The Federal Capital Territory Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board (FCT MPWB), Abuja, has congratulated FCT pilgrims on the successful completion of the 2026 Hajj rites following the observance of Arafat Day, the spiritual climax of the pilgrimage.
The Director of the Board, Malam Kadiri Edah, delivered the congratulatory message during an address to pilgrims at the FCT Tent in Arafat, Saudi Arabia. He prayed for an accepted Hajj for all pilgrims and wished them safe journeys as they proceeded to Mina to conclude other rites of the pilgrimage.
Kadiri also disclosed that the Board organized special prayer sessions for the unity, peace and harmonious coexistence of Nigeria, as well as the security, growth and development of the Federal Capital Territory.
He commended the FCT Administration under the leadership of the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, and the Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, for their support and cooperation, which he said contributed to the successful coordination of the pilgrimage exercise.
According to him, the Board remains committed to prioritizing the welfare of FCT pilgrims in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the current administration.
The special prayer sessions were led by Islamic scholars shortly after the combined Zuhr and Asr prayers at the FCT tents on Arafat Day. The clerics offered prayers for Nigeria’s unity, stability and prosperity.
One of the scholars urged Nigerians to remain committed to national unity, stressing that the country belongs to all citizens and requires collective prayers and support for progress and development.
Another cleric expressed optimism that Nigeria could attain greater development if properly guided and managed.
Arafat Day is regarded as the peak of the annual Hajj pilgrimage, where millions of Muslims gather on the plains of Mount Arafat near Makkah for prayers, worship and spiritual reflection.
About two million pilgrims from across the world participated in this year’s Hajj, including approximately 1,540 pilgrims from the FCT who successfully completed the rites.
Muslim faithful believe that prayers offered on Arafat Day hold special significance because of the sanctity and spiritual importance attached to the day.