Muslim pilgrims returning from Saudi Arabia have been urged to reflect the impact of their pilgrimage in their attitudes and dealings positively.
Alhaji Sodiq Afolayan, the Chief Imam of Omu-Aran Central Mosque in Kwara made the call
during Juma’at sermon in Omu-Aran on Friday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some of the pilgrims for the 2017 Hajj in the area are in Mosque to give thanks to Allah for their safe return.
Afolayan stressed the need for the pilgrims to appreciate Allah for the opportunity to be part of the exercise and for ensuring their safety.
According to him, some of the people that paid for the same hajj died before they took off, while many others died during the exercise in the Holy Land.
He urged the pilgrims to continue to intercede on behalf of the nation through prayers as they have done in Saudi Arabia for solutions to nation’s challenges.
The cleric also urged the pilgrims to continue to maintain good Islamic principles and shun acts capable of tarnishing their image.
“We should realise that presently Nigeria is facing some difficulties as regards insurgency, kidnapping, corruption, secession agitation, among other challenges.
“As Muslims and more importantly pilgrims from the Holy Land, we should devote our time and energy in praying for an end to these ugly trends.
“This is the only way we can continue to live in peace and harmony, irrespective of our diverse ethnic, religion, political and cultural backgrounds.”
Afolayan also advised the pilgrims to engage in low key celebration of their safe return from Hajj, saying “Allah forbids frivolous spending.
“You are warned, especially female pilgrims, against collecting money from unclean source or sources to celebrate successful Hajj.