Category: Religion

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)’S Journey To Hajj By Imam Murtadha Gusau

Emporium Reporters

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful All perfect praise be to Allah the Lord of the Worlds. May His peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad and upon all his family and companions. Dear brothers and sisters! Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) was born around 570 CE in Makkah – the city where we now undertake Hajj. Upon receiving the first revelation and sharing the message of Allah Almighty, Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) faced ongoing persecution and was forced…

Abuja Muslim Forum seeks improved welfare for 2025 Hajj Pilgrims

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Abuja Muslim Forum has called on the Nigerian government, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), and other relevant stakeholders to prioritize the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims for the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage.   In a statement signed by the Amir, Alh. Abdulrazaq Ajani, the forum expressed gratitude for the efforts already made by the government and NAHCON in preparing for the pilgrimage. However, it emphasized the need for further attention to the well-being of the pilgrims, urged that their comfort and safety be given the utmost priority.   The…

“The Tailor’s Trail: A Stitch of Faith to Makkah” “If I can’t fly to Makkah, then I will go by road” — Ismail Musa Shuaibu

Lukman Laleye Babalola

In the bustling city of Kaduna, Nigeria, amidst the rhythmic hum of sewing machines, a humble tailor named Malam Ismaila Musa Shuaibu crafted garments with skill and precision. His hands, shaped by years of stitching fabric, were also the hands of a man with a deep and abiding faith. For years, Malam Ismail tailored (pun intended) to perform Hajj, the sacred pilgrimage to Makkah, which every able Muslim is required to undertake. However each year, as the cost of Hajj soared, Malam Ismail watched from the sidelines as wealthier pilgrims…

NAHCON achieves 19% Pilgrim Airlift in Three Days, Outpaces 2024 Record

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has recorded significant progress in the 2025 Hajj airlift exercise, successfully transporting 19% of the total intending Nigerian pilgrims within the first three days of operations. This mark a remarkable improvement compared to the 9% airlifted during the same period in 2024.   According to the Commission, Air Peace has completed the airlift of Kogi State pilgrims, flying 559 out of the 564 registered pilgrims. Max Air has also concluded its operations for Oyo State, conveying 1,083 pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi…

Orile Agege Hospital Mosque reopens after MURIC-led resolution

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has confirmed the peaceful resolution of the crisis surrounding the use of the mosque at Orile Agege General Hospital. The dispute, sparked by reported restrictions imposed by the hospital’s Medical Director, Dr. Sola Pitan, led to tensions among Muslim staff and worshippers. In a statement released on Monday, MURIC’s Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, said the issue was settled following an emergency meeting between the hospital management, the Muslim community, and the Lagos chapter of the Islamic Medical Association of Nigeria (IMAN), led by Dr.…

Foursquare Church in Nigeria celebrates Mothers and ‘Big M’ Day”

Emporium Reporters

By Dr. Afolabi Olajuwon   On Sunday, May 11, 2025, the Foursquare Gospel Church in Wuse District Headquarters, Abuja, Nigeria, marked a significant celebration combining Mother’s Day and Big “M” Day. This event, which is part of a broader, month-long celebration across Nigeria’s Foursquare Gospel Churches, highlighted the vital role of mothers through a spiritually enriching service.   The central theme of the celebrationt was “The Strength of A Mother’s Faith,” articulated through a poignant sermon by Pastor (Mrs.) Oluwatoyin Aladegbaye.   Pastor (Mrs.) Aladegbaye’s sermon drew heavily from the…

Friday Sermon: Hajj, One Of The Pillars Of Islam By Imam Murtadha Gusau

Emporium Reporters

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful All perfect praise be to Allah the Lord of the Worlds. May His peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad and upon all his family and companions. Dear brothers and sisters! Hajj is an Arabic term which literally means “to leave for a place.” Islamically, it refers to the sacred pilgrimage and the fifth pillar of Islam. Every year, over two million Muslims visit the noble city of Makkah to perform the rituals of Hajj during the last…

BREAKING: American-Born Cardinal Robert Prevost Elected as Pope Leo XIV

Emporium Reporters

Cardinal Robert Prevost, a Chicago-born Catholic cleric, has been elected the new Pope by the College of Cardinals following the death of Pope Francis. He has chosen the papal name Pope Leo XIV, becoming the first American-born pontiff in the history of the Catholic Church. White smoke billowing from the chimney of the Saint Peter’s Basilica earlier today signaled the successful conclusion of the papal conclave, sparking jubilation across Vatican City. The announcement was made shortly after, with Pope Leo XIV appearing at the balcony of the Basilica to address…

NAHCON ends 2025 Hajj Registration, Inaugural Flight set to depart Owerri May 9

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced the official closure of registration for the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage. According to a statement signed by Fatima Sanda Usara, Assistant Director, Information and Publication Division, the registration ended on Friday, May 2, 2025, following an extension granted by the NAHCON Chairman/CEO, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman. The original deadline had been fixed for March 25, 2025.   The Commission explained that the halt in registration was necessary to enable smooth planning and airlift of intending pilgrims with adequate provision for their welfare…

2025 Hajj Operations begin as NAHCON Advance Team departs for Saudi Arabia

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has officially commenced the 2025 Hajj exercise with the departure of its Advance Team to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The team, which included essential operational staff and senior members of the National Medical Team, departed Abuja on Monday following a farewell ceremony at the Hajj House.   Introducing the team to the NAHCON Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, the Director of Administration and Human Resources, Alhaji Babagana Bukar, commended their excellent performance in the previous year. He noted that their dedication laid…