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Tag: Muslims

  • Eid-el Kabir: Gaidam urges unity between Muslims and other religions

    … rechoes PVCs collection

    Yobe State Governor Ibrahim Gaidam has called on Muslims to uphold ties that bind them with followers of other religion and humanity in general.

    The governor at his Eid-el Kabir message to the people of the state also called on Muslim faithful and all people in the state to be their brothers’ keepers

    He urged the people to especially concentrate on doing good to their neighbours, orphans, the poor and needy in society.

    “We must make sacrifices in order to strengthen our collective endeavour for the attainment and sustenance of a hamornious, peaceful, disciplined, fair, just and cohesive society. We should also make sacrifices to uphold the ties that bind the Muslims, followers of other religions and indeed all fellow human beings by showing natural inclinations through respect, kindness, love, generousity and truthfulness,” Gov. Gaidam admonished.

    He added That, “The acts of sacrifice we make in this festive period symbolize our willingness to give up on things and bounties that are of benefit to us for the sake of others. We should learn to make sacrifices and strive for the attainment of a happy society where we all live as our brothers’ keepers. We should share the good things we have with our neighbours, the poor and the needy among us in the spirit of brotherhood”, the governor said.

    Gov. Gaidam also stressed that the symbolism of sacrifice during El-el Kabir underlines the need for “respect, kindness, love, generosity and faithfulness” among Muslims and between Muslims and followers of other religions.

    The governor promised to continue his service delivery through the execution and implementation of his administration programs and policies untill his last day in office.

    Read Also: Eid-el-Kabir: Masari felicitates with Muslims

    “I wish to seize the opportunity provided by this solemn occasion to reassure all our citizens that, in spite of all challenges that we have to contend with as a state, our administration shall continue to remain focused and committed to the sustainability of our developmental programmes aimed at making life more meaningful to the citizenry.

    “Let me stress that as we are approaching the last lap of our administration, our focus shall continue to be geared towards consolidating the improved security situation in the state, completion of all ongoing projects and giving attention to the task of post-insurgency resettlement, rehabilitation and reconstruction through effective and efficient collaboration with our development partners and other stakeholders”, he said.

    The governor also used the occasion to appeal to the people of the state who have not collected their Permanent Voters’ Card (PVC) to do so before the closing date of August 31st, 2018, stressing that, “This is the surest way of empowering our people to make the right choice of electing responsible leaders who will effectively use the powers of representation to make good decisions in accordance with their yearnings and aspirations”.

    The governor also stressed the importance of the national ID card to national planning, urging people in the state to register with the National Identity Management Commission and get their national ID cards.

    The governor also called not to take their security for granted but continue to be vigilant within their neighbourhood.

    The Nation observes that this Eid-el-Kabir will be the last one Gov. Ibrahim Gaidam will be celebrating an executive governor as his second constitional term in office terminates by May, 29, 2019.

  • Eid-el-Kabir: Ambode urges Muslims to embrace love, unity

    As Muslims all over the world celebrate eid-el-kabir today, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode has called on them to embrace the virtues of sacrifice, love and continue to foster unity as they join faithfuls all over the world in celebrating.

    This was contained In his Sallah message on Monday signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Habib Aruna.

    Ambode said the period of the celebration was a clarion call for Nigerians to imbibe the lessons of the season such as selfless service to God and humanity, sacrifice and sincere commitment to righteous conducts in their private and public life.

    According to him, the significance of the season should be beyond feasting, adding that as Muslims prepare to offer animal sacrifice in the prescribed days of the festival, the real essence should be to encourage piety, self-discipline and sacrifice.

    The Governor therefore called on all Nigerians to exhibit these virtues for the good of the country and shun any act capable of heating up the polity or causing distrust among various ethnic groups in the country.

    “As we celebrate this auspicious occasion, let us renew our faith in our nation and implore the Almighty God to restore to us those values that place high premium on human life, love of neighbour and sharing even as we ventilate our faith in the unity of our dear country”, the Governor said.

    “This period requires more patience, fortitude, tolerance, endurance, patriotism and a greater willingness to make personal sacrifices for the good of all,” he said.

    The Governor also thanked Lagosians for supporting his administration, assuring that the government would continue to do its best to serve the people and promote fairness and mutual tolerance among the populace, irrespective of their ethnic religion or political affiliation.

    While wishing all Lagosians, especially adherents of the Islamic faith a happy Eid-el-Kabir celebration, Governor Ambode enjoined Nigerians in other parts of the country to continue to be their brothers’ keeper.

  • Ambode, Chief Imam to Muslims: don’t relent on prayers

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode and Chief Imam of Lagos Sheikh Sulaimon Abou Nolla have called on Lagosians not to relent in praying for the nation.

    The duo made the call during Eid-il-Fitr celebrations.

    Ambode, who was represented by Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Mr Tunji Bello in Evans Square, Lagos Mainland Local Government, said Lagos is getting nearer its Smart City objective.

    He urged Muslims to continue in their acts of charity, mutual understanding and not to give up praying for the nation, as the country “moves gradually towards 2019 general elections.”

    Lagos, he said, has made giant stride in the march to the Smart City project.

    He enjoined Lagosians to keep supporting his administration by discharging civic obligations, while promising that “together the state would soon achieve an ideal modern city that is livable and in which all citizens have opportunity to achieve their dreams.”

    Commissioner for Home Affairs Dr AbdulHakeem AbdulLateef, who was represented by Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development Mrs. Boladele Dapo-Thomas, said Lagosians “are unique people” because they are prayerful, tolerant and hospitable.

    Sheikh Nolla said: “Fellow Muslims, we started this fast with a lot of non-Muslims joining us to fast. Some shared gifts and sent greetings. Now that the month is over, and as we celebrate, let us not celebrate alone but extend the spirit of peace, unity, love and solidarity to these non-Muslim relatives and neighbours. That is an age long tradition of the Lagos people, and one that I encourage Nigerians to imbibe, especially at this period of tribal and religious tensions in the land.

    “Let us all love and be our brothers’ keeper. We all know that anyone who preaches hate, or asks us to kill a fellow human because that other person does not belong to our tribe or share our religious belief is definitely not of God but inspired by the Shaytan.”

  • Sallah: Companion, MSSN felicitate with Muslims

    The Companion and Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN) Lagos State Area Unit have congratulated Muslims worldwide over their successful completion of the 1439AH Ramadan.

    According to The Companion National Amir, Alhaji Thabit Wale Sonaike, the last one month has been a period of consciousness and closeness to Allah by all Muslims with the hope of earning His pleasure and paradise.

    Sonaike said: “We call on Muslims to celebrate in moderation bearing in mind that several Muslims are in deprivation in one form or another. We remember fellow Nigerians in Internally Displaced (I.D.) Camps and call on the federal government to accelerate restoration to normalcy so that the people can return to their homes to live normal lives.

    “The Companion is also worried that national budget has not been signed into law by the President several weeks after receiving the Appropriation bill from the National Assembly. This is definitely not good for any economy much less an economy that has just recovered from the recession. This avoidable delay and lackadaisical attitude towards the budgetary process can never promote accelerated economic development much less our aspiration to be among the top 20 economies of the world. We call on the government at both executive and legislative arms to jointly and objectively overhaul the current budgetary process in the overall interest of the national economy.”

    MSSN Amir Dr Saheed Ashafa thanked Allah for the relative peace enjoyed in the country in the holy month, adding that Muslims must not relent in engaging in continuous prayer for Nigeria.

    He urged Nigerian leaders to be sincere with their electoral promises as the 2019 general election approaches.

    Ashafa said: “Our leaders should always remember that they will account for their actions before God. Regardless of our diverse nature, they should champion positions that would foster unity, growth and development of our dear country.

    “They should shun politics of violence and hatred in all their conducts. As the 2019 election is near, we appeal to them not to trigger hatred, disaffection and as well breach peace in the society.”

  • Scholar to Muslims: emulate Muhammad

    Markaz Darus Salam Founder Shaykh Hassan Ahmad Zaruq Pakata urged Muslims to emulate Prophet Muhammad in all their dealings.

    According to him, Prophet Muhammad is enough as a model for mankind.

    Sheikh Pakata spoke at a Ramadan lecture organised by Markaz Darus Salam Alumni Association of Markaz Darus Salam in Ketu, Lagos.

    He urged the congregation to fear Allah and always remember the Day of Accountability.

    A scholar Shaykh AbdulRasaq AbdulMalik has described a Muslim as a person who adhered strictly to practicing the five pillars of Islam.

    A Muslim, he said, must be obedient to his/her parents and elders.

    “He must be kind to neighbours, co-workers and friends. He must make himself better ambassador of Islam wherever he may be residing,” Sheikh AbdulMalik said.

    He later quoted Surat Nisah, where Allah said: “Worship Allah and associate nothing with Him, and to parents do good, and to relatives, orphans, the needy, the near neighbour, the neighbour farther away, the companion at your side, the traveller, and those whom your right hands possess. Indeed, Allah does not like those who are self-deluding and boastful.”

    The lecture featured free health services and counsel from a legal practitioner.

  • Oyetola congratulates Muslims on celebration

    A GOVERNORSHIP aspirant on the platform of the Osun State All Progressives Congress, Alhaji Gboyega Isiak Oyetola (GIO), has congratulated Muslims in Nigeria and every part of the world on the completion of Ramadan fast and celebration of Eid-el-Fitri.

    Oyetola, in a message to mark end of Ramadan, said: “It is a thing of joy that Muslims and indeed non-Muslims alike have witnessed another celebration of Eid-el-fitri. It is a special privilege from Allah that our lives have been spared till today.”

    He called on Muslims not to depart from their good ways and noted that the 30-days of spiritual exercise had drawn them closer to Allah with a lot of lesson learnt in the process.

    Oyetola urged the citizens to celebrate in moderation, show love to one another.

    According to the aspirant, the present situation in the country has made it imperative for Muslims and non-Muslims to live in peace and harmony and seek the face of God in prayer for divine intervention.

    The politician, however, urged the citizens of Osun State to be more vigilant and continue to seek the face of God.

    He added that prayers by all are needed more than ever for God’s intervention in the affairs of the country and of the state, even as he expressed confidence in God’s ability to bless and keep the country in answer to the prayers of His people.

     

     

     

     

  • Sallah: Ambode to fete Muslims in 20 councils

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, along with his wife, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode, will celebrate Eid-il-Fitri with Muslims simultaneously in Lagos.

    The celebration will hold at designated locations in each of the 20 Local Government Areas across the State.

    At these venues, apart from the usual merriment associated with such festivals, celebrating Muslims will have the opportunity to pray for sustainability of peace and continuation of development for Lagos.

    Prayers will be offered for the first family.

    A statement from the Ministry of Home Affairs said the administration of Governor Ambode believes that prayer has been playing pivotal roles in the rapid development and tranquillity in the state.

    Before the last year Eid-El-Fitri celebration, religious festivals were usually held at the State House, a situation that excluded large segments of the people.

    The centres for this year’s edition are Agege Local Government Maternity Centre, Agege, Aga Hausa, Ajegunle, Ajeromi-Ifelodun, Alimosho Local Government Secretariat premises, Akowonjo, Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Secretariat, Festac, United Christian Primary School, Apapa, Badagry Grammar School, Badagry, Marina Waterfront, Oju-Alaro, Epe, World Oil Filling Station, Ilasan junction, Eti –Osa, Iberekodo Primary School, Ibeju and Ifako-Ijaye Mini Stadium, Ifako.

    Also are Opebi Primary School, Ikeja, Ikorodu Town Hall, Ikorodu, Emmanuel High Primary High School, Ojota, Kosofe, Freeman Street, Lagos Island, Evans Square, Ebute Meta, Lagos Mainland, Nitel Playing Ground near Cappa, Mushin, Ojo Local Government Secretariat, Ojo, Oshodi-Isolo Local Government Secretariat, Oshodi, Angus Memorial High School, Morocco, Somolu and  Surulere Local Government Secretariat premises, Surulere.

  • ‘Why Muslims and christians must co-exist’

    The former Lagos State Commissioner for Physical Planning, Francisco Abosede has said the society stands to gain a lot if Muslims and Christians co-exist in peace.

    He spoke at a Ramadan lecture organised Waka Club 1945 in Campos, Lagos Island.

    Abosede, who is the Chairman of the club, said it is compulsory for religious groups to work together.

    He said: “Society stands to gain a lot if we unite because we would have unity of purpose. Our minds will be clean to one another and we would work with ourselves to help the country develop. We would have patriotic Nigerians. We will be patriotic with Nigeria and Lagos state. Irrespective of our differences, there should be unity diversity,” he said.

    He said it is difficult to have religious crisis in Lagos Island because “both the Christians and Muslims are the same. There is a Church here. There is mosque. We are all members of the same family. You can’t divorce that. In Abosede family, there are Christians and there are Muslims even the Chief Imam has Christians in his family and you can hear the guest speaker. So, what binds us together is what we should emphasise on and that’s unity, cooperation, interrelationship not fighting against each religion.”

    The guest speaker, Alhaji Shakirudeen AbdulGafar a.k.a Mofesaye said humanity is one before Allah.

    “Allah says the honoured one before me is that person who has piety in him. So, He doesn’t discriminate whether you are a Christian or a Muslim. The only thing that differentiates us is our mode of worship.  That is why we have to come together to become one. Our coming together as one will allow the society to move forward because there will be no crises. We should try to understand ourselves better so that nobody will be able to disguise under the religion and create crisis trouble,” he said.

    Former Chairman of the club, Mr Kayode Tinubu, said there is a lot of benefit in our coming together.

    Mr Tinubu, who is the last child of Saka Tinubu, advised the youth to learn to crawl before that start to think of walking.

    “Nowadays, it’s so unfortunate that the youth are so impatient. But, also, all these issues depend on their parents. Most parents, is so pathetic, don’t care about nurturing their children again. If parents really take the upbringing of their children very serious, it will definitely have significant and positive impact on our society,” he said.

  • Why Christians and Muslims must unite

    Director, UFUK Dialogue, Mr Bilal Saglam, has stressed the need for Christians and Muslims to unite, noting that is the way to have peace as a nation.

    He spoke during an Iftar organised by UFUK Dilogue in Ikeja, Lagos.

    He urged both Muslims and Christians to understand, respect love and tolerate each other in every aspect of life.

    According to him, Ramadan means to understand and share what we have with others.

    “This is why we have organised this dinner to share what we have and what we eat with others. Islam means loving, understanding and respecting humanity. When we respect and love each other, the world would be a better place and we would have a lot of profit,” he said.

    He added that Islam is a religion of peace, noting that Muslims cannot be terrorists and terrorist cannot be a Muslims.

    “Boko Haram is not Islam; this people kill for nothing. He who kills does not know for what purpose he killed and he who was killed does not know for what purpose he was killed. I do not call Boko Haram Muslims, because in Islam, killings are not allowed. Our aim as an organisation is to bring Muslims and Christians together and share what they have with each other to ensure peace,” Saglam said.

  • Cleric advises Muslims to seek ‘Night of Destiny’

    An Abuja-based Islamic Cleric, Sheikh Yahya Al-Yolawi, has urged Muslims to seek the “Night of Destiny” as it is hidden in one of the last 10 nights in the month of Ramadan.

    Al-Yolawi, who is also the Chief Imam of Area 10 Jumma’at Mosque, Garki, Abuja, gave the advice while delivering sermon titled “Last 10 Days of Ramadan” yesterday in Abuja.

    He explained that the last 10 days of Ramadan were special days in the life of every Muslim, adding that they were the most blessed days in the Holy month of Ramadan.

    According to him, Muhammad, the Holy Prophet of Islam used to devote himself in worship during the last 10 days of the month, hoping to be closer to Allah.

    He said the Prophet used to pray all night and used to keep his family awake for prayers, stressing that “for Muslims, the last 10 days in the month of Ramadan should be a period to perfect one’s fast and avoid anything that may break it.

    “It is a time to give more charity, settle disputes and forgive one another. It is also a time for soul searching, evaluating one’s life, supplicating, and asking for forgiveness.

    “This should be done sincerely because if Allah accepts one’s supplications, the reward is the expiration of one’s sins.

    “We must not miss this great opportunity, otherwise, we will regret it forever.”

    Al-Yolawi said witnessing the night of destiny in worship was better than 1000 months or 83 years of worship and admonished Muslims to rededicate to Allah during the days.