By Usman Gwadabe
Hajj, the fifth pillar of Islam, is a religious obligation for Muslims who are physically, financially, and logistically capable. The Qur’an states: “And proclaim to the people the Hajj [pilgrimage]; they will come to you on foot and on every lean camel; they will come from every distant pass.”
It further instructs: “Hajj is [during] well-known months, so whoever has made Hajj obligatory upon himself therein [by entering the state of ihram], there is [to be for him] no sexual relations and no disobedience and no disputing during Hajj.”
In a groundbreaking move, the Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has allocated Hajj slots to a diverse group of citizens, including traditional rulers, scholars, politicians, celebrities, persons with disabilities, journalists—and most notably, orphans.
What inspired me to write this piece is Governor Yusuf’s humanitarian foresight and deep compassion for the less privileged, particularly orphans in government care. By allocating two Hajj slots specifically to orphans residing in state-run facilities, Governor Yusuf has demonstrated unparalleled empathy and inclusivity.
These children, often without parents or close relatives, live in profound isolation. Their only support system is the state and, occasionally, generous individuals who adopt or visit them. Governor Yusuf’s commitment to these children was evident from the beginning of his administration.
One of his first heartfelt visits was to the Nassarawa Orphanage Home during the Eid-el-Fitr celebration. While sharing a meal with the children, he declared:
“I want to announce that we have taken full responsibility for all the 95 orphans domiciled in this facility. We will cater to their education from primary to tertiary levels, healthcare, feeding, and other social needs throughout our tenure. You are now my children, and I will take care of you as my own. Insha Allah, you will begin to experience the good side of life.”
True to his word, during the recent Ramadan, the governor hosted the orphans for Iftar at the Government House, Kano. The feast they enjoyed was no different from those shared with prominent dignitaries like the Emirs, Speaker of the State Assembly, commissioners, local government chairmen, and religious leaders.
It was during this Iftar gathering, upon returning from a journey, that Governor Yusuf announced the allocation of two Hajj seats to the orphans. Overwhelmed with joy, the children chanted: “Thank you, our father! May Almighty Allah reward you with the highest paradise!”
One of the orphans, Abdullahi Muhammad, spoke on behalf of the group, expressing gratitude for the love and parental care shown by the governor. A caregiver, Malama Maryam, described his actions as no different from how a father treats his biological children.
This unprecedented gesture sets a new standard in governance and care for orphans. It is, to the best of my knowledge, the first time in Kano’s history—or in any predominantly Muslim state in Nigeria—that orphans in government custody have been officially sponsored for Hajj.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized the importance of caring for orphans, promising great rewards in return. He said: “I and the one who cares for an orphan will be together in Paradise like this,” and he held his index and middle fingers together to illustrate the closeness.
Another Hadith reads: “The best house among the Muslims is the house in which an orphan is well-treated, and the worst house is the one where an orphan is mistreated.”
The Prophet also warned against misusing the wealth of orphans, classifying it among the seven destructive sins. When a man once complained to him of a hardened heart, the Prophet advised: “Be merciful to the orphan, pat his head, and feed him from your food. Your heart will soften, and your needs will be fulfilled.”
Moreover, the spiritual rewards of sponsoring someone to perform Hajj are immense. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “A prayer in my mosque [Al-Masjid an-Nabawi] is better than a thousand prayers elsewhere, and a prayer in Al-Masjid al-Haram [Makkah] is better than a hundred thousand prayers elsewhere.”
To put this in perspective: if a pilgrim prays five daily prayers for 30 days in Al-Masjid al-Haram, the reward is equivalent to more than 12,000 years of prayers elsewhere.
Governor Yusuf’s decision to include orphans in this noble journey places him among those who initiate beneficial practices (Sunnah Hasana). As the Prophet said:
“Whoever starts a good practice will receive its reward and the reward of those who follow it, without any reduction in their rewards.”
May Almighty Allah reward Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf abundantly, and may He accept the Hajj of all those he sponsors this year. I also pray that other Muslim governors will emulate this act of kindness and inclusiveness, so that orphans across Nigeria may feel seen, loved, and supported.
Gwadabe is the Director of Public Enlightenment, Government House, Kano. He can be reached via usmgwdb@gmail.com
