, things are hard and we would take the opportunity to ask that Allah have mercy on our beloved country and bring succour to average Nigerians finding the economic situation most difficult,” he said.
In the same vein, Dahiru Gobe, a pilgrim from Adamawa State, expressed his readiness to take the rare opportunity of Arafah to pray for good governance and better life for Nigeria, besides his private supplications.
“Arafah is a very big day to Muslims globally, not only for us in Makkah but for Muslims around the world. It is a period we take advantage of to pray for Allah’s forgiveness. We are all eagerly waiting to witness tomorrow to rally our pains and difficulties in Nigeria. The economy is bad; many families can’t even afford animal sacrifice. We are optimistic Allah will answer our prayers,” Gobe said.
Speaking with The Guardian at Muna on the significance of Arafah, the National Missioner, Ansar-ul- Deen Society, Sheihk Abdulrahman Ahmad, said the uniqueness of Arafah speaks volume, adding that Muslims globally must take the advantage.
“The day of Arafah is the best and most important day of the year. It is unique and most auspicious. The day of Arafah is, among others, the day Allah is most pleased with the believers and is proud of them. It is the best day to make supplications to Allah with the highest possible chance of acceptance.
“It is the greatest day in which Allah pardons and overlooks the shortcomings of penitent believers. It is the reminiscence of the day in which Allah exacted a covenant of submission and pure worship from mankind.
“Fasting on the day of Arafah (especially for those not performing hajj), acts of charity, adhkaar, tawbah and istighfar are particularly rewarding for Muslims during the period,” he said.
Ahmad added: “Muslims are expected to take full advantage of the day in which their Lord completed for them their religion and perfected His favour upon them. Acts of obedience and sincere worship are especially recommended both for the people performing hajj and those at home.”
