Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar has performed the Umrah pilgrimage in the holy city of Mecca, where he offered prayers for peace, security and unity in Nigeria.
The revered monarch, who also serves as President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), undertook the lesser pilgrimage on Thursday, March 5, 2026, corresponding with the 16th day 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 occupies the historic Usmaniyyah throne. He also prayed for wisdom, good health and divine guidance for the nation’s leaders to steer the country toward stability and progress.
Before departing Medina, the monarch on Wednesday night expressed satisfaction with the conduct of Nigerian Muslims, commending their resilience and peaceful disposition despite what he described as challenges and persecution faced by some members of the community.
He urged Nigerians to refrain from actions or narratives that portray Islam and Muslims negatively, stressing that such claims lack basis in the Qur’an, the Hadith and 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 also 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 Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi, who also serves as Deputy President-General (North) of the NSCIA; the President of the Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria and Deputy President-General (South) of the council, Rasaki Oladejo; and the Secretary-General of the NSCIA, Is-haq Oloyede.
The Sultan further prayed for traditional rulers across the country, noting his role as chairman of the council of traditional rulers alongside Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, who serves as co-chairman.
Reaffirming his commitment to a peaceful and united Nigeria, he called on leaders at all levels of government to guide citizens toward responsible speech and conduct that respects the sensibilities of others.
He stressed that mutual respect and understanding among Nigerians remain essential for achieving lasting peace, security and national development.
