* Sultan, Oloyede, Matemilola, Oladejo, others attend national prayer in Abuja
Muslim and traditional leaders have called on Nigerians to complement prayers with responsible action as the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) held a special national prayer for Nigeria ahead of the country’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
The prayer, held at the National Mosque Complex, Abuja, on Wednesday, brought together Islamic scholars, imams, Muslims and faith leaders from all states of the federation, including traditional rulers who serve as leaders of the Muslim community in their respective states.
The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the NSCIA, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, attended the prayer alongside other key stakeholders, including the Deputy President-General of the NSCIA and President of the Muslim Ummah of South-West Nigeria (MUSWEN), Alhaji Rasaki Oladejo.
The gathering also attracted other senior Muslim leaders, scholars and representatives of Islamic organisations from across the country.
The national prayer focused on Nigeria’s security, stability and development, with speakers stressing the responsibilities of citizens, religious leaders and traditional institutions in addressing the country’s challenges.
Oloyede: Prayer must go with stronger relationship with Allah
The NSCIA Secretary-General, Prof. Is-haq Olanrewaju Oloyede, said praying for Nigeria was both a religious and civic responsibility, urging Muslims to strengthen their relationship with Allah and improve their conduct.
“We owe it a duty, a religious duty indeed, to pray for Nigeria,” Oloyede said.
He said the prayer was not about supporting any political party or candidate, but about seeking Allah’s guidance and protection for Nigeria and its leaders.
Oloyede also highlighted the diversity of the country during the supplications, noting that prayers were offered in different Nigerian languages.
He explained that while Arabic is required for certain canonical acts of worship, Islam permits personal supplications in languages through which people can best express themselves.
He further urged Muslims to improve their relationship with Allah and fellow human beings, stressing that prayer should be accompanied by actions that contribute to national development.
Khalid Aliyu urges citizens to contribute
The Secretary-General of Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), Prof. Khalid Aliyu, said nation-building was a responsibility emphasised in the Qur’an and urged Nigerians to contribute meaningfully to the development of the country.
Speaking on “The Importance of Nation-Building and the Values of Prayers,” Aliyu said Nigerians should not remain detached from the challenges confronting the nation.
He cited Prophet Ibrahim’s supplication for the safety and prosperity of Makkah and the Prophet Muhammad’s love for the city as examples of the importance of concern for the wellbeing of one’s community.
“Our country, Nigeria, is in dire need of our own contribution to nation-building,” Aliyu said.
He also urged religious leaders to guide their followers towards constructive participation in national development, stressing that supplication should be complemented by responsible action.
Olowu seeks stronger role for traditional rulers
The Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba (Professor) Saka Adelola Matemilola, called on traditional rulers to use their influence to promote peace and prevent conflicts from escalating in their communities.
He urged traditional rulers to remain non-partisan, particularly during periods of political tension, saying their close relationship with the people placed them in a position to provide balance and promote peaceful coexistence.
The monarch also identified poverty and economic deprivation as factors that could contribute to insecurity and other social problems.
He called for greater cooperation among traditional rulers, political leaders and communities in addressing these challenges.
Matemilola further urged emerging Islamic scholars to combine religious knowledge with good character and exemplary conduct.
Imam Eze prays for peace and stability
Imam Eze Haroun of the National Mosque, Abuja, said the gathering provided an opportunity to commit Nigeria and its people to Allah while seeking divine intervention in the difficulties facing the country.
He said the prayers focused on insecurity, poverty, hunger and other challenges affecting Nigerians.
“We are praying that Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala should come in and take control and bring back peace, bring back stability, bring back development to our nation,” Haroun said.
He also stressed the need for guidance and sincerity among the country’s leaders, describing the participation of religious and traditional leaders from different parts of Nigeria as significant.
The NSCIA’s two-day programme continues on Thursday, October 1, with its General Assembly meeting at the National Mosque Conference Hall, Abuja.
The Assembly is the Council’s highest decision-making organ and brings together representatives of State Councils for Islamic Affairs, Islamic organisations, Muslim public office holders and other prominent Muslim personalities for consultations on issues affecting the Muslim community and the country.
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