By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Muslims in their numbers prayed on Mount Arafat on Tuesday at the climax of the hajj pilgrimage, as a punishing desert sun sent temperatures soaring towards 40C.

From daybreak, thousands of white-robed worshippers recited Quranic verses on the 70-metre (230 feet) rocky hill near Mecca, where the Prophet Mohammed is believed to have delivered his last sermon.

More than 1.5 million people have joined the hajj this year despite the shadow of war across the Middle East created by the US and Israeli war with Iran.

During the fighting, Tehran retaliated with waves of drone and ballistic missile strikes, hitting major infrastructure and energy installations across the Gulf, including in Saudi Arabia.

More than 30,000 Iranians have made the journey, about a third of the 86,000 originally expected. Iran’s IRNA state news agency said the “wartime situation” explained the drop.

Despite the war, Saudi officials said over the weekend that more pilgrims had travelled from abroad this year than in 2025.

The hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, must be performed at least once by all Muslims with the means to do so.

With temperatures hitting 44 degrees in Mecca in recent days, Saudi authorities have urged pilgrims to drink plenty of water and protect themselves from the sun during the mostly outdoor rituals, which can take five days or more to complete.

Since men are prohibited from wearing hats, many carry umbrellas to try to keep the blistering sun at bay.

After Mount Arafat, pilgrims will spend the night in Muzdalifah, where they will collect pebbles for the symbolic “stoning of the devil” ritual in Mina, starting on Wednesday.

The hajj is said to follow the path of the Prophet Mohammed’s final pilgrimage, about 1,400 years ago.

It has long been an important source of legitimacy for the Al Saud dynasty, whose monarch has the title “Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques”, in Mecca and Medina.

By: Lamara Garba

Thousands of pilgrims from Kano State performing the 2026 Hajj in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Monday held special prayer sessions for the re-election of the Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, as well as for lasting peace, unity and development in Kano State and Nigeria at large.

The prayers took place at the Munna Hajj Camp shortly after the commencement of the Hajj rituals, as over 1.5 million pilgrims from different parts of the world gathered in the holy land to begin the spiritual journey.

Across the various tents occupied by Kano pilgrims, emotional scenes of worship, Qur’anic recitation and supplications filled the atmosphere, with many pilgrims passionately praying for peace, stability and prosperity in Nigeria.

The pilgrims also offered fervent prayers for a peaceful and transparent election that would usher Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf into a second term in office, describing him as a leader committed to the welfare and progress of the people.

In one of the major prayer sessions attended by hundreds of pilgrims, prominent Islamic scholar, Ustaz Ya’u Dodo, who led the supplications, said the people of Kano should continue to thank Almighty Allah for blessing the state with the leadership of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

According to him, the governor’s humility, patriotism and determination to transform Kano State have endeared him to the masses, hence the need for continued prayers for his success.

“Kano people should continue to appreciate Allah for giving them a leader like Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf. His humility, love for the people and commitment to the development of the state are qualities worthy of support and prayers,” the cleric said.

He urged pilgrims to intensify prayers for Allah’s guidance, protection and support for the governor ahead of the forthcoming elections.

Ustaz Ya’u Dodo also prayed for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, asking Allah to guide him in leading the country towards peace, economic stability and national progress.

Another respected Islamic cleric, Malam Ali Dan Abba, also led a special prayer session for Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, the people of Kano State and Nigeria as a whole.

During the prayer session, Malam Ali Dan Abba prayed fervently for Allah to continue granting the governor wisdom, strength and good health in the discharge of his responsibilities, noting that leadership is a trust that requires divine guidance and protection.

He further prayed for peace and unity among the people of Kano State, urging citizens to continue supporting one another irrespective of political, ethnic or social differences. According to him, sustainable development can only be achieved in an atmosphere of harmony, mutual understanding and fear of Allah.

The cleric also offered prayers for Nigeria, asking Almighty Allah to rescue the country from economic hardship, insecurity and political tension. He appealed to leaders at all levels to govern with justice, sincerity and compassion for the masses.

Many of the pilgrims who spoke after the prayer session expressed optimism that Allah would answer their prayers and grant Kano State and Nigeria leaders who would continue to work for the wellbeing of the people.

The atmosphere at the Munna camp remained spiritually uplifting throughout the day as pilgrims continued engaging in acts of worship, recitation of the Holy Qur’an and prayers for their families, leaders and the nation.

The Coordinator of the Safe Corridor Programme and Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, on Sunday led members of the programme committee Team on an inspection tour of facilities at the Corporate Security Institute, Gabasawa, ahead of the commencement of the project

The Safe Corridor Programe is a non-kinetic initiative designed to support rehabilitation, empowerment, reintegration, through reorientation, and peace building, to achieve security and stability in Kano community, as part of a broader efforts to address security challenges especially daba fight and other related activities through non- kinetic approaches.

During the visit, the committee inspected key places including accommodation facility, training hall, sports areas, classes ad other essential structures expected to support the successful implementation of the programme.

Speaking during the inspection, Comrade Waiya said the initiative reflects the commitment of the Kano State Government towards strengthening peace, social stability, and community development through dialogue, Sensitization, and empowerment.

He noted that, adequate preparations are being made to ensure a smooth and successful take-off of the project, while assuring that the committee remains focused on delivering on its mandate.

Members of the committee during the tour expressed satisfaction with the level of preparedness at the facility, stating that arrangements are being concluded ahead of the official launch of the programme.
Some of the personalities who were part of the tour team included: Alh. Shehu Mohammed, Sarkin Shanu, Alh. Alh. Aliyu Umar Harazimi, Dan Amar, Hakimin Gobirawa, State Commander, of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Alh. Lawan Dahiru, Alh. Sabiu Bako, a businessman, Representatives of the civil society organizations, as well as other critical stakeholders

During, the visit, the Commissioner, for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, assured the people of Kano that, His Excellency, Alh. Abba Kabir Yusuf, is. committed to addressing the challenges of daba and political thuggery in the State.