The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni, has performed Umrah in the Holy City of Makkah, offering prayers for peace, security, and unity in Nigeria.
The revered monarch undertook the lesser pilgrimage on Thursday, March 5, 2026, corresponding with the 16th day of Ramadan 1447 AH. A photograph released by Media Team of the Sultan after the spiritual exercise showed the Leader Muslim Ummah of Nigeria alongside his two sons, Amir and Walid.
During the pilgrimage, the Sultan prayed for Nigeria, the Muslim community across the country, and the people of Sokoto State, where he sits on the ancestral Usmaniyyah throne. He also prayed for wisdom, good health, and guidance for the nation’s leaders to steer the country toward stability and progress.
Before leaving Medina, the Sultan had Wednesday night expressed satisfaction with the conduct of Nigerian Muslims, commending their resilience and peaceful disposition despite what he described as challenges and persecution faced by some members of the community.
He also urged Nigerians to refrain from actions or narratives that seek to portray Islam and Muslims negatively, noting that such efforts lack evidence in the Qur’an, the Hadith, or Nigeria’s diverse cultural traditions. According to the Sarki Musulumi of Nigeria, such attitudes would neither discourage Muslims from practising their faith nor diminish their commitment to Islam.
The Sultan further expressed appreciation to Islamic leaders and traditional rulers across the country who ensured that religious activities, including the announcement of the Ramadan moon sighting, proceeded smoothly during his absence.
Among those he acknowledged were the Shehu of Borno and Deputy President-General (North) NSCIA), His Royal Highness Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi; the President of the Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria and Deputy President-General (South) NSCIA, Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo; and the Secretary-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Professor Is-haq Oloyede.
The Sultan also prayed for traditional rulers across the country, noting his role as chairman of the council of traditional rulers alongside the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, who serves as co-chairman.
Reaffirming his commitment to a peaceful and united Nigeria, the Sultan called on leaders at all levels of government to guide citizens toward responsible speech through whatever channel of communication and conduct that respect the sensibilities of others.
He stressed that mutual respect and understanding among Nigerians remain essential for achieving lasting peace, security, and national development.
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