Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences Bayero University Kano (BUK), in collaboration with the Ummah for Earth alliance under Greenpeace MENA, has launched the Hausa version of the Green Guide for Hajj and Umrah.
The event marks a significant step in promoting an environmentally conscious pilgrimage among Hausa-speaking communities across Africa.
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The launch, which took place at BUK was part of the global campaign themed “Renewing Our Oath: A Green Hajj Across Languages.”
The initiative aims to break linguistic and national barriers in advocating for a more sustainable Hajj experience.
In her remarks, the campaign’s Global Outreach Coordinator Nouhad Awwad emphasized the importance of reaching out to the over 50 million Hausa speakers worldwide.
“This launch connects better with our African allies and mobilizes millions to take climate-conscious actions during the sacred journey,”
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The guide, which was initially available in English, Arabic, Indonesian, and Malay, has now been translated into French, Turkish, Urdu, Dutch, and Hausa bringing the total to nine languages.
Professor Aliyu Salisu Barau, focal person for Ummah for Earth in Nigeria and a professor at BUK, expressed concerns about the environmental toll of the increasing number of pilgrims.
He cited alarming statistics, including the deaths of over 1,300 pilgrims in 2024 due to extreme heat and humidity.
“Air pollution levels in Mecca during Hajj often exceed World Health Organization (WHO) safe limits,” he noted, adding that food waste makes up more than 50% of municipal solid waste during Hajj, with plastic and paper waste also on the rise.
He warned that approximately 300 million liters of sewage are treated and discharged daily into the Red Sea.
In his goodwill message, Dr. Saidu Ahmad Dukawa, Director of the International Institute of Islamic Thought (IIIT), urged the Kano State Government to deploy Hisbah officials to help enforce environmental cleanliness among Nigerian pilgrims.
He praised the Green Guide for aligning with IIIT’s mission of educating Muslims on ethical and sustainable living.
The guide was officially unveiled by Professor Amina Mustapha, BUK’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation, who reaffirmed the university’s commitment to supporting initiatives that bridge the gap between academic knowledge and community impact.
“BUK, as the only federal university in Kano, stands ready to provide all necessary support to achieve the campaign’s goals,” she said.
Renowned Islamic scholar Sheikh Ibrahim Khalil delivered a paper titled “Hajj and Environmental Sustainability for Hausa Speaking Pilgrims: Past, Present and Future,” highlighting the importance of integrating environmental responsibility into religious duties.
The event, tagged Nigeria Launch of the Translations of the Green Guide to Hajj and Umrah, brought together participants from academia, Islamic scholars (ulama), women’s groups, national Hajj organizers, pilgrims, and media representatives.
The Green Hajj campaign continues to gain global traction as it promotes sustainable practices during one of the world’s largest religious gatherings.