By GARBA MUHAMMAD

Kaduna State pilgrims have prayed for the continued peace and prosperity of the nation as well as its leaders at both the federal and state levels, and the leadership of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, at the historic and holy sites in Madina, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The pilgrims who spoke separately at the different sites, thanked NAHCON for all their efforts in ensuring that pilgrims have the best of experience and making the exercise stress free as possible while at the holy land.

A pilgrim, Hajiya Yahanasu Muhammad, commended NAHCON for commitment to their welfare, particularly for providing special meals for diabetic patients.

She advised pilgrims to desist from spreading fake news on social media, alleging that they are poorly fed, adding that it puts NAHCON and Nigeria in bad light.

Another pilgrim, Alhaji Haruna Yahaya from Soba Local Government, said he has visited the graves of the Prophet (SAW) and his disciples, where he prayed extensively for them.

He also commended the Chairman of NAHCON, Malam Jalal Arabi, for ensuring a hitch-free Hajj.

He prayed to Allah (SWT) to reward him immensely for his good deeds and give him the ability to sustain the good work he started.

Also commended are President Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani, including the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), for making the Hajj exercise as stress-free as possible.

Abdul Lateef added that although it was congested, they tried hard and entered, where I prayed for the development of my beloved nation Nigeria.

Pilgrims are expected to visit the Prophet Muhammad’s (SAW’s) tomb, located inside the Prophet’s Mosque; Jannat al-Baqi, a cemetery where many companions and family members of the Prophet were buried and mount Uhud, a mountain where the battle of Uhud took place and many companions were martyred.

While at Madina, pilgrims are also expected to visit the Masjid al-Qiblatain, a mosque where the Prophet (SAW) received the revelation to change the direction of prayer from Jerusalem to Mecca; Masjid al-Fath, a mosque built to commemorate the Prophet’s victory in the Battle of Khaybar, among other places.

Speaking to our correspondent, Hajiya Safiya Yusuf from Ikara Local Government and Hajiya Hajjo Musa from Sanga Area Council said they prayed for Nigeria’s development and peaceful coexistence when they visited the sacred places.

According to the two pilgrims, they equally prayed to Allah(SWT) to avert any form of disaster or chaos that would befall Nigeria.

The pilgrims also noted that visiting the historic and sacred places made them to wish that they can visit Medina every year till they die, praying that Allah (SWT) to grant them and their family members the opportunity to perform Hajj again.

Another pilgrim from Jema’a LGA, Abdullateef Kayode, said it was a great feeling to visit the Raudat, where he greeted the holy prophet and his companions.

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