By Rasheed Abubakar
The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, NSCIA, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III has called on Muslims in Nigeria to remain united irrespective of their differences.
Alhaji Abubakar III made the call on Sunday in Lagos at the N10 billion Endowment Fundraising organised by the Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN).
He said while outright uniformity cannot be attained, Nigerian Muslims must remain united without allowing extraneous factors to come in-between them.
In his goodwill message at the well-attended event by top Muslim personalities in Nigeria, the leader of the Nigerian Muslims narrated how he was part of the formation of MUSWEN.
“I was in Ibadan in 2008 when it was established. Alhamdulilah today, we are gathered for this very important event in the effort to move MUSWEN forward. I’m part of the MUSWEN history. I want to thank the president of MUSWEN who is also the Deputy President-General (South) of the Supreme Council. I like to appreciate Prof. Oloyede, the Secretary-General of Supreme Council”.
The Sultan, who said his presence at the event could not be quantified in monetary term said “My presence signifies a lot. This is MUSWEN. Whatever success MUSWEN gets, it’s the Muslim Ummah in Nigeria that is getting that success. Wherever a Muslim is developing I am happy, there is another Muslim somewhere who is happy. We will continue to work together with MUSWEN.
“I want to also emphasize the need for Muslims to be united. MUSWEN is promoting unity. We can be united, but we don’t have to be uniform. That’s why we have people who are Yorubas, Igbos, Hausas, Fulanis and so on, but we are all Muslims. We need to be united and not let anything come between us”.
The Sultan, however, made a passionate appeal to governors in southwest states, many of whom were represented at the event, to support the MUSWEN project.
He also enjoined the MUSWEN leadership to form a team to mobilise funds from well-to-do individuals and groups in the country.
“We all must ensure this project is completed within the shortest possible time. I also urge our governors to support this cause. It doesn’t matter whether you are a Muslim or Christian governor. Donate to this cause because you are helping humanity. You are helping the people you are leading. If they are happy and stable, you will be happy and stable too.
“This is a positive project, and I believe after this event, we should have a team that will reach out to people and see how they can contribute.
“As President of the Supreme Council, I believe we have a lot to do and we have this common passion to elevate the standard of life of Muslims, not only in the south but across the world. And not only Muslims but also non-Muslims that Allah puts together.
“There is no reason for Muslims to be poor if we follow the tenets of Islam. We should help one another, pay zakat and so on. We have no business with poverty but Almighty Allah challenges us with many things.”
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