Ramadan: Sultan urges Muslims to pray for stability, peace

rom: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

The Sultan of Sokoto and President of Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar has enjoined Muslim in Nigeria to seriously intensify prayers for stability, economic well being and peace of the country.
This was contained in a statement by Secretary-General, of JNI Dr. Khalid Abubakar Aliyu and made available to the media in Kaduna yesterday.
The statement stated that this year’s Ramadan is unique in many ways; coming on the heels of the just concluded 2023 General Elections, and within the midst of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) currency policy that is still biting too hard on the citizens, despite efforts in ameliorating its negative impacts.
JNI admonished the faithful to use this year’s Ramadan period to seek Allah’s favours and equally pray fervently for the newly elected leaders at all levels for Allah’s guidance, support and wisdom to steer the country out of its present predicaments to greater heights.
“As we know, Ramadan is a month of the Glorious Qur’an, because it was revealed to Bayt-el- Izzah within the month of Ramadan, the month of Du’a (supplication) and Dhikr (Allah’s remembrance), the month of Zakah and Sadaqah (giving alms to poor and charity), and the month of Qiyamul-Layl (standing in the night for prayers).
“ In fact, it is the month wherein the night of declaration is witnessed, the night of destiny and majesty which is better than a thousand months.
“By being among the chosen ones to witness this blessed month, we are expected to perform all spiritual acts associated with Ramadan, the very best we could and engage in spiritual introspection to rediscover our relationship with Allah, the Most High, in our respective undertakings.
“We should use the period to ask these soul searching questions; do we really want Allah, the Most High, to be pleased with us?
“ Do we actually believe in the life after death and yet we commit all forms of mind-boggling atrocities? Do we seek for Allah’s mercy, forgiveness and apt intervention over the many ills we are presently facing in the country?
“This is the time to remain meditative and diligently work for redemption.
“Ramadan is a retreat where we are drilled on all aspects of Islamic teachings and Muslim life. We are expected to be attentive and practical during this retreat period in order to sharpen our understanding and practice as well as strengthen our relationship with Allah (SWT).
“At the end of the retreat, we come out as better Muslims; spiritually and physically in every aspect of our lives.
“We also urge the Government, to as a matter of national interest and from the point of security threat, arrest and prosecute all perpetrators of heinous crimes against humanity in any part of the country. “