The Muslim Congress (TMC) has felicitated the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Abubakar Sa’ad III, Nigerian Muslims and their counterparts across the world on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr 1443 AH.
In his congratulatory message issued on Monday, May 2, the Amir of the society, Alhaji AbdulWasi Bangbala hailed the Sultan for his exemplary leadership in conducting the affairs of Muslims in Nigeria.
Alhaji Abubakar Sa’ad is also the President General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, NSCIA, the umbrella body for Muslims in Nigeria.
Alhaji Bangbala said, “For Muslims world over, the auspicious occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr is sacred and well beyond frivolities. It is a unique occasion that provides the golden opportunity for spiritual renewal; a time to offer the olive branch and extend acts of kindness and compassion to all, as are the true essence of Islam.
“The occasion offers the faithful a glorious opportunity to renew the spirit of belief and a chance to reinforce the ties of mutual compassion and brotherhood. Therefore, in the spirit of this auspicious moment, we enjoin Muslims and non-Muslims to endeavour to nurture family warmth and mutual care among the rich and the poor, to deepen good relations with others and to generally promote happiness and cordiality in the face of religious and cultural diversity,” he noted.
Speaking further, the Amir of The Muslim Congress used the occasion to pray for peace in Nigeria, calling on world leaders to commit to global world peace with utmost sincerity.
“We encourage that Muslims use the opportunity of this season to remember, in their prayers, victims of the rising spate of insecurity in the country. We also call on world leaders to commit, in utmost sincerity, towards ending the upheaval in places like Palestine, Syria, Yemen, Ukraine and in other parts of the world.
“It is our fervent hope that this special occasion will bring smiles to the faces of the vulnerable victims of chaotic circumstances around the world, through our objective sentiments of solidarity, brotherhood, compassion, love and peace. We ask that Allah help keep our country safe, peaceful and to reinforce prosperity, mutual understanding and solidarity all over the world
“We pray that Allah (SWT) reward the efforts of the faithful during Ramadan with a clear conquest that will raise the banner of the Deen, give succour and victory to the oppressed and help defeat the aggressors and their supporters. On this blessed occasion, may the Disposer of all Affairs (SWT) accept from us, our fasting, supplications, Zakah and good deeds in the month of Ramadan”, he added.
The Amir, speaking, charged Muslims to be moderate and extend the joy of the season to the crisis-stricken around the world.
“As we observe the culmination of the blessed month of Ramadan, we call attention to the need for moderation in the euphoria that lies ahead. ‘Eid-ul-Fitr should serve as a profitable opportunity for true Muslims to engage in soul searching with a view to attaining improved character and absolute faith in Allah while strengthening our much coveted unity and comradeship.
“Again, The Muslim Congress wishes to congratulate the Muslim faithful for their unwavering spiritual exploits all through the blessed month. We appreciate, especially, Muslim groups, Islamic Centres and charity organizations across the world for their philanthropic roles in Ramadan while we urge that the spirit of the sheer goodness exhibited in Ramadan be sustained interminably.
“Certainly, the ‘Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations call for fraternal solidarity with crisis-stricken people all around the world. As we revel in celebratory delight of this great occasion, it is important that we keep in our thoughts, our brothers and sisters who are suffering across the world.”
