2026 Hajj: Kaduna Cleric Urges Pilgrims to Maximise Final Days in Makkah
By Faiza Musa Adamu
A member of the Kaduna State Special Committee on Hajj and Chairman of the Preaching Committee for the 2026 Hajj exercise, Sheikh Halliru Maraya, has urged Nigerian pilgrims to take full advantage of the remaining days of their stay in the holy city of Makkah by intensifying acts of worship and spiritual reflection.
The cleric gave the advice while addressing pilgrims after the Zuhr prayer in Makkah as the annual pilgrimage gradually winds down following the completion of key Hajj rites and pilgrims’ stay in Mina.
This disclosed in a statement issued by, Ibrahim Datti the Public Relations Officer of the Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency.
Sheikh Maraya cautioned pilgrims against becoming overly eager to return home before official travel arrangements are announced by Hajj authorities, stressing that the sacred period presents a rare opportunity for spiritual enrichment and closeness to Allah.
According to him, pilgrims should remain patient and focused on worship, noting that Shaytan often seeks to distract believers through impatience and worldly concerns, particularly during significant moments of spiritual devotion.
He encouraged pilgrims to devote more time to the recitation of the Holy Qur’an, remembrance of Allah, supplications and voluntary prayers, describing the remaining days in Makkah as a valuable opportunity to seek forgiveness, mercy and divine blessings.
The Islamic scholar also reminded pilgrims of the unique status of Makkah as the birthplace of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and the city where the revelation of the Holy Qur’an began, adding that acts of worship performed in the holy city carry immense rewards.
Sheikh Maraya highlighted the spiritual significance of prayers offered in the sacred land, noting that worship conducted in the Holy Mosque attracts rewards far greater than those performed elsewhere.
He further advised pilgrims to avoid unnecessary gatherings and activities that could distract them from worship, reflection and remembrance of Allah.
Emphasising the need for discipline and good conduct, the cleric reminded pilgrims to uphold the highest standards of behaviour throughout their stay in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
He urged them to remain steadfast in their devotion and continue seeking Allah’s forgiveness and guidance until their departure for Nigeria.
Thousands of Nigerian pilgrims are expected to begin their return journey in phases after completing the major rites of the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage.
