Category: Religion

Wadud Family to Premiere Faith-Based Islamic Film ‘Al-Usr-Yusra’ in Abuja , Lagos

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Wadud Family is set to premiere its much-anticipated Islamic-themed family film, Al-Usr-Yusra, an inspirational story that highlights faith, patience, and hope in the face of life’s challenges. According to Muslim News Midweek Entertainment the title means “After hardship comes ease,” is derived from Surah Ash-Sharh (Al-Inshirah) 94:5–6. The film aims to offer Muslim families an alternative cinematic experience rooted in Islamic values and culture. Aliyu Ilias, the story writer and one of the cast members, explained that the film centred on family, faith, and resilience. “We wanted to show…

Lailatul-Qadr, I’tikaf And The Last Ten Days/Nights Of Ramadan! By Imam Murtadha Gusau

Emporium Reporters

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful   All praise belongs to Allah, the One who answers supplications, forgives sins, pardons mistakes, and whose mercy is vast and immense. I bear witness that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah alone, without partner. I bear witness that Muḥammad is His servant and Messenger. May Allah send abundant peace and blessings upon him. To proceed:   Dear brothers and sisters! The last ten days/nights of Ramadan are the most virtuous time of the year, featuring…

Do Not Curse Your Leaders, Pray For Them! By Imam Murtadha Gusau

Emporium Reporters

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful   All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all creation. May Allah extol the Messenger in the highest company of Angels and grant him peace―likewise, his family, his Companions and all those who truly follow him until the Day of Resurrection. To proceed:   Dear brothers and sisters! Know that, respecting and praying for our leaders is a divine mandate in Islam, rooted in the Qur’anic command to “Obey Allah, obey the Messenger, and those in authority…

Season of Restoration Declared as Transfiguration Week Ends in Foursquare Gospel Church, Wuse District, Abuja

Emporium Reporters

By Dr. Afolabi Olajuwon       The grand finale of a five-day Week of Transfiguration, a sacred observance focused on renewal and divine encounter, was held in Foursquare Gospel Church, Wuse District, Abuja on Sunday, March 8, 2026. The event, which drew worshippers from various congregations, culminated in a sermon on divine restoration.   Rev. Idowu Bashiru presided over the service, delivering a message titled “Season of Restoration Has Come: 72-Hour Encounter.” He addressed the congregation on themes of divine restoration, spiritual surrender, and the power of intercessory prayer,…

Friday Sermon: A Responsible And Serious Government Must Stop The Killings Of Its Citizens! By Imam Murtadha Gusau

Emporium Reporters

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful   All praise is due to Allah, who created souls and gave them life, who honoured them through Islam and made them precious, and who threatened those who transgress against them with the Fire and its blazing heat. I bear witness that there is no deity worthy of worship but Allah, alone without partner, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger. May Allah’s peace and abundant blessings be upon him, ameen. To proceed:   Dear…

Saudi Arabia’s Tougher Medical Rules for 2026 Hajj Raise Stakes for Nigeria

Emporium Reporters

As preparations gather momentum for the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage, Saudi Arabia’s introduction of stricter medical regulations has placed fresh responsibility on countries sending large numbers of pilgrims, with Nigeria expected to tighten its health screening mechanisms to ensure compliance and avoid potential embarrassment. The new health framework unveiled by Saudi authorities requires intending pilgrims to obtain certified medical clearance confirming their physical fitness for the strenuous rites of the pilgrimage. The measures also reinforce strict vaccination compliance and tighter health screening at entry points into the kingdom. The reforms reflect…

UNIFEMGA Hosts 19th Annual Ramadan Lecture, Rallies Muslims on Health, Zakat and Charity

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Obafemi Awolowo University Muslim Graduates’ Association (UNIFEMGA), Abuja Chapter, on Wednesday convened its 19th Annual Ramadan Lecture/Iftar, called on Muslims to prioritise healthy living, fulfil their Zakat obligations and intensify charitable acts in line with the spiritual objectives of the holy month. The event, held at the Nigerian Society of Engineers Main Auditorium, Central Area, Abuja, drew members of the association, clerics, scholars, public officials and journalists. The lecture, titled “Ramadan: Protecting Your Health and Purifying Your Wealth,” was delivered by Dr. Saheed Alimi, Imam of National Hospital Mosque,…

FG Suspends Christian Pilgrimage to Israel Over Escalating Iran–Israel Conflict

Emporium Reporters

The Federal Government has announced the immediate suspension of all Christian pilgrimages to Israel following the worsening security situation in the Middle East amid the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel. The decision was disclosed on Tuesday by the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Bishop Stephen Adegbite, during a press briefing in Lagos shortly after about 500 pilgrims returned to the country through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport from the 2025 Main Pilgrimage exercise. Adegbite explained that although the 2025 pilgrimage, which commenced on December 29,…

Rev Idowu Urges Congregation to Embrace ‘The Mandate’ of Compassion and Commitment

Emporium Reporters

By Dr. Afolabi Olajuwon     On Sunday, March 1, 2026, the sanctuary was filled with reverence, hope, and spiritual intensity as worshippers gathered for the first service of the month under the theme, “The Mandate: Our Compassion and Commitment.” It was a moment of renewal, expectant hearts united in worship and anchored in the conviction of God’s unfailing faithfulness.   The service was officiated by the Senior Pastor and Wuse District Overseer, , whose message, titled “Be Involved,” drew from 9:36–38 and 28:19. He described the Christian calling as…

SANCTITY OF HAJJ AND UMRAH: A CALL FOR STRICT SCREENING BY NAHCON By Mallam Ibrahim Agunbiade

Emporium Reporters

The recent public disclosure by Prophet Israel Oladele Ogundipe, Shepherd in Charge of Genesis Global, concerning his visit to Makkah and Madinah for Umrah has generated serious concern within the Muslim community.   This issue is not about interfaith hostility or religious intolerance. It is about preserving the sanctity of Islamic rites clearly defined by the Qur’an and the Sunnah.   Hajj and Umrah are not cultural visits or spiritual tourism. They are exclusive acts of worship legislated for Muslims. Allah says in the Qur’an:   “O you who believe!…