Category: Religion Watch (ISLAM)

MURIC decries Ram-fighting trend in South West, describes act as cruel, un-Islamic

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has strongly condemned the emerging practice of engaging Salah rams in fights for entertainment in some South Western parts of Nigeria, describing the act as “wicked, sinful, and disgusting.” This was disclosed in a statement issued on Monday, June 2, 2025, by the Executive Director of the organization, Professor Ishaq Akintola. According to MURIC, the group’s attention was drawn to disturbing video evidence showing young Muslims staging fights between rams bought for the Eid al-Adha (Salah) sacrifice. The group alleged that such incidents often occur…

NAHCON cautions Tour Operators against unauthorized Hajj engagements as Visa deadline elapses

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has issued a strong warning to Hajj stakeholders, particularly licensed Tour Operators, against engaging in unauthorized arrangements for Tent A+ services, stressed that such actions fall outside the Commission’s official framework.   This caution followed the closure of the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah visa portal, despite NAHCON’s intensive efforts to secure a last-minute extension even for an hour which ultimately proved unsuccessful.   In a statement issued by Fatima Sanda Usara, Assistant Director of Information and Publication, on behalf of the…

MURIC Abuja raises alarm over evangelism in schools, launches “1 Youth, 1 Skill” Project

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Abuja Chapter of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has expressed deep concern over alleged Christian evangelism activities being disguised as empowerment programmes in public schools along the Nyanya-Karu axis of the Federal Capital Territory. In a joint statement signed by Ustaz Yunus Salahudeen, Chairman of MURIC Abuja Chapter, and Lukman Laleye Babalola, the Chapter’s Public Relations Officer, the Islamic rights group called on the Muslim community to adopt proactive measures to address what it described as subtle proselytization efforts targeting vulnerable Muslim students. The statement, released on Sunday, emphasized…

Nigerian Pilgrims Manifest Integrity: Numerous Return Lost Cash. By: Muhammad Ahmad Musa

Emporium Reporters

Ummuljudd, Makkah, Saudi Arabia, Friday, 30th May 2025. A wave of integrity is sweeping through the Nigerian Pilgrims’ community from Nigeria to Makkah, as reports of lost, recovered and returned monies continue to emerge, setting a positive trend during this year’s Hajj period. In a notable incident, the Deputy Coordinator of Makkah Operations, Mr. Alidu Shutti, presented three Nigerian pilgrims to the Commissioner of Operations, Prince Anofi’u O. Elegushi, for commendation after they voluntarily returned two lost purses belonging to fellow pilgrims, a Nigerian and an Egyptian national. One of…

Friday Sermon: The Day Of Arafah And Sacrifice Of Animals (Udhiyyah) 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. To proceed: Dear brothers and sisters! Know that, the Day of Arafah has historical and religious significance within Islam as it commemorates several important events and milestones. Here are some key historical aspects associated with the blessed Day of Arafah: 1. Repentance of Adam and Hawwa Adam and…

Nigerian Pilgrim returns $5,000 Lost in Mecca, earns praise for honesty

Emporium Reporters

A Nigerian pilgrim from Plateau State, Hajiya Zainab, has been widely commended after returning $5,000 (approximately ₦7.93 million) she found at the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca to its rightful owner, a Russian pilgrim. The incident occurred during the ongoing 2025 Hajj pilgrimage when Hajiya Zainab discovered a lost wallet near the Kaaba. Without hesitation, she reported the discovery to the relevant authorities, who successfully identified and contacted the Russian pilgrim. In a now-viral video, the Russian was seen emotionally counting the returned cash while expressing heartfelt appreciation to the Nigerian…

Saudi Arabia confirms Arafat Day, declares Eid Al-Adha for June 6

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Supreme Court of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has officially announced the sighting of the Dhul Hijjah crescent, signifying the beginning of the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage.   As a result, the Day of Arafah will be observed on Wednesday, June 5, while Eid Al-Adha will be celebrated on Thursday, June 6, 2025, across the Kingdom and the Muslim world.   The announcement followed the court’s earlier call on Muslims to watch for the crescent moon on the 29th of Dhu al-Qa’dah and promptly report any sightings.   To mark…

NAHCON decries screening lapses as pregnant woman delivers baby in Madinah

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has expressed concern over breaches in medical screening protocols that allowed some pregnant women to embark on the Hajj pilgrimage, despite guidelines barring them from doing so due to health risks. Speaking with journalists in Madinah, the Commissioner for Planning, Research, Information, Statistics, and Library Services, Professor Abubakar Abubakar Yagawal, acknowledged the incident involving a female pilgrim from Zamfara State who gave birth in the holy city on Tuesday. Professor Yagawal noted that while such lapses are worrisome, it would be unfair to…

International Children’s Day: In Islam, Everyday Belongs To The Children! By Imam Murtadha Gusau

Emporium Reporters

Wednesday, Dhul-Hijjah 01, 1446 AH (28/05/2025) 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! International Children’s Day is a global observance dedicated to promoting the rights and well-being of children around the world. This day focuses on ensuring that all children have access to education, healthcare, and protection from harm. It is…

Sultan declares Wednesday, May 28 as First Day of Zulhijja 1446AH

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has officially declared Wednesday, 28th May 2025, as the first day of Zulhijja 1446 After Hijrah (AH).   This announcement was contained in a press release issued on Tuesday, 27th May 2025, by Prof. Sambo Wali Junaidu, the Wazirin Sokoto and Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sultanate Council, Sokoto.   The declaration signifies the commencement of the Islamic month of Zulhijja, during which Muslims across the…