By Mikail Mumuni , at Arafat
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) on the day of Arafat, Thursday, 5th June 2025, organised a National Prayer for the nation, President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima and other leaders in the country, including traditional rulers.
The prayer session kicked off
at 4 pm in Arafa Tent No. 346 with NAHCON Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman and other senior officials of the Commission in attendance.
In his opening remarks, Professor Saleh Usman quoted copiously from the Holy Qur’an regarding injunctions of showing gratitude to Allah for His favours and calling upon Him for assistance over challenges.
The NAHCON Chairman said the day of Arafat and at the plains of Arafat are particularly unique for acceptance of prayers.
He therefore urged the Ulama and the generality of Nigerian pilgrims at Arafat to supplicate for divine intervention in the affairs of Nigeria.
The role call of Ulama and the duties assigned to them are: Sheikh Nasir Adam ( Prayer in Arabic); Sheikh Abdullahi Bala Lau ( Prayer in Hausa); Sheikh Abdullahi Muhd Suru ( Prayer in Hausa); Sheikh Muhd Bin Uthman ( Prayer in English); Sheikh Dr. Bashir Aliyu Umar ( Prayer in English); Prof. Muhammad Alh Abubakar ( Prayer in Kanuri); Dr. Rafie Ijebuwi ( Prayer in
Yoruba); Sheikh Suleiman Njoko (Prayer in Ibo); Sheikh Imam Safiyanu Sarkin Adamawa ( Prayer in Fulani); Sheikh Sani Abdulqadir ( Prayer in Nupe); Sheikh Alaramma Sadiqu (Opening Qur’an recitation ) and SheikhAhmad Suleiman (Closing Qur’an recitation ).
The Day of Arafat, observed on the 9th day of Dhul-Hijjah, holds profound significance for Muslims, particularly in relation to the acceptance of prayers.
The Day of Arafat is considered the most critical day of the Hajj pilgrimage, where pilgrims gather at the plains of Arafat to stand in supplicatory prayer (Wuquf).
It is believed that Allah’s mercy is at its peak, and He is especially responsive to sincere supplications. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) reportedly said, “The best supplication is the supplication on the Day of Arafat.”
It is widely held that Allah forgives sins and grants mercy to those who sincerely repent and pray on this day. The Prophet (peace be upon him) is reported to have said, “There is no day when Allah sets free more servants from Hell than the Day of Arafat.”
This underscores the day’s unique spiritual weight for prayer acceptance.
Even for Muslims not performing Hajj, fasting and making dua (supplications) on the Day of Arafat are highly recommended.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) stated that fasting on this day expiates sins of the past and coming year (Sahih Muslim), amplifying the spiritual context for prayers to be answered.
