Eid-el-Fitri: Time for peace and security consciousness

As Muslims all over the world celebrate the end of Ramadan on Monday, May 2, 2022, we call on them to use the celebration to pray fervently for the restoration of peace in the country and end to socio-economic and security challenges bedeviling the country.

The Islamic faithful should also abide by the lessons of Ramadan which forbid any form of social and religious vices, including terrorism and banditry.

The date of the celebration was announced by the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General, Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Sa’ad Muhammad Abubakar III, has announced that the Ramadan fast would continue on Sunday, May 1, 2022 as new moon of Shawwal was not sighted on Saturday April 30, and declared Monday, May 2 as Eid-el-Fitr day.

This was sequel to the report of the National Moonsighting Committee of the NSCIA stating that no moon was sighted in the country on Saturday and said the Ramadan fast would reach 30 this year in Nigeria.

According to a statement issued in Sokoto by the Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs in conjunction with the National Moon–Sighting Committee, signed by Prof. Sambo Wali Junaidu, the Wazirin Sokoto and Chairman of the Council, the Council did not receive any report from various Moon Sighting Committees across the country confirming the sighting of the new moon of Shawwal 1443AH, on Saturday, 30th April, 2022.

“Therefore, Sunday, 1st May, 2022 is the 30th day of the month of Ramadan 1443AH,” the statement said, adding: “His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar CFR, mni, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has accepted the report and accordingly declared Monday, 2nd May, 2022 as the first day of Shawwal 1443AH. (Day of Eid-El-Fitr)”.

Already, the Federal Government has declared Monday, May 2 and Tuesday, May 3, 2022 as Public Holidays to mark this year’s Workers’ Day and Eid-l-Fitr celebrations.  The Muslim Ummah and indeed all Nigerians should ensure that the self-restaint, self-denial, sacrifice and deep spiritual consciousness that accompanied the fasting period should not end but be maintained and improved upon in order to be a better person and true worshipper.

As we congratulate all Muslims on the successful completion of the holy month of Ramadan, we urge them to imbibe and practice the virtues of kindness, love, tolerance peace, self-denial, sacrifice and good neighbourliness as exemplified by the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).

Muslim faithful should also use the period to rededicate themselves to the teachings of Islam and continue to live peacefully with one another irrespective of religious and tribal differences.

The Muslim faithful should not only continue to exhibit the sterling qualities learnt during the holy month of Ramadan, they are enjoined to sustain the virtuous acts learnt during the holy month and remain disciplined and God-fearing in all their undertakings.

It should be noted that fasting is not only about abstaining from drinking and eating during the holy month but also a time to emulate Prophet Muhammad. So, it is only with the fear of Allah that Muslims could meet their needs and enjoy their possessions on earth.

The Muslim faithful and all Nigerians should use this year’s celebration to pray for peace, stability and economic transformation in the land. This is because development cannot thrive in a rancorous atmosphere, all Nigerians should be law-abiding and embrace the spirit of love, self-discipline, kindness and tolerance as taught by the Holy Prophet Mohammed (Peace be upon him)

Considering the fact that hunger is still ravaging some people in the society, we, therefore, appeal to well-to-do Muslims in the country to assist the less privileged with food items and other basic needs.

It should be noted that the noble virtues, including patience, piety, philanthropic gestures and love for one another, are what the Holy month of Ramadan taught Muslims. Apart from that, it is also a reminder to Muslims of the importance of giving out alms to the needy, including Zakatul fitr, given out before the Eid prayers.

While we can’t rule out the possibility of crimes or criminal activities during this period, we call on all security agencies in the country to be more courageous and patriotic to surmount the ongoing battle against resurging insecurity and activities of criminal elements in the country.

President Muhammadu Buhari administration should continue in its efforts to end the scourge of crime and criminality in the country and restore peace to every nook and cranny of Nigeria. The administration should continue with its determined efforts to put all necessary measures in place for Nigerians to enjoy unfettered peace all round.

The Federal Government should also ensure that it is fully committed to the security of lives and property of every citizens and foreigners alike, as well as the release of captives in kidnappers’ den including dozens of victims of Abuja-Kaduna train attack.

While wishing all Muslims a happy Eidul-Fitri celebrations, we urge Nigerians to be part of the nation’s security architecture by being vigilant and reporting suspicious individuals and activities to law enforcement agencies nearest to them because we still believe that  security is everybody’s business.

We call on leaders at all levels to lead the people with the fear of God, and that they should always remember that they would all account for their deeds on the day of reckoning.

Muslims and other Nigerians should pray fervently for national peace and progress, and they should note that the two major religions in the country (Islam and Christianity) preach peace, unity and love for one another, the virtues of which we should always strive to maintain at all times.

The Eid-el-Fitri is coming at a time campaigns for various positions in the 2022 governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun States and 2023 general elections are gathering momentum. Therfore, the aspirants and their supporters must play by the rules and ensure rancour-free or peaceful political campaigns. They should avoid campaigns of calumny by letting their campaigns be issues-based.

The political aspirants and their supporters should know that anything that could trigger violence at this already-tensed situation in the country through political campaigns should be totally avoided instead of embarking on mudslinging and denigration of opponents or political rivals.

It behoves the aspirants and their supporters to let peace prevail in their campaigns for votes so as not to run foul of the electoral rules and regulations. They should know that the very essence of democracy and the ideal qualities required to win office are ordinarily on merit and the ability to persuade majority of the electorate based on the party’s manifesto.

In canvassing for votes, inflammatory statements capable of causing the breach of peace and order in the country should be avoided by parties, aspirants and their supporters.

While congratulating Muslim faithful for successful completion of Ramadan 1443, it is imperative for them to sustain the gains of Ramadan by continuing to demonstrate love and brotherhood among themselves, be dedicated to Allah in their religious obligations and be more concerned about national and global peace.

We also wish the Muslim faithful a happy Sallah celebrations and we advise that they should not forget to discharge their religious duty  as laid down by Allah in the Holy books, shun whatever is forbidden of a true Muslim and abide by  the authorities’ rules and regulations and pray for peace and tranquility to reign supreme in the country.

Eid Mubarak.

For a better society