Sultan of Sokoto performs umrah, prays for peace, unity in Nigeria

The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has performed Umrah in the holy city of Makkah, offering prayers for peace, security, and unity in Nigeria.

The monarch undertook the lesser pilgrimage on Thursday, March 5, 2026, corresponding to the 16th of Ramadan 1447 AH.

A photograph released by the Sultan’s media team after the spiritual exercise showed the leader of the Muslim Ummah in 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 on Wednesday night expressed satisfaction with the conduct of Nigerian Muslims, commending their resilience and peaceful disposition despite what he described as the 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 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) of the NSCIA, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi; the President of the Muslim Ummah of South-West Nigeria and Deputy President-General (South) of the NSCIA, Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo; and the Secretary-General of the NSCIA, 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 communication channels and conduct that respect the sensibilities of others.

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He stressed that mutual respect and understanding among Nigerians remain essential for achieving lasting peace, security, and national development.