Category: Religion Watch (ISLAM)

APPEAL FOR SUPPORT TOWARDS MURIC ABUJA CHAPTER RAMADAN DA’AWAH & WELFARE ACTIVITIES

Emporium Reporters

In the spirit of compassion and communal support that defines the holy month of Ramadan, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) Abuja Chapter humbly appeal to kind-hearted individuals, organizations, and the Muslim Ummah to support its 2025 Ramadan Da’awah & Welfare Activities.   Ramadan is a time for reflection, sacrifice, and acts of kindness. It is also an opportunity to extend the hand of fellowship to the less privileged in our society. As part of its humanitarian commitment, MURIC Abuja Chapter has outlined key interventions aimed at alleviating the suffering of…

NAHCON appoints Dr Mustapha Muhammad Ali as New Secretary

Emporium Reporters

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has appointed Dr. Mustapha Muhammad Ali as the new Secretary of the Commission following the voluntary resignation of Dr. Abdullahi Rabi’u Kontagora.   The appointment, which was endorsed by the 5th Board of the Commission at its meeting on February 26, 2025, came after Dr. Mustapha met the requirements advertised by the Commission on its website and other media platforms.   Dr. Mustapha, a former Executive Secretary of Borno State Pilgrims Board, brings decades of experience to the position. His appointment is also…

Saudi Arabia confirms sighting of Ramadan moon, fasting begins Saturday

Lukman Laleye Babalola

Saudi Arabia has officially announced the sighting of the crescent moon, signaling the commencement of the holy month of Ramadan on Saturday, March 1, 2025. The announcement was made on Friday, February 28, 2025, by Inside The Haramain, a publication focused on the Two Holy Mosques in Islam. “#Ramadan1446 Crescent has been SEEN in Saudi Arabia. Subsequently, Saturday, 1st March 2025 is the beginning of the month of Ramadan,” the publication confirmed in a post. Meanwhile, Muslims in Nigeria are awaiting the official proclamation from the Sultan of Sokoto and…

MURIC urges Nigerian muslims to await Sultan’s announcement before starting Ramadan

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has called on Nigerian Muslims to wait for the official announcement from the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, before commencing the 2025 Ramadan fast.   In a pre-Ramadan message released on Friday, MURIC emphasized the need for unity and synergy among Muslims, aligning with the position of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA).   According to the statement signed by the Founder and Executive Director of MURIC, Professor Ishaq Akintola, the NSCIA has instructed Muslims to look out for the…

NSCIA announces Moonsighting for Ramadan 1446 AH, urges Muslims to look out for Crescent

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has called on the Muslim Ummah across the country to look out for the crescent moon on Friday, 28th February 2025, to determine the commencement of the 1446 AH Ramadan fast.   The announcement was made in a statement signed by the Secretary-General of NSCIA, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, (Kuliyan Sokoto), on behalf of the President-General of the Council and Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar.   According to the Council, the moon sighting will mark the end of Sha’aban…

Friday Sermon: The Relationship Between Ramadan, Repentance And Forgiveness! By Imam Murtadha Gusau

Emporium Reporters

In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful All praise is due to Allah, the One who cures and gives health, the One who benefits and harms, the One, the Majestic, the One who is unique in His Oneness. He is the One who creates and to Him all things return. He created everything with His power, and arranged all affairs by His will. I testify that none has the right to be worshipped except Allah, and I testify that Muhammad is His servant and messenger. He…

Dangote Refinery applauded for Quality Petroleum Supply, Ending Era of Fake Fuel in Nigeria

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Dangote Refinery, Nigeria’s first privately owned petrochemical plant, has received commendations for its commitment to delivering quality petroleum products and eliminating the distribution of substandard fuel across the country.   Douglas Inedu, President of the Independent Monitors Group on Economic Reforms, in a statement on Tuesday, praised the refinery for its integrity and role in stabilizing the nation’s fuel supply.   He noted that Dangote Refinery’s operations have debunked criticisms and proven its capability to meet Nigeria’s energy needs.   “The sincerity and integrity of Dangote Refinery in sustaining…

NSCIA presents Memorandum on Tax Reform Bills to Senate Committee

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) today submitted a memorandum on the 2024 Tax Reform Bills before the Senate Committee on Finance. The presentation was made by Barr. Haroun Eze, an Imam of the National Mosque, Abuja, and the Head of the Legal Unit of NSCIA. The NSCIA, under the leadership of its President-General, the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, highlighted key concerns regarding the proposed tax reforms. The Council noted that it only became aware of the public hearing through media reports on…

NAHCON, Mashariq Al-Dhahabia adjust Contract to accommodate 52,544 Nigerian Pilgrims for 2025 Hajj

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has successfully amended its service allocation contract with Mashariq Al-Dhahabia to accommodate the 52,544 slots booked under the government quota for the 2025 Hajj.   The adjustment was finalized during a high-level meeting at Hajj House, Abuja, between NAHCON and the management team of Mashariq Al-Dhahabia, led by its Chairman, Mr. Muhammad Hassan, who is currently in Nigeria.   The Chairman of NAHCON, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, announced the development, emphasized that the amendment was made possible due to a clause in the…

REJOINDER By Shafii Sani Mohammed

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) acknowledges the concerns raised by the Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR) regarding foreign exchange differentials in the 2025 Hajj fare. However, it is important to clarify that refunds, if applicable, are traditionally processed after Hajj operations, not before. This ensures proper financial reconciliation, prevents disruptions in service delivery, and guarantees that all necessary expenses for the pilgrimage are fully covered before making any financial adjustments.   As an independent media organization focused on Hajj matters, IHR plays a crucial role in informing and guiding…