*Prays for Buhari, peace of Nigeria
The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has urged the Muslims in Nigeria and around the world to continue to be good ambassadors of Islam by being seen as promoters of peace, righteous and justice, which the religion stands for.
Sultan Abubakar III stated this in a Sallah message signed by Deputy Secretary-General of the NSCIA, Prof. Salisu Shehu, in Abuja on Tuesday.
Alhaji Abubakar said the Eid of this year is significant in the sense that it has three sermons (khutbah) within the span of two days of Arafat and Eid and Jumah sermons on Friday.
He noted that the days are special and encourage Muslims to take advantage of them in invoking the mercy and blessings of Allah for themselves, President Muhammadu Buhari and Nigeriia.
The message read, “The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) —under the leadership of its President-General and Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alh. Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni— congratulates the Nigerian Muslim Ummah and the entire Muslim world on the auspicious occasion of the 1438AH ‘Idul Adha celebrations. We pray to Allah to grant us the opportunity to witness many more of it. Amin.
“This year’s ‘Id is particularly significant. There will be three sermons (Khutbah) within the span of two days — the Khutbah of ‘Arafat on Thursday, 9th of Dhul-Hiijah, 1438AH (August 31, 2017) and the khutbahs of ‘Id and Jumu’ah on Friday, 10th Dhul-Hijjah, 1438AH (September 1, 2017).
“Indeed, these are great days every Muslim should reflect and use the rare opportunities and virtues they present to invoke the mercy of Allah and His blessings.
“According to the Sunnah of our noble Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), Muslims who are not on pilgrimage are enjoined to fast on the day of ‘Arafat and engage themselves in acts of worship with the conviction that Allah will forgive our sins of the preceeding and proceeding years and admit us to His Jannah. As we do this, we ask Allah to accept our ‘ibadah, increase our Iman and grant us divine protection and endless bliss. Amin.
“Fellow servants of Allah, it is imperative to remember what ‘Idul Adha symbolizes —piety. This act of godliness, as exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim (PBUH), calls for perpetual sober reflection, submission to the will of Allah, and sincerity of purpose from all of us. Allah says, “It is neither their meat nor blood that reaches Allah; it is your piety that reaches Him” (Q 22:37).
“On this note, we urge all Nigerian Muslims to continue to be good ambassadors of Islam as we continue to promote and embrace peace, justice and righteousness, which are the hallmarks of our religion.
“The Council beseechs Allah to restore peace and stability to all the troubled parts of our great country and the entire world. We also pray unto Allah to grant our President, Muhammadu Buhari, sound health and wisdom to be able to steer the affairs of our beloved country Nigeria to greatness (Amin).”
