President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has felicitated with Nigerian Muslims on this year’s commemoration of the Mawlidun Nabiyy, the birthday of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
The president, in a statement yesterday by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, urged Muslims to use the period for deep reflection and remembrance of the holy prophet’s exemplary conduct and noble teachings.
He said, “As we mark the Mawlid, we should all reflect on the life lived by Prophet Muhammad (SAW) exemplified by purity, selflessness, perseverance, kindness and compassion. We must endeavour to imbibe those virtues.”
President Tinubu also urged the Muslim faithful to dedicate the Mawlid holiday to pray for the country and show empathy and compassion towards one another.
Also, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, in a statement signed yesterday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, called on Muslims to pray for Nigeria, its political, religious and traditional leaders.
The speaker, who said the country needed divine intervention, added that Prophet Muhammad (SAW) whose birthday was being marked and celebrated by Muslims the world over was an embodiment of peace and unity.
Abbas, who urged Muslims to imbibe his teachings about godliness, obedience to authorities and sacrifice, also implored them to be their brother’s keepers at all times as exemplified by the holy prophet.
He called on Nigerians to use the occasion to re-dedicate themselves to nation building and support the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
Similarly, the Deputy President of the Senate, Barau I. Jibrin, urged fellow Muslims to use the occasion of Mawlid to reflect on the virtues of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and pray for Nigeria.
Senator Barau, in a message to commemorate the birthday of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir, said the National Assembly was committed to enacting the necessary legislations to support President Tinubu in tackling the country’s challenges.
Barau, who is the First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, urged the Muslim community and all Nigerians to continue to pray for peace, stability and prosperity in the country, stressing the importance of unity in overcoming the challenges the nation faced.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State also urged Muslims and Nigerians to reflect as the world celebrated the birthday of the prophet.
The governor thanked Allah for His mercies upon and the light that Islam represented.
The birth of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), he noted, was a mercy to mankind, adding that his prophethood offered a unique guidance and blessing to the world.
He further said, “Despite being an orphan and surrounded by hostile confederates of non-believers, the prophet attained his destiny and discharged his message to the world without blemish.
“This is a lesson for everyone, especially persons who may find themselves in different phases of life.
“With sincere faith and reliance on Allah, hard work, adherence to communal values and consistency, we can face any condition and emerge victorious and stronger.”
Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, enjoined Muslims and other citizens to use the Mawlid period to continue to live in peace and harmony with one another despite ethnic, religious or political differences.
The governor also appealed to all the citizens to use the occasion to pray for the intervention of Allah (SWT) to bring an end to natural calamities.
He said, “As we celebrate Mawlid, we should remember that the Holy Prophet had during his lifetime preached peace, honesty, patience, generosity, humility, sincerity, love for one another and fear of God. It is these virtues that people, irrespective of their religious inclinations, are enjoined to imbibe and practice.”
Also, Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, called on the Muslim ummah to draw inspiration and lessons from the virtues of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
The governor, in a message issued by his spokesman, Ismaila Uba Misilli, stressed the importance of reflecting on the teachings of the prophet and integrating his legacies of unity, integrity, peaceful coexistence and love for one’s neighbour into the fabric of society.
The Northern State Governors Forum (NSGF) chairman urged that the celebration of the prophet’s birth should serve as a moment for spiritual rejuvenation and as a reminder for Nigerians to come together in prayer for unity, stability and progress.
Yahaya also called on citizens to continue to be law-abiding to protect the peace and tranquility that Gombe State currently enjoyed; urging them to shun any actions that could threaten the state’s harmonious environment.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police (CP), Gombe State Police Command, Hayatu Usman, directed all area commanders, DPOs, tactical commanders and the Motor Traffic Department (MTD) to deploy adequate personnel, resources and intelligence strategies throughout the festive period.
The CP, in a press release signed by the command’s spokesman, ASP Buhari Abdullahi, advised parents and guardians to counsel and monitor their wards by ensuring they did not engage in any acts of misconduct during the Mawlid processions.
The Governor of Katsina State, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, in a statement by his spokesman, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed, emphasised the significance of the day, urging Muslims to reflect on the prophet’s teachings and emulate his character.
He called for prayers for peace, progress and prosperity in Katsina State and Nigeria.
Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State, in a statement by his media aide, Tersoo Kula, urged Muslims to reflect on the principles of the prophet’s life of kindness, compassion and role as a spiritual guide.
He charged them to always engage in dialogue and conversation aimed at promoting the unity and growth of the state and country.
Source: Daily Trust