Mubarak Mahmood
Despite the high temperature of 40 to 47 Degrees Celsius, no fewer than one point eight million muslim pilgrims world wide converged on Arfat hill in Mecca to seek divine intervention in their individual and collective affairs.
Among them are Nigerian contingents, including top government officials from several states, who made the spiritual journey from Mina in the early hours of the day.
Prominent Islamic scholars from Nigeria Chief Imam of Alfurkan Jumma’at Mosque in Kano Dr. Bashir Aliyu Umar, Professor Mansur Sokoto and Sheikh Abubakar Muktar Yola prayed for the peace, unity and economic development of the country.
Also speaking at the holy site, Personal Assistant on Domestic Affairs at the North East office of the Vice President Comrade Mahmood Muhammad urged Nigerian pilgrims to use the opportunity during the day and pray for the country to overcome its challenges.
He also appealed to them to remain in their tents until 4 p.m., in line with the guidance of the Saudi authorities, due to the extreme heat.
As the sun sets over Arafat, pilgrims take the opportunity to seek Allah’s forgiveness and intervention in all aspects of their lives.