Category: Religion

NAHCON always in the Media: Understanding the Spotlight – With 2025 Hajj Update By Fatima Sanda Usara

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The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), the Muslim pilgrimage regulator in Nigeria, is frequently in the media spotlight, and this is not surprising given the nature of its work. As the agency responsible for organizing Hajj operations for Nigerian pilgrims, NAHCON engages with a vast network of stakeholders, including government bodies, airlines, travel agencies, most importantly, the intending pilgrims and their families, not forgetting the public itself. Muslims see Hajj as a spiritual obligation and followers of other faiths cannot deny the fact that Hajj is one of the…

MURIC reaffirms Sultan’s Authority on Ramadan, dismisses claims of division among Nigerian muslims

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has reaffirmed the authority of the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, as the sole leader responsible for announcing the commencement and termination of Ramadan in Nigeria. The Islamic human rights group dismissed speculations of division among Nigerian Muslims following an announcement by the League of Alfas and Imams in Yorubaland, which fixed March 1, 2025, as the start of Ramadan.   In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, MURIC described the League’s announcement as an academic exercise rather…

Overcoming Modern Challenges Through Faith: An Inspiring Sermon by Pastor Damilola Odedina

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By Dr. Afolabi Olajuwon   In the spirit of ‘Loyalty Month’ and the vibrant tradition of ‘Exchange of Pulpit’ celebrated within the Foursquare Gospel Church, February has emerged as a remarkable time for renewal, unity, and dynamic preaching across districts and zones. On Sunday, February 16, 2025, the congregation at the Foursquare Gospel Church Wuse District in Abuja experienced an electrifying sermon delivered by the esteemed guest preacher, Pastor Damilola Odedina. His impactful message, “Living by Faith in the Face of Modern Challenges,” echoed deeply, offering profound insights and encouragement…

NSCIA postpones Nigerian Quran Convention due to overwhelming interest

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has announced the postponement of the highly anticipated Nigerian Quran Convention, initially planned to accommodate 60,000 participants, due to an overwhelming response and increased international interest. In an official statement signed by Prof. Is-haq O. Oloyede, on behalf of His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto & President-General of NSCIA, the council disclosed that the event had received over 500,000 expressions of interest and accreditation requests far exceeding initial projections. The convention, designed to be a historic gathering of scholars, Huffaz (Quran memorisers),…

Friday Sermon: Welcoming Ramadan; The Month Of Fasting, Prayer, Blessings, Forgiveness And Mercy By Imam Murtadha Gusau

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In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful All thanks and praise are due to Allah, from Whom we seek help and forgiveness. We seek refuge with Allah from the evils of ourselves and the evil consequences of our deeds. Whoever Allah guides will never be misled and whoever strays from Him will never find a guide. I bear witness that there is no god except Allah. Likewise, I bear witness that Muhammad (Peace be upon him) is the servant and the Messenger of Allah. Dear brothers…

MURIC accuses Governor Abiodun of targeting muslims over shari’ah panel in Ogun

Lukman Laleye Babalola

An Islamic human rights organization, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), has accused the Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, of suppressing Muslim rights following his recent rejection of a purported Shari’ah court in the state.   In a statement released on Monday, 10th February 2025, MURIC’s Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, described the governor’s remarks as “speculative, provocative, manipulative, and opportunistic.” The organization alleged that Governor Abiodun’s stance was part of a broader attempt, similar to that of Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, to undermine Islamic practices in the South-West.…

Empowering Believers: Unified Messages on Strengthening Faith from Abuja’s Esteemed Ministers

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Dr. Afolabi Olajuwon   Amid a celebrated “Loyalty Month” within the Foursquare Gospel Church, two powerful sermons echoed through Abuja, delivering messages of unity, resilience, and spiritual fortification. Rev. Dr. Babatunde Idowu and Rev. Sam Osivwemu addressed their congregations with deeply inspiring sermons, aimed at equipping believers to navigate life’s challenges through faith. Rev. Dr. Babatunde Idowu: A Beacon of Hope at Foursquare Gospel Church, Katanpe Abuja. On February 9, 2025, Rev. Dr. Babatunde Idowu graced the pulpit of the Foursquare Gospel Church, Katanpe, with a thought-provoking sermon titled “Strengthening…

Friday Sermon: To Our Brothers Who Misunderstood Shari’ah إلى اخواننا الذين لم يفهموا الشريعة By Imam Murtadha Gusau

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In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful   All thanks and praise are due to Allah, from Whom we seek help and forgiveness. We seek refuge with Allah from the evils of ourselves and the evil consequences of our deeds. Whoever Allah guides will never be misled and whoever strays from Him will never find a guide. I bear witness that there is no god except Allah. Likewise, I bear witness that Muhammad is the servant and the Messenger of Allah.   Dear brothers and sisters!…

The Blessed Month Of Sha’aban By Imam Murtadha Gusau

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Monday, 03/02/2025 (Sha’aban 04, 1446 AH) In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful All praise be to Allah, who is in control of everything. He preferred one month to another, and designated some of them with greater reward and blessings. I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, alone, with no partner, the Provider of blessings, and the bestower of mercy. I bear witness that our master and Prophet Muhammad is the servant of Allah and His Messenger, the Prophet of mercy and ease,…

Faith Overcomes The World: An Inspiring Sermon by Rev. Dr. Babatunde Idowu

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Dr. Afolabi Olajuwon   In the spirit of ‘Loyalty Month’ and the tradition of ‘Exchange of Pulpit’ observed throughout the Foursquare Gospel Church, February has become a time for renewal, unity, and dynamic preaching across districts and zones.   This year, on Sunday, February 2, 2025, the congregation at the Foursquare Gospel Church, Wuse, Abuja experienced an electrifying sermon delivered by the esteemed Rev. Dr. Babatunde Idowu. His message, “Communicating The Faith That Transforms The Nation,” echoed powerfully, offering profound insight and encouragement.   In an era rife with challenges…