By Aideloje Ojo
Minna
Governor Abubakar Sani Bello of Niger state and Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, have sued for peace and dedication to service of Allah during the Ramadan period.
They stated this yesterday in separate messages in Minna.
The Etsu Nupe, in a message urged Muslim faithful in the country to use the holy month of Ramadan to re-dedicate themselves to the service of Almighty God and reflect on His injunctions in dealing with the people.
The royal father, who is also the chairman, Niger state Council of Chiefs, said the month should afford Muslims the opportunity to ask for God’s forgiveness, tolerance of human imperfections and frailties of our everyday lives.
He said fasting period presented a platform for moral cleaning and to appreciate Allah’s abundant blessings, good will, protection and guidance over years and urged the Muslims to adhere strictly to the tenets of Ramadan to get Allah’s favour and blessing.
Etsu Nupe urged Muslims to use Ramadan period to re-evaluate their lives in the light of Islamic guidance in the interest of peace and national development, adding that Ramadan is much more than just not eating and drinking.
The monarch also cautioned preachers against provocative sermons capable of inciting the public against each other before, during and after Ramadan Tafsir preaching.
In his message, Governor Abubakar Sani Bello enjoined Muslims to get closer to Allah by engaging in acts that would fetch them eternal salvation and Aljanna Firdausi.
He said Ramadan was a unique month in which prayers are answered and sins forgiven, hence the need to engage in deep personal worship and supplications in other to seek the favour and blessings of Allah in this world and hereafter.
“The period of Ramadan brings all Muslims closer to Allah in purity. And to attain high spiritual value in the eyes of Allah, we must remain firm, honest and committed to goodness because it is a time of giving to the less privileged in other to get eternal blessings from Allah,” he said.
The governor called on the Ummah to remain resolute and hopeful in the face of the present economic downturn, assuring that with their collective prayers, especially in this month, things would get better sooner, rather than later.
“We must remain firm and committed to the practice of our religion, guard against satanic influences and acts capable of attracting the wrath of Allah and support our security agencies in check-mating agents of disunity and promoters of violence.”
