Category: Religion Watch (ISLAM)

NAHCON urges compliance with Saudi Timelines, rules out extensions for 2026 Hajj

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has called on all stakeholders to strictly comply with deadlines set by Saudi Arabian authorities for the 2026 Hajj, warned that there will be no extensions for visa processing, payments, or contractual agreements. This caution was issued during the post-Hajj stakeholders’ meeting with Licensed Tour Operator Companies held at the Hajj House, Abuja. The meeting was presided over by NAHCON Chairman/CEO, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, who was joined by the Commissioner of Operations, Prince Anofiu Elegushi, and the Commissioner of Policy, Personnel, Management…

Good Leaders Are Known For Their Generosity! By Imam Murtadha Gusau

Emporium Reporters

In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful   All perfect praise be to Allah the Lord of the Worlds. May His peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) and upon all his family and companions.   Dear brothers and sisters! Several prominent figures in Islam are renowned for their generosity, including our beloved Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him), Abubakar As-Siddiq, Umar Ibn Al-Khattab, Uthman ibn Affan, Ali Ibn Abi Talib and AbdulRahman Ibn Awf. These individuals exemplified generosity through their actions,…

MURIC backs Isese Day holiday demand, insists Traditionalists must respect Others’ rights

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has expressed support for calls by traditionalists in Yorubaland for the Federal Government to declare August 21st and 22nd as Isese Day public holidays.   MURIC, however, said its support comes with conditions, stressed that traditional religion adherents must also respect the fundamental rights of others.   The group’s position was contained in a statement issued on Thursday, August 21, 2025, by its Founder and Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola.   According to Akintola, freedom of religion is a fundamental human right that must be…

NAHCON warns against media trials, reaffirms commitment to accountability

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has reaffirmed its commitment to accountability, transparency, and due process in its operations, amid recent media reports carrying unverified allegations against the Commission.   In a statement signed by Fatima Sanda Usara, Assistant Director, Information and Publication, on behalf of the Chairman/CEO, NAHCON stressed that as a public institution established by law, it remained committed to serving Nigerian pilgrims with integrity, responsibility, and efficiency.   The Commission noted that it continued to maintain active collaboration with relevant government agencies, including anti-corruption and regulatory…

MURIC mourns Alara of Aramoko, Oba Adegoke Olu-Adeyemi

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), has expressed deep sorrow over the death of the Alara of Aramoko, Oba Adegoke Olu-Adeyemi, described his demise as a monumental loss to the Muslim community and the Nigerian traditional institution.   In a condolence message signed by MURIC Abuja chapter Chairman, Ustaz Yunus Salaudeen, and Public Relations Officer, Mallam Lukman Laleye Babalola, the group commiserated with the family of the late monarch, the people of Aramoko-Ekiti, the Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN), and the entire Muslim community in Ekiti State.   MURIC…

Friday Sermon: The 2025 International Youth Day And Their (Youth) Importance In Islam By Imam Murtadha Gusau

Emporium Reporters

In The Name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy   All perfect praise be to Allah the Lord of the Worlds. May His peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) and upon all his family and companions. To proceed:   Dear brothers and sisters! Tuesday, 12/08/2025 was the International Youth Day.   If you can remember, on Friday, 17 December 1999 (26 years ago), in its resolution 54/120, the United Nations General Assembly endorsed the recommendation made by the World Conference…

Responding To The Cry Of The Poor, The Needy And Less Privileged In The Society! By Imam Murtadha Gusau/Okene

Emporium Reporters

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger (Peace be upon him). Dear brothers and sisters! Abu Zarr (RA) reported that some of the companions came to the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him), and they said, “O Messenger of Allah, the rich have taken all the rewards. They pray as we pray, they fast as we fast, and they give charity from their extra wealth.” The Prophet said, “Has Allah not made…

Stand for Justice, No Matter the Cost! By Imam Murtadha Gusau

Emporium Reporters

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful All praise is due to Allah. I testify that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah and that Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) is His servant and Messenger. Dear brothers and sisters! In the life of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him), there is a moment we often overlook, but it carries the weight of justice, honour, and Prophetic leadership. Imam Hafiz Ibn Kathir mentions in his book Al-Bidayah wal-Nihayah, when a Muslim woman was…

An Appeal to His Imperial Majesty: A Call for Visionary Leadership in Oyo’s Islamic Community

Emporium Reporters

The Alaafin of Oyo Oba Abdul Hakeem Owoade Elewuetu I Your Imperial Majesty, May peace, mercy, and blessings of Allah be upon you. I write to express my profound gratitude and deep admiration following the recent historic visit of the Oyo State Muslim community to your esteemed palace, an event that continues to resonate with joy and pride among us all. By extension, this visit symbolically represented the entire Muslim Ummah across South-Western Nigeria. I was privileged to be part of the delegation, and I must confess that the warm…

NAHCON proposes ₦8.5m Tentative fare for 2026 Hajj, meets State Pilgrims’ Boards on Post-Hajj review

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has proposed a provisional deposit of ₦8.5 million as tentative fare for the 2026 Hajj, pending final negotiations with service providers. This was part of the resolutions reached during a strategic post-Hajj meeting held on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at the Hajj House Headquarters, Abuja.   The meeting brought together Chairmen and Secretaries of State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards to review the 2025 Hajj operations and commence early preparations for the upcoming year. In his remarks, NAHCON Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, appreciated President…