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Tag: Muslims

  • Ramadan: Sultan directs Muslims to look for new moon

    The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, yesterday called on Muslims to look for the new moon of Ramadan 1440A.H.

    Abubakar made the call in a statement by Prof. Sambo Junaidu, the Chairman, Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sultanate Council, Sokoto.

    Junaidu said “this is to inform the Muslim Ummah that Sunday, May 5, which is equivalent to 29 day of Sha’aban 1440A.H., shall be the day to look for the new moon of Ramadan 1440A.H.

    “Muslims are, therefore, requested to start looking for the new moon of Ramadan 1440AH on Sunday and report its sighting to the nearest district or village head for onward communication to the Sultan.”

    REad also: Synopses on Ramadan

    The monarch prayed to Allah to help religious leaders and all Muslims in the discharge of their religious duties.

    He further said the general public could report the sighting of the new moon directly to the sultan through the following phone numbers;

    08037157100, 07067416900, 08066303077, 08065480405, 08035965322, 08036149757 and 08035945903.

    Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar in which the Muslim conduct the compulsory full month fasting.

  • Cleric advises Muslims on regular visit to graveyard

    An Abuja-based Islamic Cleric, Sheikh Yahya Al-Yolawi, has advised Muslims to cultivate the habit of visiting the graveyard to remember and prepare for life after death.

    Al-Yolawi, who is also the Chief Imam of Area 10 Garki Mosque in Abuja, gave the advice while delivering Jumma’at Sermon entitled “ Benefits of Remembering Death in Islam” on Friday in Abuja.

    The cleric explained that regular visit to graveyard would enable Muslims to prepare toward death before it was too late, adding that remembering death would reduce worldly materials’ inclination from hearts.

    According to Al-Yolawi, death is a reality in which all human beings accept and believe in but it is also a reality which most people like to keep out of their minds.

    He added that “in Islam, death is not an end to our existence; it is a passage, which takes us from this world to the next stage of life (grave) then to hereafter.

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    “ Whether we like it or not, death will certainly come to every one of us. Muslims Success or failure at the time of death depends largely on how much he prepared before that day.

    “ Preparing for death is a lifetime assignment which begins on the day one reach the age of adolescence, where
    he will be responsible for his deeds for the rest of his or her life.

    “ Once death arrives, the opportunity to do well or worship ends and it will be too late to repent and our final
    destination depends largely on the kind of beliefs and actions exhibited in this present life. “

    Al-Yolawi said any person who chooses to forget or rule out remembering death in his day-to-day life would
    find it difficult to repent his or her sins and devil would have total power over him.

    The cleric, therefore, admonished Muslims to inculcate the spirit of humility and humbleness in dealing with
    people irrespective of their religion or tribal background.

    Al-Yolawi also urged Muslims to be contented with whatever little they have, shun egotism and
    oppression of the less privilege.

    NAN

  • Sultan: Christians, Muslims have no preferred candidates for 2019 polls

    The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III on Saturday said Nigerians should hold President Muhammadu Buhari to his words that he will conduct a free, fair and credible 2019 general elections.  Abubakar disclosed that Nigerians should also know that Christian and Muslim leaders: “We do not have any preferred candidate for any elective post in the forthcoming 2019 elections. Everybody is our candidate.

    “President Muhammadu Buhari has vowed to ensure violence free campaign and free, fair and credible 2019 elections. So we will hold him to his words. INEC should also take note of what the president said. Security agencies especially the police should take not of this. Let us deliberate and see who is the best to lead us out of this quagmire.”

    He said this during the Nigeria Inter-religious Council (NIREC), Youth Wing second National Youth Summit themed: Towards Peaceful And Contribution Of Christians And Muslim Youth In 2019 General Elections In Nigeria,held in Abuja. He said that Nigerians should take a stand and not to be used by politicians and other stakeholders to cause violence especially during the forthcoming general elections.

    Abubakar said that the second summit came at the time Nigeria have been politicised by the political class and that there was the need to sit as a family irrespective of their various religious. He advised Nigerians to be untied and that the summit is aimed at contributing to peaceful participation of inter religious groups on the 2019 election.

    The sultan called on the youths not to allow themselves to be used by politicians to instigate violence of any kind. His words: “This summit is better now as we are approaching the 2019 general elections. Nigeria has never been so tensed-up  as it is today. Everything is politicized. Religion is politicized, economy is politicized, including politics itself. We have seen politic in other lands and it is not as hot as our own.

    “The youths are the foot-solders of tomorrow and it is necessary that we bring them together. There is so much apprehension yes. Our religions have never preach violence. So where did we get our own violent mood that we use children to kill, burn and destroy houses and properties.

    As religious leaders we are worried. The victims of election violence are not my children or yours, the victims are the children of the common men and women who cannot afford one meal a day.

    So why should we be used by politicians to commit crime. “Why won’t the politicians use their children for election violence, or their friends. Even  if it is the president, we will not be used by any politician. And the earlier we do that the better for us.” The president of the Christians Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Samson Ayokunle, also told youths not to allow themselves to be use by selfish politicians to cause mayhem during the 2019 general elections.

     

    Ayokunle said that youth should not allow disgruntled politicians to use them as political thugs by providing them with drugs and all sort of weapons to attack their own brothers because of political differences while their own children are schooling abroad. He said that Youth should wake up from slumber and always see themselves as futher leaders instead of being cheap to selfish politicians.

    “Our youths should stay peacefully and not allow selfish politicians to use them in breaching the relative peace in the country. Whoever approaches you for thuggery, ask him to lead you in the act.” The CAN president, caution ahead of the elections, saying “any distraction or violence will only set our democracy backwards and affect all areas of human development”.

     

    He noted some of the challenges being experienced in the country are instigated by politicians while urging them to play politics devoid of acrimony and violence.

    Lamenting the security challenges across the country. In his remarks, the National Security Adviser to the President Maj.Gen Babagana Monguno, (rtd) represented by Brig-Gen Emmanuel Ndagi said that peaceful dialogue is the path way to peaceful coexistence.

    Monguno said that security is a collective responsibility, adding that Nigerians should stay peaceful.  He urged the youths to ensure that Nigeria achieve peaceful elections and that Nigeria’s President is working to ensure free fair peaceful and credible elections in 2019.  He, however, added that the Federal Government, religious leaders, politicians as well as youths have critical roles in preventing the used of social media to propagate fake news, hate speech and any act capable of instigating violence.

    The United States of America Ambassador, represented by David Young, Deputy Chief of Mission of embassy in Nigeria, said that the US is committed to supporting Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to achieve credible elections in Nigeria. Young commended the role NIREC in mobilising Nigeria’s Youths towards peaceful 2019 general elections.

    He advised that Nigerian youths should practiced their faith and put it into action by loving God and their neighbors with all their hearts,” for faith without works is dead” . The Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris said government is working seriously for the success of the forthcoming 2019 general election.

    Idris who was represented by Assistant Inspector General of Police  Raheed Akintunde vowed that both vote buyers and sellers would be dealt with without fear or favour. He urged youths not to allow themselves be used as political thug.

     

    It would be recalled that President Muhammadu Buhari had few weeks back given the assurance at the International Conference Center(ICC),in the Hague, Netherlands, where he assured the International Criminal Court that his administration would deploy every power within its reach to conduct free, fair and violence-free polls in 2019.

     

  • Be your brother’s keeper, Adeleke tells Muslims

    The senator representing Osun West, Nurudeen Ademola Adeleke, has urged Muslims worldwide to show brotherliness in their dealings and interactions with one another in accordance with the teachings of the Holy Qur’an and Ahadith of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

    In an Eid-el-Mawlud message by his media aide, Olumide Lawal, the senator said Islam is a religion of peace, which should not be tainted by evil-doers.

    He said nobody should take a soul that he cannot create, adding that the power to do so belongs only to Allah Almighty.

    Adeleke maintained that global peace should not be threatened because of selfish and narrow interests of those who falsely claim to be fighting in the cause of Allah, whereas they do the opposite.

    Read also: Presidency tackles ex-UK official over comment on Buhari’s anti-graft war

    He said Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) lived a peaceful life, which extended love to all of mankind.

    Adeleke also urged Muslims and other Nigerians to live in peace and promote unity rather than play up issues that weaken the nation’s oneness.

    The senator advised all to avoid issues that threaten the fabric of the nation’s existence, as enunciated by Prophet Muhammed (S.A.W).

  • APC to Muslims: don’t be swayed

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) has asked Nigerians to make the right choice in who leads the country at all level of governance as the nation look forward to another round of elections.

    It also urged the citizens not to be swayed by promises of those who wrecked the nation’s economy and now campaigning for a new Nigeria.

    In a statement on the occasion of Eid-el Maulud signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Issa-Onilu, the party said Nigerians must be wary of the empty promises and antics of the same people who oversaw the ruining of the country and now parade themselves as newly-converted saints with promises of a Nigerian Eldorado.

    The statement said it’s victory in the just concluded bye elections in Katsina, Bauchi and Kwara was a pointer to the support of a large section of the Nigerian people and their continued confidence in the change agenda of the Buhari-led government.

    The APC felicitated with Muslim Ummah on the joyous occasion of Eid-el Maulud, which celebrates the birthday of the Holy Prophet Mohammed (SAW).

    “The occasion calls on Muslims and indeed all Nigerians irrespective of religious affiliations to apply the teachings of Prophet Mohammed, which borders on peaceful coexistence, tolerance, justice, charity and piety as we collectively work for the peace, progress and development of our dear country, Nigeria,” the party said.

  • Island Club seeks unity among Christians, Muslims

    The Island Club has called for unity among Christians and Muslims to ensure peaceful coexistence.

    The club’s Chairman, Olabanji Oladapo, made the call at the weekend at its annual Ileya dance in Lagos.

    At the programme, with the theme, 2018 Ileya Dance, Oladapo congratulated Muslim brothers and sisters for last month’s Ileya (Eid-el-Kabir) celebration.

    The club’s chairman said the gathering was meant to celebrate them by Christians and fellow Muslims.

    He added: “This gathering is a unifying factor for members as well as Muslims and Christians to celebrate and dance.

    “At this time, when religion is becoming a dividing factor in Nigeria, it is important to note that we are all worshiping one God and we all believe in Him.

    “Even though we have not seen Him, we must establish relationships with one another. We must agree with ourselves that we have to worship God and ensure peace among ourselves. Nobody is bigger than God.”

    Oladapo said the club would continue to provide conducive atmosphere for its members.

    He said: “At this programme, we have Christians and Muslims. In fact, Christians donated rams for this celebration. That shows how interwoven we are in the club as Christians and Muslims.”

    The club chairman urged political leaders to put the interest of all at heart, ahead of next year’s general elections.

    “They must believe that we have one country, which is Nigeria and everything they do must be to the interest of everybody,” he said.

    The special guest, Sir Kensington Adebutu, urged the club to improve the lives of membership and show more love to one another.

  • Perm Sec to Muslims: be grateful to Allah

    Muslims have been urged to learn how to give thanks to God Almighty always and seek for the forgiveness of their sins.

    Permanent Secretary Public Service Office Alhaji Bashir Olumuyiwa Braimoh gave this advice at the Annual Eid-ul-Adha Get Together organised by the Muslim Community of the Lagos State House of Assembly on Wednesday at Alausa, Ikeja.

    Braimoh, who was the guest speaker, said the gathering was meant to show gratitude to Allah for “creating us, making us Muslims and a practicing ones.”

    The lecturer added that to witness Eid-Ul-Adah is a blessing from Allah, adding that people should show gratitude to God Almighty always.

    “We need to thank Allah for Him to know that we appreciate what he has done for us. We should not feel that it is our fasting and prayers that make us to be alive.

    “Those who believe that it is not their fasting and prayers that kept them alive should give thanks to God Almighty always,” he said.

    Quoting copiously from the Quran, Braimoh advised that whoever knows how to thank Allah will always be blessed.

    He stressed that anyone that does not give thanks to God owes a debt and that He honours those, who gives thanks to Him.

    According to him, whoever asks for forgiveness should forsake his sins.

    “Allah said He would not punish us as long as we have the prophets. He says He would not punish us so long as we seek forgiveness from Him. He told the prophets that there are things he would give you if you ask for forgiveness. He said all He told them is to seek forgiveness from Him.

    “If you thank Allah, you are seeking His blessing. He promised us Paradise on earth and in heaven. Glory be to God, the gracious. Praising God weighs more than anything in the world,” he said.

    True worshippers of God, he said, should focus on heaven and not the things of this world.

    He enjoined Muslims to shun the allure of this world, saying that the Quran contains everything they needed in life.

    “If there is any book that can bring the dead back to life, make life better and get you to where you are going, it is the Quran,” he said.

  • Eid-el-Kabir: Peace remains most critical need – Ishaku

    Governor Darius Dickson Ishaku on Tuesday reminded Muslims that peace remains the most critical need in Nigeria especially in Taraba State where many residents have died and thousands displaced from their ancestral homes to crisis.

    He spoke in a statement while rejoicing with Muslims on the Eid-el-Kabir. “I wish all Muslims a happy, peaceful and delightful Eid-el-Kabir celebration,” the statement said.

    The governor’s Sallah felicitation message was delivered by his Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Media and Publicity, Bala Dan Abu.

    “I rejoice with the Muslim Ummah in Taraba State as they join their counterparts in Nigeria and all over the world to mark this year’s Eid-el-Kabir.

    “Peace remains the most critical need of the state and this can only be achieved and sustained if the people remain united against the agents of destabilisation; against those who are bent on causing breakdown of law and order in the land,” the governor said.

    Ishaku prayed for “Allah’s abundant blessings and benevolence upon Nigerians.” He thank God for the gift of life, and reminded Sallah celebrants of the need for them to continue to work very hard for peace in Taraba and the country.

    Read Also: Eid-El-Kabir: Embrace peace, love – Lagos APC women leader

    The governor re-assured them of government’s commitment to his “rescue agenda” which he noted, has already impacted positively in job creation and skills acquisition and also led to an unprecedented improvements in WAEC scores by Taraba students.

    “The provision of water to more than 250 communities, renovation and re-equipment of major hospitals in the state and construction of major roads in the three senatorial zone etc, are only a few of the numerous achievements my administration has put in place.

    “In the years ahead, a lot more will be done in terms of service delivery and in support of the welfare of the people. Let me urge all indigenes and non-indigenes of the state to continue to support this administration.”

  • ‘I’ll accompany my successor to 2019 Eid prayer as ex-Governor’

    Governor Ibikunle Amosun on Tuesday morning took a cursory look at the thousands Muslim faithful who joined him to observe the Eid -El – Kabir prayer at the Muslim Prayer ground, Lantoro, Abeokuta, and declared in sober tone that this year edition draws the curtain to his observing the Sallah prayer with them.

    Amosun who thanked Allah for his mercy upon him and the people of Ogun state for their support since May 29, 2011, said by next year, he would not return to the Lantoro prayer ground in his “capacity as a governor,” but as someone that would accompany his successor – Governor to observe the 2019 Eid -El – Kabir prayer.

    The Governor made this known in brief address to Muslims shortly after the prayer session conducted by the Chief Imam of Egbaland, Alh. Liadi Ogunsolu but the comment prompted many to wonder if Amosun is vaguely hinting of plan to install a Muslim as a successor from among a dozen of aspirants on the platform of the All Progressives Congress(APC) are jostling to succeed him.

    Read Also: Eid-el Kabir: Monarch urges Nigerians to be tolerant

    Joining Amosun to observe the Sallah prayer are the Commissioner of Police in the State, Ahmed Iliyasu, Chief Medical Director of Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abeokuta, Prof. Adewale Musa, former Secretary to the state government and ex – Mines and Steel Minister, Alh. Tunji Sarafa among other dignitaries.

    He urged Muslim to imbibe the lessons of the Eid – El – Kabir in total submission to the will of Allah and practice them always even as he lauded the people of Ogun State for the pervasive religious harmony.

    “There is unity in Ogun state, everybody sees each other as one. There is nothing like this is one Christian and that one is Muslim. We are all one here. Even when I was coming, some Christians were following me,” he said.

    He reiterated his administration’s resolve to keep working till the hand over date in order to further develop the state and make it investors’ destination of choice.

  • Eid-el-Kabir: Buhari felicitates with Muslims, urges harmony, tolerance

    President Muhammadu Buhari has felicitated with Muslims over the Eid-el Kabir, urging for the promotion of harmony and tolerance in dealing with one another at all times.

    Buhari, in his Sallah message, posted on his verified Twitter account, also called Nigerians to rise above personal, group, sectarian and other interests.

    He said: “I felicitate with all Nigerians, particularly the Muslim faithful, on this year’s celebration. I assure you all that our administration will not rest or relent as we work to build the Nigeria of our dreams—secure, prosperous and free from the ravages of corruption.

    Read Also: Eid-el-Kabir: Buhari slaughters his Sallah ram (Photos)

    “On this occasion of Eid-ul-Adha, I urge all Nigerians to rise above personal, group, sectarian and other interests, and to promote harmony and tolerance in dealing with one another at all times.

    “We must imbibe this lesson and make it a duty to sacrifice for others and to always remember those who are less fortunate than ourselves. Selfishness, greed and corruption have no place in our lives and in our dealings with one another.”