By Abdulkadir Auwal
The immediate past Speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Ibrahim Balarabe Abdullahi, and the lawmaker representing Keffi West Constituency, Hon. Ibrahim Aliyu Nana, have been sighted in Madinah, Saudi Arabia, during a religious visit to the Kingdom.
Balarabe Abdullahi currently serves as Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal Polytechnic, Damaturu, Yobe State.
The former Speaker reportedly arrived in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday for a week-long religious visit, during which he and the serving lawmaker are participating in activities connected with their spiritual journey.
Umrah, popularly known as the Lesser Hajj, is a pilgrimage to Makkah that Muslims may undertake at any time of the year. It is widely valued for its spiritual benefits, including seeking Allah’s forgiveness, renewing faith and offering prayers.
The pilgrimage involves entering Ihram, performing Tawaf around the Kaaba, walking between Safa and Marwah in the rite known as Sa’i, and shaving or trimming the hair.
Although Umrah is different from Hajj, which is obligatory for eligible Muslims under the conditions prescribed in Islam, it remains a highly meritorious act of worship. Its precise legal status differs among Islamic schools of jurisprudence.
The holy city of Madinah is also an important destination for Muslim visitors because of its association with Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and early Islamic history.
Prayers have been offered for Balarabe Abdullahi and Aliyu Nana, with well-wishers hoping that Allah will accept their worship, answer their supplications and grant them a safe return to Nigeria.
Amin.
