By Mohammed Baba Busu.
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Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, the Etsu Nupe and Chairman, Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, has called on Muslim faithful to remain prayerful for the sustenance of peace, unity and progress of the country.
The Etsu Nupe made the call at his Wadata Palace, Bida, in a goodwill message to Muslim Ummah on the occasion of the new Islamic year (MUHARRAM) 1445 on Wednesday.
The royal father noted that the Islamic event was remarkable and reinvigorated the virtues of faith, sacrifice, obedience, love, tolerance, charity and peaceful co-existence, which were the deeds and teachings of Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
According to Etsu Nupe, the first of Muharram heralded the migration of Prophet Muhammad, peace of God be upon him, from his birthplace Mecca in search of a peaceful and conducive atmosphere to practise Islam.
He said the day was when Prophet muhammad did Hijrah from Mecca his birth place to Madina, the country home of his mother, to peacefully practise Islam
“This brings to mind the need for everyone to imbibe the lessons of patience, perseverance, tolerance, moderation and compassion,” Alhaji Abubakar said.
The traditional ruler congratulated Muslim faithful on the occasion of another lunar calendar, Hijrah 1445, and urged everyone to reflect on the purpose of the day, in the hope that mankind is guided by its lessons and significance in daily living and interactions with others.
He called for religious tolerance, mutual respect, and compassion for everyone, irrespective of their beliefs.”
He, therefore, stressed that Nigerians’ collective faith in God and sustained prayers for peace, unity and progress of the country, remained the ultimate goal for the full realisation of the nation’s founding fathers’ dreams and aspirations.
He said sustained prayers would enable the nation to overcome the devilish acts threatening its peaceful coexistence.
Alhaji Abubakar said the two major religions in the country preached peace and unity, and as such, Nigerians should adhere and focus on how to go closer to God instead of fomenting trouble
“Let us revive the teachings of the prophet by preaching peace wherever we find ourselves,” he said.
He said that as sincere Muslims, “we are supposed to follow all that the Prophet of Islam preaches and teaches”.
“Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) preached peace, love and unity “and as true followers of Islam, we should emulate the same thing so that we can enjoy blessings of God Almighty here and in the hereafter”.
Abubakar urged Nigerians to continue to be tolerant and live in peace with one another, irrespective of religious, cultural and ethnic differences.
He said that “peace and unity are veritable tools for national development. So, Nigerians must strive to maintain them for the nation to move forward.
