Nigerian pilgrims offer special prayers for nation, leaders in Arafat

Nigerian pilgrims on Thursday said they would use the Arafat Day to offer special prayers for peace, stability and development of the country.

The pilgrims expressed their resolve in separate interviews with our reporter at the plain of Arafat, Saudi Arabia, on Dhul-Hijja 9, 1438 AH.

The visit to mount Arafat is a cardinal pillar of the annual pilgrimage.

The pilgrims prayed to the Almighty Allah for giving them the opportunity to be among the more than two million Muslims who converged for the Arafat.

Dr Bashir Usman, one the pilgrims, told our reporter that the day is significant to all Muslims whether on Hajj or not.

The Prophet (PBUH) said for those who were not opportune to go on Hajj: “If they fast the day of Arafat, Allah will forgive their sins for last year and the preceding year, so it is the day Allah forgive sins and shower His mercy on his servants.

“For those who are opportune to be in the Arafat, the Prophet said that Allah will forgive them their sins and answer their prayers.

“I am happy to be here today,’’ he said.

Usman said that he would also use the Arafat day to pray for President Muhammadu Buhari and the country.

Alhaji Aliyu Mujitaba, another pilgrim, expressed happiness for standing in the plain of the Arafat.

He said that he would pray for himself, his family and the prosperity of the country.

Mujitaba also said that he would pray to Allah to make Paradise their final abode and give them good in this world and in the hereafter.

Alhaji Tukur Hassan also expressed delight for the chance given to him by Allah.

He said that the day is significant to all Muslims and it is the day Allah answer prayers of His servants.

“I am feeling happy today and I will pray for my family and my country.

“May Allah bring an end to insurgency in our country and other problems bedevilling the development of Nigeria because we don’t have any other country,’’ he said.

It was also reported that the pilgrims are expected to leave Arafat immediately after sunset for Muzdalifah where they would spend the night before returning to Mina for another Hajj ritual; the stone throwing at Shaytan.