Islamic cleric appeals to FG, National Hajj Commission on hajj fare
An Islamic Cleric Shiekh Dr. Umar Faruq Abdullahi who is also the Chief Imam of Bosso Estate Juma’at Mosque, Minna, Niger state has appealed to the Federal Government and National Hajj Commission to reduce the Hajj fare so that it could be affordable for the intending pilgrims from Nigeria.
Dr. Abdullahi who expressed concerns , stated that the hajj fare put at over N1.5m was at a higher side that could denied many Muslims from performing their religious obligations this year,adding “the amount fixed now was too much that not everybody can afford it”
He also advised that the commission can reverse to the payment of BTA to the Pilgrims in Saudi’s Currency ( Riyals) instead of paying them in Dollars.
The Chief Imam made this strong appeal at the Juma’at Sermon, pointing out that this has became very necessary because a lot of pilgrims from Nigeria suffered to get their BTA in Dollars at the Holy Land last year.
According to him, “that was what led to higher Hajj fare last year also this year, therefore, as he said if this is done the fare will come down”
Dr Abdullahi also called on the Arewa Youths Forum to withdraw their earlier statement by giving another tribe from one part of this country three months notice to quit the Northern part of the country.
The clergyman warned that the action of the youths was unconstitutional as Allah that created us knew why he joined us together.
He therefore appealed to the elders from these two region of the country to call their youths to order so that peace can reign in this country.
Meanwhile, he also advised Muslims youths now undergoing recruitment exercise into Nigeria Army and any forces at this period of Ramadan to suspend their fasting for the duration of the Training exercise .
He remarked that this will enable them have strength to with- stand the exercise because ” this is also very important to Islam, however added that after the training exercise, they must repay back all the numbers of days their fasting was break, because , Islam is a simple region.
Dr. Abdullahi therefore urged all Nigerians to continue to pray for Mr President for his sound health and for this county for peace, stability and for the revival of our economic.
