FCT MPWB CONGRATULATES PILGRIMS ON SUCCESSFUL HAJJ, HOLDS SPECIAL PRAYERS FOR NIGERIA
By: Ahmad Saleh, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
The Federal Capital Territory Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board (FCT MPWB), Abuja, has congratulated FCT pilgrims on completing the 2026 Hajj rites following observance of Arafat Day, regarded as the peak of the pilgrimage.
The Director of the Board, Malam Kadiri Edah, conveyed the congratulatory message during an address to the pilgrims at the FCT Tent on Arafat Day. He prayed for an accepted Hajj for all pilgrims and wished them a safe return home as they proceeded to Mina to conclude the remaining rites.
Malam Kadiri disclosed that the Board organized a special prayer session for the unity, peace, and harmonious coexistence of Nigeria, as well as for the security, growth, and development of the Federal Capital Territory.
He expressed appreciation to the FCT Administration under the leadership of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, and the Minister of State, Hajiya Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, for their support and cooperation, which he said enabled the Board to coordinate the pilgrimage exercise successfully.
The Director also reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to the welfare of FCT pilgrims in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration.
The special prayer sessions were led by Islamic scholars at the FCT tents shortly after the combined Zuhr and Asr prayers on Arafat Day. The clerics offered prayers for Nigeria’s unity, stability and progress.
“Nigeria is our country and we have no other country besides Nigeria. We pray that Almighty Allah safeguards, secures and develops the nation, while guiding its leaders on the right path,” one of the preachers stated.
Another cleric expressed optimism that Nigeria could attain the status of developed nations if properly guided and managed.
Arafat Day represents the climax of the Hajj pilgrimage, where millions of Muslims gather on the plains of Mount Arafat outside Makkah in worship and supplication. Pilgrims devote the day to prayers and spiritual reflection, abstaining from worldly distractions while reflecting on the Day of Resurrection and life after death.
This year, nearly two million pilgrims from different parts of the world participated in the Hajj exercise, including about 1,540 pilgrims from the FCT who successfully completed their rites.
Muslim faithful believe that prayers offered on Arafat Day hold special significance and are likely to receive divine acceptance because of the spiritual importance and sanctity of the day.
