Category: Religion Watch (ISLAM)

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!…

NAHCON signs 2026 Hajj Airlift Pact, warns Airlines on Compliance, Timelines

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has signed the 2026 Hajj Airlift Agreement as part of preparations for the forthcoming pilgrimage, charged participating airlines to strictly adhere to operational standards, timelines, and safety requirements. Speaking at the signing ceremony, NAHCON Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Ismail Yusuf Abba, described the agreement as a major milestone in the Commission’s readiness for the 2026 Hajj exercise. He stressed that airlift operations remain a critical component of Hajj arrangements and must be executed with professionalism, precision, and strong commitment. Abba commended participating…

MURIC warns against foreign pressure on Nigeria’s religious practices

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Gombe State Chapter of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has cautioned against increasing foreign commentaries and subtle pressures regarding the operation of Shari’ah and other faith-based legal structures within Nigeria. In a statement signed by Dr. Usman Bakura, Chairman of MURIC Gombe, the organisation emphasized that Nigeria is a sovereign nation governed by the 1999 Constitution, which guaranteed freedom of thought, conscience, and religion, and provides for the establishment of Shari’ah Courts of Appeal where required. “MURIC wishes to clarify that Shari’ah, as practiced in Nigeria, applies primarily to…

Deeds To Earn The Mercy And Blessings Of Allah During The Month Of Ramadan! By Imam Murtadha Gusau

Emporium Reporters

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful   All praise and thanks belong to Allah, and may the peace and blessings be upon the noblest of Prophets and Messengers, our Prophet Muhammad, his family and all of his companions. To proceed:   Dear brothers and sisters! With the mercy and Rahmah of Allah, the month of Ramadan is upon us once again. This great month is considered the “peak season” for a Muslim believer.   The abundant mercy, forgiveness, barakah and blessings from Allah during this…

Let The Tinubu’s Government Assist The Citizens To Observe Their Ramadan Happily! By Imam Murtadha Gusau

Emporium Reporters

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful   All praise and thanks belong to Allah, and may the peace and blessings be upon the noblest of Prophets and Messengers, our Prophet Muhammad, his family and all of his companions. To proceed:   Dear brothers and sisters! Ramadan is a month of divine mercy, prompting governments to reflect this through compassion, reducing public hardship, and fostering charity. True leadership mirrors Prophetic mercy, seen when authorities ease burdens, echoing the Qur’anic command to show kindness and support. Generosity,…

Friday Sermon: Protect Your Wealth From Calamity Through Zakah! By Imam Murtadha Gusau

Emporium Reporters

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful   All praise is due to Allah, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate. He has legislated for His servants the upright religion and made it a means for the well-being of both worldly life and faith. I bear witness that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah alone, with no partner, and I bear witness that Muḥammad is His servant and His Messenger. May Allah send abundant peace and blessings upon him. To proceed:   Dear brothers…

Sultan declares Wednesday as first day of Ramadan 1447AH in Nigeria

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Sultanate Council has officially announced the commencement of the Ramadan fast following the confirmed sighting of the new moon across Nigeria. In a statement signed by the Chairman of the Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sambo Wali Junaidu, the Council disclosed that reports from various moonsighting committees across the country confirmed the sighting of the Ramadan crescent on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. Following the confirmation, the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, who also serve as President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, accepted the…

NSCIA calls for Ramadan moon sighting, urges muslims to remain steadfast amid challenges

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has urged Muslims across the country to look out for the crescent moon signalling the commencement of Ramadan 1447 A.H. after sunset on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. In a statement signed by its Secretary-General, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, the Council congratulated the Muslim Ummah on the approaching fasting season and called for spiritual preparedness as believers anticipate the holy month. The Council disclosed that the moon sighting exercise would be coordinated by the National Moon Sighting Committee in consultation with the National Space…

Friday Sermon: The Great Benefits In Giving Out Zakat And Sadaqah Before Or During Ramadan! By Imam Murtadha Gusau

Emporium Reporters

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful Praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds, may the blessings and peace be upon our beloved master, Prophet Muhammad, the last of Prophets, on his family, and all his companions. Dear brothers and sisters! In Islam, Ramadan is the best of months. Allah Almighty has granted it special significance by making it a means of forgiveness and mercy. According to a Hadith, our beloved Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said: “Whoever fasts Ramadan out of faith…

MURIC Abuja congratulates Mazi Dawud Amuta on appointment as Imo Muslim Pilgrims Board Chairman

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), Abuja Chapter, has congratulated Mazi Dawud Amuta on his appointment as the Chairman of the Imo State Muslim Pilgrims Board, describing the development as well-deserved and timely. In a release issued in Abuja on February 8, 2026, the Chairman of the Abuja Chapter of MURIC, Ustaz Yunus Salahudeen, alongside the organisation’s Public Relations Officer, Lukman Laleye Babalola, said the appointment reflected Amuta’s integrity, dedication to Islamic service, and long-standing commitment to the welfare of the Muslim Ummah, particularly in Imo State. They noted that the…