The return of €1,750 (one thousand, seven hundred and fifty euros) that a Nigerian pilgrim discovered near the Haram in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, has been celebrated.
Muhammad Na’Allah, from Gumi Local Government Area of Zamfara State, handed the money over to the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, for onward delivery to the owner.
Receiving the €1,750 found by Na’Allah at the NAHCON office in Ummuljud, Makkah, the commission’s chairman, Malam Jalal Ahmad Arabi praised the pilgrim, saying the act symbolizes his name (Na’Allah) which demonstrated his closeness to Allah.
“This shows his pilgrimage has positively impacted on his personal character, behavior and attitude,” Arabi told the officials of the Zamfara State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, who accompanied Na’Allah to the commission’s office.
This is the second time a Nigerian pilgrim would return missing money. Just last week, Abba Limawa from Dutse Local Government Area of Jigawa State returned 10,500 Russian Rubles, 800 Dollars and 690 Saudi Riyals.
The chairman had also last week commended Limawa, 52, for being honest and projecting the image of Nigeria positively before the international community.
Limawa
The pilgrim explained that he found the money inside a waist bag while on his way to pray at the Masjid Haram (Mosque).
“Initially, I wanted to ignore the waist bag and move to the Mosque, but on second thought, I said it might belong to a Nigerian, especially some of our old women.
“So, I decided to pick it, and I proceeded to the mosque. When I returned to my accommodation, I opened the bag and discovered that there was no Nigerian currency or sign that it belonged to a Nigerian.
“Immediately, I approached one of the officials of the Jigawa State Pilgrims Welfare Boards, narrated the story and presented the money to him.
“From there, he commended me for showing exemplary character and honesty and told me that he would hand over the money to the NAHCON to ensure that the owner gets their money,” Limawa explained.