NAN-H-27
Maulud
Abuja, Dec. 12, 2016 (NAN) The Chief Imam of Ife, Alhaji Abdus-Samii Abdul-Hamid, has called on Muslims to emulate the virtues of Prophet Mohammed for the peace and progress of the nation.
Abdul-Hamid gave the charge during an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Ile-Ife.
He called on Muslims to preach peace and give peace a chance so that Nigeria would be a place conducive for all.
He advised Nigerians to shun violence and any act capable of jeopardising the peace of the nation.
Abdul-Hamid charged Muslims to be prayerful for Nigeria to overcome economic recession, saying prayer was the key of success and to overcome any challenges.
The cleric emphasised that Prophet Muhammed exercised patient, honesty, dedication, perseverance and he loved everyone.
The Chief Imam appealed to government to ensure they were mindful of the welfare of their workers and retirees by paying them their salaries and allowances as at when due.
Similarly, Alhaji Sodiq Afolayan, the Chief Imam of Omu-Aran Central Mosque, in an interview with NAN, described Eid el-Maulud as a sacred period for prayers and devotion.
“It is in the light of the holiness of this sacred period that we should not hesitate in offering prayers for guidance for our leaders.
“We as patriotic citizens should specifically offer prayers for speedy recovery of the nation’s economy said to be presently in recession.
“Surely, this is one sacred period where prayers of the righteous are promptly accepted and granted,’’ he said.
In another development, Alhaji Mustapha Abdulsalam, the Missioner of Nasrullahi-lifathi Society of Nigeria (NASFAT), Omu-Aran chapter, urged leaders in the country to imbibe the exemplary leadership style of Prophet Muhammad.
“Prophet Muhammad was an epitome of humility, honesty and integrity.
“He had every opportunity to ask for Allah’s torments on the people of Makkah while being persecuted but he did not.
“Instead, in his characteristic manner, he chose to migrate to Madinah with his supporters as mark of respect for sanctity of lives, referred to as Hijra.
“This is just one of the sterling qualities that endeared Prophet Muhammad to his followers during and after his sojourn on earth,’’ he said.
Abdulsalam also urged Muslims to reflect on the celebration and rededicate themselves to the service of Allah and humanity.
Meanwhile Rt. Rev. Philip Adeyemo, the Bishop of St Paul Anglican Cathedral, Omu-Aran, urged Muslims to continue to imbibe religious tolerance and equality.
“As Christians in the country patiently awaits the celebration of Christmas marking the birth of Jesus.
“Today’s celebration also called for the need to entrench religious tolerance to move the nation forward.
“Muslims are therefore advised to take advantage of its significant for the overall benefit of the citizenry,’’ he said.
Prophet Christopher Owolabi of the Christ Apostolic Church, Ori-Oke Irapada, Omu-Aran, also urged Muslims to replicate Prophet Muhammed’s humble background in their daily activities.
He urged wealthy Muslims to extend their hands of assistance to the needy and the less- privileged.
According to Owolabi, recent development in the country occasioned by the unimpressive economic situation requires citizens to be their brother’s keepers.
He said the present situation was not about being a Muslim, a Christian, Yoruba, Igbo or Hausa, but a Nigeria citizen.
“This is the only way we can collectively tackle and alleviate the impact of the economic recession on the people,’’ he said.(NAN)
ISHO/AK/KAY
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Edited by Akin Makanjuola, Kayode Olaitan