As the month of Dhul Hijjah commenced on Sunday, Muslims have been urged to engage in prayer for peace and security in Nigeria, and to carry out various acts of devotion in the month.
The Sultan of Sokoto and President General of Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar gave the charge on Monday in a message to Muslims in Nigeria.
“Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), under the leadership of President-General, His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni, the Sultan of Sokoto, urges the Nigerian Muslim ummah to be more dedicated and be committed in virtuous acts during these days which have commenced yesterday Sunday, 11th July, 2021.
“Some of the recommended acts expected to be performed in these days include Dhikr (constant remembrance of Allah, the Most High by glorifying Him and thanking Him), especially frequent repetition of Allahu Akbar Allahu Akbar, Laa’ilaha illallahu Wallahu Akbar Allahu Akbar Walillahil-Hamd, as well as the recitation of the Glorious Qur’an and recital of Istighfar (seeking Allah’s forgiveness).”
According to the Sultan, other pious acts are, “extending kindness to relatives, sharing with the poor and the needy, making peace and reconciliation, extending goodwill to kith and kin, visiting the sick, amongst many other acts of worship”. He said good deeds in this period is more gracious, than during any other days on earth without exception, “as declared by the Prophet (PBUH) and expounded by Ibn Rajab”.
“We therefore call on the Muslim Ummah to imbibe the spirit of forgiveness and shun acts that will attract the anger of Allah (SWT). We should all be more generous in alms and should also seriously engage in supplications for an end to the myriad of challenges bedeviling the Nigerian nation.
“Indeed Allah listens to the calls of His servants and this is an opportunity, to intensify such call to Him! Muslims must understand that Allah (SWT) answers the supplications of those who keep their covenant with Him and are very much conscious of Him in actions and words. During these sacred days, the annual ‘Eid-el-Adha’ is celebrated along with the accompanying momentous sacrifices and the spiritual attainment of Hajj.
“It is recommended for Muslims, who can afford, to fast the first nine days of the month, because of the great reward inherent in them. If one is unable to fast the days, he should make sure that fasting of the Arafat Day on 19th July, 2021, is observed; its reward is the reparation of two years sins. We should seek Allah’s forgiveness, adore and worship Him, as well as supplicate fervently for an end to the litany of security cum economic challenges bedeviling the nation.
“Bearing in mind the wave of abductions and kidnappings for ransom, as well as repeated attacks by Boko Haram insurgents and all other crimes against humanity, we reiterate that these heinous crimes are condemnable, abhorrent and un-islamic. We must not relent in offering our support to security agencies by providing relevant intelligence tips, in spite of the alleged repercussions sometimes on informants by the mindless criminals.
“The onus lies squarely on the shoulders of the political leadership to confront these existential threats. We shouldn’t forget that it is desirable upon whoever has the ability of possessing a sacrificial animal to refrain from hair shaving of all forms, cutting of finger and feet nails, until the ‘Eid day i.e. after the ‘Eid prayers.
“It is also desirable for those who would offer sacrificial animal not to take breakfast on the ‘Eid day, until after observing the ‘Eid prayers and slaughtering of their respective animals, and eat there-from. After the ‘Eid prayers, Muslims are to resume back to Dhikr after each obligatory prayer from the 10th day of Dhul-Hijjah i.e. 20th July, 2021 (after Zuhr – afternoon prayers), till after the Subh – early morning prayer of the 14th day of Dhul-Hijjah i.e. 24th July, 2021.
“This is in line with “the most correct saying concerning the Takbir – that which the majority of the Salaf (Pious Predecessors), and the Scholars from the Companions and Imams were upon – is to begin making the Takbir from Fajr (dawn) on the day of Arafah up until the last day of at-Tashriq (the thirteenth of Dhul-Hajj), after every Prayer.” [Ibn Taymiyyah in Majmu al-Fatawa, vol. 24 page 220].
“While wishing all an accepted acts of worship in these sacred days, we wish the Ummah an accepted Udhiya (sacrifice) and peaceful celebration,” the Sultan said.
