Kano Hosts Thousands for Annual Kadiriyya Procession

Thousands of followers of the Qadiriyya Sufi order gathered in Kano on 4 October 2025 for the annual Maukibi procession. The event draws pilgrims from across Nigeria and neighbouring West African countries and features colourful marching through the streets with drumming, chants and recitations.

The sect’s spiritual leader, Sheikh AbduGaffar Nasiru Kabara, said his father Sheikh Nasiru Kabara introduced the procession in 1950 to replace pre-Islamic songs with praise of Allah and the Prophet Muhammad. The march is held on the first Saturday of the month of Rabi al-Thani, or the second Saturday if the Islamic calendar does not align with the tenth day. Participants depart from the Kabara family compound and conclude at the Jami’u Kanzil Mudsalam mosque, where clerics deliver speeches and prayers.

This year’s celebration was attended by high-ranking guests, including Nigeria’s defence minister and representatives of several governors and traditional rulers. Sheikh AbduGaffar urged participants to strengthen unity, emulate the Prophet’s character and use the occasion to foster love for God and community.