In a heartwarming demonstration of honesty and moral uprightness, several Nigerian pilgrims performing the 2025 Hajj in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have returned large sums of missing foreign currency, winning praise from officials, fellow pilgrims, and observers alike.
The most recent incident involved Hajiya Zainab, a female pilgrim from Plateau State, who discovered a misplaced envelope containing $5,000 inside the revered Masjid Al-Haram in Makkah. Displaying rare virtue and religious discipline, she promptly handed the money over to authorities, leading to its return to a Russian pilgrim who had earlier reported the loss in tears.
Hajiya Zainab’s action was just one among several reported cases of Nigerian pilgrims choosing to do the right thing, despite the harsh economic realities back home. Officials from the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) confirmed that multiple incidents of lost and found valuables, ranging from dollars to riyals, mobile phones, and other personal effects, have occurred since the start of the pilgrimage season, with Nigerians consistently taking the lead in returning them.
NAHCON’s Commissioner in charge of Operations, Abdullahi Magaji, while addressing journalists in Makkah, commended the pilgrims for what he described as a “true reflection of the values of honesty and accountability that Islam upholds.”
“We are proud of the consistent show of integrity by our pilgrims. These actions speak volumes about the moral strength and religious consciousness of Nigerians representing the country in this sacred journey,” he said.
Saudi officials overseeing Hajj logistics and security have also expressed their admiration for the conduct of Nigerian pilgrims. A senior official with the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, speaking anonymously, lauded the honesty displayed and noted that such behaviour contributes to the global reputation of the Nigerian contingent.
Reactions on social media have been overwhelmingly positive, with many Nigerians hailing the actions as a reminder that moral rectitude still thrives, even in the midst of hardship. “This is the Nigeria we want to see,” wrote one user on X (formerly Twitter). “May Allah reward them and guide us all.”
The pilgrims’ noble acts come at a time when the annual spiritual journey attracts millions from across the world, making incidents of lost belongings nearly unavoidable. Yet, it is the rare show of integrity from individuals like Hajiya Zainab and others that restore hope and elevate the image of Nigeria on the global stage.
As the 2024 Hajj progresses, Nigerian officials continue to urge pilgrims to uphold the values of trust, patience, and dignity, reminding them that the essence of the pilgrimage extends beyond rituals, into character, compassion, and conscience.
