Concerned about the public outcry relating to the hard reality of the nation’s economy, prominent clerics, yesterday, sought divine intervention for return of better days in Nigeria.
The Islamic scholars drawn from across major Nigeria’s ethnic groups made the supplication during special national prayers by National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) at Arafah, Saudi Arabia.
The scholars, who are members of National Islamic delegation on 2024 hajj, also prayed for perfect wisdom to guide President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to deliver good governance in Nigeria.
Leading the special national prayers, Chief Iman, Al-Furqan Mosque, Kano, Shiehk Bashir Umar, appealed for Almighty’sfavour to rescue the nation from banditry and kidnapping crippling the country.
Representing the Yoruba ethnic community, the grand Mufty of Ijebu-Igbo, Ogun State, Dr. Rafee Al-Ijebuwi, appealed for purposeful leadership that would lead Nigeria to greater heights.
On his part, the Chief Imam of Imo State, Sheikh Sulaiman Yusuf Njoku, sought for divine guidance for Governor Hope Uzodinma and political leaders across Nigeria to dispense quality leadership in the country.
Earlier, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NAHCON, Jalal Ahmad Arabi, who recalled the glitches encountered during the airlifting of pilgrims, was full of gratification for overcoming the challenges.
“There are occasions where we make mistakes or errors in our actions and activities to serve pilgrims. This was not deliberate, but such errors have taught us lesson ahead of other endeavors.
“We have learnt more and we would continue to learn and accept criticism to do more and get it right. The 2024 hajj has come with enormous challenges and difficulties, but God in His infinite mercies has helped the commission to overcome it.”
Meanwhile, Nigerian pilgrims left the sacred Arafah, yesterday, in high spirit and strong faith of accepted prayers and subsequently moved to Musdalifah where they would rest for the night. The pilgrims continue their journey to Jamrah where they would stone the devil.
