One of the leading faith-based organisations in Nigeria, The Muslim Congress (TMC) has called upon Muslims preparing for Eid-al-Adha to share the little they have with families, friends and the poor, noting that the Coronavirus pandemic has affected the livelihood of many people.
The Islamic organisation also charged Muslims to increase in their religious activities as the first ten days of the noble month of Dhul-Hijjah comes to an end.
This was contained in a statement released on Wednesday by the Amir of the society, Dr Luqman AbdurRaheem, a copy of which was made available to Muslim News.
According to him, “We congratulate you as you witness the first ten days of the holy month of Dhul Hijjah – the ten days that Allah loves the most according to the noble Prophet of Islam, Muhammad (SAW).
“The Prophet said: “Allah does not love any deed more than He loves a deed done in these ten days.”
“Thereupon the companions asked: “O Messenger of Allah, not even Jihad in the path of Allah?” The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) replied: “No, not even Jihad in the path of Allah, except for the one who went forward with his life and wealth, and did not return with anything.” (Bukhari and Abu Dawud).
“This should make us realize that we need to put in a lot more effort in performing with utmost sincerity many good deeds such as fasting, offering salat, reciting the Qur’an, engaging in dhikr and dua, giving in charity and preparing for the sacrifice on the day of Eid. We should not relent as Allah will never be tired of rewarding us abundantly for our good deeds.”
AbdurRaheem recounts the untold hardship brought by the novel Coronavirus, saying as Muslims go about celebrating the Sallah, they should be their brothers’ keepers.
“Due to the economic loss that has already happened this year, we should all be our brothers’ keepers. Some people have completely lost their sources of livelihood while some are only managing to stay afloat. What we have can still go round if each and every one of us can endeavour to share the little he has with his fellow brother.
“The hardship brought upon us by this disease has shown us that what we really need are the basic necessities of life such as clothing, food and shelter. It is the outrageous embellishments that we have sometimes added that have made life difficult and harrowing for us.
“Let us share with family, friends, neighbours and acquaintances in these highly-rewarding days. It is the time to demonstrate the love that Allah has shown us by virtue of the sacrifice of Eid-ul-Adha. Let everyone around you eat and be merry as we go about celebrating this Eid in the proper and righteous manner,” he added.
TMC also tasked religious leaders at various levels to provide astounding leadership guidance needed in this rare period, while sermonizing the government to own up to its responsibilities.
“We call on Islamic religious leaders and scholars to provide astounding leadership guidance in this period and beyond so that religious values are upheld, and that religion assumes its pride of place by providing succour, hope and peace to people in such a troubled time as this. The noble religion of Islam is suited for periods of hunger and strife, periods of disease and famine, and periods of peace and prosperity.
“Let us bring about these exemplary qualities to heal a world that is broken in several places by poverty, hunger, famine, disease, insecurity and war just as Allah said in Suratul Anbiya, Verse 107: “We have not sent you (O Muhammad) but as an unequalled mercy for all the worlds.”
“The government at the different levels – the Federal Government, States and Local Governments – must realize that the time to develop the country was fifty years ago. So, they need to do everything possible to play catch-up as the Coronavirus disease has really exposed our numerous shortcomings.
“Governments need to eschew corruption and do so much more in ensuring that our education, healthcare, electricity, transportation, water and telecommunication infrastructure are put in top-notch as to be able to compare with the latest and the best in any part of the world.
“Let us develop our preparedness for such times as these when it will be difficult to rely on other nations as they are themselves preoccupied with their own survival. Government officials must realize that the people are looking up to them and as such must not disappoint the people in any aspect of their everyday life. This is the responsibility that government has sworn to uphold and it must be manifestly seen as discharging this responsibility.
Concluding, the Islamic organisation congratulated all Muslims on the occasion of the 1441 Eid-ul-Adha, praying Allah makes it a happy and memorable celebration.
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