Popular Islamic cleric, Sheikh Sulaiman Onikijipa, has urged Nigerian Muslims to uphold civility, knowledge, and unity in their daily lives, stressing that these virtues reflect the true beauty of Islam.
Speaking during his Khutbah (Eid sermon) at the Eid praying ground in Grammar School, Ojodu Berger, Lagos, on Sunday, the Grand Mufti of Ilorin emphasised that Ramadan’s lessons should extend beyond the fasting period.
He said that by being civilised, learned and informed, the Muslims would set the right examples that would reflect the beauty of Islam.
The cleric said the month-long fast was not only a time Muslims should show the beauty of their religion, but also that being civil and peaceful at all times is part of what Islam enjoins.
“Muslims, it is incumbent on us not to forget all the lectures and teachings in Ramadan. We should endeavour to be a community of faithfuls that is civilised, learned and informed.
“We should not be in the circle of those who are uncivilised, illiterate and uninformed. We should not be among those who have denied the guidance of their Lord and teachings of the Prophet (PBUH) and went astray,” Onikijipa said.
Stressing the importance of Eid-el-Fitr celebration, the grand mufti of Ilorin urged Muslims to celebrate and enjoin goodness among their loved ones and neighbours.
The cleric added, “Let’s remember that as we bid Ramadan farewell and in awe of how fast it has come and gone; there is a lot to learn from it for those who are open to learning.
“There is a lecture in it for all those who fear God. There is a lecture in it for those who want to ponder over the wonders of the Almighty.
“You who are true Muslims, the message is for you to not forget that today is a big day. It is a day of celebration that is rated by the Almighty. It is the celebration in which all individuals are recompense. It is a festival where all those who endured the month-long fast are given their dues by the Almighty. Therefore, today is a big occasion and I enjoin you to be joyous and celebrate the festivity because you have followed the commandment of your Lord.”
Speaking on the sidelines, Sadallah Onikijipa urged Muslims not to neglect all the good deeds they abide by during the month-long religious exercise.
Onikijipa said, “We should remain consistent with all the good acts we did during Ramadan. The acts we instilled in ourselves during Ramadan should remain with us throughout the year. We should not stop just because Ramadan has ended; we should continue beyond Ramadan.”
He also encouraged Nigerians to pray for the country’s positive turnaround.
“I want to encourage Nigerians to have faith that things are going to be better. We should keep our faith and keep praying for our country because we have nowhere to go. We should keep praying for the economic recovery of this country,” Onikijipa stated.