Makkah, Saudi Arabia
A Nigerian pilgrim, Hajiya Zainab from Plateau State, has been widely praised for her exceptional honesty after returning a lost sum of \$5,000 (approximately ₦8.24 million) to its rightful owner, a Russian national, during the Hajj pilgrimage in Makkah.
The incident occurred on Tuesday at the Masjidul Haram, Islam’s holiest mosque. Hajiya Zainab found the money and immediately took steps to ensure it was returned to its owner, demonstrating what officials have described as a “rare and commendable act of integrity.”
The Plateau State Pilgrims Board, led by Hon. Daiyabu Dauda, confirmed the incident, with backing from the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
In a statement, Hon. Dauda commended the pilgrim, saying:
“She demonstrated exceptional integrity and honesty by returning \$5,000 she found in Masjidul Haram to its rightful owner. That’s a remarkable act of kindness. Her actions embody the values of honesty, trustworthiness, and compassion, which are essential for a Muslim. May her story inspire others to emulate her exemplary behaviour.”
The act has drawn praise from across the Nigerian Muslim community and the wider Hajj delegation, with many calling it a proud moment for Nigeria during the pilgrimage.
