News Investigators/ Some clerics in Lagos State on Friday urged the Muslim faithful to use the season of Ramadan for intercession for the nation to overcome its present challenges.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar, directed the commencement of Ramadan fast on Friday, following the sighting of the moon.
Speaking with NAN, Imam Yusuf Kalejaiye of Temidire Central Mosque, Ayobo, Lagos, urged Muslims to use the period for intercession for the nation to overcome the present challenges, especially the coronavirus pandemic.
“Let us take the advantage of the holy month to pray for God’s intervention for Nigeria to overcome its challenges especially the COVID-19 pandemic confronting the world.
“There is nobody in the country who the lockdown is not affecting in one way or the other, but the degree may differs, let us be patience and continue to obey government’s directives.”
Kalejaiye admonished Muslims and other citizens to be tolerant and respect the beliefs and religion of others in order for peace to prevail.
According to the cleric, love for one another will help the country to surmount its present challenges.
“We must be our brothers’ keepers by loving one another irrespective of our religion, political and tribal differences for the country to move forward.”
He urged Muslims to use the occasion to pray for God’s guidance for leaders to be able to deliver good governance to citizens.
In the same vein, Imam of Isefun Central Mosque, Mr Sheun Sanni, urged Muslims to use the occasion to continue to pray for a united and prosperous Nigeria.
Sanni urged the faithful to show kindness, love and sacrifice during and after Ramadan.
“Let us remember the less privileged in our community during this period by supporting them with food, clothes and other items.”
He admonished citizens to live in peace and embrace one another so as to make Nigeria a wonderful place to live.
He also advised political leaders to use the period of fasting to find solution to the numerous challenges facing the nation.
“Find solution to insecurity, poverty and kidnapping among other challenges confronting the nation.’’
He urged the faithful to emulate the good virtues and teachings of Prophet Mohammad by following His footsteps through love, unity, tolerance, forgiveness and sacrifice.
To the politicians, Sanni encouraged them to eschew politics of bitterness and build harmonious relationships with citizens during the period.
