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News, Religious

Kukah Warns Against Labeling Nigeria a Country of Concern, Cites Tinubu’s Inclusive Leadership

The Catholic Archbishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Kukah, has cautioned against renewed moves to designate Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged religious persecution, warning that such action would undermine peace efforts and embolden extremists.Kukah made the appeal on Tuesday in Vatican City during the unveiling of the Aid to the Church in Need’s 2025 World Report on Religious Freedom. In his address, Kukah said that while impunity and persecution still persist in parts of Nigeria, the administration of President Bola Tinubu has demonstrated genuine signs of inclusion that should be encouraged rather than sanctioned. Read Also: Trump’s Adviser Dismisses Allegations of Christian Genocide in Nigeria “Acts of impunity still persist, but it is my view that redesignating Nigeria a Country of Concern will hurt the initiatives we are working on with the current government,” Kukah said. “Designating my country, Nigeria, a Country of Concern will only make our work in the area of dialogue among religious leaders in our country and elsewhere with the Nigerian state even harder. It will only increase tensions, sow doubt, open windows of suspicion and fear, and simply allow the criminals and perpetrators of violence to exploit,” he added. The Catholic Bishop’s remarks come amid renewed debate over whether Nigeria should be reinstated on the U.S. State Department’s list of “Countries of Particular Concern” for religious freedom violations. The designation, first made in 2020 under former U.S. President Donald Trump, was later removed by President Joe Biden in 2021—a decision that has continued to attract both praise and criticism from international observers and religious groups. Kukah urged foreign powers, especially the United States, to support Nigeria’s ongoing peace-building efforts rather than impose punitive measures that could derail dialogue between Christian and Muslim communities. He noted that the Tinubu administration has taken deliberate steps to rebuild trust through inclusive governance, appointments, and gestures that promote unity. “The President and the Vice President are Muslims, yet Christians have not felt alienated,” he said, noting that “the Chief of General Staff of the Nigerian Army, the Director of State Security Services, among others, are Christians,” and that “the President just appointed a Christian as the leader of the ruling party.” According to Kukah, these steps, though not perfect, represent “confidence-building measures aimed at inspiring citizens’ sense of belonging.” In contrast, he accused the previous administration under Muhammadu Buhari of worsening interfaith relations and enabling extremist ideologies through divisive policies and appointments. “The last eight years of the Buhari administration marked the worst phase in the history of interfaith relations in Nigeria,” Kukah said. “That administration gave oxygen to jihadists by virtue of its policies, which overtly favoured Islam and northern Nigeria.” He expressed cautious optimism that Nigeria, though still struggling with insecurity and social division, could recover through Tinubu’s inclusive approach if supported by local and international partners. “Our situation is far from perfect. We are still in a bad place, but there are signs of a government willing to listen,” the cleric concluded.

Education, Kano, Religious

Madrasatu Ansarul Islamiyya Graduates 24 Quranic Memorizers in Kano

Madrasatu Ansarul Islamiyya, Sharada Rinji, Kano State, on Sunday, held a colourful graduation ceremony for 24 students who successfully memorised the entire Holy Qur’an. The Head Teacher of the school, Malam Abubakar Nasiru Umar, said the students underwent a rigorous process of Quranic memorisation before being selected for graduation. He described their achievement as a product of discipline, dedication, and spiritual commitment. Read Also: FG Clarifies: English, Mathematics Still Compulsory for O’Level Students Speaking at the event, the Commissioner of Police, Alhaji Naziru Bello Kankarofi — one of the community elders and a major supporter of the school — expressed his joy over the accomplishment. He congratulated the students and advised them to use their Quranic knowledge with good morals and sound character to contribute positively to the society. In his goodwill message, the Dagacin Sharada Ja’en, who represented the District Head of Gwale, Alhaji Isma’il Sa’ad, commended the school’s efforts in promoting Islamic education. He reaffirmed the Kano Emirate’s full support for the growth and development of Quranic schools across the state. He further urged the graduating students to be good ambassadors of their community and to uphold the values of honesty, humility, and service wherever they go. The event attracted parents, scholars, and community members, who described it as a milestone in nurturing moral excellence and preserving Islamic scholarship in Kano.

Kano, News, Religious

Kano Hisbah Nabs Five for Conducting Marriage Without Parental Consent

The Kano State Hisbah Board has arrested five youths for allegedly conducting a marriage ceremony without parental consent, in violation of Islamic and legal marital procedures. Deputy Commander General of the board, Dr. Mujahideen Aminuddeen, confirmed the arrest in a statement issued in Kano on Monday. He said those apprehended include the groom, the bride, and three others who participated as representatives and witnesses during the ceremony. Related: Kano Govt Begins Plans for Mass Wedding of 2,000 Couples According to Aminuddeen, the marriage was contracted with a dowry of ₦10,000 — below the minimum standard recognised under Islamic law. He added that the board has commenced an investigation into the incident, stressing that the union breached both Islamic and legal requirements for marriage. Dr. Aminuddeen urged parents to monitor their children’s social activities and guide them in matters of marriage and morality to avoid similar incidents in the future. (NAN)

National, News, Religious

Presidency Moves to Cut Hajj Costs for 2026 Pilgrims

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to immediately review and reduce the recently announced 2026 Hajj fares, following widespread public concern over the high costs for intending pilgrims. The directive was conveyed by the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Senator Ibrahim Hadeija, while briefing State House correspondents after a meeting with NAHCON officials at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. Reports indicate that NAHCON had earlier fixed the 2026 Hajj fares for different zones after consultations with stakeholders. Under the previous structure, pilgrims from the Maiduguri–Yola Zone — which includes Yobe, Borno, Adamawa, and Taraba States — were expected to pay ₦8,318,336.67. Northern States were to pay ₦8,244,813.67, while Southern States were billed ₦8,561,013.67. Read Also: NAHCON Repositions Workforce, Reposts Pool Officers to Parent MDAs Senator Hadeija explained that President Tinubu’s directive was motivated by his commitment to easing the financial burden on intending pilgrims and ensuring wider participation in the 2026 pilgrimage. “The meeting was called at the instance of His Excellency, the Vice-President, to explore the possibility of reducing the Hajj fare for the 2026 pilgrimage,” Hadeija said. “The fares were initially based on a pessimistic exchange rate of ₦1,550 per dollar, but with the recent appreciation of the naira due to ongoing economic reforms, it is only fair that pilgrims benefit from this improvement.” He added that the government anticipates the revised fares could drop to between ₦7.6 million and ₦7.7 million, depending on prevailing exchange rates. “The final figure will be announced within the next two days,” he noted. Hadeija further urged State Muslim Pilgrim Welfare Boards to ensure prompt remittance of payments to NAHCON, stressing that early deposits would enable the commission to purchase foreign exchange through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) at favorable rates. On his part, the Chairman of the Kebbi State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Faruk Yaro, commended President Tinubu and Vice-President Shettima for their swift intervention, describing the move as a relief to thousands of intending pilgrims. Similarly, the Secretary of NAHCON, Dr. Mustapha Mohammad, welcomed the directive, saying it would give more Muslims the opportunity to fulfill one of the five pillars of Islam. “The lower the Hajj fare, the more Muslims will have the chance to perform the pilgrimage,” he said. “As directed, we will work tirelessly between today and tomorrow to ensure the fare is reduced to an affordable level.” The review marks another step in the Tinubu administration’s efforts to stabilize the economy and ensure that economic gains are reflected in the cost of essential religious and social obligations.

Kano, News, Religious

Sheikh Qaribullahi Leads Annual Qadiriyya Waliyyai Festival in Kano

Kano witnessed a massive turnout on Saturday as thousands of Qadiriyya followers converged on the city to mark the 75th edition of the Waliyyai Festival. The spiritual leader of the Qadiriyya movement in Africa, Sheikh Qaribullahi Sheikh Nasiru Kabara, led the annual event, which attracted participants from within Nigeria and beyond. Organized by Darul Qadiriyya, the Nigerian headquarters of the sect, the festival commemorates the birth of Sheikh Abdulqadir Al-Jilani, founder of the Qadiriyya order. Read Also: Kano Govt Suspends Sheikh Lawan Triumph From Preaching The celebration featured a colourful procession across major streets in Kano, with contingents from mosques and Islamic schools parading in displays of unity, faith, and devotion. Sheikh Qaribullahi also visited Wailliyya, the burial site of his late father, where he offered special prayers. Along the route, the Sheikh stopped at several locations to bless residents before returning to Darul Qadiriyya, where the event concluded with chants of Islamic songs in praise of Allah. The atmosphere was charged with spiritual fervour as the 75th edition reaffirmed the movement’s enduring presence and influence in Nigeria’s religious landscape. 

Kano, News, Religious

Imam Sukairaj Preaches on Parents’ Role as Gateway to Allah’s Blessings

The Chief Imam of ARTV Juma’at Mosque, Hotoro, Sukairaj Hafiz Imam, has urged children to show gratitude and appreciation to their parents for the sacrifices made in bringing them into the world and caring for them during their early years. Delivering his sermon during Friday prayers, Imam Sukairaj emphasized that Islam places a high value on honouring parents, stressing that gratitude to one’s father and mother is inseparable from gratitude to Allah. He quoted from the Qur’an: “And We have enjoined upon man [care] for his parents. His mother carried him, [increasing her] in weakness upon weakness, and his weaning is in two years. Be grateful to Me and to your parents; to Me is the [final] destination” (Qur’an 31:14). Read Also: Cleric Urges Muslims to Purify Souls, Submit Fully to Allah The cleric also referenced a Hadith of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him): “Paradise lies at the feet of mothers” (Sunan al-Nasa’i). He explained that mothers, in particular, endure hardship during pregnancy, childbirth, and nursing, while fathers consistently sacrifice to provide food, shelter, and education for their children. Imam Sukairaj urged the younger generation to demonstrate appreciation through obedience, prayer, respect, and care for their parents, especially in old age. He warned that neglecting or showing arrogance toward parents is a grave sin that could deprive children of Allah’s blessings. “Your parents carried burdens so you could stand on your feet. They sacrificed their comfort so you could grow. To appreciate them is an act of faith, while to neglect them is a betrayal of divine trust,” he told the congregation. The Imam added that the reminder was especially relevant in today’s society, where modern pressures often erode traditional family values. He stressed the need for children to remain dutiful and connected to their parents despite social and economic challenges.

International, Religious

Saudi Arabia Appoints Sheikh Dr. Saleh bin Humaid as New Grand Mufti

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has appointed Sheikh Dr. Saleh bin Humaid as the new Grand Mufti and Chairman of the Senior Council of Scholars. The appointment was announced by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques following the death of Sheikh Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh, who passed away on Tuesday at the age of 82. Read Also: FCT Minister of State Bunkure Pushes Women’s Economic Inclusion at UNGA80 Sheikh bin Humaid, a respected Islamic scholar, currently serves as one of the nine Imams of the Grand Mosque in Mecca. His new role places him at the helm of the Kingdom’s highest religious authority, where he is expected to guide matters of Islamic jurisprudence and provide leadership for the Council of Scholars. The Historica Nigeria earlier reported the passing of Sheikh Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh, who had served as Grand Mufti since 1999.

International, News, Religious

Saudi Arabia’s Grand Mufti, Sheikh Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh, Dies at 82

Saudi Arabia’s Grand Mufti and Head of the Council of Senior Scholars, Sheikh Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh, passed away in Riyadh on Tuesday morning at the age of 82, the Royal Court has announced. Funeral prayers for the late scholar will be held at the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh after the Asr prayer on Tuesday. Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman, has also ordered funeral prayers in absentia at the Grand Mosque in Makkah, the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah, and across all mosques in the Kingdom. King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman extended condolences to the family of Sheikh Al-Sheikh, the Saudi people, and the wider Islamic world. “With the passing of Al-Sheikh, Saudi Arabia and the Islamic world have lost a distinguished scholar who made significant contributions to the service of Islam and Muslims,” the Royal Court said in a statement. Read Also: Saudi Authorities Approve Burial of Aminu Dantata in Madinah Sheikh Al-Sheikh, who served as head of the General Presidency of Scholarly Research and Ifta, and the Supreme Council of the Muslim World League, was widely respected across the Muslim world. He was appointed Grand Mufti in June 1999 by King Fahd, succeeding Sheikh Abdul Aziz Ibn Baz. Life and Career Born on November 30, 1943, in Makkah, Sheikh Al-Sheikh memorized the Qur’an at an early age but lost his sight at 17. He studied at Imam Mohammad bin Saud Islamic University in Riyadh, graduating in 1965 with a specialization in Arabic and Islamic Shariah. His teaching career began at the Imam al-Dawa Scholarly Institute in Riyadh before he later taught at the College of Shariah and the Higher Institute of Judiciary. Over the years, he served as imam at several prominent mosques, including Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh, and from 1982, he delivered the annual Arafat sermon at Namirah Mosque for 34 consecutive years. In 1987, he was appointed to the Council of Senior Scholars and became a full-time member of the Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta in 1991. He later rose to the position of Deputy Grand Mufti in 1995. Following the death of Sheikh Abdulaziz Ibn Baz in 1999, he was appointed Grand Mufti, a role he held for over two decades. Sheikh Al-Sheikh’s passing marks the end of an era in Saudi Arabia’s religious establishment, where his influence shaped Islamic scholarship and guidance for millions of Muslims worldwide.

Kano, News, Religious

Ganduje Leads Prayer Session as 280 Converts Join Islam in Kano

The Ganduje Foundation, chaired by the immediate past National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has facilitated the conversion of 280 people to Islam during a prayer session held at Muhammad Gauyama Hall in his residence in Kano. The event, which brought together Islamic scholars from different sects, was organized as part of a regular prayer session aimed at seeking divine intervention for Nigeria’s peace, stability, and guidance for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the nation’s security agencies. Addressing participants, Dr. Ganduje explained that such sessions had been ongoing since his time as Deputy Governor and were sustained to promote unity and spiritual growth. He noted that the Foundation discovered through outreach programmes that many rural farmers in parts of Kano had shown interest in embracing Islam, which encouraged its Da’awah (preaching) team to intensify efforts. Related: Ganduje Attends BUK Send-Off for Outgoing VC, Welcomes Successor “You can see many of them are women — 202 women and 78 men. Most of these women are married, and we hope they will carry their children along into the Islamic religion. May Allah accept this intention and keep them steadfast in the faith,” Ganduje stated. He further announced that each of the new converts would receive a bag of fertilizer to support their farming, atamfa fabric for women, shadda for men, a financial token, and Islamic books for guidance. He added that members of the Da’awah team would continue follow-up visits to provide mentorship and teaching on Islamic practices. The Director at the North West Development Commission (NWDC), Dr. Asiya Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, who also contributed to the exercise, commended the initiative, describing it as a legacy the family grew up observing from their father. She urged others to embrace similar efforts, citing the spiritual rewards of expanding the faith. Similarly, Dr. Amina Abdullahi Umar Ganduje offered prayers for her father, highlighting his wider philanthropic activities, including mosque construction, medical outreach, and the provision of boreholes, which she said would count as his lasting legacy. The ceremony was attended by Islamic clerics, political associates, community leaders, and members of the Ganduje family. According to records, the Ganduje Foundation has overseen the conversion of 45,280 people to Islam since its establishment.

Kano, News, Religious

Wali Hosts Annual Maulud, Calls for Unity, Prayers and Emulation of Prophet’s Virtues

Alhaji Mustapha Nuhu Wali (mni), former national president of Kano Science Schools Old Student Association (KASSOSA), has called on Muslims to use the Maulud period to pray for peace, prosperity, and the proper upbringing of children who will become future leaders of pride. He made the appeal during the annual Maulud celebration he hosts every 12th of Rabi’ul Awwal at his residence in Dorayi Babba, Gwale Local Government Area of Kano State. Wali explained that the gathering reflects the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), as contained in the Hadith, which enjoins parents to raise their children to love the Prophet, his household, and the Qur’an. Read Also: Cleric Urges Muslims to Purify Souls, Submit Fully to Allah “This occasion allows us to express our joy, remind our children and families about the Prophet’s history, sing songs in his praise, and thank Allah for blessing us with Islam and His noble Messenger,” he said. He stressed that by emulating the Prophet’s virtues of honesty, compassion, and humility, society will continue to uphold values worth celebrating. He further urged Muslims to pray for deliverance from insecurity, economic hardship, and to particularly seek guidance for young people drifting into vices such as phone snatching. In his remarks, Malam Hussaini Bin Iliyasu Dan Bare commended the Wali family for sustaining the Maulud tradition. He encouraged Muslims to remain good ambassadors of Islam by practicing the exemplary character of the Prophet in their daily lives. The event also featured the launch of a new book of prophetic songs authored by Professor Faruk Sarkin Fada of Bayero University Kano’s Faculty of Medicine. Free copies of the book were distributed to participants. The Maulud celebration attracted hundreds of attendees from Dorayi Babba and beyond, underscoring the community’s deep reverence and love for the Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam). Photos:

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