Category: Religion Watch (ISLAM)

NAHCON, partner Banks unveil digital savings platform to aase pilgrims’ journey to Hajj

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has deepened engagements with its financial partners on the rollout of a digital registration portal under the Hajj Savings Scheme (HSS), aimed at making it easier for Nigerian Muslims to prepare for the sacred pilgrimage. At a recent session, Jaiz Bank, Taj Bank, Alternative Bank, and Lotus Bank presented their proposals on the new platform, designed to help intending pilgrims save gradually and securely towards fulfilling their religious obligation. The Hajj Savings Scheme was introduced as a contributory initiative to reduce the burden…

MURIC urges Ooni of Ife to stop alleged extortion of muslim traders over Olojo festival levies

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has called on the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, to intervene in alleged harassment and extortion of Muslim traders in Ile-Ife by palace agents who reportedly imposed illegal levies for the annual Olojo Festival.   In a statement issued on Monday, September 22, 2025, MURIC’s Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, said the association received a petition from the Artisans, Peasants and Traders Association of Nigeria (APTAN), Ile-Ife branch, accusing palace representatives of invading Oja Tuntun Otisese Weekly Market on Tuesday, September 16, 2025.…

NAHCON Chairman, Top Officials head to Saudi Arabia to finalize 2026 Hajj Service agreements

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, will on Monday, 22nd September 2025, lead a delegation of Commissioners and the Commission’s Secretary, Dr. Mustapha M. Ali, to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to conclude critical service agreements for the 2026 Hajj.   The visit is in line with the operational calendar released by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (MoHU), which stipulates that September 6–23, 2025 (15–29 Safar 1447H), is the period for early contracting and payment for Mashair (camps). The Ministry…

Do Not Lose Hope From Allah’s Mercy! By Imam Murtadha Gusau

Emporium Reporters

In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful   All praise is due to Allah, we praise Him, ask His help and His pardon. We ask Him to protect us from the evil of our selves and from our bad actions. Whoever Allah guides none can lead him astray, and whoever He leads astray none can guide him. I testify also that there is none worthy of worship except Him, and that Muhammad is His servant and Prophet, may peace be upon him, upon his family and his brothers…

Alaafin has no power to appoint Oyo Chief Imam – MURIC

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has dismissed as false and baseless the claim by the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, that he hold the exclusive right to appoint the Chief Imam of Oyo town.   In a statement issued on Wednesday, 17th September 2025, MURIC’s Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, accused the monarch of clinging to “a comatose practice” and attempting to enslave Muslims under outdated traditions.   “The Alaafin’s claim is illogical, irrational and laughable. If he has the power to appoint the Chief Imam, does he also…

NAHCON clears 2025 Hajj refunds, pushes early payment for 2026

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has dismissed claims that unresolved 2025 accounts are stalling preparations for next year’s pilgrimage. NAHCON’s Deputy Director of Finance and Accounts, Alhaji Rabiu Na’Allah, confirmed that all pilgrims’ refunds from the 2025 Hajj were reconciled on 10th September, with 19 States duly settled. He noted that refunds from previous years were also cleared, except for States yet to initiate reconciliation. With the matter resolved, NAHCON urged State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards and Tour Operators to remit 2026 Hajj fares early, stressed that timely payment…

Who Stands Between Person And Allah? Someone Killed Hundred People And Allah The Almighty Accepted His Repentance! By Imam Murtadha Gusau

Emporium Reporters

In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful   All praise is due to Allah, we praise Him, ask His help and His pardon. We ask Him to protect us from the evil of our selves and from our bad actions. Whoever Allah guides none can lead him astray, and whoever He leads astray none can guide him. I testify also that there is none worthy of worship except Him, and that Muhammad is His servant and Prophet, may peace be upon him, upon his family and his brothers…

Why Muslims Should Not Celebrate Mawlid al-Nabi By, Mallam Ibrahim Agunbiade (Abu Jannāt)

Emporium Reporters

Every year, as the month of Rabi’ al-Awwal arrives, debates resurface within the Muslim community about whether or not to celebrate the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). While some regard the Mawlid as a show of love for the Prophet, closer examination of Islamic teachings and history tells a very different story.   No Evidence in the Qur’an or Sunnah   The first and most important point is that no verse in the Qur’an or authentic hadith commands or even encourages the celebration of…

NAHCON opens portal for 2026 Hajj licence and slot allocation, sets September 15 deadline for applications

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced the commencement of the licensing and slot allocation process for duly registered travel agencies intending to participate in the 2026 Hajj operations. In a statement signed by the Commission’s management, NAHCON invited interested travel agencies to submit their applications through its Hajj Licensing portal ; stos.nigeriahajjcom.gov.ng , upon payment of a non-refundable application fee of ₦300,000. Applicants are also required to make a refundable security deposit of ₦50 million in line with Section 16 (4) of the NAHCON Act, 2006. To…

MURIC hails Reno Omokri, renews call for Work-Free Friday in Nigeria

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has commended former Presidential Aide, Mr. Reno Omokri, for openly supporting the demand for a work-free Friday for Nigerian Muslims.   Omokri had recently stated that Muslims in the country were being unfairly treated, as they were denied work-free Fridays while Christians enjoyed Saturdays and Sundays. His comments quickly went viral, sparking wide debate.   In a statement on Tuesday, MURIC described Omokri as “one of the most intellectually active, politically detribalised, and religiously liberal Christians in Nigeria,” noting that his position vindicated the organisation’s…