Sultan of Sokoto and President General of Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has urged Muslims to intensify prayers and other pious acts in the last 10 days of Ramadan to achieve the blessing of Laylatul Quadri.
According to a statement issued by the JNI Secretary-General, Dr Khalid Aliyu, Muslims should intensify prayers for relief and succor to the security and economic challenges bedevilling the nation.
“With total gratitude and glorification to Allah, the Most High, we marked the successful commencement of the 2018 Ramadan fasting, on Thursday, May 17, 2018, and like a twinkle of an eye, tomorrow, Tuesday, June 5, 2018, shall mark the 20th day of Ramadan.
“Thus, its night ushers the start for the search of the most blessed night (Laylatul Qadr); the night of decree and honour which is sought in the odd nights i.e. 21st 23rd, 25th, 27th and 29th of Ramadan. We should watch out for the Laylatul Qadr which often comes up in one of the five exceptional nights, according to authentic Ahadith of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
“Therefore, Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) under the leadership of His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General, uses this medium, to beseech Allah (SWT) in order to facilitate for us observing the remaining last nine or 10 days successfully. May He also strengthen our faith in Him and relieve our dear country of the hard times and trying moments we are passing through, and the Muslim world in general.
“Therefore, the spirit of observing daily obligatory Salawat (prayers), the Tarawih (emphatic night prayers) also known as Qiyamu-Ramadan and the late night prayers known as Qiyamul-layl should be sustained in these days and beyond.
“Muslims are also implored to intensify their kindness in alms giving to the poor, the needy, the orphans and the handicapped in the society, especially that many families are just living beyond the poverty line. We must pray for its overturn.
“Muslims are reminded of the Zakatul Fitr (ordained alms giving at the end of Ramadan Fasting), which is supposed to be given out to the needy in the last three days of Ramadan or in the early hours of Eid-el Fitr day before the commencement of the Eid prayer.
“While wishing all Muslim faithful Allah’s pardon in these sacred days and after, we pray fervently for His benevolent acceptance of our Ramadan fasting, even as we urge all Muslims never to return to abominable acts after the Ramadan fasting.”