By Kadiri Abdulrahman
Madinah: The Chief Imam of the Police Force Headquarters, Abuja, Dr Yakub Alhassan, has advised pilgrims to visit Quba Mosque in Madinah to earn the reward equivalent to Umrah before Hajj.
Alhassan, an Assistant Commissioner of Police, gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Madinah.
“This is Quba Mosque, the first mosque built by Prophet Muhammad {may Peace and Blessings of Allah Be Upon Him (PBUH)}. It is one of the most sacred places and worthy of visitation.
“It is also known as Masjid al-Taqwa. Every pilgrim who enters Madinah should visit this Mosque. It was the first Mosque built on piety by the Prophet (PBUH),” the Imam said.
He recommended that Muslims pray either two rak‘ah of naflah or one of the five daily prayers there.
“If you pray here, you have a high chance of receiving the reward of Umrah,” he said.
Alhassan also said it’s recommended to visit the Prophet’s graveyard and those of his companions.
“Visiting the graveyard aligns with the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). However, traveling solely to visit a graveyard is not permitted.
“You may visit only to honour and pray for the dead, and to reflect on their state but you don’t pray or seek anything from them except from Almighty Allah, He alone,” he said.
He cautioned pilgrims against touching tombs or making remarks outside the scope of prayer.
“Wiping the walls is not allowed. Prayer is what matters. Even in Nigeria, you can visit cemeteries and pray for the deceased Muslims.
“The dead has nothing to offer to you, all they need from you is your prayers for forgiveness, nothing else,” he emphasised. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)