Arafah: Cleric decries corruption, economic hardship in Nigeria

An Islamic scholar, Professor Mansur Ibrahim Sokoto, has decried corruption and worsening economic hardship in Nigeria, urging leaders to fear Allah and preserve public wealth for the benefit of citizens. Professor Sokoto spoke on the Day of Arafah in Makkah during a special prayer session for Nigeria delivered alongside the Arafat sermon by Sheikh Ali […]

An Islamic scholar, Professor Mansur Ibrahim Sokoto, has decried corruption and worsening economic hardship in Nigeria, urging leaders to fear Allah and preserve public wealth for the benefit of citizens.

Professor Sokoto spoke on the Day of Arafah in Makkah during a special prayer session for Nigeria delivered alongside the Arafat sermon by Sheikh Ali Hudhaify.

The cleric cautioned government officials against corruption and reminded them that they would account before Allah for how they acquired and managed public resources.

He expressed concern over the suffering of many Nigerians despite the country’s abundant wealth, saying poverty and hardship continued to affect citizens across the country.

“Today, corruption is the greatest destruction of our country Nigeria. Infrastructure has collapsed, the poor are suffering and there is no trust among Nigerians,” he said.

Professor Sokoto urged pilgrims to pray for peace, stability and tranquility in Nigeria, while also encouraging them to appreciate the favour of Allah for granting them the opportunity to participate in the 2026 Hajj.

According to him, the gathering on the plain of Arafah remains one of the greatest gatherings of humanity in the world.

“Allah granted pilgrims the privilege to be here not because of our power, wealth or knowledge, but because of His mercy,” he said.

The scholar recalled that it was on the plain of Arafah that Allah perfected Islam for Muslims through revelation to Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

He also reflected on the Prophet’s farewell sermon delivered on the same ground over 1,400 years ago, where Muslims were taught the sanctity of human life, equality among people and adherence to the Quran and Sunnah.

Professor Sokoto said the Prophet also warned against injustice, arrogance and unlawful consumption of public wealth.

He urged Nigerian leaders to draw lessons from the Prophet’s teachings by promoting accountability, justice and proper management of public resources for the betterment of society.