Ramadan: Sultan decries rising banditry, kidnappings, poverty, tasks Muslims on prayers

President General of Jama’atu Nasril Islam, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has lamented the rising cases of armed banditry, kidnappings, theft and poverty, while urging Muslims to pray fervently for peace, security and blessings in Nigeria.

Speaking in his Ramadan message to the Muslim ummah, in a statement signed on his behalf by the JNI Secretary General, Dr Khalid Aliyu, the Sultan of Sokoto tasked Nigerian Muslims to use the holy month of Ramadan to beseech Allah to bring an end to the spate of kidnapping, insurgency and terrorism in Nigeria and restore peace and blessings to the country.  

“Following the successful commencement of Ramadan fasting two days ago, JNI under the leadership of His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, felicitates with the Nigerian Muslim Ummah, as it was very pleasing that Allah (SWT) made the commencement in harmony. Alhamdulillah.

“Ramadan is a month of servitude and dedication to Allah, the Most High, self-restraint and patience, thus we must collectively strive to earn Allah’s pleasure, and forgiveness in this blessed month. We must be more dedicated to the worship of Allah now and beyond, as there is no better time than the month of Ramadan.

“JNI has been calling on Muslims to fervently pray for the restoration of security, peace, stability, progress and development in Nigeria. We once again reiterate same call, as the situation seems to be deteriorating with armed banditry, kidnappings, theft and abject poverty on the increase. 

“JNI uses this medium to call on the Nigerian Muslims to redouble their respective efforts in being more God-conscious through punctual observance of the five daily and Taraweeh prayers congregationally, frequent recitation of the Glorious Qur’an, ardent supplications, as well as continued remembrance of Allah (SWT).

“Governments at all levels as well as individuals who have the wherewithal are called upon to extend benevolent gestures – such as alms giving and supports to the indigents in severe need, as well as millions of IDPs spread across the country. This is the most appropriate time to show compassion and of course, the needy would want to see such assistance now. Moreover, it is more rewarding. 

“Similarly, JNI uses this medium to remind leaders at all levels that success shall only come their respective ways when they rollout friendly policies to the citizenry. At the moment, the outcry is loud and clear! Therefore, this period should be a sober reflection time for us all to make the necessary amend, in order to seek Allah’s pleasure.

“Mufasseerun (scholars engaged in the exegesis of Glorious Qur’an) are urged to put the citizenry on the pedestal of goodness and be reminded of the consequences of vices. In addition, they are implored to conduct their respective Tafseer sessions in line with the Qur’an and sunnah of the Noble Prophet, using courteous language and kind words. They should as well shun bad preaching during the Tafseer sessions. JNI wishes all Muslim faithful an accepted and rewarding Ramadan.”

Leave a Reply