By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja
As this year’s month of Ramadan commences, the Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN) has extended warm felicitations and heartfelt congratulations to the entire Muslim community in Nigeria and beyond.
The umbrella body representing Muslims across the six states of the South West geopolitical zone—Ekiti, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, and Oyo— in a press statement said “The sighting of the new moon has ushered in this sacred period of spiritual renewal, self-discipline, compassion, and intensified devotion to Allah (SWT). Ramadan offers every believer a profound opportunity to draw closer to our Creator through fasting, increased prayers, recitation of the Qur’an, charity (Zakat al-Fitr and Sadaqah), and acts of kindness toward fellow human beings.
In the statement jointly signed by Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo, President and Professor Wole Abbas, Executive Secretary, the group said “In this holy month, MUSWEN calls on all Muslims in the South West and across the nation to remain steadfast in faith, uphold the highest standards of Taqwa (God-consciousness), and embody the true spirit of Ramadan. Let us fast not only from food and drink but also from vain talk, backbiting, anger, and all forms of negativity that distance us from Allah’s mercy.
The statement added that “Amid the challenges facing our nation and the global Ummah, MUSWEN emphasizes the critical importance of unity, brotherhood, and solidarity. Division weakens us; unity strengthens us. We must rise above ethnic, regional, or personal differences and stand together as one Ummah under the guidance of our revered leaders.”
MUSWEN stated further that “We urge all Muslims to:
Observe the fast with sincerity and joy, seeking Allah’s forgiveness and blessings.
Intensify acts of worship, especially Taraweeh prayers and Tahajjud.
Show generosity to the less privileged, orphans, widows, and the needy in our communities.
Promote peace, tolerance, and mutual respect in our interactions with all Nigerians, regardless of faith.
Avoid rumors, discord, and anything that could sow confusion or disunity within the Ummah.”
The Muslim organisation prayed that “As we embark on this spiritual journey, may Allah (SWT) accept our fasts and prayers, forgive our shortcomings, grant us strength and good health throughout the month, and make Ramadan a source of barakah (blessings) for our families, communities, and nation.
Ramadan Mubarak! Ramadan Kareem!”
