Category: Religion Watch (ISLAM)

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…

NAHCON sets up Central Security Committee to safeguard 2025 Hajj Pilgrims

Lukman Laleye Babalola

In a decisive move to enhance the safety and welfare of Nigerian pilgrims, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has inaugurated a 21-member Central Security Committee (CSC) ahead of the 2025 Hajj operations. The inauguration ceremony, held on Monday in Abuja, was presided over by NAHCON Chairman/CEO, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman. He charged the committee members to carry out their responsibilities with diligence, sincerity, and fear of Allah, stressing that their duty is crucial to the spiritual journey of thousands of Nigerians. “Try your best to do your best…

MURIC to Shari’ah Critics: Where is your voice after Makinde’s U-Turn?

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has questioned the conspicuous silence of critics who had earlier opposed the introduction of Shari’ah arbitration panels in the South-West, following Governor Seyi Makinde’s recent public endorsement of the panels in Oyo State.   The Islamic rights group described the silence as hypocritical and deliberate, accusing South-West opinion leaders, socio-political groups, and state actors of double standards. This was contained in a statement issued on Friday, 2nd May 2025, by the Executive Director of MURIC, Professor Ishaq Akintola.   Earlier in the year, the establishment…

Friday Sermon: The Death Of A Great Scholar, A Tribute To Shaykh Abdur-Rashid Hadiyyatullah! 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! The president of the Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria (SCSN), Shaykh Abdur-Rashid Hadiyyatullah, passed away on Monday, 28th April, 2025. He died after a brief illness in his home town, Iwo, Osun State, and he was 83. Respected servants of Allah! Shaykh Hadiyyatullah was born in…

NAHCON Chairman unveils strategic reforms for affordable, sustainable Hajj at Stakeholders’ Summit

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Chairman/CEO of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, has unveiled major financial reforms aimed at achieving affordable and sustainable Hajj operations in Nigeria. He made this known on Tuesday, 30th April 2025, during the 2nd National Stakeholders’ Summit of Nigeria’s Hajj and Umrah Industry held at Nicon Luxury Hotel, Abuja.   Delivering his opening remarks at the summit, Professor Usman, who is addressing the forum for the first time since his appointment, emphasized the urgent need to develop resilient Hajj financing models amidst rising…

MURIC mourns Shariah Council President, Shaykh Hadiyyatullah

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the President of the Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria (SCSN), Shaykh Abdur Rasheed Hadiyyatullah, who died on Monday, April 28, 2025, in Iwo, Osun State, at the age of 83.   In a condolence message issued on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, the Executive Director of MURIC, Professor Ishaq Akintola, described the late Islamic scholar as an “energetic, bold, and resourceful leader” who left an indelible mark on the struggle for the rights and welfare of Muslims…

NAHCON Chairman commends Tinubu, Shettima on BTA resolution, announces advance Medical Team departure for Hajj

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman Pakistan, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima for their swift intervention in resolving the Basic Travel Allowance (BTA) payment concerns facing intending pilgrims.   Speaking in an interview with Freedom Radio, Kaduna, Professor Abdullahi said the intervention prompted the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to rescind its earlier decision to issue BTA via Automated Teller Machines (ATM) instead of cash.   While acknowledging that innovation is inevitable in a rapidly evolving…

Friday Sermon: Insulting The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) Is A Red Line That Shouldn’t Be Crossed By Anyone! 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! The Community Court of Justice of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), recently ruled that the blasphemy provisions in Kano State law violate Nigeria’s international human rights commitments. In its judgment in the Incorporated Trustees of Expression Now Human Rights Initiative v. Federal…

Friday Sermon: Isa Al-Masihu (Jesus) The Son Of Maryam (Mary) (PBUH) Is A Prophet Of Allah All Muslims Must Respect! 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! Allah sent many messengers to the humans as a mercy from Him. Allah sent them all to teach the people what is the correct and acceptable worship of Allah–their Creator and the Creator of everything. All the Prophets of Allah, the first of whom was Adam and…

NAHCON unveils Medical Team Leaders, Committee for 2025 Hajj Pilgrimage

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has inaugurated the Principal Officers of the National Medical Team (NMT) and constituted a Steering Committee to oversee medical operations for the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage.   During the formal ceremony held at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja, NAHCON Chairman and CEO, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, described the assignment as a sacred trust. He charged the newly appointed officers to carry out their duties with sincerity, patience, and unwavering commitment to the welfare of pilgrims, whom he described as guests of Allah.   Speaking…